Bards - respect

[Olias]

In my view one of the most important functions a bard does is to observe, compose, and perform.  When a bard observes something interesting he/she can compose a piece (embellishing as necessary), and perform.  Upon performance, the bard is guaranteed the attention of the central character who, if shown in a favorable light, will be delighted to be the subject of a song, story, poem. The bard can also count on the attention of others involved in the story, and they will all want their friends to hear the piece also.  My best advice for a bard who wants to become famous is to do these things.  Choose someone and make him/her famous; compose a series of pieces about this person and perform them often, preferably around people who know him/her initially.  

This is one thing that some titled bards have neglected to do.  When I won my first bardic title my predecessor, Ramone, told me I had a great responsiblity--that the very minimum I should do was to compose one piece about the group that had chosen me and to perform it for them.  I have never failed to charge a titled bard who followed me with this responsibility.  I do not believe that it ends when the bard no longer carries a group's sash, rather that as long as you call yourself a bard you have a responsibility not only to entertain (for the worst offense is to be boring) but to observe and compose.  

My greatest joys as a bard have come from seeing the pride in a man or woman as he listens to me tell of his/her deeds, of haveing my hand shaken by someone with tears in his eyes at the thought that even though he is not anyone famous, someone thought enough of him to make him the center of a tale.

H.L. Olias
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