Lorimor has a long tradition of warrior-bards, the finest of whom begin as students in one of its rare philosophic schools. They are not given a sword, though, until they have learned to also compose and sing while fighting. They are reflective and observant, seeking meaning in every duel. If two sword poets are in set to duel each other, they may spend hours in combative verse until the moment is right to draw blades—lighting, ambient sounds, and mood must all be perfect. For them, a fight without art is one not worth having.
Once their blade is drawn, however, each sword poet becomes a flurry of slashes. Their techniques may seem flamboyant, but the results speak for themselves. Few actually strike to kill, though; most prefer to disarm or otherwise avoid the unseemliness of spilling blood, often likened to carelessly spilling ink upon a blank page. Only if they know the blow will be absolutely perfect will they consider striking to kill. These deadly codas are renowned and often recorded for posterity, the most famous compilation being blade-laureate Zaff Darba’s masterwork Contemplations upon the Flametail.
The Circus of Blades
The vast majority of sword poets conduct themselves according to highly formal ritual, as do the members of many artistic and martial organizations in Lorimor. There are exceptions, though, the most notable being the people of the Circus of Blades. The Circus of Blades is a wandering collection of outcast and eccentric sword poets, fire breathers claiming lineage from the dragons of old, preachers proclaiming coming apocalyptic times, wizards expelled from the halls of Greyhaven, and others who don’t fit into proper Lorimor society.
The Circus roams among the cities and villages of the peninsula, traveling in apparently random directions more to stir up the restless and discontented than to earn coins. Wherever it goes, there are epic gladiatorial duels of razor wit between troubadours, astonishing demonstrations of illicit spells, and exotic food and drink, all to dazzle and amaze. Its departure frequently is accompanied by the loss of apprentices and menials eager for excitement, but there are rumors that the Circus has a darker purpose and that fell magics guide its actions.
References
- Realms of Terrinoth