Hello everybody Jorphdan here the PH is silent. Today I’d like to talk about bladesingers.
Which is a wizard sub class in 5th edition D&D and a prestige class in 3rd edition. Bladesinging
is part of the Forgotten Realms. While your Dungeon Master might allow you to be a Bladesinging
Wizard of any race, traditionally it is unique to elves, and the Forgotten Realms Campaign
Setting.
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Bladesinging is an elvish tradition. It is a blended art of swordplay and arcane magic.
In elven society these warriors are well respected, serving as guardians or champions of elf communities.
There isn’t really a bladesinger school, if you wish to become a bladesinger you must
find another bladesinger to teach you. In 2nd edition bladesingers were devoted to a
chosen weapon, and they could never learn another one. But in 5th edition D&D you are
able to wield other one-handed weapons with which you are proficient.
Most bladesingers work alone. Sometimes joining with other bladesingers to take down a powerful
foe threatening the elvish way of life. Those who see a bladesinger actually battling will
never forget the sight. They gracefully move through chaos and blood. It’s a dance really,
with magic and swordplay intermingling effortlessly. They are almost casual in combat. Elves are
very suited for wizardry, and it makes sense that their magical practice would find its
way into their fighting style.
At its core the bladesong reflects a martial art, and it is primarily a defensive style.
This allows for magical attacks and spells to be used and maintained in combat. The song
of the bladesong is the gentle sound of the sword cutting through the air as the elf dances.
The economy of movement is a large factor in this elvish tradition. At times the movement
can seem misleadingly slow, which allows overconfident enemies to let down their guard. A bladesinger
is not about force or smashing blows. Their sword and magic guide them as they gently
defeat their foe.
It should be noted that a multiclass fighter/wizard is not considered a bladesinger. The elven
bladesingers have their own art and it must be learned from a master bladesinger.
Bladesingers are found in Cormanthyr and Evermeet. On Evermeet they are organized into small
warrior lodges, each specializing in a different weapon. Evermeet itself is a well protected
island off the Sword Coast, and if you’re interested in that there is a video on it.
Click the top right corner, or in the description below. These elves tattoo themselves with
runes and each group of bladesingers have a special symbol they also get as a tattoo.
Bladesingers have been part of the Forgotten Realms for a very long time. During the Arcane
Age they were magical knights that protected Myth Drannor. They specialized in defense
against magical monsters such as demons and dragons. There are ancient texts that call
out bladesinging tactics, that are still utilized today. Half-Elves could potentially become
bladesingers, but only because of their elvish blood. No other race has been allowed to learn
this magical practice. Outside of Elves.
One of the more notable bladesingers was Josidiah Starym. Born in 101 DR he was a noble in the
empire of Cormanthyr. He served on the Council of Twelve as the spell-major. Which is a position
obtained by selection from a magical sword known as the Artblade. The Artblade is an
elven artifact that was created with Elven High Magic. There were three swords created,
the Warblade, the Ruler’s Blade and the Artblade way back in -4000 DR. These blades
helped the elves establish ruling families. With the Artblade choosing the next Spell-Major.
Think of it like the sword in the stone, the magic of the blade knows if you are worthy
or not.
The Artblade was sadly lost in 450 DR by the spell-major Zaos Durothil while battling a
Red Dragon. The blade was replaced by another created by a human wizard, but let’s be
honest that would never due in the long term. Josidiah embarked on a famous quest to retrieve
another, different sword (so many swords), but came back with the Artblade in stead!
The blade choosing him, he took his position on the Council of Twelve and wielded the blade
with his bladesong skills.
The blade itself was black as night, and shaped like a tangible black void, outlined in a
crimson streak which is the source of the blade’s light. It creates a sharp buzzing
sound when swung, and crackles like lightning when drawn… ok stop… stop it.
It’s a lightsaber isn’t it… just… we can all admit it… that
The Artblade is a... it's a lightsaber. The Artblade was destroyed sadly. In 714 DR during
the Weeping War and the destruction of Myth Drannor the blade was consumed. Josidiah sacrificed
himself to break the army of yugoloths storming the city of Myth Drannor. He cast a spell
that took out most of the demons in a pure white flame, but when the flames died there
was no sign of Josidiah or the Artblade. Perhaps it could make an appearance in your game.
Appearing to your player, the chosen to be the Spell-Major.
There are some stats and information on the three elf blades in the 3.5 book “Lost Empires
of Faerun.” However if you wish to bring bladesinging into your game, using these swords
might make a good plot point. These characters are not busy with tomes or unlocking spells.
They look for defensive and useful magic. They understand that fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering. The Bladesinger ally is the Weave, and a powerful
ally it is. Never underestimate the Weave, and focus on the light side… damn it they’re
jedi. The bladesingers are Jedi. Search your feelings, you know it to be true.
Thanks for watching everyone. Please like and subscribe, and share this video with your
gaming group. I’ve got loads of other lore videos so check out my playlists! I look forward
to reading your comments and I’ll see you all in the next video!