The Astrid Bardic Society | Information Post

[Smol 2229]

 

      

          

Est. 569 e.s

With the ascension of King Karl IV at the Royal Court, the Astrid Bardic Society is pleased to announce itself as a formal royal guild of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. In this brief informative missive, we will outline our history, purpose, and council, as well as provide information on how you can join our ranks. We hope that this guild will bring joy and revelry to the people of New Valdev, The Crownlands, and beyond.

 

 

 

The Astrid Bardic Society traces its origins to the legacy of Astrid Colborn Barclay, the esteemed patron ancestor known as “The Melodist”. The following passage is transcribed from the records of the Colborn Archive, overseen by Lady Acelia Irena Colborn, who, at the time of writing, serves as the Colborn Librarian.

 

‘Despite these circumstances, she had a profound passion for music and Scyfling culture, dedicating countless hours to practising various instruments. It is said that by the age of twelve, she had already mastered seventeen instruments.

 

As Astrid entered her teens, her health improved enough to allow her to venture beyond the confines of her home. However, at the age of fifteen, tragedy struck when her arm was severed by a man she had considered a friend. Yet, despite this grievous hardship, she persevered in pursuing her passion for music and eventually became the Court Musician under Queen Sofia, also assuming the role of Skaldr for House Colborn.

 

Later in life, Astrid acquired a prosthetic arm, continuing her musical journey and embarking on a courtship with her lifelong friend, Konstanz Barclay. Upon learning of the resurgence of her childhood illness, Astrid and Konstanz decided to marry before her inevitable decline. Together, they welcomed a son into the world. On the day of her son's birth, Astrid passed away, married to the love of her life. It is said that she had mastered a total of 117 instruments, a feat surpassing any Colborn before her.’

 

Astrid’s resilience in adversity inspired Lady Acelia Colborn to embark on the Nattravasker trials under her. Already a musician from her early years of learning the violin, Lady Acelia's journey deepened her appreciation for the arts, transforming her feelings toward an art form she once disliked. This change was largely due to the consistent encouragement of those around her shifting from a forced notion to learn to something she genuinely enjoyed.

 

As a tribute to Astrid Colborn Barclay, a patron ancestor who inspired countless musicians with her dedication to the arts, The Astrid Bardic Society was founded. The society is committed to nurturing and promoting artistic expression throughout the capital, the surrounding crownlands, and beyond.

 

 

 

Education & Lessons

All manner of lessons and education offered by the society are open to all aspiring bards, from nobility to commoners. Those who seek out the society will gain mastery in musical disciplines, including instrument training, composition, and performance. They will study oratory and poetry, refining their public speaking, rhetoric, and poetic skills. The dramatic arts are taught through lessons in acting, stagecraft, and choreography. Students will also delve into artistic lorekeeping and diplomacy, exploring writing techniques, historical studies, and the preservation of artistic works. And for those most inclined, the study of bardic magic, or Bardmancy. 

 

Showcases

The Bardic Society embraces all forms of performance and showcase, from seasonal festivities celebrating the arts to tavern circuits across the realm. The society also welcomes royal commissions, by offering exclusive performances for nobility and dignitaries. In addition to the hosting of bardic trials, which involve competitions to challenge performers and inspire artistic excellence, where participants can earn recognition and advance within the society’s esteemed ranks.  

 

Beyond performances, the society offers services for various occasions, including hired performances for feasts, weddings, and diplomatic gatherings. It also assists in scriptural and historical endeavours, such as chronicling significant events, composing formal documents, and crafting ballads honouring notable figures. Moreover, the society facilitates patronage and sponsorship opportunities, allowing benefactors to support promising talents and foster artistic growth. 

 

 

To uphold this mission, the society is governed by a council known as The Muses, who oversee its various operations:  

 

THE GRAND MUSE

HER LADYSHIP, ACELIA IRENA COLBORN

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569 E.S. - Present

 

The Grand Muse holds the most esteemed position within the society, entrusted with overseeing all Muses and the individuals who form its ranks. With a quill in hand and wisdom upon their lips, they ensure that each Muse fulfills their duties, upholding the society’s traditions, values, and purpose. As the guiding force of the council, the Grand Muse stands as the centre of leadership.  

 

THE STAGE DIRECTOR

HER LADYSHIP, CALIOPE MARIYA COLBORN

 

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569 E.S. - Present

 

The Stage Director is in charge of aiding The Grand Muse and collaborating with fellow council members to organize various events the society hosts. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that each event aligns with the society’s overarching vision and mission. This involves a comprehensive process of planning, which includes defining the event's objectives, selecting appropriate venues, and coordinating logistics such as catering and entertainment.

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BARDIC ADVISOR

HIS LORDSHIP, CARDAN VAN LEUVEN

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569 E.S. - Present

 

The Bardic Advisor acts as the society’s chief advisor, overseeing its internal operations and providing guidance to both council members and the general guild. Their responsibilities range from mediating discussions and resolving disputes to negotiating partnerships and securing patronage. They ensure that the society remains politically and financially stable, navigating the delicate relationships between artists and benefactors. 

 

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SCROLL KEEPER

HER LADYSHIP, LOUNA MARIE VAN LEUVEN

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569 E.S. - Present

 

The Scroll Keeper,

The Muse of Scrolls serves as chief in overseeing the meticulous recording of historical events, musical compositions, theatrical scripts, and other artistic works. They have to ensure the proper preservation and distribution of these records within the society and beyond, making them accessible to members and the wider world. 

 

 

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LEAD INSTRUCTOR  

HIS EXCELLENCY, DAVYD COLBORN

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569 E.S. - Present

 

The Lead Instructor, acts as the society’s head educator, overseeing all matters related to instruction. They are responsible for educating members in various disciplines, including instrumental mastery, musical composition, performance artistry, entertainment, and the mystical craft of Bardmancy. Under their guidance, students and seasoned artists alike refine their skills.

 

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For those seeking to join the Guild, there are several ranks: Initiates, who are newly inducted into the Guild and seek general education or partnership; Skilled Members, who hold tenure within the society and have excelled in various areas of artistic expression; Mentors, who are considered masters in their craft and aid the Guild by guiding new initiates and members; and finally, Honored Members, recognized as Astrid Muses for their many talents and contributions to the society over the tenure of their membership. Those interested may reach out to those within the guild to start their artist pursuits.

 

Her Ladyship, Lady Acelia Irena Colborn, 

Grand Maer of New Valdev

 

Her Ladyship, Lady Caliope Mariya d’Arkent

 

His Lordship, Lord Cardan van Leuven 

 

Her Ladyship, Lady Louna Marie van Leuven

OOC

Spoiler

The Astrid Bardic Society Discord:
https://discord.gg/rQN8pkb7JE