Bards and Advanced Magical Specialties Vol II

Bards and Advanced Magical Specialties Vol II
by Aneirin Menelaos
Lorewarden of Vorin


In continuation of the first volume of this treatise, wherein I examined the
specialties of Elementalism, Fatespinner, and Arcane Adept, I now endeavor to
illuminate the remainder of the known paths: Psi-Bard, White Necromancer,
Transmutant, Shadow-Matter Illusionist, and the volatile art of the Wild Bard.

Psi-mage and the Bard, Psi-Bard perhaps.
Referred to in the ancient manuscript of Zel'on Val'ik Dal'du'ro as the Psi-Mage,
this discipline concerns the melding of mental will and arcane force. It is a
discipline not born of raw spellcraft alone, but one refined by the mastery of psionic potential in concert with traditional magic.

The cornerstone of the Psi-Bard’s strength lies in the channeling of psionic energy
to enhance spellcasting. With each exertion of mental force, the caster
may empower their magics—first to augment, then to extend or magnify the
potency of their spells. At higher levels of practice, this can include
effects akin to Empowering or Maximizing ones Spell through psionic focus alone.

While it appears that deeper expertise in psionics may yield the greatest rewards,
there is no doubt that a Bard proficient in both mind and magic can find
great utility in this path. For those with the discipline to cultivate both
arts, the rewards may be exceptional.

White Necromancy and the Bard

White Necromancy, while noble in aim, presents little to entice the bardic
practitioner. The songs of our repertoire offer precious few necromantic verses—no
more than three spells fall within the discipline’s reach. Of those, only one
aligns with the White Necromancer’s transformative arts. Its secondary
virtue—of increasing the difficulty to resist such spells—is similarly of limited
use. Regrettably, I deem this path ill-suited for one of bardic calling.

Transmutant and the Bard

The Transmutant fares only marginally better than the White Necromancer. A small
portion of the Bardic canon overlaps with this path, maybe one in ten spells and very
few of these lie beyond the third circle of magic. As such, advancement
beyond the first tier of training would offer diminishing returns, thus I cannot with
confidence recommend this specialty either.

Shadow-Matter Illusionist and the Bard

Among the various specialties studied, the Shadow-Matter Illusionist stands out as a
promising avenue for the Bard. This path bends reality through the art of
illusion, reshaping Evocation and Conjuration into phantasms indistinguishable from
truth.

Roughly one quarter of bardic spells stem from Evocation or Conjuration, and an
additional portion are already rooted in Illusion. Thus, a Bard steeped in this art
finds much of their repertoire subtly transformed and now more difficult to
disbelieve, and in some cases, more potent through practiced mastery.

Those who commit themselves to the illusionist’s path and refine their knowledge in
that school will find further benefits, enhancing both the strength and the
subtlety of their enchantments. I know of one practitioner who walks this
path. I shall endeavor to consult with him in the days ahead, and perhaps record his
insights in a future volume.

The Wild Bard

Last among the specializations considered in this volume is that of the Wild Mage
what I call the Wild Bard when undertaken by those of our tradition. This path is one
of chaos and courage, wherein one forgoes the safety of structure for the
potential of greatness.

A Wild Bard’s spells may erupt with unexpected might, cast as though the performer
were of greater experience than they truly are. Yet just as easily, the
magic may falter, manifesting with the feebleness of a neophyte's effort.
This volatility is the nature of Wild Magic, thrilling and dangerous in equal
measure.

Moreover, the power of each spell cast under this discipline is unpredictable. A
spell may surge with destructive brilliance or fizzle with a whisper. There is also a
chance, that a harmful Wild Surge may occur. This risk does apparently lessen
with mastery.

Because this path is not bound to any particular school, it aligns well with the
bardic tradition’s breadth and flexibility. For those bold enough to embrace
uncertainty, and who revel in weaving fate with flair, the Wild Bard could be a
compelling choice.

Conclusion

Though none of these specializations were conceived with the Bard in mind, the
adaptable nature of our art allows us to find harmony in unexpected places. As
always, success in any arcane path depends not solely on power, but on wit,
discipline, and the creative spirit that defines our calling.

Let none say the Bard cannot stand alongside the most learned of mages for with the
right path and proper devotion, we may yet join them in the dance.