Bard College (Swords)

The Bardic College of Swords has a branch at any port on this side of Helmscar, but it is Headquartered in Galingale where they are willing to teach any, bard or no, who can make it through the initial trials called the #Trial Of Swords. Once inside the students of this college are taught the secrets of the blade as well as how to handle themselves in combat situations.

The College of Swords HQ is a very militaristic institution which is a stark contrast to the College of Swords outposts who will allow any who prove to be adventurous and righteous into their cause, however non-bards must join through the College proper.

Bards of the College of Swords are called blades, and they entertain through daring feats of weapon prowess. Blades perform stunts such as sword swallowing, knife throwing and juggling, and mock combats.

Though they use their weapons to entertain, they are also highly trained and skilled warriors in their own right. Their talent with weapons inspires many blades to lead double lives. One blade might use a circus troupe as cover for nefarious deeds such as assassination, robbery, and blackmail. Other blades strike at the wicked, bringing justice to bear against the cruel and powerful. Most troupes are happy to accept a blade’s talent for the excitement it adds to a performance, but few entertainers fully trust a blade in their ranks.

Blades who abandon their lives as entertainers have often run into trouble that makes maintaining their secret activities impossible. A blade caught stealing or engaging in vigilante justice is too great a liability for most troupes. With their weapon skills and magic, these blades either take up work as enforcers for thieves’ guilds or strike out on their own as adventurers.