Sample file Strings, Songs and Stories The Bard Colleges of Kozakura and Wa 1.00

Everything you need to perform in the traditional styles of .

By Ashley May & Isaac A. L. May

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All other original material in this work is copyright 2019 by Ashley May and Isaac A. L. May, and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild. Sample file Introduction rom the land of Faerûn, a trade route known as The Golden Way leads to the far east. Most Faerûnian folk know only of the distand land of Kara-Tur by the silk, spices, and unique treasures that flow from the east. Rarely, a fighter known as a 'samurai' Fmay come their way, but most Faerûnians know little of what that means, beyond a particularly well-mannered warrior. What even fewer know is that beyond The Golden Way, beyond the land of Shou Lung, on the other side of the Celestial Sea, lay the unique and beautiful lands of Kozakura and Wa. Kozakura & Wa, Twins Nothing Alike Divided by the Sea of Discontent lay two island nations of Kozakura and Wa. For all of their similarities, they have long been locked in a deep rivalry. Though outsiders may see their curved swords and sweeping robes and assume that the two are one in the same, their ways of life could not be further apart. Where Wa is peaceful, Kozakura is mired in constant conflict. Where Wa is prosperous, Kozakura consistently struggles. Where Wa enjoys rapid progress of both education and evolution of the arts, the people of Kozakura cling to their traditions to see that they are not lost to the ravages of war. Lore & Culture These infoboxes are designed to give you further insight into aspects of culture and lore, such as Bardic Colleges of traditions, social views, and even suggested histories. Though all of the provided Bardic Kozakura & Wa Colleges can be used in worlds outside of the Both in times of peace and strife, art is an oft-forgotten Forgotten Realms, these lore and culture tips can necessity. Bardic colleges work to preserve history in help you weave them into your own original their own ways, through theatre, song, dance, and settings. storytelling, and to pass on their traditions and artforms to generations to come. Though the bardic colleges of Kozakura and Wa may seem very different from the flamboyant, outgoing bards of the west, it is important to remember that their Err On The Side Of Caution discipline and dedication does not detract from their These infoboxes are designed to point out areas devoted love of the arts. A geisha's focused and elegant that we feel deserve special attention from both dance, a kabuki actor's explosive chanting, and a noh players and Dungeon Masters. Before the advent actor's trance-like performance, are all as passionate as of the internet and growing cultural exchange, any other bard the world over. much of the west’s exposure to Japanese culture came through western researchers and writers, rather than directly coming from the people of SampleJapan. This has lead t o the pfileroliferation of many harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings that are accepted at face-value.

1 Musical Instruments Of Kozakura & Wa he musical instruments played throughout Kozakura and Wa can be as familiar as they are foreign to residents A short-necked lute, plucked with a flat wooden of Faerûn; though the idea of lutes, plectrum. Evolved from the "pipa" of Shou Lung, this drums, and flutes are not at all strange, instrument is popularly associated with blind buskers, the sounds these particular instruments performing for donations. Tproduce are entirely unique to Kara-Tur. Musical Instruments Gekkin Item Cost Also known as the “yueqin” in its native land of Shou Biwa 35gp Lung. The large, round body of this instrument is also known by some as a “moon guitar”, and is considered a Gekkin 30gp cousin of the lute. 2gp Hyoshigi 1gp Horagai Kokyu 30gp A trumpet made from a conch shell. Though commonly Kugo 30gp used on the battlefield to deliver signals, it is also used Ryuteki 10gp in some religious ceremonies. 8gp Hyoshigi 25gp Paired wooden clappers that are struck against 6gp themselves or against another surface, such as a 2gp wooden floor. The hyoshigi is commonly associated with both kabuki and noh theatre.

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