The Brightsong

The Brightsong guild operates with the desire for information and subtlety. Working as court bards or even tavern performers, Brightsong members embed themselves into society, gathering secrets and rumors. Being individualistic, Brightsong members rarely share their information, using it instead for personal needs or to propel their influence and bargaining power. Throughout the guild, members train in guile and subterfuge. Powerful lords will often enlist Brightsong members as personal assassins or as spies, yet Brightsong help comes with a heavy and often unreliable price. Although the guild often has some level or presence in any town or city large enough to invite a conversation worth overhearing, their main Guild Hall is in Strongbough, the capital of Ralinis.

Brightsong guild members are extremely cautious about their influence in the world. Working to gain influence while remaining anonymous, many Brightsong members will find powerful patrons to sponsor them. Enraging a Brightsong guild member has dire consequences as they may call upon the might of their patrons. Those who befriend a Brightsong member may discover themselves abandoned should the Brightsong believe that their reputation or anonymity is at stake.

Guild Rites
Brightsong guild members must become masters of their craft, centering their focus on professions of entertainment. Working as spies, humble positions that can easy work their way into courts or among common folk are priority for Brightsong members. To enter the guild, performers must complete three tasks. The first is creating a song, dance or act that incites a crowd to act. The second is to acquire the service of a patron. Finally, initiates to the Brightsong guild must defeat a master of the guild in single combat. Fighting to the master's chosen song, the two combatants follow the rhythm of the song. Those who miss a step fail to pass the test and must wait a month and a day to try again.