"Even with the darkness of the Blight having swallowed the world, there
 remains whimsy and wonder, the essence of the original Dream preserved in
 the small stories that are built - in some ways, perhaps, it is those very
 stories which keeps the world going."

- Ariana Windsong, Bardic Guildleader

Hope wilts without art and music. The Conservatory of Ejendra and Bardic
College was established in the early days of Altheria, with the goal of
ensuring that hope continues to thrive, against all odds. Founded by Ariana
Windsong and Fadrial Gael, the College preserves and teaches all forms of
art. Alongside the Stoneseed Trust and Alchemistry Guild, it works closely
with the Historian's Guild, in order to preserve and teach every kind of
creative skill. Songs, storytelling, painting, sculpting, carving, weaving,
writing, acting, dancing, and even sword arts - all these and more are
taught within its halls.

However, perhaps its most important art, is the art of magic known as
Songweaving. It is the ability to infuse threads of song and melody with
strands of the Aether. Such songs, in the hands of a capable Bard, are known
to do more than just lift spirits. The woven Aether can inspire great
resilience and determination, affecting all who hear it. Weavegates crafted
by skilled bards and mages, in the form of paintings and murals, are some of
the Bardic Guild's most incredible masterpieces. And wherever Bardic magic
goes, weavewisps are sure to follow, strengthening any arcane arts they
touch.

Bards had a long and storied history in the Old and New Kingdoms, and were
typically well-respected. It's said that a real Bard always speaks the truth
(as they see it), as doing so ensures they continue to curry the favor of
Ejendra, who blesses their songs.

In Altheria, the Bardic Guild, alongside the Thaumaturges, Historians,
Vanguard, and Nightblades, is one of the pillars of the city, known as the
Guardians of Hope. And it is one of the founding factions of the City
Council. It was from the Bardic College that the Stoneseed Trust and
Alchemistry Guilds took root. And out of which, it is rumored, the
Nightblades originally formed their initial intelligence network. Closely
tied to the Thaumaturges and Historians, the Bards were originally formed
from these factions. The Bardic Guild, alongside the Alchemists and
Stoneseed Trust, oversees the Windsong and Forgewarren wards.

See also:
music, songs, songweaving, bardskills, perform, compose, artistry,
weavefocus, guardians of hope, wisps

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