Making magic through the use of musical instruments and specially-formulated mantras is the domain of the Bard. Similar to casting a spell, bards are able to shape the forces of magic through the vibrations of their songs and cause an effect in all who are listening.

An ancient art, song magic is a tradition that has been handed down through countless generations of bards. The techniques involved in creating magic from music are complex and are considered a trade secret by most bards - you won't find many that are willing to share their music combinations with anyone but a similarly-advanced bard. Technique

Technique

Bards can play up to 21 different musical notes - A B C D E F G (whole notes), A# B# C# D# E# F# G# (sharp notes) and Ab Bb Cb Eb Fb Gb (flat notes). While the musical notation is similar in transcription to more traditional music, Bards are able to produce special sounds that go beyond the effects of ordinary music. By using a musical instrument such as a lyre or harp, bards can cause magical harmonies. Trained from birth, the music of a true bard is an amazing thing to hear.

At least three, and up to seven notes can be strung together to create a magical effect - too many notes and the combination becomes unstable, and has been known to result in lethal backfires of the harmonies. The whole notes - A B C D E F G - have heavier weight than sharps and flats. Depending on the order in which they are played, the notes may have lighter or heavier weights.

The ability to conjure more complex magic depends on the musician's skill level and the complexity of the instrument with which he shares his music with the world.

Instruments

The power of the song can also be modified depending on the musical instrument on which it is played. Allowing the bard to go beyond the ranges of his voice, the musical instrument serves to enhance the strength of the vibrations that are used to create magical effects.

Instruments range from very simple, such as a practice lyre, to very complex, such as the legendary hand-carved viola, a very high-level and high-powered creation. Bards level 145 and higher may choose to obtain a well-crafted violin through questing. One of the more common instruments for adventurers above level 150 is the magical bagpipes. Vendors selling other instruments, as well as opponents one can combat for their instruments, can be found in most major townes.

Common Songs

As multiple songs exist that produce the same effect, a listing of the most common songs follow. Additional songs can be discovered and played if the Bard possesses a powerful enough musical instrument.

Non-combat Effects (Will only work if cast when not in combat):

Invisibility	A C E
Detect Invisibility	A A# B B#
Healing	G B D#
Levitation	Fb C# E# A
Refresh	E F A
Shield	G A B
Sense Life	Cb E# F# G#
Light	Gb Fb Eb
Detect Alignment	Eb C# E#
Enhanced Strength	B A D G
Create Food	D# C# E#

Combat Effects (must be in combat to use):

Invisibility	A C E
Fireball	A G E Fb E
Lightning Bolt	G A B D#
Frost	A B F G# Cb D
Blindness	F A D E
Weaken	A A# B B# E E#