tgrt

A proud master hums to herself. "Only in such arduous Norlandic cold could one find warmth like this!" The journal she talks to chirps back melodically!

A lovely and welcomed addition! The spells add extra flexibility and rewards preparation + creativity in roleplay! Hats off to Hyper for figuring out a solid base for how these combos could work and straight up nailing it first try!

HAPPY ONE YEAR you art fiend! Riddle me this, Uni. What's a piece of lore or roleplay niche you'd love to either explore yourself or see portrayed more?

This is amazing.

• ○ Vailu Valmiran ○ • Upcoming changes and Internal Restructuring. [!] This missive starts with a neatly handwritten letter! It reads: “After running this College for over a century, I can comfortably call its success and outreach a lifetime achievement. Fruits of obsessive dedication and absolute single-mindedness. Now, the dream has outgrown its dreamer. I find that my silent, focused labour does not reach the true potential span of our artistic developments. Therefore, I am resigning as Headmistress of the Bard’s College and, as a final act of conviction, I have elected a Bardic Council so that our united efforts may push us towards, and beyond, journeys we could never have dared to yearn for alone. That we can be. Behold. Be beholden to one another. Brimztra bless us all.” - Inny Yuln’aher. • The Bardic Council • Art by the always lovely Unibearse! The Vailu Valmiran’s Council holds five positions to represent each of the Four Arts, and House Magics as a whole. The current elected Bardic Council Members are: .• Master of Aesthetics •. Glorier Maiheiuh .~ Master of Movement ~. Zyn'ira Terin . ♪ Master of Sound ♪ . Farian Malto-Gylldene . / Master of Word \ . Inny Yuln'aher . ´ Housemagery Representative ` . Haus Each member is expected to encompass their assigned sect of artistry by encouraging both its propagation and advancement. Members may be expelled or substituted on majority vote during a Meeting. • Meetings and Direction • The Council is to meet whenever deemed necessary to both discuss current matters and vote on potential actions, directions, or artistic projects. During meetings, any and all officialized College Teachers may freely join discussions, propose projects and vote on matters. During meetings, all votes and opinions hold the same weight and importance. If you’re interested in keeping touch with College happenings, learning artistry, or joining our ranks, then keep a close eye on our notice boards! [Join our College Discord!]

Another way to cast that seems very obviously needed, adding some great spell combo potential and raising the skill ceiling for big performances!

This is, indeed, great! Some extra flare that the base lore surely needs, and a fantastic way to introduce new players and non-bardmacers to some of the cool stuff the magic offers! Uni did a superb job writing, checking in with us, and sprinkling in some great art on top of it all to make this such a fun addition!

A thrilled Headmistress starts working on her costume!

A saddened Headmistress stares past her window, at the massive walls of the once small Nor'asath. She mourns for a friend. She worries for her people.

Okay NOW we're cooking with gasoline 🔥🔥🔥

[!] Rumors speaking of a massacre and the Goldhands reach a certain cart. A woman peers out her window, grinning ear to ear. "Such a tragedy. You know- it wasn't too long ago I had read that Hate taints Justice into Vengeance..." The amusement fades immediately when Inny realizes she is alone and talking to her cloak.

A busy Headmistress stumbles upon this missive when keeping up to date with current events. She'd rub her brow when getting to the end, starting to write a cease and desist letter to the Eternal Library. Making sure it is clear that THE COLLEGE WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY ENCHANTMENTS to winners. She also writes that Red wine is clearly the better wine. "Moon's Light. What do people think Bard Magic does, these days?"

A busy headmistress stumbles upon this missive, a copy pinned upon her very own notice board! She'd pluck it, scratching her head, then chuckling to its contents. "Oh woe. The poor fool!" The lady snaps her fingers to her Caravan personnel. "Set the stage darlings- We're... Curing someone!"

• ○ Vailu Valmiran ○ • Our soul’s passion tethers us to the Four Arts. Literally translated to “Four Arts”, the Vailu Valmiran is an international educational institution focused on promoting culture and the arts, as well as Bardmancy. The Vailu Valmiran was founded in Almaris by Velulite sisters Inny and Kini Yuln'aher in an abandoned tavern in Elvenesse. Another location was later opened in Nor'Asath and the college has also been present at Celia'nor and Karosgrad with their travelling Caravan. Due to world-ending catastrophes the College (understandably) moved to Aevos, focusing mainly on its Caravan as well as maintaining its efforts as a pillar for artistic exploration. The College is currently run by its Headmistress Inny Yuln’aher. • Teaching and Learning • The Vailu Valmiran regularly holds lessons and seminars hosted by various resident and guest speakers. They beckon teachings over the four artistic pillars that make up their studies: Aesthetic Arts, Sound Arts, Movement Arts, and Word Arts. The institution also aims to hold weekly Bardmancy lessons, hosted by sisters Inny and Kini, which all are welcome to participate in. Lessons aren’t limited to magical explorations, however, and other teachings ranging from basic musical instrument lessons to deeper historical lectures are held, which any and all are welcome to listen in and participate. • Gatherings and Our Community • Besides teaching, the College also utilises its space to host various get-togethers, competitions and events. To know more about when these gatherings will be taking place, check your local notice boards, or join our mailing list. [Join our College Discord!]

An exhausted Headmistress dashes through the frigid, world-ending snow as she struggles to stash all her precious things. She only ever stops to read this curiously familiar missive. "Oh! Finally a new flame to fuel." Inny keeps heading towards the shoreline.

Once again, the alcoholics are left unsatisfied...

"What wondrous rhyming!" Hummed a Headmistress with delight.

[ ! ] Pinned in the odd notice board, tavern's floor, and stage, any wandering bard would find this curious missive with quite the eye-catching symbol over it: Four interweaving diamonds of varying hues. It’d read: . • ▽ VAILU VALMIRAN ▽ • . The Bard’s Caravan has moved to Haense! Bringing warmth to the cooler northern weather, curiously colorful carts settle near Karosgrad: A place where those who yearn for artistry could find one another! The Vailu Valmiran College (In Elven: College of Four Arts) is an academy for all things artistic or cultural in nature. Founded by a group of Velulites, a modern collection of Mali’ker, this institute aims to not only spread teachings regarding creativity, expression, general artistry and craftsmanship with groundbreaking techniques, but it also serves as a guiding beacon, connecting all types of artists to one another. --=--=--=--=--=-- . • ▽ WEEKLY LESSONS ▽ • . Launch Party: Social Club! The Caravan will start off celebrating its arrival alongside old acquaintances, newcomers, frenemies, old and aspiring bards and housemages, or anyone else willingly, or forcefully, brought to socialize! Hosted by our wonderful Kini Yuln’aher, the evening promises games, drinks, Caravan activities and more! Come on over! ((OOC: Event Every Saturday at 5pm EST in the Bard's Caravan)) [Read more about it HERE!] . • ▽ • . Bardmancy Classes! Our very own Headmistress Inny Yuln’aher will host lectures about the secrets of Bardic Manipulation, or Bardmancy, every Saint’s Week! This non-voidal, non-deity, all-wholesome magic aims to give that extra bit of flare to any and all artists in their journeys to come! Lessons are aimed to both complete beginners and advanced Bardmancers! The perfect time to start off on your artistic journey, freshen up on your studies, meetup with your peers or learn how to teach Bardmancy yourself! ((OOC: Event Every Tuesday, at 6pm EST in the Bard's Caravan)) --=--=--=--=--=-- . • ▽ LAUNCH WEEK EVENTS ▽ • . . • ▽ • . Forging Lessons! Hosted by the wonderful craftsman Thelgrud Mossborn, this class focuses on teaching the basics of metalworking, and attendees will be invited to forge their own music bells! Come over to take yours first steps into craftsmanship, and learn your way around a forge! ((OOC: Event ONLY next Sunday, the 26th, at 2pm EST in the Bard's Caravan)) . • ▽ • . Music and Songcrafting Lessons! Hosted by the master musician Aeriolaneth Oakenarrow, this lecture focuses on teaching the basics of musical instruments, and the unique techniques one can use to create songs on the spot! Perfect for those budding traveling bards seeking to go out there and test their skills, or the experienced composers wanting to add a new tool to their repertoire! ((OOC: Event ONLY next Wednesday, the 29th, at 4pm EST in the Bard's Caravan)) --=--=--=--=--=-- . • ▽ • . Gatherings and Our Community The College also utilizes its space to host various get-togethers, competitions and events. To know more about when these gatherings will be taking place, check your local notice boards, or join our mailing list. [Join our College Discord!] Apply Those seeking to delve deeper into our community may join our ranks! To join our College as either a Student, or a Teacher, you need simply send us a filled out application form, and a response will be sent back through a letter. [ ! ] Set to the side, close by this missive, you'd find various forms for applications! [Apply to be a Student!] ((Make sure to join our Discord if applying!)) [Apply to be a Teacher!] ((Make sure to join our Discord if applying!)) For further inquiries send a letter to our Headmistress Inny Yuln’aher. (( IGN:tgrt / Discord:tgrt#5309 ))

[ ! ] A very happy Headmistress distributes the fliers to any and all artsy folk she meets. To her sister, she'd mumble. "I still think I make the better missives, Kiki~."

[ ! ] A curious Headmistress exhales a a ponderlot-scented puff of smoke through her bright smile as she reads over the missive. She'd tap the edge of her cigarette, fetching a quill and scribbling something with her free hand. "Oh, how Bianca's legacy is sure to outlive us all..."

A String Caster readying for a show! -- o O --- O o -- • ~ String Casting ~ • The Tool of the Show-Weaver String Casting is a spell-weaving method which allows a Bardmancer to chain spells together without needing to spend additional emotes re-connecting to their mana pool, or channeling their mana. The slightly risky technique is commonly used for more grandiose performances, as with it the artist does not need to disrupt their flow to shoehorn in extra emotes before each of their spells. Learning and Teaching You reap what you sew! String Casting is automatically learned once a Bardmancer reaches Tier 5. String Casting CAN also be learned at lower Tiers, but for that it is a tutored-only technique, much like many Housemagery Spells. Therefore, it cannot be learned early through self-teaching books. Only via a lesson by another Bardmancer who knows it. Any Bardmancer who has previously learned String Casting may teach another Bardmancer the technique! Regardless of Tier. Teaching is freeform and may be done however way one wants, but it is mandatory for teachers to hold at least 1 lesson, and establish at least 1 Task for that student to complete before they can be considered to have properly learned the technique. This can, and should, however, take longer to encourage both organic character growth and fun RP interactions! For handy examples on what Tasks a student could complete, checkout the “Development Tasks” section in the Bardmancy Guide, here! -- o O --- O o -- Weaving Technique or... String Theory? Instead of casting spells back to back as normal, a Bardmancer may opt to start a String Cast instead. String Casting takes place over the course of 2 Emotes: • Firstly, the Bardmancer Connects to their mana pool as normal. Their aura starts to take shape. Y'know- Usual bard magic stuff! • Secondly, the Bardmancer proceeds to Weave their spell String, describing their String's intended length in their Emote. Like they're "calling their shot" before a big performance. After Weaving their String, the Bardmancer may skip the Connection and Channeling Emotes of all Spells within that String's length. Simple as that! Strings MUST have some sort of tell signaling their intended length in that second Weaving Emote, through a description of the Bardmancer's aura. This can be as broad as describing its size as "smaller" or "larger", as precise as giving an exact spell count through the mana's shape or texture, or anywhere in between. That creative flavor is up to the Bardmancer and only limited by their Tier's aura aesthetics! Let's say you're a T3 Bardmancer, and you Weave a String that is 3 Spells long. Those 3 Spells are "linked" together, and can be cast back to back! But! They're also treated as one biiig spell. So stopping midway through will cost ya. You better not mess that performance up! Because.... String Casting is a specially taxing technique if not executed right. Interrupting a String early by not casting as many spells as the ones signaled in the Weaving Emote will instantly give the Bardmancer one Frazzle Stack. To see Frazzle’s length, effects and roleplay conduct, kindly read the “Frazzle” section in the Bardmancy Guide! A Bardmancer may String Cast as many spells as their Tier level. Strings can therefore range from at least 2 to at most 5 spells, depending on the Bardmancer's current Tier. Chaining spells together is extremely exhausting, even for a Master, and it's not exactly WISE to rapidly drain from one's innate mana pool like it's a fire hose. But hey. Who DOESN'T want to use literally all their flair to be their own, lore-approved Rihanna show? Frazzled String Casting Threading the needle! Sometimes, if a Bardmancer has spent some Spell Slots before String Casting, that String Cast may push them into Frazzle territory, Bardmancy's fatigue system. A T4 String Weave entering "Frazzle." If such happens, the whole String is considered Frazzled, and the Bardmancer enters a game of chance. While performing a Frazzled String, a Bardmancer needs to /roll 20 after each String spell is cast. On a /roll of 10 or under, the Bard will gain a Stack of Frazzle. This repeats after each spell cast in that String. Frazzle gained this way is applied instantly after each spell, giving the bard a harder time with continuing their String, and able to fully knock them out should they be unlucky enough to gain 3 Frazzle Stacks midway through a longer performance. At the end of the Frazzled String, all Frazzle Stacks that the Bardmancer would have gained by casting regularly will still be applied as normal, if they were lucky enough to not gain any mid-performance. If the Bardmancer gained the same, or over the amount of Frazzle they would have by casting normally, they gain no extra Frazzle. Redlines ♫ String Casting may only be performed out of Combat, and only works with Bardmancy Spells. ♫ After Connecting and Weaving a String the Bardmancer MUST start casting Bardmancy spells in their next Emote, or the String will be considered interrupted and they will gain one Frazzle Stack. ♫ A String can also be interrupted if the casting Bardmancer is thrown off their performance, by being distracted, disoriented or attacked. While what could throw a Bard off their game varies from artist to artist, slapping them in the face will always work! ♫ Strings MUST have some sort of tell signaling their intended length in their second Weaving Emote, through a description of the Bardmancer's aura. This can be as broad as describing its size as "smaller" or "larger", as precise as giving an exact spell count through the mana's shape or texture, or anywhere in between. That creative flavor is up to the Bardmancer and only limited by their Tier's aura aesthetics! ♫ Strings, of course, cannot be longer than the length signaled in their second Weaving Emote. Attempting to emote without connecting to your mana pool after the string is over will be treated as Powergaming. ♫ All Spell Slots signaled during the Weaving Emote are instantly spent during that Emote. To clarify: The slots are spent, but each spell in the String will still need to be cast regularly, just with the added luxury of being able to skip Connection and Channeling Emotes. ♫ After a String uses up the chosen amount of Spell Slots, any Spell Slots in Frazzle territory do not immediately gain the usual subsequent Frazzle stacks. Instead, Frazzle is applied either at the very end, or during the strings. ♫ While casting in a Frazzled String, a Bardmancer may gain a lot more Frazzle than they would normally if they are unlucky enough in their rolls. ♫ While String Casting allows Connection and Channeling Emotes to be skipped altogether, those CAN still be added in a performance for timing or aesthetic purposes should the Bardmancer choose such. ♫ String Casting does not use up any Spell Slots by itself. It is its own technique on how to spend them. ♫ String Casting CAN summon an Emotion Wisp after enough spells are cast in quick succession. ♫ String Casting does not skip Emotes needed to Connect to an Emotion Wisp. ♫ You cannot String Cast Mastery Spells, or a Bound Wisp’s Manipulate Art Casts, as they work separately from the normal Spell Slot system. ♫ While in a Bardmancer's Amphitheater, String Casting cannot build up any Frazzle, nor can Strings themselves be Frazzled. The technique still uses up Spell Slots as normal, however. ♫ Fun is, as always, strictly mandatory. --==-- Purpose ((OOC)) Having been out for almost a year now, Bardmancy has been thoroughly poked and tested by the community- With many interesting interactions, fun mechanics and neat tricks found along the way! One major hassle that stood out to the more show-centric bards is being forced to get through the idle Connection Emotes in performances. Needing to tap into, and channel your mana pool before each and every spell can create a type of dead air between more flashy displays, which may stagnate RP flow and just overall turn into a hassle. String Casting aims to remedy the show-weaver’s dilemma by introducing some new mechanical and roleplay adaptability to the base magic, alongside a risk vs reward dynamic of its own! Credits and Thanks Art and writing is done by me! tgrt! Thank you to Leonie, Blackbobross and Hyperdron for proofreading and just overall helping make this a cooler project! Thank YOU for reading! Changelog: 05/01/2023: ♪ To not completely knowledge-lock this mechanic, while still encouraging teaching/learning RP, String Casting is now automatically learned once a Bardmancer reaches Tier 5! Furthermore, Bardmancers of ANY tier may teach other Bardmancers String Casting, if they learned it already! ♪ Weaving Technique section has been simplified. ♪ Corrected an oversight related to what TYPE of Emotes this addition can skip: Connection AND Channeling Emotes! ♪ Added in how exhausting this crazy thing is. ♪ Added a Redline specifying how attacking or disorienting a Bardmancer interrupts a String! Go slap some bards! (Don't tho D:)

A busy Headmistress makes sure to save the sent date! She'd prepare ideas, and extra security to make sure no crazy self-called Lords come by to try and ruin their planning!

[!] The stamped Touch Mark catches a set of blue eyes, which promptly scanned the piece with unconvinced amusement. A silent ferocity comes mumbled: "He never learned a thing..." The low chuckle that followed is blocked out by the sound of paper being crushed by calloused hands.

[ ! ] Pinned in various boards, taverns and stages, any wandering bard would find this captivating missive with quite the recognizable symbol over it: Four interweaving diamonds of varying hues. It’d read: . • ▽ VAILU VALMIRAN ▽ • . SAINT’S FESTIVAL -• - • - •- We of the Four Arts College have been invited to close off Balian’s year-long celebration of St. Rudolph, the patron Saint of music, this next First Seed. Our gathering will host an exclusive euphonious display, and we also invite all musicians, minstrels and troubadours to bring forth their melody in honor of not only Balian’s Culture and people, but all Sound arts as well. - • - IMPROVISATIONAL TOURNEY To celebrate the inspirational art that is song-weaving, artists are invited to compete in our Improvisational Tourney, where all performances shall be made up on the spot. Audience members shall offer themes, prompts and words, and musicians are to make the best melody they can with what they were given. The best singer of the night will win 100 mina, and bragging rights. Winner will be decided by the crowd. For more information kindly contact our Headmistress. (OOC) When: Friday, the 10th, at 6:30pm EST Where: The Balian Amphitheater Why?: Bards.

Incredible concept in an elegant, pretty, and well-designed package! The support mechanics are solid and RP-focused, the whole lore screams flavor, and it all shows so much cultural potential. This could help push for a much needed voidal magic renaissance.