Wondrous Wanderers

Bards are commonly found throughout the Flanaess, particularly in urban centers such as the Free City of Greyhawk. Many worship Olidammara, with others revering the quasi-deity Heward, the goddess Rudd (chance), the god Fharlanghn (roads), the goddess Lydia (music and daylight), the Baklunish goddess Hadyan (song and poetry), and even the Old Faith. Bards are also found among barbaric tribes, who revere bards as preservers of tribal lore and customs, and sources of inspiration in battle.

Bards are generally not thought of as great heroes or saviors. Most people assume the traveling minstrels, players and troubadours they encounter are actual bards, when in fact these are simple entertainers. Bards use music as a way to focus magic, and also have some of the talents of thieves. As a result, they are not always trusted in more suspicious communities, although their musical talents are welcome anywhere.

Most wealthy musicians, whether actual bards or simple minstrels, rarely adventure—they will spend their time entertaining at the courts of nobles and kings rather than risking their hides in the wilderness. Bards who adventure are often poor or from the lower social classes, seeking both to advance their song repertoire and make money along the way. Most of them also have a love of traveling and a desire to see other lands. Some bards are great romantics, having a desire to engage in heroic deeds and then write songs about their exploits, while others travel to expand their song repertoires. In any case, bards are entertaining and friendly people to be around-their musical abilities often come with great dramatic or comedic talents, and they make valuable companions on the road, using both song and spell to assist their companions. They may not actually be adventurers, traveling as part of a carnival troupe and adding music to the performances of their colleagues.

The storytelling ability of bards makes them valuable carriers of news and information. In a world where no rapid system of communication exists, bards are often the best and most reliable carriers of news to outlying areas. Some bards stay in one area for a long time, and can use their abilities as parts of theatre companies. Some bards also use their skills to write satirical or political songs and paeans, praising some heroes, figures and political policies, and viciously denouncing others. Powerful people may use them to dispense propaganda, or they may be a thorn in the side of the establishment. In the latter case, they often tend to have the authorities angry at them, which is precisely what they want.