[Bards] Steppes Bard

[Brian O'hUilliam]

Greetings!

I am privileged to stand as Bard of the Steppes! However, in a few months,
Her Excellency Katya will choose her first Bard at Steppes Warlord. The
format for the competition will be a bit different for the Steppes, but it
should be able to allow more people to compete and enjoy all the activities
and revelry that usually accompanies the scale of Warlord.

There will be 3 rounds. The first will be held during the day (details
released after the Warlord schedule is finalized) and will simply require
the competitor to perform one piece for myself and another judge (plus
whoever wants to join us). From this, a certain number (6-10, depending on
number of entrants) will be chosen to perform in the second round.

The second round's format will be more traditional for the Steppes. After
Saturday's evening Court, we will hold a bardic circle, hosted by Her
Excellency. The chosen competitors will perform another piece for the
judges and Her Excellency. Her Excellency will choose 3 competitors to
advance to the finals, which be held immediately after. The final round's
format will be the same as the second. Her Excellency will then choose her
first Bard from the 3 finalists.

Once the competition has concluded, the circle will be open and all are
invited to perform.

All performers should prepare three pieces.
Her Excellency is not a fan of Her own tears unless they are from laughter
or joy. All competitors should take this into consideration when choosing
their pieces.
Pieces with documentation will be looked upon favorably.
Competitors should have at least two different performance styles (story,
song, poem).
Finally, and most importantly, Her Excellency enjoys pieces with a moral.
Think fairy tales. Again, documentable pieces fitting this theme will be
looked upon favorably.

Brian
Steppes Bard