Editing Setting:Hail and Kill (section)

===Metal and Magic===
Music is very important in Ferrumgardic society and has multiple functions. Most musicians possess little actual magical affinity and simply travel from tavern to tavern to play for money. However, skilled bards are able to tap into the magical potential of song and use it weave a variety of spells. Ferrumfolk often play slow and mournful dirges at funerals, believing the dirges to be spells that protect the passing spirit in their journey to the afterlife.

To Man, Metal represents more than just music. Metal is a force of will. Keeping ones’ Metal strong and true is the highest of virtues. It is this essence that all must tap into in order to weave the arts of song and magic. In a sense, song and magic are one and the same. In order to wield these powers, one must channel their Metal through an enchanted object. Others dare yet to forgo channeling and harness the power through more volatile means- Drawing blood (theirs or others’) and unleashing the Metal that runs through their very veins! Those who choose to channel through musical instruments are known as Bards. Those who have mastered the arts of the Silent Song and channel through items such as wands, staves, orbs, or rune-engraved skulls are referred to as Sorcerers, Wizards, Warlocks, Witches, and a variety of other alternatives. The various spells that can be cast and rituals that can be performed can be recorded on scrolls, bound in spellbooks, or etched onto tablets. Some spells are commonly known among the circles of Wizards and Bards, while others are jealously guarded in secret libraries and forgotten tombs. Others yet are fabled to have been destroyed, feared to have been too powerful to be trusted with Man.  

While all Bards play music, not all those who play music are Bards. Simply picking up and instrument and playing does nothing to cast spells, just as waving about a wand does not give one the powers of a Wizard. Not unlike learning to play an instrument, learning the ways of song and spellweaving take years of practice to master. While being a teacher’s apprentice is considered the most efficient way to learn, self-teaching is not impossible. Especially talented and creative musicians often make powerful Bards if given the proper guidance.