[IC] El’Tael

Part 1: The Bladesinger

The Bladesong is wholly elven and to those whose grasp on the concept is very faint, Bladesingers are magicians who are skilled with the swrod, or swordsmen who can use magic. Both definitions, while technically correct are quite crude. To describe the Bladesinger as either is to not do justice to the Elf or the tradition.

To be a Bladesinger is to adhere to a certain type of life, a specific moral code, a specific philosophy. Perhaps the best allusion to make when describing the Bladesinger to an N’Tel’Quess would be to that of a Samurai on the distant shores of Wa and Kozakora.

Such individuals live by a special code, and are warriors, poets, philosophers, and artists, among other things. Likewise, Bladesingers live by a special code, and are warriors, magicians, poets, philosophers, and artists, among other things.

The Bladesinger embraces, perfects and incorporates all aspects of Elven life into their training. Indeed, most Elves would agree that swordplay, magic and art are the most important aspects of Elven culture, and these three things are at the heart of Bladesinger tradition. It is in the seamless blending of swordplay, magic and art that the Bladesong is created. Indeed, it is only when all three are combined that an individual can access the Bladesong. In a symphony, if three horns are not in tune with each other, three different notes are played, not a single, unified note.

Swordplay is the first aspect of the Bladesong. Bladesingers are masters of swordplay, being intimately familiar with their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their preferred weapon. Bladesingers train daily with the use of their preferred weapons, striving to become flawless in their approach. Experienced Bladesingers tend to think of their weapons as extensions of their own selves, rather than tools to be used in combat, or other situations.

Magic is the second aspect of the Bladesong. Like all Elves, Bladesingers are part of the Weave that permeates through all life. Bladesingers learn to feel the Weave flow through them, rather than to actively seek it out and draw from it as other magicians do. This metaphorical explanation as to how Bladesingers see magic is important. Bladesingers believe that the Weave flows through them. This allows them, in combat or in practice, to access it easier.

Art is the third aspect of the Bladesong. It is certainly not the least, however, as many feel that this aspect is the most difficult to master. Art is generally regarded as an expression of the soul, and is made through paint, sculpture, song, dance, literature, or various other ways. Bladesingers express themselves through all of these, and utilize them when tapping into the Bladesong. Bladesingers, it is said, sing while immersed in the Bladesong, dance while immersed in the Bladesong, and see colors more vibrantly while immersed in the Bladesong.

When all three are blended in perfect unity, the Bladesong is born. The Bladesong is a different mposition from individual to individual. Named after the Bladesingers, it is a transcendental state in which magic, physical actions and thought all become one, along a melodious background.

It has been described by my Selikean Durothil that to immersing ones’ self in the Bladesong is akin to slowly dipping into a pool of warm water in which the warm embrace of the water sharpens all of the senses, all within the backdrop of a harmonious melody that can bring one to tears.


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Part 2: The Knowledge of the Bladesinger

The knowledge of the Bladesingers is passed down from generation to generation in two different forms. Some Bladesingers teach the Bladesong to multiple students at the same time, in schools or sorts. Other Bladesingers teach the Bladesong to a single student at a time, entering into a teacher-andapprentice relationship. Bladesinger schools, or lodges, often teach the more common Bladesinger traditions, while individual teachers teach the less common traditions, in most cases. Bladesinger styles very depending on the weapon of choice that the Bladesinger specializes in, and the prevalence of magic into their fighting style.

The style known as ‘Kerymvian’ is known for using graceful weapons, such as the scimitar or the thinblade. These weapons allow the wielder to take advantage of his or her natural dexterity. In combat, Bladesingers who fight using this style of combat utilize magic to further enhance their own dexterity and mobility. This is my art. I was taught this at the Tyeln'melaa Lodge in Evereska.

The style known as ‘Keryth is known for using larger weapons, such as longswords or bastard swords. These weapons grant the wielder some grace and some strength. In combat, Bladesingers who fight using this style of combat utilize magic to further enhance their own strength and fighting prowess.

The style known as ‘Arkerym’ is known for using very large weapons, such as greatswords, or twohanded swords. These weapons grant the wielder the ability to land very damaging blows, at the expense of his or her natural balance and speed. In combat, because both hands are needed to wield their weapons, spells are rarely cast.

The most common Bladesinger style that is passed down is the ‘Keryth’ form. This is because the style does not stress speed over strength, or strength over speed. It is, instead, very well balanced in that regard. The least common Bladesinger style that is passed down is the ‘Arkerym’ form. This form requires as a prerequisite the ability to cast magical spells without somatic components, so very few Bladesingers learn this form.


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Part 3: Rare Bladesinger Schools

Bladesinger styles of combat can be broken down even further. Specific teachers, and specific schools have developed, over the years, have developed very own forms, that stem from the aforementioned base three. The style known as N`Ivae Teukerym was developed by a group of lady Bladesingers long ago, who wielded scimitars, that were members of the church of Sehanine Moonbow. The style known as N`Ivae Teu'Arkerym was developed by a group of Bladesingers who utilized falchions. The style known as Kerym Syolkiir was developed by a group of Bladesingers who relied on magic to augment their speed and accuracy to levels impossible without relying on magic. The style known as Nael'kerym- more commonly known as H'ei'Yal Drathinmaleé- uses heavier armor and deadlier spells than most other traditions. Various other forms exist, some that are still taught and practiced, while others have since become extinct.


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Part 4: The History

The origins of the Bladesinger tradition are lost to time. Many cite Corellon Larethian as being the first Bladesinger, who taught it to his children. A Moon Elf created the first Bladesinger tradition, though the identity of this visionary has been lost to time. The Bladesong was a tradition that was practiced in many of the ancient Elven Empires of long ago, such as Aryvandaar, Ilythiir, Shantel Othrier, and Illefarn, among others. As such, I postulate that the first Bladesinger began practicing his or her trade sometime after the Sundering. Bladesingers have remained on Abeir-Toril since. At some points in time, there have been numerous Bladesingers in existence, such as at the height of Myth Drannor. At other points in time, like most recently, with the Elven Retreat in full force, there has been a relatively small number of Bladesingers on the planet.


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Part 5: Bladsong among other Elves

Avariel, Sun Elves, Moon Elves, Star Elves and Wood Elves are the primary practitioners of the Bladesong tradition. In my time among world. I have been able to meet a bladesinger of the Avariel, Sun, Moon, and wood Elves. Far recluses are my Star Elf companions, and never have I met an aqua elf.

In the past, Dark Elven Bladesingers existed, primarily in Ilythiir and Miyeritar. Since the Descent of the Drow, however, most Drow have forgotten about this ancient tradition. Some have mixed swordplay and magic as Bladesingers do, but these Drow do not enter into the Bladesong as Bladesingers do.

Half-Elves, because of their Elven blood, can maintain a very loose and brief connection to the Bladesong. I would advise all Half-Elves away from the path of the Bladesinger, however. Their very tenuous connections to the Bladesong have caused insanity and worse, for those who have attempted to immerse themselves into it.