Circle of the Song
Goal: The Circle of the Song is a guild for bards and musicians of all types, and the core of where the trade is learned in Yliakum. Musicians from all over Yliakum are taken in and given training at the guild’s cost, on the basis of their native ability and training. Bards scout out anyone, from beggars making a few tria for playing in the street, to the well trained children of the vigesimi, not caring who they are. All interviews are done behind a wall and the candidate has only the sounds he can make with his instrument body and voice to advertise his or her self. In all cases those judging a candidate are taken from a place remote enough that they have not hear the person play before. If a candidate makes it in, they enter into a 10 year program whose intent is to make the person a Virtuoso. There is no cultural or racial bias whatsoever in the process.
The bard's guild makes its money on dues from alumni and percentages from the public performances of the current students. Perfomance and not just study is the focus of the program.
The guild’s alignment is neutral good, although certainly lawful and chaotic good or neutral characters are welcome to join. No evil though. Rhicora doesn’t like that.
About Rhicora: Rhicora Sullo is a young female Klyros, who has played the harp since she was young, and became uncommonly good at it. After a long time of traveling, she and her family have recently settled in Hydlaa. There, she noticed that there was no musician’s guild for her to join, and set about creating one. Thanks to a donation from an unknown donor, and some planning help from Lady Xillix of the Vespers of Laanx, she was able to do so.
Guild levels:
Level 9 Virtuoso of Forms
The leader of the guild. Until Rhicora passes on the leadership, this will be her. She can promote people, as well as accept them into the guild. As the Virtuoso, one has completed every stage of musical training. They can match the pitch, tone, and frequency of the hum the Azure Sun gives off.
Level 8: Weaver of Sound
Weavers of Sound can accomplish great feats with music, including shattering glass with voice or instrument. These artists can do alone what the maestros do in unison. They also assist the Virtuoso in running the guild.
Level 7: Radiant Maestro
They are the teachers of the guild. They give lessons to the students, but only perform for holidays, as well as guild eclipses in which they sing a traditional prayer to the gods for the light’s return. Also, they may, along with the higher-ups, recruit new members and promote the guild’s performances.
Level 6: Resonant One
Having won three music competitions, the Resonant Ones are assumed to have all the previous talents behind them. They now study the movement of music, projection, echo, and acoustic science as laid out by Xacha scientists.
Level 5: Ascendant Lyricist
Guild members will periodically enter competitions. These may be held within the guild itself, or (once other musician guilds appear) between guilds. The competitions primarily involve music, but may also involve jokes, flirtation, and rapport with the audience. If a guild member wins one of these competitions, they will be promoted to the rank of Ascendant Lyricist. This proves that they have the ability to entertain a room full of people completely alone.
Level 4: Tunecraft Practitioner
This rank is similar to the previous one. Playing three more major pieces moves you to this rank. Most average musicians will probably end up at this rank for most of their time in the guild.
Level 3: Tunecraft Acolyte
At this stage, attained after having performed one major piece (such as a solo) guild members may begin to play at formal performances staged by the guild, rather than simply playing outside when they want to. This is considered the beginning of full guild membership. Often, people on this level work together.
Level 2: Songhearted
At this stage, a guild member has performed three times in public, with or without the supervision of their teacher. Guild members at this level and below do not perform in concerts, rather they simply perform in places like taverns or even just out in the street.
Level 1: Aspirant Artist
At this level, guild members may not yet know the basics of their chosen voice or instrument, or they may be just beginning. Either way, those at this level will be taught by those above them.
Guild rules:
1. Respect yourself and others, both as a person and as a performer. Especially for concert performers, your actions reflect upon the guild.
2. Assist those in need. If someone needs help with their instruments, give it.
3. Inactive players will be removed from the guild after six months’ absence. This is way more than enough time.
