#the band bardic inspiration

[transmogrified-in-the-void]

Chapter 3

Cato gets to join in on a practice sesh of Bardic Inspiration! It goes great!

Virtue sips at their coffee as the TV broadcast plays. “Notorious villain The Disparaged Baron has finally been apprehended by A-Class hero Brass Dagger. While their fight left many without a place to sleep, many more will no longer have to fear for their lives. The Hero Agency of America has offered to help rebuild those who had their homes destroyed. My name is Daven Blockett, and this is the morning news.”

The TV then shows a short video of the end of the fight. Disparaged Baron, dressed as a Musketeer, runs at Bronze Dagger with a thin sword. Bronze Dagger sidesteps the charge, and throws Baron up 20 feet into the air. There’s a glimmer as Dagger throws something, and the footage cuts to the main news desk.

“I can’t imagine doing that.” Airael walks into the living room and sits next to Virtue on the couch.

“Doing what, Hero work?” Virtue asks as they take another sip.

“I guess. I mostly mean getting involved with Powered fights.” He clarifies. “I know my Power would technically be classified as Consumption, but it still gives me an exponential boost to my physical limits. Which means that if I got involved with a fight, no matter which side I was on, both villain and Hero would try and get me out of the picture first.”

Virtue nods along as he explains. “I couldn’t even imagine what they’d do to Gemini if she got into a Power fight, or Absinthe if they-” Virtue cuts themselves off, not wanting to finish the sentiment. Airael understands, though, and sighs.

“This shit sucks.”

“More than I could imagine.”

Gemini wanders in with a piece of toast, and she raises an eyebrow at the now glum mood of the living room. “Did the kid get into a car accident? What’s with the mood?”

“Powers.” Airael says. Gemini takes a big bite of her toast, and takes her time chewing it as she thinks over the implications of that word.

Gemini swallows, and stomps over in front of the TV. She faces the pair on the couch with a sharp glare. “We can get back to the doom and gloom of our life later. Absinthe has everything set up, so all we need is Kid Strings to get his ass over here. So get your asses in there right now.”

Virtue stands up and drains the rest of their coffee. “You’re bad at pep talks.” They note, and Gemini whacks them.

“Yeah, but I got you going so I win.”

Airael gets to his feet, and wraps Gemini up in his arms. “You’re right, we gotta go make some kick ass music.”

Virtue turns off the TV and moves to the emptied out master bedroom that has become the practice space of Bardic Inspiration. Absinthe is taking out her old beat up electric guitar and leaning it up on the wall. Everything else has been set up, there’s sheets of music that Michael left behind on the one and only table in the room.

Absinthe turns around and lights up. “Oh! Hey V, didn’t see you there.”

“Most people don’t.” Virtue shrugs as they make their way to the chair put up just for them. “It’s a gift.”

“Man, what I’d do for that.” Absinthe groans.

“For being unnoticed?”

“For having a gift.”

The familiar heavy click of the front door opening cuts through the conversation before Virtue can make a response, and they hear Gemini welcome whoevers at the door with a saccharine voice. Airael mutters something, and the voice of Cato responds monotonously.

Three sets of footsteps start to make way to the practice room, and Absinthe starts to move around.

“V, he’s here, oh my god he’s here, we get to play together, I can’t believe it, can you believe it? I’m so excited, you have no-” She cuts herself off as Gemini, Airael, and Cato show up in the doorframe. “Hi!”

Gemini slides into the room as Absinthe rushes forwards to greet Cato. She shakes his hand and drags him inside, making a wide gesture to the humble setup. “Welcome to where the magic happens!”

“Uh, cool.” Cato mutters as he steps out of Absinthe’s grip. His eyes flick around, first to Virtue, then to the drum set, then to the electric guitar harmlessly sitting against the wall. “You guys, uh, already have a guitar.”

“Told ya.” Gemini elbows Cato’s ribs, making him flinch. “We didn’t know if you only had an acoustic or not. There’s also some music for the songs we’re gonna practice today on the table, if you wanna look through them.” She gestures to the handwritten sheet music, and walks behind her drum set and drops down in the seat. She grabs her drumsticks and starts to idly rap them on the rim of the snare.

Airael makes his entrance quietly, and struts to the purple and gold bass on the stand next to the drums. As he slides it on, he glances at Cato. “Last chance to jump ship, kid.”

Cato’s hand twitches, and he storms to the guitar and slings it over his shoulder. “I’m not a kid. You guys aren’t that much older than me.”

Virtue raises an eyebrow. Airael turns around and shrugs, looking bored. “We’re all out of college, and by the looks of it you’d barely’ve started if you went. Kid.”

The pair lock into a staredown, with Airael betraying no emotion in his eyes, while Cato’s are laser focused in to catch anything. Gemini stifles a snicker, and her green eyes light up with amusement as she catches Absinthe’s eye.

Her eyes dart between Cato and Airael, and wiggles her eyebrows with a large grin. Absinthe almost chokes as the laugh tries to escape her mouth, but she holds it back. Gemini and Absinthe try to hold it in, but it’s too much, and they burst into a fit of giggles and laughter, causing Airael and Cato to stop whatever they were doing.

“What’s so funny?” Cato asks, hands gripping the neck of the guitar. 

Airael whips his head around to Virtue. “What did she do?” He asks with wide eyes. “What the fuck did she do?”

Virtue looks at Gemini, who tilts her head forwards and does an overexaggerated wink, causing Absinthe to break down with laughter. Virtue sighs, and pats Cato’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. They’re like this sometimes.”

They look back to see Airael now leaning over the drums and talking to Gemini, who’s grin has gotten larger as she shakes her head. Absinthe is leaning on a wall, trying to catch her breath, but sometimes still releasing a few giggles. They sigh again, bring their thumb and pointer finger to their mouth, and whistle. The band jump at the sudden noise. Airael clutches his bass, Gemini holds her drumsticks in an ‘X’ in front of her, and Absinthe takes an absurd looking fighting stance. Cato takes a step back.

“Get to practicing. We don’t have all day.” Virtue says, and they make direct eye contact with each band member. “And we certainly don’t have our guest here all day either.”

With that, Absinthe jumps into action. She double checks that Airael and Gemini are all good to go, and makes sure that the guitar Cato’s borrowing is in tune and works fine. Once everyone is set to go, she connects the microphone and takes out the piece of paper that has the practice “schedule” on it.

“Uh, it says we’re practicing ‘Truth or Dare’, ‘No Regrets’, and ‘Sandcastles’ today. Why does it say ‘Sandcastles’ in there, that’s a piano solo.” She looks back at Airael. “Rae, you wrote the list.”

Airael shrugs. “I thought that having your best song for our guitarist would be a good idea.”

Cato mutters something about not being a guitarist while Absinthe looks at the scribbles with narrowed eyes. Then she crumples up the paper and throws it at the table. “Okay, we can do that. But let’s start with a quick runthrough of ‘No Regrets’. We didn’t play that at the last venue, so I want to see what needs some work.”

Cato flips through the stack of papers, and his eyes flick over each page with the same sort of focus he gave Airael. Then he runs forwards, drops them on the table, and runs back into place.

Gemini raps the beat with her drumsticks, and then she and Airael jump into a hard and fast rhythm. She leans forwards into the microphone set up over her drums, and screams.

“OH MY GOD THIS REALLY FUCKING SUCKS! I STILL LOVE YOUR STUPID FUCKING MUG! GOT HIT BY A FUCKING TRUCK! AND YOU’RE HERE STILL GIVING FUCKING FUCKS!” Her voice is guttural and animalistic as her hands move wildly across the drumset. She holds the last vowel as the bass and drums stop and the sound drops away.

She closes the word harshly, and restarts her playing; albeit, more restrained. Airael joins in at the same time, playing the low and slow baseline as Cato takes a deep breath, and starts playing with everyone for the first time. 

He plays incredibly well, and although the melody he plays on the guitar is different from what Michael played, it still fits well with everything else. But Virtue already knew that Cato was good, they knew that he would fit in with the band sonically. They’re waiting for Absinthe to sing.

Absinthe looks at Virtue, and nods. She rolls her shoulders back, stands tall, and opens her mouth.

“I cried alone again today.” Her voice is the winter sun cutting through the abyssal surrounding darkness. “It’s hard to heal this heartbreak. I’d rather have loved you here, but you decided to disappear.”

The weight of grieving a love and friendship suddenly lost shoves its way into Virtue’s chest as the words lilt off Absinthe’s tongue. Cato jolts, but doesn’t stop playing as he moves his eyes to look at the singer.

“Hey, it’s me, it’s about us. You said we’re still in love. And I cry curled in my bed, about the last text you sent. Who could have guessed that this is how our story ends?” Even through the waves of heartbreak and sadness, Absinthe smiles as she lowers the microphone. Gemini and Airael play their parts with the anger they’ve always infused them with, and Cato moves his fingers across the frets. He plays a dissonant melody, counteracting the smooth major that Absinthe had been singing. Absinthe’s grin gets larger.

As they continue through the song, it’s a constant fight of three emotions. Anger, from Gemini and Airael, grief, from Absinthe, and desperate confusion from Cato. The sound gets louder and louder, everyone fighting more and more, until Cato suddenly strikes a power chord, and the drums and bass stop. Airael and Gemini are looking at Cato with curiosity as Absinthe brings the mic to her lips one last time.

“I hold no regrets.” She sings lightly. “You were my best friend. But this is the end.”

There’s a still, anticipating moment. The air holds its breath as the last of the grief fades into acceptance, and fades into nothing. Absinthe breaks the silence with a ragged gasp, and she rubs at her eyes for a moment before looking at Cato.

“Are you sure you don’t want to be our guitarist?” Her voice is no longer crystalline, but instead thick and heavy. Her fingers pick at the edge of her skirt and the jeans beneath it. 

Cato takes a moment. He looks at Gemini, then Airael, then to his own hands holding a guitar that isn’t his own. “I- uh.” He stammers, and clutches the guitar tightly. “I, I think so.”

A shuddering weight is released from Absinthe. She grins, nods, and turns to the rest of her bandmates. “Cool! So I think we did really good at the first few verses, but at the second chorus we accidentally got a little lost in the middle of everything and it took some time to get back, so let’s start around there.”

Virtue huffs a laugh and shakes their head. They knew, of course, that Cato would say yes. Absinthe is the golden apple just out of reach, the clear water you’ll never drink, but just knowing it exists is enough to sate an appetite.

[forcedhesitation]

fuck it up nancy

dead by daylight-- the game where you can play as steve harrington from stranger things, and can get sent to partake in a match of murder hide and seek at midwich elementary from silent hill, where you can then use a lute to perform bardic inspiration from dungeons and dragons to give a bonus to your teammates, except for the one who is being chased by nemesis from resident evil 3.

[mistercrowbar]

I had a thought about an ascended to godhood Aldiirn and I think he’d be the god of a certain kind of fear.

I figure it’d be that kind of fear a fresh faced bard would feel looking out over a crowded tavern and realizing they’d never played infront of this many people before.

Or the anxieties of a diplomat trying to talk their way out of a deal while bound at the hands.

Or even some love drunk bastard trying to work up the courage to tell their paramour how they truly feel.

See it’s not just stage fright. It’s that deep down fear of failure and all that could be lost should you take that chance.

In those moments when those poor shaken sods think “by the gods please let this work.” That’s when Aldiirn arrives.

His help varies by situation. Some simply need the right phrase, the right chord, the right move, or even just affirmation that the only thing worse than doing it scared is being left with the “what if” for the rest of their days.

You may think a god like this would be one of courage and bravery, but you’d be mistaken. What it takes to turn fear to courage varies from person to person, but regardless if your audience is a band of killers, the love of your life, or an actual audience.

The fear is always the same.

He’d be the god of doin it scared. The Dalai Lama of the doubtful diplomats and dawning divas. The higher power of the hold my beers and anxious dears. He’s the little voice in the back of your mind saying “You can do it and here’s how!”

I can’t promise that he’d make the world a better place, but I can guarantee he’d make it far more interesting.

Anon how dare you write such beautiful things about my character. I’m blown away by this. Its so good. So spot on. It’s perfect. I’m gonna be reading and rereading all day. I’m printing it out and putting it up on my office art wall.

I keep wanting to joke that “you think Aldiirn is a scared neurotic guy now? Guess what he used to be WORSE,” but like, no, he still is “worse,” he’s just learned ways to cope and power through and get things done while scared. Not all his methods are healthy, and sometimes he falters, especially with the Rosymorn arc just piling on a bit too much for him to handle, but he gets through and comes out better for it.

And isn’t a tav there to help the other companions overcome their fears? What is Bardic Inspiration but a “you got this!” just when it’s needed? I’ve always loved bards for being a support class that uplifts the party, and Aldiirn is sure as hell gonna be there for his. He’ll be by their sides to give just the nudge they need to overcome their fears.

I actually just finished lettering a page form comic scene of Aldiirn and Lae’zel discussing the egg. And like. Yes I do play up Aldiirn’s fear of her for laughs. But the scene ended up becoming the epitome of “do it scared.” How Aldiirn was raised, subservience is survival, hence all the times he’s “yes, mistress” to Lae’zel. But to actually get through to her he’s gotta do things the githyanki way which is to flex your own clout and ooouuugh he does it but his mind is SCREAMING at him the whole way because this is how you end up ragdolling down the mountainside!!! But he does it. He does it scared.

Thank you for this anon, your writing is just, so eloquent. Writing’s always a struggle for me, but when comics I can just push an expression or all this feeling I have onto a page and hope someone picks it up and it’s just, so good when someone see it’s there.

Keep on keeping on!

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Medieval AU Masterlist

A Game of Life (ao3) - Koolhotsweetloveberries

Summary: Daniel Howell, an honorable member of the King's Knighthood, does not expect much from his time at court. All changes when the court jester, Philip Lester, enters.

Bardic Inspiration (ao3) - dickiegreenleaf

Summary: Dan is a travelling bard looking for a safe place for him and his beloved horse to spend the night. Thankfully, the local tavern owner, Phil, can offer him one.

Come along (ao3) - ottertrashpalace

Summary: In medieval England, a young knight rides north, sent to serve at the court of the quiet young Duke of Lancaster.

Criminal (wattpad) - worriedpeach

Summary: Medieval AU. Daniel Howell is a nonviolent sweetheart who adores his mother and sister, living peacefully until the day the Marcella Kingdom guards show up in his home, telling him he has murdered a citizen. His penalty? Death. But that is interrupted by a supposedly extinct creature, leading the infamous criminal, Philip Lester, to save him

Forbidden (ao3) - ohhowellno

Summary: Prince Daniel is preparing to become the king it all changes when he meets a kitchen servant named Phil. As they fall in love they realize that it may not be as easy for them to be together as they thought.

Gods, Men, Kings. (ao3) - metal_arm_metal_shield

Summary: Prince Daniel had grown up in a palace; surrounded by wealth, with a life of glory laid before him

He had never known want.

Until his eyes beheld Philip.

He could have everything he ever wanted, except for him.

i fall for the same face every time (ao3) - zsunsetz

Summary: In every universe, in every lifetime, in every world, he promises that he will love him.

Kiss From a Rose (ao3) - Nefertiti1052 (Succubusphan)

Summary: Phil is a hawker trading from town to town and looking for an adventure, but when he is caught out in a storm, a beautiful stranger becomes his only hope.

Legends of the Light of Heart (ao3) - serendipnpipity

Summary: Once upon a time, when the land was still ruled by kings and queens, there lived a young prince named Daniel, heir to a dying land...

names of collision in the dark (ao3) - Anonymous

Summary: Of enemy kingdoms, Prince Dan and Prince Phil meet one fateful night, leading to a surprising friendship that evolves into something more. As the looming threat of a major battle grows stronger, both princes grapple with their roles and the burdens of leadership, all while their growing bond forces them to confront their own kingdoms’ expectations and the possibility of peace in the chaos.

(aka the dan and phil royal au fic they wrote for the gaming channel but taken seriously)

October 19, 1209 (ao3) - yikesola

Summary: Phil had almost made it into town and was starting to feel relief. He had met no trouble, no roving bands, nothing to pull him from his way, for the nearly 20 mile journey from his parent’s village to Manchester.

A fic about bravery and wants.

of damsels, knights, and fairytale endings (ao3) - artbabe

Summary: Phil is a shy baker's apprentice in a little village that is quartering knights on their way to a great battle. He catches the eye of Sir Howell, a handsome knight whom he may never see again.

Outlawed (ao3) - aphroditegf

Summary: Desperate to prove himself as a knight, Sir Phil Lester captures a criminal he finds at the scene of a burning village, and tasks himself with taking this mysterious outlaw Dan to the capital.

Prince... oh my prince (ao3) - ReallyPham

Summary: Rich girls don't marry poor boys.

But can rich boys marry poor boys?

Royal Love (wattpad) - PhanOnIce

Summary: Taking place in Medieval Times, Prince Daniel falls in love with his servant Philip and is determined to make their relationship work.

the ladyknight dan fic (ao3) - baroquen

Summary: It's 1138, and Civil War is stirring in England. In the North, rumors of a Scottish invasion have begun to spread. Dan is a knight whose disguise as a man has recently fallen to pieces. Phil is the odd daughter of a country lord. They fall in love. This is a story about some of those things.

thought of you often (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: On Daniel's twenty first birthday, a man walks into his banquet hall that he hasn't seen in years.

[vangoghschair]

Part 2 of scenes for my band AU, Anthony's band reacting to the merge for a lil bit then the first meet up (ignore the messy tenses):

Courtney ran a hand through their hair, bottom lip trapped between their teeth.

Arasha objects.

"We can't do a contract with 'Bardic Inspiration'!"

Anthony remains seated with his arms crossed. His tattoos slope and spiral around his arms like serpents.

"Why's that? I wasn't aware of any issues when I, your manager, signed this contract with them."

Tommy leaned forward in his chair, eyes narrow and hands gesturing wildly. "Well theyre just, ugh! They're just completely different from us!"

Trevor nods, tapping a tune into the table to calm himself. He remains silent for the sake of his anger management therapist. He could really drive his fist into the wall right now but he was working so hard and he couldn't risk this position, no matter how ridiculous the manager was.

"Mr Hecox is an old friend of mine," Anthony began, Tommy and Courtney shared a look, "not sure what that look was supposed to mean, but we found that the only way to stop us from-"

The word "failing" faltered on his tongue, he replaced it with

"-being forgotten by the media, is to pull a huge stunt. And that stunt takes the form of a joint album and tour."

Trevor pushes back in his chair and stands up to leave, fists clenched tightly.

"The meeting isn't over," Anthony announces as Trevor makes it to the door.

"No," he replies, "but this fucking band is. There's not point in salvaging it if it means becoming something totally different."

"You forget yourself, Evarts," Anthony whispers, not quite meeting his gaze, "go home before you get yourself hurt."

The door slams as Trevor leaves. Arasha twitches at the noise.

"Congratulations!" Tommy snarls, "you're going to tear us apart with this contract shit, what were you thinking?"

Anthony rests his face in his hands and groans. He looks up and responds.

"Trust me, please. I know that this is what we need for our big break. After this, we'll be back in track, we'll never have to see 'Bardic Inspiration' again, okay?"

A unanimous grumble of agreeance came from the remaining band members.

"Can we leave now?"

"Yeah, yeah. And make sure Trevor gets home, alright? He can't be hung over for the meeting tomorrow."

Arasha nods, the others refuse to acknowledge him as they leave.

"Bye, then," he sighs, pulling out his phone.

Hecox, Ian (BI) >

- how did it go with your lot

Not good. They're pissed, you? -

- same here, still doing meeting tmw?

Yes. Please stop texting like that. -

- like wut?

🖕 -

- 🥺

Fuck off, see you tomorrow -

- cya!!

[dndwithaerin]

Part 3 - The First Bell Rings

Two days on from Laura’s misadventures in the slums, she and Orlaith brought Sean to LeStrand’s to examine the campus and see if study of magic may interest him.  The look on Sean’s face made it apparent he had never seen a structure so extravagant, with its many buildings, vaulted covered walkways, and brilliant towers.  Laura’s first plan of action was to seek out the head of the school’s Magi-musical studies department, Professor Zwiggums, with whom she had been acquainted just a few days prior, though without any classes in said line of study, Laura wasn’t actually certain as to where he could be found.

The first group of students she sought assistance from, a gaggle of three blonde-haired girls, were all to quick to brush her off.  And they were all named Heather?  I suppose birds of a feather…  

The next student she approached proved much more helpful.  A young man in a striped shirt by the name of Michael, who just so happened to be an enthusiastic saxophonist for the school’s band.  Sean’s expression lit up upon hearing of the boy’s speciality and he immediately requested a demonstration of Michael’s skills.

The ensuing saxophone serenade was less than spectacular.  Michael’s ability left much to be desired.  Inspired though, was Sean, who swiftly swung his guitar from his back and began playing along.  It seemed Michael was more adept as a follower than a leader, for as Sean’s melody picked up, Michael’s fell right in line, and they performed a beautiful duet.  So beautiful in fact, that a number of passing students were struck with awe at the performance, some even driven to tears.  

The impromptu concert concluded, Michael was more than happy to lead the way to the auditorium in which the professor currently found himself.  Unbeknownst to Sean however, a figure from his past was  also there to see Zwiggums, seeking entry to the academy.  

David Dingleberg, a gnome sporting shocking blue hair, wielding a wholly unique instrument, as if a pipe organ, guitar, and steam engine came together in a holy musical act of fusion.  It was apparently called an “Orchestratron”.  Both Sean, and surprisingly Orlaith as well, were visibly off-put by the device, though Laura was intrigued by the near cacophony, unlike anything she had ever heard, similar to the noises she had heard during a demonstration of magical electricity being arced between two metal coils, a far cry from the plucking of strings or the blowing of horns, wholly unnatural noise billowing steam with every note.

As his performance ended, he immediately took notice of the group that had gathered near the stage, his eyes in particular gravitating toward Sean.  The words they exchanged felt pointed as daggers.  Obviously their history ran deeper than the others knew.  Was David from the slums as well then?

Seeking to resolve the verbal assault, and taking notice of Sean’s instrument, the professor suggested they settle their animosity with music and magic, invoking the ancient tradition of the bardic duel.  Sean was too eager to take the stage, as Zwiggums produced his flute to summon ambience to accompany the ensuing battle.  Storm clouds roared and lighting crashed, as the vision of a stormy mountaintop enveloped the stage, and with no further delay, they began.

Spells flew back and forth, quicker than even Laura could keep up with, accompanied by words of vitriol and disdain, painting a vivid image of the pair’s history.  Sean’s classical guitar held valiantly against the unholy wails of David’s machine.  Early in the confrontation, with a blast of the Orchestratron, the billowing steam extended as tendrils, restraining Sean’s movement. Bravely though, Sean battled through, losing no ground to the mockery being hurled at him, yet still unable to free himself from the steam’s grasp.  Just as Sean was able to free himself though, David began to lift in to the air, not by magic, but by a system of wires and pulleys, and a sharp, intense sound from the infernal device, as if like an arrow, shot directly at Sean's guitar, forcing him to lose his grip on the instrument, in effect forfeiting the contest.

Though demoralized by the defeat, Sean’s spirits were lifted by the words of his rival, unexpected as they were.  Simply, “You know, you didn’t suck”.  Despite the defeat, through the heat of battle, the animosity of their rivalry may have given way to a newfound sense of respect, however begrudging.

With Zwiggums agreeing to let Sean sit in on classes for the day, Laura and Orlaith continued on with their normal schedule, with intent to reconvene at the end of the school day.  For Laura this entailed a lesson in arcane artifacts, in particular powerstones, wondrous gems capable of harnessing magical energy as a conduit for casting spells, without expending ones own spell slots.  Orlaith’s day, conversely, consisted of a lesson in tea leaf reading; one of the more open ended methods of divination, and one she didn’t find particularly interesting, useful for mostly natural phenomena.

The two met up with Sean and Michael outside of the music building after classes had concluded, but just as they were beginning to discuss further plans, perhaps involving a pary being thrown by the band students, an unseen voice came from behind, speaking in low growls and hisses; the language, Laura knew, to be draconic, which meant it could be only one person.  Killian Bosh, the one and only president of the Dead Languages Society, the very same club to which Laura belonged and was treasurer, their pastel colored puff of hair becoming visible in a snap, as they dispelled their invisibility spell to reveal themself right at Laura’s side.  Ostensibly there to discuss the costumes for their end of term dramatic performance, they found themself with an excellent opportunity for some light ribbing.  For what would Laura, an upstanding noble engaged to be wed, be doing going to a party accompanied by a pair of hitherto unknown boys?

Laura introduced her relatively newfound friends to the exuberant club president, who proceeded to chastise her for missing a meeting, having no way of knowing she was a little busy fighting off an insectoid horror in depths of the slums, but why would that thought even cross his mind?  He had come to inform them that the groundskeeper, Oren Oseah, had something of suspected draconic origin to show them, correctly imagining the club studying dragons and their language might just be interested.  Killian seemed to gravitate to Orlaith, as a new face with well-developed erm… assets.  Laura did her best to stay Killian’s advances, but was unfortunately distracted as Sean asked her to fall back a ways so they could have a chat.  At least Michael was there, though she knew he probably wouldn’t be able to get a word in edgewise.  

Sean was concerned with the matter of her engagement, arranged marriages being unfamiliar to the denizens of the lower rings of the city.  Laura explained it as best she could, that she, along with a sizable dowry, were essentially being traded to the family of Lynden Taylor, son of the head of the Imperial Military, in exchange for their association and connections.  The young man from the slums struggled to grasp the concept.  She didn’t blame him.  It felt archaic to her, to put it kindly, though she would regularly use more colorful language to describe the situation.  She further explained that she would be meeting with her betrothed for the first time at the end of the week, at threat of death from her father, though that was a bit of an exaggeration.  Her nonchalance at describing the situation left Sean a little dumbfounded, but he still offered an ear, should she need to vent after her date.  She was grateful for that.

Arriving at the groundkeeper’s shed, they opened the door and were surprised to see Blirix present as well.  Apparently he had been summoned by mister Oren to attend to an issue in the school’s steam system, and, while lost on the grounds, noted quite a few instances of disrepair around the campus.  Surprisingly, the one who ultimately directed to his destination by none other than the academies elusive headmaster, Quattro, a mysterious man rarely seen, sporting a silver mask covering most of his face, around which many rumors swirled.

But more importantly, the dragon business.  Oren took to the storage room to fetch the artifact.  Killian, taken aback at why the pair of young noblewomen would be acquainted with a goblinoid such as Blirix, was left even more stunned as he described the situation they had found themselves in just a couple of days ago in the slums.  A type of beast absent from most encyclopedias, a snake-like body with the torso, head, and scythes of a mantis, capable of eviscerating a man with a single swipe.

As it turns out, the foreman that had shielded them from the brunt of the monster’s assault, was none other than the brother of groundskeeper Oseah, a fact revealed as he returned to the main room, carrying an object just a bit larger than a breadbox.  Held within, to the untrained eye, would appear as nothing more than an ovular stone flecked with iridescent particles.  Intriguing to look at on its face, but according to the man Oren had won it from in a card game, it was a genuine petrified dragon egg.  If this was true, it was nothing short of a miracle!  Dragons had been extinct for centuries, some even believing they were merely beasts of legend that never existed in the first place, their “language” simply a cover for rogue factions.  

Blirix had a look at it, even though his eye was normally trained to feats of smithing, and unexpectedly, the small green man cast a spell!  Laura was able to spot it as an Identify spell, however, when questioned on it, denied the knowledge of it or any spellcasting ability.  But she was sure of what she saw.  It was definitely spellcraft at work.  An artificer maybe?  Though he had had no magical training that she was aware of and artifice took years of study.  Could his faith in the forge and craftsmanship have reached some sort of higher power?  Clerics normally only served the church, believing only in the Empire’s one God.  This was now the second time she had witnessed him cast a spell, only to have him deny any knowledge.  There must be something there.

He identified the stone as none other than the groundskeeper had said.  A dragon egg.  Killian attempted to convince Laura to make an offer on it, but before a deal could be made, they were told of the troubles Blirix had been asked there to help with.  Apparently a student had been mucking around in the belly of the school’s steamworks, and inadvertently summoned a number of steam elementals, mischievous beings commanding both fire and water.  After hearing word of Blirix’s dealings with his brother, Oren sought the verdan’s help in this ordeal.  Feeling a debt to be repaid, as Oren’s brother’s sacrifice had allowed the rest of them to live, and averted major chaos, Laura and Orlaith volunteered to help with this errand, tacitly roping in Sean as well.

What will the students truly find in the school’s depths?

<- Previous Next ->

Table of Contents

[positronicdream]

I FORGOT TO ADD THAT ITS FOR FIZZBIN, 8, 9, 36 FOR FIZZ

9. when in their life were they most scared?

There are plenty of candidates for this, but I think I'm still gonna have to go with the fall on the Isle of Wraiths. As things were looking worse and worse, Fizzbin's mind was racing trying desperately to think of a way to fix things, get everyone out, help them, you're supposed to be able to help them... and then, she failed. Fizzbin is usually overflowing with confidence, but she's so afraid of failure.

Close second is obviously, uh, Surkho and Yew dying. During most of the battle Fizzbin was feeling confident despite the danger Surkho was clearly in. Then Yew went down, then Surkho, but Fizzbin was too angry to be scared before the fight was over. Casting Raise Dead on Yew took an hour. Fizzbin had no reason to think it wouldn't work. Things were going to be fine. "You'll come back when I call you."

Why didn't it work? Did Fizzbin make a mistake in casting? Did Yew not want to come back? (Which option hurts more?) It's going to be fine. We can... find another scroll, we can save Surkho. Surkho, we need you.

So Fizzbin wasn't exactly scared during those events. All those feelings still have not been processed!

36. how do they fidget?

Most chairs are too tall for Fizzbin, so her legs are swinging while her fingers tippy-tappy on the table. Humming and whistling. She's also always moving her head around to look at stuff or listen with her keen perception.

8. what songs remind you of them? if there are specific lyrics or movements, list ‘em!

HAHAAA I HOPE YOU WEREN'T EXPECTING A SHORT ANSWER

There are three songs I had picked out as Fizzbin's when I started looking into character songs: "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall, "Let's Start a Band" by Amy MacDonald, and the third one I am withholding until we go back to the Feywild.

Suddenly I See:

And everything around her is a silver pool of light The people who surround her feel the benefit of it It makes you calm She holds you captivated in her palm

Let's Start a Band:

Put a ribbon round my neck and call me a libertine I will sing you songs of dreams I used to dream I will sail away on seas of silver and gold Until I reach my home Give me a guitar and I'll be your troubadour Your strolling minstrel 12th century door to door

I would also like to point out the Fizzbin vibes in the Muppets' "Rainbow Connection"

But then of course, there's the songs that I use as Fizzbin, all of which are recorded in a spreadsheet shared with the group. All the songs that I've used remind me of the game (and my character) at least a little bit when I hear them. I'll put here the ones that especially make me go "Yeah! That's for that spell!"

for Dissonant Whispers: "Kingdom Come" by The Civil Wars

for Healing Word: "Not Dead Yet" by The Weepies (the bit that goes come on come on, give me a sign of life)

for Find Greater Steed: "Brand New Pair of Wings" by The Weepies

for Bardic Inspiration: "Lifesize" by A Fine Frenzy

for Song of Rest: "Comfort" by Deb Talan

for Irresistible Dance: SPOILERS ;)

Also whenever I listen to new music these days, I'm partially judging it by "could Fizzbin cast a spell with this?" So, you could say in the end all music reminds me of her? I just love my bard 💜

[vortexhq]

greetings from fairewoods, california! we hope you're having a wonderful time, nina zenik ( grishaverse ), figueroth "fig" faeth ( dimension 20, fantasy high ) and anna marie "rogue" ( marvel ), here in our little sanctuary! make sure you read the checklist, and we'll be sending you the discord link through ims! welcome to a land where everyone gets their happy ever after, salina!

{ grishaverse ( book, canon, au ).  joanna pincerato;  she/they;  demi-woman.  }  —  do you hear that? it sounds like ( i'm so hot ) by ( chrissy chlapecka ).  i think i heard ( nina zenik ) playing this before.  have you met them yet?  they’re a ( twenty-six ) year old ( model, influencer & actress ), and they’re usually always hanging around ( sweet escape ).  they’re known around town for ( being a charismatic and affluent russian immigrant that's recently arrived in town, with whispers of fleeing family responsibilities back home trailing behind );  fitting for them, since they’re so ( flirtatious ) yet ( outspoken ).  they’re sort of associated with ( a red silk dress that hugs their curves; foreign languages slipping off their tongue as if they were their own; overloading waffles with syrup ) which makes total sense when you get to know them.  i wonder how they’ve been doing lately;  last i heard from them, they were telling me about a dream they had?  something about ( being unable to save matthias ), but i’m not sure what they were talking about.  they always do tell the strangest stories…  //  [salina,  26 / pst,  they/she.  ]

{  dimension 20 ( fantasy high, canon, ca ).  jenna ortega;  they/she;  agender.  }  —  do you hear that? it sounds like ( teenage rebellion ) by ( sarah barrios ).  i think i heard ( figueroth 'fig' faeth ) playing this before.  have you met them yet?  they’re a ( twenty-one ) year old ( singer & bassist in a local rock band ), and they’re usually always hanging around ( honeycomb creamery ).  they’re known around town for ( formerly being upbeat & preppy, but then taking a sharp turn towards rock & rebellion upon discovering that who she thought was her father wasn't actually her father );  fitting for them, since they’re so ( outgoing ) yet ( rebellious ).  they’re sort of associated with ( a pair of fishnets made from a lunchlady's hairnet; shredding on a red infernal bass guitar; bardic inspirations given with a wink ) which makes total sense when you get to know them.  i wonder how they’ve been doing lately;  last i heard from them, they were telling me about a dream they had?  something about ( trapping her father in a gem ), but i’m not sure what they were talking about.  they always do tell the strangest stories…  //  [  salina,  26 / pst,  they/she.  ]

{ marvel ( x-men comics / x-men '97 canon, ca ).  eva noblezada;  they/she;  non-binary.  }  —  do you hear that? it sounds like ( i'm low on gas and you need a jacket ) by ( pierce the veil ).  i think i heard ( anna marie / rogue ) playing this before.  have you met them yet?  they’re a ( twenty-eight ) year old ( baker ), and they’re usually always hanging around ( rack breaker ).  they’re known around town for ( their tendency to overbake & share the fruits of their labor with others at no cost );  fitting for them, since they’re so ( compassionate ) yet ( sassy ).  they’re sort of associated with ( platform boots paired with ripped fishnet stockings; a southern drawl and a wide toothy grin; streaks of white amongst a head of otherwise dark hair ) which makes total sense when you get to know them.  i wonder how they’ve been doing lately;  last i heard from them, they were telling me about a dream they had?  something about ( failing to save remy ), but i’m not sure what they were talking about.  they always do tell the strangest stories…  //  [  salina,  26 / pst,  they/she.  ]

[herrfivehead]

thought i'd post my list of items for my final stats, as i like doing

light cleric / OH monk: -Helm of Balduran (+1 AC, crit hit immunity, healing for 2HP at the start of every turn. considered medium armor which my durge has proficiency in) -Cloak of Protection (+1 AC, also +1 on saving throws) -Luminous Armor (inflicts radiating orb-- a -1 to enemy attack rolls, which can be stacked--after dealing radiant damage. both OH monk's manifestation of soul as well as multiple cleric spells will deal radiant damage to inflict this condition.) -Gloves of Soul Catching (+2 CON, heals wearer after unarmed attack, unarmed attacks deal 1d10 force damage. literally the perfect monk gloves, considering most deal only 1d4 extra damage.) -Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo (adds your WIS modifier to damage from unarmed attacks) -Periapt of Wound Closure (stabilizes downed wearer at start of combat, will always heal max amount of HP while healing with spells or potions) -Ring of Protection (similar to the cloak, +1 AC, also +1 on saving throws) -Crusher's Ring (grants an extra 3m/10ft of movement per turn) -Viconia's Walking Fortress (a +3 AC shield that can deal force damage to attacker when hit. grants adv on spell saving throws and disadv against spell attacks to wearer) -Darkfire Shortbow (grants resistance to cold and fire damage, allows you to cast haste once per long rest)

swords bard / battle master fighter: -Marksmanship Hat (+1 to ranged and thrown attack rolls, used in attempt to offset penalty from sharpshooter feat) -Deathstalker Mantle (wearer turns invisible for 2 turns after killing enemy until they non-fatally attack again) -Armor of Agility (a 17 AC base medium armor that adds wearer's full DEX modifier) -Wondrous Gloves (grants +1 AC as well as an additional bardic inspiration point per long [bard level <=4] or short [bard level >=5] rest) -Boots of Speed (allows you to "click heels," which doubles movement speed and imposes disadv on enemies' opportunity attacks as a bonus action) -Amulet of Misty Step (allows you to cast misty step once per short rest) -Risky Ring (grants adv on all attacks and disadv on all saving throws) -Caustic Band (deals a flat +2 acid damage bonus from weapon attacks) -Phalar Aluve (i specifically use it for its shriek ability [astarion is proficent in the longsword, but proficiency is not necessary to use its special abilities], which makes all enemies within 6m/20ft take 1d4 thunder damage per attack inflicted) -Shield +1 (+3 AC) -Titanstring Bow (adds STR modifier to damage dealt on top of DEX, which is why I have him using STR elixirs)

eldritch knight fighter: -Grymskull Helm (grants fire resistance and crit hit immunity, allows wearer to cast hunter's mark once per full rest, which i use so i have lae concentrate on a spell in order to do additional damage with the strange conduit ring) -Fleshmelter Cloak (deal 1d4 acid damage on enemies who hit wearer with melee attack) -Helldusk Armor (a 21 AC heavy armor that reduces all damage by 3, grants fire resistance [a little redundant considering the helmet], and grants the ability to fly) -Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo (adds 1d4 damage to thrown/improvised weapon attacks) -Boots of Stormy Clamor (inflicts 2 turns of reverberation on enemies hit with condition from wearer) -Silver Pendant (grants guidance to wearer as a cantrip--i use this for when i ungroup my player character so my speech-proficient companion [astarion in this case] has a chance at charisma-based interactions, but my own character must stay away at a distance or be roped into the conversation) -Ring of Flinging (deals an additional 1d4 damage to thrown attacks) -Strange Conduit Ring (deals an additional 1d4 psychic damage to weapon attacks when wearer is concentrating on a spell) -Lightning Jabber OR Nyrulna (both are thrown weapons, but while nyrulna deals more damage, it can hurt nearby allies and bystanders with residual thunder damage. discretion is advised) -Shield +1 (+3 AC) -Gontr Mael (can inflict guiding bolt condition on a hit against enemy, as well as cast celestial haste and bolt of celestial light)

abjuration wizard / (white) draconic bloodline sorcerer: -Hood of the Weave (boosts both spell save DC and attack rolls by 2) -Cloak of Displacement (grants disadv against enemy attacks until wearer takes damage) -Robe of the Weave (a +2 AC robe that heals wearer upon spell save, and increases spell save dc and spell attack by 1) -Gloves of Belligerent Skies (deals reverberation when wearer deals radiant, thunder or lightning dmg--gale will almost certainly deal lightning dmg with the spellsparkler equipped) -Evasive Shoes (+1 AC) -Spellcrux Amulet/Psychic Spark Amulet (restores one spell slot up to level 6/grants an additional projectile to magic missile) -Callous Glow Ring (deals flat 2 radiant dmg to any illuminated target per attack or projectile) -Shifting Corpus Ring (allows the casting of blur of 2 turns or invisibility of 10 turs) -The Spellsparkler (allows the wielder to generate lightning charges upon dealing damage with spells.) -Shield +1 (+3 AC) -Ne'er Misser (grants a third-level magic missile for free once per short rest)

[metalhead-brainrot]

Back again after the new year celebration and all the dishwashing that entails.

[Album of the day] Wizard Tattoo - Fables of the Damned

Indianapolis, IN // 2023

[Genres] stoner rock, doom metal, folk

[Themes] wizardry, bardic tales

[FFO] pulp horror, gritty fantasy, riff heaven

[Thoughts] I listen to a lot of stoner rock (arguably too much), and this is my favorite release of the year. It's catchy as hell and you'd never know it was a solo work; Bram the Bard is the mastermind behind Wizard Tattoo, a talented multinstrumentalist who can craft stoner doom hits (e.g. "The Vengeful Thulsa Dan", "God Damn This Wizard Tattoo") as well as folky, instrospective tracks (e.g. "Any Which Way But Tuned", "Abendrote"). I simply think this is a genius work and if you're here, give it a listen.

I'd be remiss to not mention Wizard Tattoo's visual artwork; the album art (also done solely by Bram the Bard), is clearly referential to the pulp horror comics of the mid-20th century. These comics are stupid cool, but don't take my word for it: check out this article on Tor.com by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of popular weird lit novel Mexican Gothic.* And if you want to read some Mexican horror comics of yesteryear, check out these two free databases: Revistería Ponchito and El Monje Loco on Issuu.

Bram the Bard further employs a comic-book art style in the music video for my favorite song on the album.** If you dig any of this, feel free to hit me up; I'd love to chat about the album and anything else I've mentioned.

o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>

* As well as about nine other novels and a ton of nonfiction and short stories; Moreno-Garcia is an incredibly prolific author. Somehow I've managed to put off reading anything except her thesis, Magna mater: women and eugenic thought in the work of H.P. Lovecraft, which you can download for free at the University of British Columbia's open collections.

** I like it so much I wrote the character of Thulsa Dan into my Pathfinder 2e campaign as a legendary character. Unfortunately, my players abandoned the campaign.

o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>o()xxxx[:::::::::::::::::>

[From the band/label]

Wizard Tattoo, the genre bending Indianapolis-based metal band by multi-instrumentalist Bram the Bard, returns with the debut full-length concept album Fables of the Damned. Picking up where the self-titled EP left off, Fables… continues the story of a man who gets a tattoo of a wizard and slowly loses his mind–while introducing new characters like the loser of the infamous battle from the previously released “Wizard Knife Fight.” and more. Heavier and darker, Fables… pulls from doom influences (Conan, SubRosa, Bongripper) with classic rock (Led Zeppelin, Motley Crue), as well as a healthy dose of 90s alternative (Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Ministry).

Fans of Wizard Tattoo's unique blend of catchy riffs with progressive and heavy elements will not be disappointed with Fables of the Damned. The album is a masterful display of Bram the Bard's musical prowess and a testament to the band's ability to seamlessly blend genres into a cohesive, hard-hitting sound.

Mixed and mastered at Garage Fire Recordings, Fables of the Damned is also accompanied by original artwork hand-drawn by Bram the Bard himself. The artwork is inspired by horror movies and comics, and it brings the album's six tales of madness to life in a colorful and imaginative way.

[transmogrified-in-the-void]

Chapter 1: Obey the Groove

Virtue, manager of new band Bardic Inspiration, takes everyone out to relax after days of trying to find a new guitarist. Hijinks ensue, and something begins that nobody could have predicted.

When it comes down to it, Virtue thinks that Absinthe is a romantic. A fool-hearty, ridiculous, stupid romantic, but a romantic nonetheless. She’ll rant and rave up and down the halls that no she’s not and I don’t even like romance, but Virtue knows better. 

Every gesture, every gift, every heart-felt word is a sign and a treasure. The idea of a fantastical journey, even one grounded in the real world, is overly appealing to Absinthe’s soft heart, even if that journey belongs to someone else. To put it simply, every moment of Absinthe’s life is tinged gold and pink with meaning, adventure, and desire. How is that not a romantic’s view of the world?

Tonight, however, takes that to a completely new level. Whereas normally Absinthe will find cosmic meaning in what song she hears first, and that’s the extent to their fantasy, the person playing guitar in front of her has taken the toned down rose tinted glasses and shot it full of trenbolone.

It was supposed to be a relaxing night, too, which is why Virtue is so fucking annoyed at the singer. Bardic Inspiration finally got a big break, opening for a tour in a few weeks. So of course Michael decided now would be the best time to go further his game developer career, leaving the band short of a guitarist. Today was the last day of try-outs, and after a night of going out and taking it easy they would decide who would be the newest member of their little entourage.

At least, that was the plan.

Alas, the glue of the group, the poetic Absinthe Malone, chose a bar with local musicians. Secretly, Virtue was hoping that this wasn’t because Absinthe didn’t feel like anyone who tried out over the last few days was “it”. Hoping is useless when you know better. 

“Virtue, I think it’s him.” Absinthe whispers in Virtue’s ear. “I’d need to sing with him, y’know, but I’m almost positive it’s him.”

Virtue groans and rubs their hand over their face. “We just spent four days doing tryouts for 54 different people. How do you know none of them will work out?”

“You know why.” She prods them with her elbow, and Virtue almost hates that they know exactly what she means. “Besides, if this works out, and the band likes him, makes your job easier, right?”

“I don’t think you know what my job is, Sin.”

Too late, she’s already gone up to him as he finishes his song. He’s talented, Virtue will easily give him that. Almost as good as Michael was, at least on the guitar. He has Michael beat on vocal talent, no matter how easy it is to do that. 

Objectively, he’d be a good fit musically. The covers he’s been playing are in line with even Gemini’s stranger tastes, he’s clearly competent enough to learn Michael’s parts, and he can actually hold a tune.

But the biggest problem is the one that Virtue’s been having with almost everyone who tried out. One of the three band members doesn’t like them with a passion. With Gemini it’s more understandable, she’s aggressive and touchy towards almost everything in life. She’s loud and brash and gets on peoples nerves if they’re not prepared. 

In fact, that last fact was so common that a large portion of people who tried out would almost get into fights with the drummer. Granted, some of them were her fault, but nobody in the band wanted someone who Gemini could rile up so often. That fact made Virtue incredibly angry some days.

If they managed to get past Gemini, Airael was the next large obstacle. Virtue doesn’t even know why he dislikes the people he dislikes, but the fact is always loudly announced. If any person simpered or whined when told that they were an “inherently unlikeable musician” (ooh boy Virtue wanted to strangle Airael for that one), the bassist would point blank refuse to have them considered.

And most unfortunately for Virtue, it was Absinthe who took the cake in terms of most tryouts disliked. If they played fine, then Absinthe would sing with them, and then make a disgusted face and sit back down. If they didn’t play fine, she’d tell them to leave while glowering at the paper in front of her.

So overall, Virtue wishes that Bardic Inspiration was filled with anyone else right now, and wishes that everyone stop looking for the magical perfect guitarist to show up and just get on with it. Hopefully (against Virtue’s best interests), this random guy playing the guitar on a Thursday night will finally put this saga to rest.

“What’s Sin doing?”

Virtue jumps as Airael appears next to them. Considering how tall he is, it should be impossible, and yet he always finds a way to sneak around.

They sigh. “She thinks that this guy is the one.”

Airael hums in thought, and looks him up and down. “Well, he sounds good, and doesn’t look like a douchebag, so I wouldn’t mind.”

“Do you think Gems could get to him?”

Another pause as Airael looks at Guitar Guy again. “If she does, I don’t think it’d be too awful. Too early to tell, though, you know that.”

The pair watch as Absinthe moves the microphone and gets ready next to Guitar Guy. She’s almost vibrating with excitement, but Guitar Guy is chewing on his lip and shifting his feet. Whether out of nervousness or anticipation, Virtue can’t tell.

“Ooo! Is Sin gonna sing a song tonight?!” Gemini makes her way to the duo and stands in between them with a large grin. “Is he gonna be the one?”

“We don’t know, Gems.” Virtue almost sighs, the exasperation almost drowning them. Why is it that everyone they work with is so exhausting? “If, against all odds, Absinthe likes him, and Airael likes him, and you don’t kill him, then I’ll talk to him. But who knows if that’s ever going to happen.”

Gemini’s grin only grows sharper. “Cross my heart hope to die, I won’t cause any major problems.”

“That doesn’t help with anything.”

“C’mon, Virtue. She’s so cute she’d never hurt a fly.” Airael bends over towards Gemini and gives her a peck. “Look at her.”

Virtue groans. “Flies are not who I’m worried about and you know it.”

“Look at her!”

“Ahem.” The group turns to look at Absinthe standing at the front of the small stage with a big smile. Even a year later, Virtue can’t believe how perfect she looks with a microphone in her hand. “I thought you all should get a little bit extra on this beautiful night! So a little change in vocals for this song!”

She looks back at Guitar Guy and mouths a countdown. He starts to play the beginning of Absinthe’s little brother’s favorite song, and Virtue decides to watch him play instead of watching the crowd like they normally do. 

Absinthe starts to sing, and the familiar wave of unending care, love, and excitement rolls through Virtue. The dirty secret of Bardic Inspiration’s success, their singer’s ability to push their emotions out into the world using music, literally. A secret held only by her three bandmates, and one ex-bandmate. 

Virtue watches as Guitar Guy relaxes, and then tenses his shoulders. He takes a deep breath while playing, closes his eyes for a moment, and his body relaxes again. When he opens his eyes, they follow the crowd, and slowly find Virtue’s gaze. To his credit, he doesn’t flinch. He’s probably played here a few times, if a stranger’s stare isn’t startling.

Their shared gazes hold for a few seconds more, and he goes back to scanning the people who are likely looking at the stage with a new reverence. Virtue can understand their reaction. It’s similar to their first time hearing Absinthe sing. The pure force and genuinity of the emotions sent out feels like touching divinity in so many ways. 

The more that Virtue studies Guitar Guy, the more they see how subtle his reaction to the Power is. His face didn’t change, other than the initial tensing it’s not apparent what happened, but he’s truly relaxed now. The tensing in his legs is gone, he isn’t sitting perfectly straight in the chair anymore, and he’s actually looking at the crowd.

The singing stops, and there’s a taunt silence as everyone realizes that the music isn’t playing. They clap, Absinthe does a dramatic bow, returns the microphone to its stand in front of Guitar Guy, and she skips over to everyone. 

“I think he’s the one, guys.” She grins. Airael holds out the drink she’d been sipping at earlier, and she shakes her head. “I’m already on cloud nine. That was better than any time I sang with Michael.”

Virtue starts to corral them over to a table to talk as Absinthe gushes over the feeling of being on stage with Guitar Guy. She can barely sit still, and Virtue orders some food for the table.

Airael puts a hand on Absinthe’s shoulder, and she stills. “Sin, we need to talk to him first.”

She turns bright red and leans over so her candy green hair hides her eyes. “Sorry, sorry, yeah, of course. We do this together. I know that.”

Gemini cackles and ruffles Absinthe’s hair so it starts to stand up. “We know, Sin, you’re just excited.”

Absinthe whines into her hands and puts her head on the table. “Leave me alone to die of embarrassment.”

Virtue hums as the food arrives. “So I shouldn’t bring up you essentially bullied a random stranger into letting you sing one song for their set.”

There’s a muffled scream, and Virtue knows that she’d be banging her head into the table if they weren’t in public. Everyone laughs, and Airael pats her back sympathetically.

“Can someone kill me please?” Absinthe begs, and everyone laughs again. Virtue turns to watch the rest of Guitar Guy’s set absentmindedly.

“Also, what’s his name? You never told us.” They ask, and get another muffled scream in response.

Next chapter

[v-l-d-s]

College of Graffiti

To many, the College of Graffiti is a nuisance, a band of hooligans that vandalize the city with no regard for the law. But bards who learn to tag know that graffiti is the single greatest art form. Graffiti artists use the entire city as their canvas, placing murals of inspiration where everyone can see them and personal tags where few will notice. Theirs is a bold, creative endeavor that, while illegal, breathes vibrancy into the city and emboldens those within it.

BONUS PROFICIENCIES Starting when you choose this college at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with painter’s supplies and in your choice of the Stealth or Sleight of Hand skill.

STREET ART Also at 3rd level, you learn the tag cantrip, which counts as a bard cantrip for you, but doesn’t count against your number of cantrips known. When you cast the tag cantrip, you can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to spray out a mural. For the next minute, you and all friendly creatures within 30 feet of the mural that can see it gain a +1 bonus to ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. You can use this ability again and expend more uses of Bardic Inspiration to expand this mural further, increasing the bonus by 1 each time, up to a maximum of +3.

SIGNATURE MARK Starting at 6th level, you can paint a target on a creature’s back. As a bonus action, you attempt to magically spray a signature mark directly onto a creature you can see within 5 feet of you. Make a melee spell attack roll against that creature. On a hit, the creature is marked. Once on each of your turns, when you hit a creature you have marked with a melee weapon attack, you can add 1d8 to the damage roll. Additionally, when a friendly creature makes an attack against a creature you have marked, you can use your reaction to grant advantage on the attack roll. As an action, a creature can wash itself with soap or remove its armor or outermost clothing to remove its tag.

KALEIDOSCOPIC SPRAY Beginning at 14th level, as an action, you can let loose a flurry of magical paint, coating every surface. Each creature you choose in a 15-foot cone must make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC or be blinded until the end of its next turn. Each creature in the area is marked by you, whether or not it succeeds its saving throw. Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

[transhitman]

This goes hard feel free to screenshot

COLLEGE OF THE ONE-MAN BAND

Anatomical Maestro When you join this college at level 3, your body undergoes massive changes, turning your flesh into an instrument. This can be anything from modified vocal chords, to hair made from harp strings, to xylophone ribs. Because of this, you no longer need a spellcasting focus, and are never without an instrument. This ability grants you one extra cantrip from the bard spell list.

Furthermore, you may choose one cantrip that you know which costs an action to use. That cantrip now only costs a bonus action to use. You may choose another cantrip to grant this bonus to at 10th level.

Infectious Tune When you join this college at level 3, you gain the ability to physically spread your instrumental mutation to your surroundings. By expending a use of bardic inspiration, you can generate growths similar to your mutations on surfaces within 30ft of you as an action. Once planted, they remain active until dismissed as a bonus action, killed, or until 24 hours have passed. While active, you can hear anything that they can, and know if something has touched it, or if it has taken damage. They create music independently of you, which can be heard up to 300ft away. As a bonus action, you may adjust the volume or change the tempo of the music from the growths. You may have up to 3 of these growths active at a time, and they follow the below stat block:

Earworm Small or smaller Creature AC: 16 HP: 6 x your bard level Speed: 0 STR: 15 DEX: 6 CON: 17

[The Earworm uses its creator's int, wis, and cha modifiers]

Damage Immunities: psychic Condition Immunities: charmed, exhaustion, poisoned, frightened Senses: Hearing 120ft, BLIND Languages: — Challenge: — Proficiency Bonus (PB): equal to that of its creator

Sound Sensitive: The Earworm has a +5 to passive perception involving sound

Spell Center: The creator of the Earworm is able to use it as the point of origin for any spell, as if they were standing in its position when it is cast.

Somatic Synergy: While the creator is within 30ft of the Earworm, they gain the following benefits:

If healing, weather via items or spells, add creator’s proficiency bonus to the total roll

If at 0 hp, gain advantage on death saving throws

Spells cast by the creator that deal thunder damage deal an extra die of damage

Heal 1d4 damage at the start of each of their turns if not at 0 hp

Well Versed At level 6, you have acquired vast amounts of knowledge pertaining to instruments. Gain proficiency in 3 instruments of your choice, and 2 skills of your choice that you don’t already have proficiency in. Furthermore, countercharm can be used as a reaction instead of an action.

Second Chair When you reach level 14, you gain another mutation, doubling your musical output. Whenever you expend a use of bardic inspiration, you may grant a creature an inspiration die of 1d6, which can stack with normal inspiration dice.

Just got reminded of a homebrew bard college I made a while back and it honestly fucks hard... I really wanna play it now lol

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fics With Titles That Start With B (3) Masterlist

Links last checked: October 26th, 2024

part one, part two

baby, if you wanna try (ao3) - sunflowerwitches (orphan_account)

Summary: wearing jewellery doesn't work in phil's favour when he sees friends that he hasn't seen in a while and they automatically assume he's engaged. engaged to dan

baby, you could be the death of me (ao3) - manchestereye

Summary: “don’t make this weird, idiot. stop looking at my ass when we crawl.”

dan and phil are detectives who “hate” each other.

or, b99 au (kinda) and dnp are sarcastic little shits that spiraled a rivalry over some misunderstandings.

Back Seat Bingo (ao3) - existingcourage

Summary: Phil, a young television and radio personality lands Dan, an upcoming producer as a co-worker. Friendship is inevitable, but what happens when life, love, and fear gets in the way? A 1950’s Phan AU.

Back To Zero (ao3) - intoapuddle

Summary: One weekend, one house, five people, a recent breakup; Dan wasn't exactly thrilled, but he was going to show up for his friend, even if it meant having to share a bed with a stupid guy that sided with the even stupider guy that broke his friend's heart.

Bad at Being Straight (ao3) - Masterread

Summary: Ace!Phil and very gay Dan slowly realizing they may be more than friends, but Phil's not entirely sure how that's going to work out...

Bang Me Like Those Drums (ao3) - Analphancones

Summary: Phil is the drummer of a band, but how will the lead singer, Kevin, feel when he walks in on Phil banging his younger brother Dan as hard as Phil bangs his drums?

Barbie Horse Adventures (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Sometimes friends force you to get over your worst fears, sometimes you meet your soulmate in the process.

Bardic Inspiration (ao3) - dickiegreenleaf

Summary: Dan is a travelling bard looking for a safe place for him and his beloved horse to spend the night. Thankfully, the local tavern owner, Phil, can offer him one.

Because of Reasons (ao3) - adorkablephil (kimberly_a)

Summary: There’s always a reason why … so they come up with compromises. Or, Dan and Phil go out for a fancy dinner to celebrate Phil’s birthday.

been about you, since i met you. (ao3) - smallbump

Summary: Dan is the boy at school that makes Phil's heart jump and do a flip at the same time.

begin and never cease (ao3) - palomeheart

Summary: Dan is a grumpy second year law student living with reclusive, perpetual grad student named Phil. When the holiday season brings out a side of Phil that Dan’s never seen before, Meanwhile, when Phil finds out Dan hates all things festive, he makes it his goal to change Dan’s mind before Christmas. And also to find the perfect mince pie.

be sure to ring the doorbell (ao3) - frostbitten_cheeks

Summary: Dan’s a tired sports reporter. Phil’s a friendly vampire with no real sense of boundaries, a propensity for bad Dracula jokes and a habit of leaving his unconscious victims in Dan’s kitchen. This isn’t how Dan thought courtship goes, but he’ll take it.

be the shift of cornerstone (ao3) - frostbitten_cheeks

Summary: Japan is eight days of sushi and beauty and unwinding and Dan thinking of marriage far more than is necessary.

Black And White (And Screaming Color) (ao3) - mysticstargirl

Summary: the one where Dan is a teenager admitted to the hospital after his lung cancer hits a particularly nasty bump, and he hates it- but a beaming, beautiful, bright-eyed nurse named Phil Lester makes everything a bit better.

Dan is shades and layers of grey-black-white, but Phil is screaming color. The world is printer ink on cheap paper, Dan is thick, messy acrylic paint on rough paper, and Phil is pastel, watercolor stains on hot pressed canvas.

Everything fades with time, even masterpieces.

black butterflies and deja vu (ao3) - kae_karo

Summary: Once upon a time...there was a little boy, his name was- well, that’s not important. There was a little boy, and he didn’t have lots of friends.

But don’t worry, this isn’t a sad story, even though it sounds like it, I promise.

blue can be kind, too (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: A tale of being scared, starting fresh, and making your first ever friends after experiencing violent bullying.

Or rather, four-year-old Dan's first day at his new kindergarten.

Breeze (ao3) - sarahjean

Summary: Usually Dan is the one sitting awake at ungodly hours of the morning quietly pondering all the usual things. Death, our career, our future and so many other things. Now it’s my turn. For me, I always lead towards our future. Our lives after this second tour is over. The plans we made over a glass or two of wine. All the big things that are incredibly amazing to think about.

Bring Me Home From Hell (ao3) - the_unwritten_ruler

Summary: It’s an important moment for Dan when he finally perfects the ritual for summoning a demon, but he gets a lot more than he bargained for when he sets the creature loose on his life.

Broke, Gay and New in Town (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Dan Howell was in dire need for a change - he hated his job and his life and he just felt stuck. His grandfather’s letter was a blessing that came with an incredible gift: A farm. Dan had no idea how to run a farm but he was willing to give it a try.

He arrived in Stardew Valley with few expectations but even so, he could never have imagined he would encounter magic, otherworldly creatures, corporate conspiracies, so many queer villagers, a secret destiny and right at the centre of it all the love of his life.

broken porcelain (put me back together baby) (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: Dan wakes up - in pain, in little tiny pieces he can't make any sense of.

And Phil's out for the day, not there to take care of him while he lays in bed, contemplating the universe and why his goddamn brain has to spread its pain to the rest of his body on his worst of days.

[ask-the-bardic-band]

Bug: I don't know why people keep trying to cancel me, I've never done anything wrong

Bug: So what I make dad jokes on stage, I started this band using dad rock songs!

[thebeardlyben]

Abott's Bardic School of Rock & Gnoll plays a celebration song for #gnollvember2022. Front row left to right: @Rockfang27, @SiggYeen, @DrawfulDM and @TKTigerkat

Back row: @DrethenHyena, @callexmonster, @Viva935, @GnollDogg and @SyrusHyena

Thanks to everyone who bought a spot in this YGH (your gnoll here)!