Final Draft Final Final Draft - Song Magic

[Crimson]

Author's Note:​

This is my Final Final Draft for the Community

• Adding a FAQ to the OOC guide
• Reworking the 'original' verbiage to check for OOC /neutral perspective
• Changed the names / IC histories / descriptions of the standard spells to be more universal to Telath instead of being very Imperial-centric
• Special thanks to @Kettle for providing valuable feedback in draft #4

 

[Crimson]

Song​

The basics and standard spells of the metaphysical Magic known as Song.

Abstract​

As musical Magic, Song utilizes the sounds and frequencies that exists in the Material Plane. Bards can manipulate resonant harmonies that create positive effects like boosting morale or increasing the reflexes of their targets and/or use dissonance to produce negative effects like demoralizing their targets with feelings of hopelessness and fear. Spellsongs can also generate sound-based attacks or carry the Bard's voice over large distances by manipulating sound waves.

Unlike essence-based magic, Spellsongs do not generate Arcana Contamination nor is Bardic magic affected by spellbreaking (e.g. Spell Bounce, etc.). Bards cannot imbue or enchant their spellsongs onto objects in a traditional sense but use methodologies and traditions unique to each practitioner. Furthermore, Song Magic may be physically blocked by objects thus reducing their range and effectiveness. Astral mages are also incapable of dispelling or counter-spell Song magic using traditional Arcane techniques. But distracting, distracting, or otherwise preventing a Bard to cast Song magic will diminish or prevent spellsongs from properly taking shape.

Further Reading: A Primer to Magic, Spellbreaking, Spellsong Creation​

Learning Spells​

Aspiring Bards may learn the standard songs by either having another Bard show them or by studying musical treatises. But different peoples and cultures may depict Song Magic as a religion or form of shamanism. Listed below are spellsongs that are most commonly taught to Bards at each level but are not exhaustive or limiting. Bards also have the ability to create their own unique spellsongs within the aspects of Song.

Factors such as damage done, duration, distance, area of effect, and the like are dependent on the level of the spell and caster as well as the spellsong type (verse, chant, or shout).

Example:

An Initiate's Cethar's Cadenza (verse) can grant one positive effect to a few people immediately around the Bard.​

A Grand Maestro's Cethar's Cadenza(verse) can grant multiple positive effects to hundreds of people inside a city.​

​

An Initiate's Antonio's Accelerando (chant) could allow the Bard's small party to travel faster without extra effort.​

A Grand Maestro's Antonio's Accelerando (chant) could allow hundreds of people to travel much faster while fully armored and carrying twice their weight in cargo without extra effort.​

​

An Initiate's Scales of Dissonance (shout) can cause ear pain to a few people immediately around the Bard.​

A Grand Maestro's Scales of Dissonance (shout) could cause hundreds of people inside a fortress to have severe headaches and become temporarily unable to fight or cast spells.​

​

Unlike traditional mages, Bards do not require the use of reagents or amplification for any of their spellsongs.​

Bard Techniques​

Cast- once unbound, Bards can create vibrations that affect the frequencies found in people and objects. The success of this process is dependent on the well-being of the Bard's physical and mental state, as well as the distance and movements of their targets. Bards can cast their spellsongs in three different modes or styles: as a verse, chant, or shout.

Verse - spellsongs cast as a verse will generate effects only while the the spellsong is being performed (with the effects usually starting to manifest after the first stanza or chorus). Once the performance stops, the effect also stops. If the verse is interrupted, the spellsong's effects ceases and the Bard must start over. Verses are generally very long and have powerful effects.​

​

Chant- spellsongs cast as a chant generate effects only upon the completion of the entire song (usually one stanza and a chorus). After it is finished, however, the Bard no longer needs to continue performing the song to enjoy the benefits. This is why chants are regarded as low-maintenance spellsongs that have a relatively short duration and have weaker effects. If the chant's initial casting is interrupted, the spellsong fails and the Bard must start over anew.​

​

Shout- shouts are a type of spellsong in which the Bard emits a burst of powerful sonic energy. The effects are instantaneous and very short-lived, making shouts useful when casting in a pinch and are generally employed to deliver a limited form of damage against one or more targets.​

Impart: A Bard can teach another Bard by breaking down the magical composition and harmonies of a spellsong. The recipient must be a willing participant and appropriate level to be able to understand the compositions and harmonies. Spellsongs cannot be imparted to the mundane or to other mages of different spheres. Some teachers are known to perform their repertoire when imparting; others invite their students to perform a duet or musical duel to determine their worthiness and skill.

Promote: A Bard may further unlock the potential of an existing practitioner, promoting them to the next level of proficiency. Promotions tend to be formal affairs reserved for academies and conservatories where formal instruction takes place. Many Bards find themselves spontaneously promoted through regular and creative use of Song magic.

Record: A Bard can imprint or record spellsongs in their sheet music, tools, and musical instruments. These recordings will last as long as the vessel or container is not damaged or destroyed. Bards can replay these recorded spellsongs but the act will increase the wear and tear on instruments while sheet music containing recorded spellsongs will fade or become brittle. High-quality materials or objects with magical properties tend to make for more stable, long-term repositories for spellsongs stored in this fashion.

Replay- once unbound, Bards can activate spellsongs and traditional spells that are stored as recordings.

Unbind: A Bard can unlock the mind of potential practitioners, enabling them to perceive and practice Song Magic. On rare occasions, certain traumas and high levels of stress can also cause a Bard to spontaneously become unbound. During the unbinding process, Bards will experience a vivid dream or vision, personal and unique to them, and will then be able to cast spellsongs. Unlike Astral mages, Bards may not be attuned to a separate sphere of magic and become a Hedgemage.

Note: Only Journeyman or higher Bards may unbind other practitioners of Song; Initiates may not.

Further Reading: Hedgemages​

Spell List​

Initiate​

Cethar's Cadenza
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
This upbeat tune is popular in taverns and barracks throughout the Empire. It instills the Bard's companions with cheer, lifting morale, and improving their fighting spirit. Variations of this spellsong have spawned numerous top hits and viral dance trends.

Antonio's Accelerando
Type: Chant
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
Syncopated rhythms are the trademark of this classic about a Medonian princess. The Accelerando enables the Bard's party to travel at an increased pace without any additional effort. Merchants tend to invite bards to expedite their journeys. While Orcs have been known to enhance this spellsong with drums and chants before raids and battles.

Scales of Dissonance
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
An ear-piercing scream of alternating, opposing chords that rivet up and down the scales creates one of the most cacophonous, but simplest, pieces of music known. The Scales of Dissonance will produce a light wave of pummeling damage for the duration that it is played in an area of effect designated by the performer of this dreadful piece. Alternatively, the high-pitch sound can be used to inflict headaches instead of physical damage.

Wimbly's Woeful Whispers
Type: Verse
Targets: Single - Other
Description:
Originally created to relay orders across a noisy battlefield, this soft, sullen piece allows a Bard to teleport the sound of their voice to a known target of their choice, enabling them a type of one-way communication. Aquatic peoples have been known to adapt this particular spellsong to enhance their echolocation in addition to one-way communication.

Journeyman​

Chords of Cacophony
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
The Chords of Cacophony are abrasive alterations of notes that generate a wave of appalling music, instilling fear in the targeted individuals listening to it. Those affected may find themselves shaken, causing their attacks to be significantly less accurate, as well as being unable to steady their nerves or concentrate enough to cast their spells. Targeted creatures with weaker willpower may even freeze in fright or attempt to flee.

Gellyn's Glamour
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
This chant utilizes a powerful rhythm that protects the group of adventurers allied with the Bard. Targets will feel the weight of their armaments and equipment greatly reduced as well as granting an inherent resistance to magical spells so long as the piece is played. Some Bards have been known to use this type of Glamour to create invisible obstacles to confuse their opponents.

Lion’s Roar
Type: Shout
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
Named after the warrior-poet who created the spellsong, the Lion's Roar was often used right before a charge. When the Bard gives out a mighty roar, the shout greatly invigorated nearby allies while increasing their stamina and strength. Alternatively, the shout can be used to sap enemy strength and demoralize enemy ranks.

Mother's Melody
Type: Chant
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
The soothing sensation of peace and tranquility fills an area whereupon this gentle tune is played. Capable of calming down the restless and soothing the angry, those affected by the spell will find themselves in a very relaxed state and become more inclined to tell the truth. Alternatively, this chant can help the Bard's allies become hyperaware of people's intensions and realize when others are being deceptive.

Virtuoso​

Sonnet in Solo
Type: Chant
Targets: Single - Self or Other
Description:
Reciting a poetic phrase to a sweet melody, the Bard who plays this song shall enchant his party's weaponry with a glowing vortex of vitriolic energy. Their attacks will invoke a concussive blast of sonic power when a strike is landed upon a hard surface. Although the spellsong's effects are diminished when used against bare flesh and cloth, when it is used against armored opponents, the Sonnet works wonders for rupturing the flesh beneath. The Bard's allies are also granted armor comprised of swirling sonic energy that acts a temporary shield against moderate physical blows.

Tempest Force
Type: Shout
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
The Bard gives out a mighty shout which holds tremendous force behind it. Anything that stands within the shout’s path, be it object or living being, will find themselves forcefully impeded as if strong winds were slamming into them. Those closest to the Bard may be violently thrown backwards.

Pompous Presto
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
A favorite of archers and mages, those graced by its beneficial aura will find their missiles and spells ‘assisted’ by guiding winds, greatly increasing their accuracy. While played this powerful piece also increases the speed at which the party can reload their weaponry and remain focused despite the din of battle.

Adventurer's Anthem
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
The Anthem is the stirring verse about the exciting life of adventurers. For as long as the spellsong is played, the spellsong invokes the spirit of glory causing a few notable changes in the companions about the musician: maneuvers will be quickened, party members will have increased physical strength, those allied with the Bard will gain the benefits of being resistant to fear effects and mundane intimidation.

Maestro​

Spellsinger's Sinistra
Type: Shout
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
A single piercing scream, the Sinistra addles and befuddles its targets, sowing confusion and chaos throughout opposing armies. The Bard's enemies will lose all sense of direction and purpose, causing them to attack their own allies and even aid their foes. Those caught in this shout's effect will also have significantly reduced motor skills causing them to trip over themselves, drop their weaponry, and fail to follow simple directions.

Serenade of Sirens
Type: Verse
Targets: Single - Other (primary), Area of Effect (secondary)
Description:
The Serenade of the Sirens lulls a large group of opponents into a false sense of security, causing them cease hostilities and be drawn to the Bard's position where they will be charmed into a deep sleep. Alternatively, the Bard may focus these energies and instead select a single target to be charmed and they will find themselves helpless to obey the Bard’s telepathic commands for the duration of the Serenade.

Grand Maestro​

Ultimatum Andante
Type: Chant
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
At the head of an army, the Grand Maestro can perform this piece that will bring increased stamina and strength to the entire military force as they prepare for Combat. Additionally, the damage dealt by the forces following the Andante will be significantly higher as soldiers will enjoy increased stamina, enhanced reflexes, and higher morale. The spellsong also adds magical damage even to mundane weapons, allowing average soldiers to damage even magically summoned creatures or magically shielded foes. Upon completion of the Andante the force will find the effects last for a lengthy time, usually several hours.

Magna Concerto
Type: Verse
Targets: Area of Effect
Description:
So long as this verse is performed, the Grand Maestro can imbue a small city and all its inhabitants and dwellings with a shield of protection that will defend against all forms of magical and physical damage. Invaders will have reduced accuracy and stamina while suffering from exhaustion and loss of concentration. During the duration of the spellsong, the Grand Maestro is surrounded by a field of sonic energy that causes anyone within 10 feet to hear an extremely high pitch sound that will shatter eardrums and cause nose bleeds.

Credits​

Crimson and Indefinite for the original write-ups.

 

[Crimson]

Spellsong Creation​

The aspects, abilities, and limitations of Song magic.

Abstract​

As musical Magic, Song utilizes the frequencies found in and around objects and people. By employing resonant or dissonant harmonies, Bards can create spellsongs that create positive and negative effectives respectively. Spellsongs can also manipulate sound waves to inflict damage or carry the Bard's voice over a long distance.

Composing Spellsongs​

While aspiring Bards are all taught a repertoire of standard spellsongs, those that wish to advance in their craft will also compose and primarily use their own unique spellsongs. These custom spells are limited only by the aspects and properties of Song magic and the imagination of the Bard. The various properties of the custom spellsong, such as range, degree of effect, duration, and the like are dependent on the level of spell and caster.

The number of effects (beneficial or otherwise) that a single spellsong can contain is depend on the proficiency of the caster, the strength of the spellsong, as well as the type (verse, chant, or shout).

Further Reading: Song

Spellsongs​

All Spellsong effects should fall into one of the following categories.

Inspire: The Bard uses resonant harmonies in their environment to enhance the mood and create positive feelings in sentient beings. Sentient beings are any type of creature that can feel and experience their surroundings. This includes animals and peoples. These positive effects can range from increased enthusiasm and focus (minor) to granting supernatural reflexes and resisting magical fear (major) depending on the level of the spellsong and bard. Factors to consider are the spellsong's range, the number of targets they affect, and severity of effect. The manipulation of frequencies in this manner is usually cast as chants and verses.

Examples:​

An Initiate could inspire up to 5 targets in a 20-yard radius to have increased confidence and focus.​

A Virtuoso could inspire up to 20 targets in a 100-yard radius to have greater confidence and focus.​

A Grand Maestro could inspire hundreds of targets in a 400-yard radius to have significantly improved confidence and focus.​

Dispirit: The Bard uses dissonant harmonies in their environment to induce weariness and increase negative feelings in sentient beings. Sentient beings are any type of creature that can feel and experience their surroundings. This includes animals and peoples. These negative effects can range from lowered morale and discipline (minor) to crippling fear and debilitating confusion (major) depending on the level of the spellsong and bard. Factors to consider are the spellsong's range, the number of targets they affect, and severity of effect. The manipulation of frequencies in this manner is usually cast as chants and verses.

Examples:​

An Initiate could cause up to 5 targets in a 20-yard radius to feel weary.​

A Virtuoso could cause up to 20 targets in a 100-yard radius to become disoriented, cowardly, and suffer headaches.​

A Grand Maestro could reduce the morale of hundreds of targets in a 400-yard radius and make everyone feel hopeless and crippled with fear.​

Enhancements: The Bard uses resonant harmonies in their environment to enhance the durability and effectiveness of objects and people. These effects can range from an increased walking speed and stamina (minor) to causing arrows to seemingly 'track' their intended targets even while running (major) depending on the level of the spellsong and bard. Factors to consider are the spellsong's range, the number of targets they affect, and severity of effect. The manipulation of frequencies in this manner is usually cast as chants and verses.

Example:​

An Initiate could increase the physical strength of up to 5 targets in a 20-yard radius.​

A Virtuoso could increase the physical strength of up to 20 targets in a 100-yard radius so that they can carry twice their weight.​

A Grand Maestro could bolster the defenses of hundreds of targets around them in a 400-yard radius so that their ordinary clothes become as durable as armor.​

Diminutions: The Bard uses dissonant harmonies in their environment to reduce the durability and effectiveness of objects and people. These effects can range from a reduced ability to concentrate (minor) to causing spells and arrows to frequently miss their intended targets (major) depending on the level of the spellsong and bard. Factors to consider are the spellsong's range, the number of targets they affect, and severity of effect. The manipulation of frequencies in this manner is usually cast as chants and verses.

Example:​

An Initiate could cause up to 5 targets in a 20-yard radius to become distracted and find it difficult to cast spells.​

A Virtuoso could cause up to 20 targets in a 100-yard radius to berserk and attack their own allies.​

A Grand Maestro could cause hundreds of targets around them in a 400-yard radius to feel drained of their physical and magical energy.​

Sound Waves: A Bard can manipulate sound in order to allow their whispers to travel great distances or create sonic booms with a mere shout. At higher proficiencies, the complexity and volume of these sound waves can be increased. These sound-based spellsongs are mostly used to produce light pommeling damage (minor) to blasting everything backward in a large area (major) dependent on the level of the spellsong and Bard. The manipulation of frequencies in this manner is usually cast as shouts and verses.

Example:​

An Initiate could cause minor headaches and light damage to all targets in a 10-yard radius with a single shout or allow a single target to hear their whispers from a short distance (verse).​

A Virtuoso could cause nosebleeds and severe headaches to all targets in a 50-yard radius with a single shout or allow a gathered group to hear a message from a moderate distance (verse).​

A Grand Maestro could cause everything a 100-yard radius to be flung backwards and suffer blunt force trauma with a single shout or allow a single target many miles away to hear their voice deliver a long message (verse).​

Limitations​

• No summons.
• No healing.
• No teleportation.
• No guided missiles.
• Limited damage.
• Limited effects on animals and other sentient targets.
• Mind control on a single sapient target possible only at Level 4 and above.

 

[Crimson]

Guide to Spellsinging (Song)​

A brief collection of frequently asked questions as they relate to Song magic.

FAQ: Bards and Arcana​

How do Bards fit into the current system of arcana?
Bards or Spellsingers are effectively Magic-capable individuals with ties to the Material Plane, it is considered a metaphysical Magic. Song counts as a Magic skill.

Can I be a Bard and practice one of the eight Spheres of Arcana?
No. Bards are individuals who are attuned the frequencies of the universe and cannot practice Astral Magic or become Hedgemages.

FAQ: Basic Practices​

How many effects can a Bard have per spellsong?
In general a Bard can attempt to target those around them with the effects of their magic. The number of effects (beneficial or otherwise) that a single spellsong can contain is limited to the level of the spell and caster as well as the type (verse, chant, or shout). But the potency of their spellsongs may diminish depending on the number of simultaneous effects, the number of targets they affect, range, and the bard's proficiency.

• Initiates - one positive effect or one negative effect per spellsong.
• Journeymen - two positive effects or two negative effects per spellsong.
• Virtuosos - four effects per verse/chant or two effects per shout.
• Maestros - six effects per verse/chant or three effects per shout.
• Grand Maestros - eight effects per verse/chant or four effects per shout.

What is the difference between Chant, Verse, and Shout?
Bards can cast the spellsongs in three different styles or modes.

Verses begin to generate their intended effects while it is performed or cast. Unlike other forms of Magic, bards can potentially inspire their allies and dispirit their foes for hours on end with a single spellsong. So long as they can continue to perform the Verse and maintain their focus, the effects will persist. This is how a Bard might keep his company of sellswords in good spirits or enhance the speed by which a caravan is traveling for prolonged periods of time.

Chants generate their intended effects after it is performed or cast. Most chants involve some kind of verse or stanza and sometimes a chorus. So casting a spellsong in this mode will never be instantaneous. After performing the piece, the intended effects persist for some time depending on the proficiency of the caster and strength of the spellsong. An initiate's chanted spellsong might last for several minutes while a Grand Maestro's could last for several brightenings. This is how a Bard might grant his party a full night's rest in just a few candlemarks (but not restore Vis) or increase the durability of their party's equipment before an engagement.

Shouts create their intended effects almost instantaneously. All spellsongs can be performed as a Shout though their effects and durations may be significantly diminished. Certain types of effects are better achieved using this mode of casting. Bards can channel vibrations into sonic energy to cause headaches at lower levels and generate bursts of sound that can sending targets flying backwards.

What is 'stanza' and 'chorus'?
This detail was added to clarify that spellsongs performed as Verses or Chants do not generate their intended effects instantly like Shouts. A minimum amount of time is required before spellsongs performed as a Verse or a Chant could begin to inspire, dispirit, enhance, or diminish their targets.

What is the difference between song magic and music?
Music evokes powerful emotional responses based on how listeners perceive sounds. Song magic uses magic to alter sentient targets and inanimate objects by manipulating frequencies. A spellsong will have the same effect regardless of whether the target perceives it to be a grand concerto, a shrill cacophony, or even if the target is deaf or an inanimate object incapable of perceiving anything. Casting spellsongs and playing musical instruments are completely separate skills. Being a Grand Maestro of song magic doesn't help you play the violin any more than being a Grandmaster violinist enables you to cast spellsongs. Users of Song magic can be assumed to have a basic proficiency in playing instruments but musical talent is not required.

Can a Bard use their magic under water?
Yes, Bards affect the vibration or frequencies of targets. But unusual or unique effects may take place depending on the Bard's familiarity with their environment. Mer Bards may be able to adapt their spellsongs to be more effective underwater, for example, and those effects may be hindered or altered out of water.

Can a Bard dispel or counter essence-based magic?
Bards do not have a traditional means of countering magic . But their arsenal of spellsongs can distract, disorient, and harm mages as well as any other form of Magic or Combat skill.

How do you defend against spellsongs?
Bards affect frequencies in order to cast their spellsongs and influence their surroundings. Obstacles such as walls, trees, and other objects can potentially interfere or obstruct their spells. Inflicting harm or distracting a Bard can also serve to prevent them from casting or interrupt their spellsongs. There are rumored to be 'sound proof' materials and items that can dramatically hinder and even negate Song magic.

FAQ: More Advanced Matters​

What if my Bard is deaf, mute, or prefers to play an instrument instead of using their voice?
Song magic is performed by manipulating the frequencies or vibrations of the universe. It does not require a specific performance style. Instruments are commonly used by Bards due to the nature of minstrels and performers. But mastering an instrument or performance style does not grant any additional benefits. A Bard can cast underwater and affect targets even if they cannot physically hear them. Even a Bard who is incapable of vocalizing can grant positive and negative effects to a crowd of people covering their ears by clapping their hands or tapping their feet. Some Bards never sing or perform at all. Actors and Mimes might learn to use spellsongs to enhance their trade. Orators can use Song in their impassioned speeches, calming a frenzied mob or causing a room full of pacifists to go berserk with bloodlust.

What happens when multiple Bards perform the same piece or spellsong?
Bards can combine their magic into a single spellsong. Unlike mages, Bards are unable to Amplify to achieve effects beyond their current level. But multiple skilled Bards might combine their efforts to emulate the effects of a single Virtuoso or even a Maestro's spellsong. This type of performance requires a significant amount of coordination and concentration.

How can a Bard create amulets?
Instead of imbuing gems or weapons like their counterparts, Bards are capable of recording spellsongs onto musical instruments and sheet music starting at the professional level. This process involves saturating their music sheets, tools, or instruments with a single spellsong continually over many candlemarks, every day, until the manipulated frequencies form distinct patterns or groves onto the material and construction of the receptacle. This process is very physically demanding, time consuming, and requires a high degree of control and skill.

Some Maestros and Grand Maestros may find their personal belongings or instruments become so saturated with Song magic that they become permanently enchanted. Private journals and songbooks may hum the music written on them and generate unintended effects; lutes and harpsichords might play mashups of the Bard's favorite songs; violins may play melancholy music for the Bard after a recent break-up; and a Maestro's horn collection might start blaring in alarm when untrustworthy people are nearby.

How powerful are recorded spellsongs or items enchanted with Song magic?
Bards can record any spellsong that they have learned into music sheets and musical instruments. But the quality of the object tends to increase or decrease the effectiveness of the recordings. For example, a handcrafted violin may be capable of replaying spellsongs of initiate and professional quality a dozen times before the object needs to be repaired. But the same high-quality instrument may only be capable of performing an extraordinarily complex orchestra piece composed by a Maestro once or twice before breaking. Then the object needs to be refurbished or replaced. In both cases, the impression would need to be reapplied.

Objects enchanted by Song Magic tend to be unique items with their own quirks and personalities. A saxophone owned by a Maestro may have a preference for certain pieces and enhance those spellsongs to a degree. But it will mimic the sounds of flatulence if the Bard uses it for music that it considers beneath its merit. Enchanted pianos may 'stretch' occasionally, playing impressive arpeggios that delight and inspire, in order to keep its strings and keys nimble and dust-free. Drums owned by a Grand Maestro might improvise a chop or roll mid-performance to grant enhanced agility or strength.

Some Bards may collaborate with skilled craftsmen to improve their receptacles' material composition and ability to render spellsongs with a higher degree of fidelity. For example, a harp carved from ancient driftwood might enhance recorded spellsongs intended to create feelings of woe. Or a drum crafted from the scales of a night drake could boost the effects of a recorded battle cry. Maestros and Grand Maestros might even seek the expertise of a spellbreaker to alter their enchanted possessions. This can be done through trial and error by fine-tuning the objects using the spellbreaker's warping abilities.

How much Song activity is required to spontaneously enchant their belongings?
Musical tools and instruments tend to be the most commonly enchanted items due to their proximity and frequent exposure to Song magic. By the time a Bard ascends to the level of Maestro or Grand Maestro, their favorite instrument or musical tools might begin exhibiting magical qualities. Unlike recordings, the Bard does not have any direct control over the objects and possessions that might become enchanted nor their characteristics and beneficial qualities, if any. It's not unheard of for orchestra conductors to possess enchanted batons that behave erratically when someone is off-key or not keeping perfect time. Instruments found in musical academies and conservatories, having absorbed centuries of musical magic, have been known to spontaneously play party music when students arrive late for class.