The Nine Muses

Calliope - Epic Poetry Clio - History Erato - Love Poetry Polyhymnia - Hymns Melpomene - Tragedy Thalia - Comedy Urania - Astronomy Terpsichore - Dance

Euterpe - Song

The Nine Muses seem to have taken shape even before the Gods. They are the source of all inspiration in the universe and even the Gods revere and respect the Muses, though to different ends. The Muses are often tools used by men and Gods alike to forge worlds or write songs that evoke true meaning.

Bards often select one muse through whom they pay tribute to Chorda, deciding which Muse would best assist their talents. This selection is often preceded by the Bard's College, though it is not uncommon for a Bard to go outside of their college to catalyze their love for Chorda, or on occasion Mystra.

Occasionally, a mortal will capture the attention of the Muses (aka "The Nine"), and they will take it upon themselves to assist that individual, often times lending assistance in the form of a rousing speech, a beautiful heart-song, or some long forgotten piece of lore.

It is also not entirely uncommon for the Muses to assist in the creation of magical tools, weapons, and especially instruments. Any tool blessed by the Nine is certainly a legendary relic, as it is said the Muses pour their devotion into creation more than anything else.

Although the Gods use the Nine as tools, they are not tools, nor are they Gods, nor are they people. They are representations, whether physical or simply inspirational, of story and song, only two Goddesses can claim to truly hold sway over the Muses. Chorda is their Goddess of choice, weaving intricate dancees Chorda is the only known being to be able to manage contact with the Nine simultaneously and as such have garnered the respect and adoration of the Nine.

Mystra is the other goddess who can claim some sway over the Nine, though it is often by force rather than will, Mystra controls the Weave, and as such any magical creatures bound to the Weave are bound to Mystra, however almost all of the Nine have a tentative almost toxic relationship with Mystra, often being forced to create against their will, the Muses will create technical loopholes or shift their way out of obligation by creating the smallest possible solution to the problem. Since this is the case, Mystra has rarely ever used the Nine in the Second Planar Age.