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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.

..."

2026-01-01T19:07:53Z

Created page with "{{Book}} 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. ..."

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{{Book}}
 
Bards and Advanced Magical Specialties Vol II 
by [[PCs:Aneirin Menelaos|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. 
 
[[Category:Books|Bards and Advanced Magical Specialties Vol II]]
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