Hopeful Bladesingers must petition themselves to an established Bladesinger for training. The mentor can choose to either accept the applicant or to send him on his way until such time as he is truly “ready”. Once a mentor has accepted a pupil, he trains him in the way of the song, not releasing him until such time as the mentor feels his student has fully embraced the song. This could take anywhere from a year to half a century, depending on the teacher and the student. He is then publicly proclaimed a bladesinger and either given an assignment (Many elven nobles have a Bladesinger or two as a personal bodyguard) or quested to advance the elven way on his own. However, even a “free” Bladesinger may be called back in times of need and must heed that call.

Typically Bladesinger guilds exist to train young warriors. Members have the guilds seal tattooed on their person, and though the Bladesingers are defenders of the elven culture they report to their Guild first and foremost. These elves typically become their brothers, and they often travel, train and adventure together. The Guild even helps new Bladesingers buy weapons, armor and other items starting out, and expect the utmost loyalty after giving such gifts.

A Bladesinger must attempt to advance the cause of elevendom somehow at all times, they must also lend aid to any elf in need. Unless the elf is proven to be an enemy of the elven way of life, the Bladesinger must sacrifice life and limb to save that elf's life.

Of course, the Bladeisnger is free to determine whether there is, in fact, an elf in danger. Too many times other races have tried to eliminate the Bladesinger menace through trickery and illusion. The Bladesingers have grown wary and have, unfortunately, allowed fellow elves to perish while trying to determine the truth of the threat.

Bladesingers are so devoted with their chosen weapon that they may not learn another one. Only in extreme circumstances should the Bladesinger utilize a weapon other than their chosen one, and then only until they can acquire another of their chosen weapon, if their chosen weapon was lost.

 

 

Bladesinger Oath

Below is the Bladesinger Oath. Remember it and heed it. Once you become a bladesinger in Tel'Mithrim, you will gain a book with the oath scribed inside, and the 'badge' of office.

Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, plus one from among Arcana, History, Nature, and Religion, as appropriate for your order

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set or musical instrument

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: One set of traveler’s clothes, a signet, banner or seal representing your place or rank in the order, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the soldier background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a knight of your order.

Your bond almost always involves the order to which you belong (or at least key members of it), and it is highly unusual for a knight’s ideal not to reflect the agenda, sentiment, or philosophy of one’s order.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m always polite and respectful.
2	I’m haunted by memories of war. I can’t get the images of violence out of my mind.
3	I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones.
4	I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
7	I have a crude sense of humor.
8	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful)
3	Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic)
4	Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil)
5	Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral)
6	Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would still lay down my life for the people I served with.
2	Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will never leave a friend behind.
3	My honor is my life.
4	I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5	Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.
6	I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

d6	Flaw
1	The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear.
2	I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior.
3	I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives, and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret.
4	My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning.
5	I obey the law, even if the law causes misery.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.