Wayland's Book of Songs

History

Wayland was a bard in Corath (before it became one of the shattered kingdoms) who reached his height about 160-180 years ago. He began as an adventurer in the company of such notables as Moreith the Black Prince, Jeb the Druid, Matteus Forvalka, and the Shadowborn. He adventured with them for about 5 years, until Moreith assumed the Corathian throne. During this time, Wayland composed many ballads of the companies deeds (the Death of Flame being the most remembered) and began to use spell-songs extensively. His use of spellsongs (and that of several other bards at the same period) brought back the venerable and nearly forgotten art. Wayland disappeared on a mysterious adventure for several years afterwards. When he returned, he had his sword Acclaim and many new and powerful spell songs. He was appointed to the position of High Bard of Coroth and served his old friend there.

Of the reign of Moreith Kingbreaker much has been written. Let us suffice it to say that the name of Wayland is not well loved in the Shattered Kingdoms due to his connections with the great dictator. When Moreith began his final campaign to take Caernail, Wayland traveled with that doomed army, and was the sole exception to its disappearance. Wayland was found wandering the land, his eyes empty and spirit broken. He was clutching his songbook, his Lute and Acclaim missing. Of the missing King (and Army) he could speak only gibberish, and he soon disappeared into the north, reportedly seeking for solace with Jeb.

Appearance

Brown and beaten, the book appears old and worn. It is a thick volume of two handsbreadth height and one wide. Pages have been torn out, and loose sheets added.

Spellsongs

The following spellsongs are contained within in whole (There are other, partially complete spellsongs in the book, if the possessor has the skill to finish them):

First Level:

Detect Magic (P/S), Cantrip, Comprehend Languages, Dancing Lights (P/S), Light (P/S), Shield (P/S), Sleep (P/S), Chromatic Orb (P/C), Taunt, Find Familiar(P,C,S).

Second Level:

Strength (P,C), Blur (P/S), Invisibility (P/S), Locate Object (P), Mirror Image (P/S), Forget (P/S), Blind (P/S,C), Detect Invisibility (P/S), Fog Cloud (P/S).

Songs and Verses

The Book of Songs holds many of Wayland's (non-magical) songs and verses, most unannotated and incomplete (Wayland is notorious for not finishing his work). Notes and verse are often found scribbled in the margins, around spells, or over other songs. If these could be finished, they would mostly prove quite valuable and saleable, as Wayland was a master of his craft. Many of these unfinished songs might also contain information on lost treasures and enchanted items.