Weekly Lore 24 - Bards and Song

I feel I’ve been all business in my writings. In hindsight, this might paint the wrong idea about culture on Cyrdoma. While taking care of issues is at the forefront of our society, especially in Nylevran, leisure is quite important. Art, reading, and the like is greatly valued in downtime. It helps ease the mind.

While entertainment comes in many forms, music is one of the most celebrated. Bards, especially, can be found in taverns throughout the land. These actors/musicians put on lively musical performances for eager crowds. While some tell jokes, others strictly play music. Some can provide more serious melodies.

They typically use instruments that are easy to carry; lutes, a wooden frame with a neck and strings, are chief among them. Drums, flutes, and harps are also spotted often. Rarely, one can come across a Bard playing a Steelboard. These are flat wooden boxes, with several wooden pegs along the top, with metal work inside. Each peg produces a different sound. Pressing them in the correct combination can create beautiful music.

For a drop of unneeded information, my favorite song is called Surely You Jest by the famed Bard Jajern. He comes to Nylevran every few months and I make it a point to see his shows. Good Gods can the young man sing, even if some of his music is a bit silly. While work is your livelihood, never forget to rest and relax.

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​Douglas Stoutforge