The walk back to Ferric Recoveries was punctuated by bursts of pain for Micky, both from his complaining joints and his blistered stomach.

“I do apologize Micky” said Banji, “I thought that level of spice would be appropriate for someone who liked a little spice.”

“A little spice. Mate I’m pretty sure I can breathe fire after that meal” laughed Micky in response. “It was delicious but I’m in no hurry to head back for seconds.”

“I will pass on the compliment to Piyush, I’m sure he will appreciate the first part and find the second more than a little amusing.”

Banji led Micky back through the entrance way, but instead of heading into the reception area he took a hard left at the training area. Coming to a stop before a large warehouse door Banji motioned for Micky to continue.

“Algernon has asked that you wait in here for your second instructor” he said as he opened the door and activated the lighting control stone. “I believe he will be along shortly, is there anything you need?”

“Not at all Banji mate, cheers for lunch. It was definitely a new experience for me” Micky replied patting one hand over his stomach.

Micky walked alone into the warehouse, noting the neatly stacked crates and sacks along one side. The warm yellow light from the overhead crystals gave the space a warm ambience. Finding a comfortable enough spot amongst the sacks Micky settled in to wait. It wasn’t long before the warm light coupled with the warmth of the warehouse lulled him to sleep.

A smashing wall of noise tumbled him from Micky from his comfortable position and shocked him awake. It was a long sustained note, almost like a single barre chord amplified to an absurd level. The pressure of the note pushed him physically into the soft, yielding surface of the sack.

“What the actual BLEEP is going on?” Micky managed to stammer out as the pressure of the note faded out.

“That my lad is the power of a true Bard.” Micky had been so shocked by the noise that he had completely missed the grey haired man standing not two meters from him. His hands hung just below his waist, one clasped around the neck of a small violin while the other gestured with the bow.

“I take it you’re the Class instructor then? I’ve gotta hand it to you mate, that was one hell of an entrance.” As Micky spoke he clambered up out of the sacks, dusting himself off as he got to his feet.

“That would indeed be me, Mattheo del Solrac at you service.”

Greetings exchanged the two men settled into positions opposite one another seated on the floor of the warehouse.

“So how does this work mate, Algernon didn’t really tell me what the story was here.” Micky said with a wry grin.

“That entirely depends on you my boy. I am here to help you after all” replied the older man. “Why don’t you get us under way by showing me your skills. From there we can develop a plan of action moving forward.”

“Yeah, alright. I can manage that” said Micky offering his wrist to Mattheo.

“Not a bad performance skill my boy. I am pleased to see you have skill in two different disciplines, that makes moving forward much easier. I take it you understand the limitations on acquiring abilities?

“Yeah man, I’m limited to twice as many Abilities as I have points is Wisdom right? So at the moment I can get up to 18 Abilities and I’ve only got five.”

“Just so young man, so you have 13 slots available. We will want to leave at least five of those available for skills that unlock as you progress down through your Bard Class, which leaves us eight to work with.”

“Sweet, so uh, that whole wall of sound thing. How do I do that mate?” Asked Micky, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

“Ah, now that was Wall of Sound. If your Class follows a similar development to my own then you will be offered it in due course. I would assume around fifth or eighth level. I do believe we can do better than that. I’m going to send you a list of Abilities I possess which you might find suitable.”

Bolster Flesh

Prerequisites: Two performance skills above Novice (15)

Active Ability: 10 SP Per Minute

Description: A pulsing rhythm that speeds the heartbeat and enflames the mind. Increases the Might of Allies within the area of effect by two.

Bolster Spirit

Prerequisites: Two performance skills above Novice (15)

Active Ability: 10 SP Per Minute

Description: A soothing harmony to focus the heart and mind alike. Increases the Will of Allies within the area of effect by two.

Carrying Shout

Prerequisites: Sway above 15

Passive Ability: No Cost

Description: A Bard must be able to make themselves heard over both a crowded taproom and a whirling melee. The user may increase the volume of their voice greatly at will.

Enchanter’s Note

Prerequisites: Performance (Shanty), (Folk), or (Classical) above Apprentice (40)

Active Ability: 20 SP Per Usage

Description: The user creates a single note, filled with the potential of magic. This note will resonate against sources of hidden magic.

Healer’s Canticle

Prerequisites: Will above 12 and Sway above 14. Levels in a Bard, Evoker, Cleric, or Paladin Class

Active Ability: 15 SP Per Minute

Description: The user channels the barest fragment of the music underlying creation. This heals and refreshes the souls of all who hear it, restoring 15 HP per minute.

The Horror

Prerequisites; Performance Skill (any) above Apprentice 40

Active Ability: 15 SP Per Usage

Description: It is not only beauty that lies within music, there is sorrow and torment as well. The user channels this torment into a single note, causing enemies of weaker Will to flee from them.

Vibrate

Prerequisites: Levels in a Bard or Evoker Class

Active Ability: 5 SP Per Minute

Description: The user changes the pitch of their voice, bringing it into line with the harmonic frequency of a material, causing it to vibrate in sympathetic harmony.

“BLEEP the bed mate, that is a bit of a wall of information. I don’t even know where to start with all of that. If you can do all of that why isn’t Algernon just hiring you instead?” Micky asked after reading through the offered Abilities.

“Young man, that is but a hint of the powers an experienced Bard can bring to bear. I have filtered the list so only Abilities you may learn appear. As to why I do not join Algernon’s expeditions, I am afraid I would rather ply my trade from the comfort of a bar or restaurant with a fine brandy close at hand. Adventures such as he has tend to pull one from the comforts of hearth and home.”

“Yeah, I kinda get that,” Micky replied quietly, “ I just don’t want to spend my whole life here in one place. Being in Outremer is kind of a whole new start for me.”

“A fine attitude for an aspiring Bard, to learn is to seek new songs. In such wise, there are a number of Abilities I would recommend.”

“I’m all ears then mate.

“As you are going to be working with Algernon and his merry misfits I would look at abilities that complement their core mission. I would take Bolster Flesh, Enchanters Note, and Vibrate. As a combination that would make you a valuable asset in the field.”

“Yeah, I can see how that would work. I’d be kitted out to find things all over the place.”

“Just so, is there anything else that interests you?

“I kind of want The Horror too, I’m not much of fighter so the idea of scaring things off is definitely appealing.”

“We can make that happen Micky. Algernon is footing the bill for these sessions after all, so whatever you need is my priority.”

“So how does this work then? Is it going to be a skill crystal?

“Not at all young man, we are Bards. Let’s play.”