Bard

The Bard is the entry onto the path of the Sun and one of the few ninth steps that gives almost nothing to its bearer personally, yet much to those nearby.

Physically the Bard grows stronger, but no more than that. His true skill is Singing: with his voice he places the most varied effects on himself and his allies. The Canon describes this as a kind of "work" that brings loyalty and obedience — that is, Singing not only strengthens listeners but also disposes them toward the singer.

What exactly it grants: courage and relief from fear, an increase in strength, mobility and speed, as well as some spiritual restoration.

Here the Canon is unusually frank about limits: beyond what is listed, Singing can do nothing. It cannot strike, nor protect, nor dispel others' charms — this is support craft in its purest form.

Such a beginning says much about the whole path. The Sun will grow into a power of purification, contracts, and justice — that is, a power that acts on others and through others. And it begins with a person who simply sings for those nearby and thereby makes them sturdier.

The potion's composition rests on the solar and the sounding at once: a crystal sunflower or a fire bird's feather gives light, while a siren's stone or a singing sunflower gives the voice. No part of any predatory beast is in the formula, which is a rarity for a ninth step.