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A bard is an SCA performing artist, generally a singer, poet, or storyteller. (In some regions the term is expanded to include jugglers, puppet theater, improv, instrumental music, etc.) The Northern [[Oaken]] region has a loose affiliation of bards called the Northern Oaken Gorsedd (pr. GOR-seth).

See also: [[Bardic]] [[Bardic Champion]]

[[Bardic Madness]] is an annual day-long event focused exclusively on the bardic arts hosted by different groups each year. It features classes on different aspects of the performing arts, and a series of challenges (NOT competitions) that encourage performers to stretch and try something new. Challenges are announced in advance, and each generally has a patron who gives each entrant a small token, often tied to the theme of the event or the challenge. Some challenges require advance preparation, but many require the entrant to compose their response on the day, sometimes on the spot! (e.g., "Here's a picture (drawn earlier in the day, often by kids), here's a tune (drawn from a hat). Make a song about the picture using that tune. You have fifteen seconds. GO!")

There is always a good deal of laughter, as challenges often encourage humorous, if not downright silly, responses. There is typically a lunch tavern and a simple feast in the evening. Often, the venue allows for a post-revel [[bardic circle]] that can last into the wee hours.

From 2007 to 2015, the NO Gorsedd hosted an annual event called Bardic Roundhouse. It was a midsummer camping event with a deliberately relaxed schedule. ("What's scheduled between 12:30 and 3?" "NOTHING!") The site fee included meals, featuring a baked-potato bar for lunch on Saturday, and a picnic cookout - with hamburgers and hot dogs - Saturday evening. The event was supported by the baronies [[Cleftlands]] (who provided financial backing and official sponsorship) and [[Brendoken]] (who provided their giant tent, "Monstro".) The event went on hiatus in 2016 due to the 50-year event; it's unclear whether it will return.

==Awards==

There are no Bardic-specific awards, but skilled performers (and usually, dedicated teachers) may be recognized with any of the Arts awards: Order of the [[Willow]], Order of the [[Evergreen]], or Order of the [[Laurel]]

Kingdom Positions and Regional Challenges include:
* Bard(s) of the court of the current royalty
* The NOBLE Cup Bardic Challenge is held annually at the North Oaken War Maneuvers (NOWM)

==External Links==

Midrealm bardic websites

Northern Oaken Gorsedd page: [http://no-gorsedd.org]

Bards of the Midrealm: [http://tilted-windmill.com/midbards/bards.html]

Mistress Elashava's YouTube channel, featuring bards from all over the Known World: [https://www.youtube.com/user/ShavaSue]

Bardic Madness (Midrealm): [https://sites.google.com/site/bardicmadnessmid/archive]

[[Category:Terms]]

[[Category:Titles]]

Bard - Revision history

Brackenburye: 1 revision imported

mk>Dorothea at 22:53, 22 June 2025