A system of magic built upon creativity and expression, it is divided into three 'major' arts, which are subdivided into a multitude of 'lesser' arts. one who is involved in the Bardbaric Arts is known as a Bardbarian. one can be initiated into the Bardbaric arts through ritual and rite, by undergoing training under one who has attained great understanding of this art, or in some rare cases- simply being 'lucky' enough to be born initiated.
the three Major arts are Soundcraft, Storycraft and Propcraft.
Soundcraft is the most 'musically' bent of the three major arts, being called upon through songs of great events, and warcries invoking the brutality of nature, it is the least permanent of the arts- with its effects lasting anywhere from a single minute to two hours at most, it is also the most directly powerful- with the proper composition being able to allow men to fight on past their true demise, or call the formation of the darkest storms of winter during the height of summer. an orchestra of Bardbarians are able to work together to bring about stronger effects than one alone with the works of this art.
Storycraft is the art of poetry, dancing, and show- where one recites works that echo with the nature of creation and history to bring about illusion, and through illusion slay the mind and soul of the unwary who have been pulled in, or charm the heart of beasts and spirit, compositions of Storycraft last anywhere between an hour, and a week depending on their quality. similarly to Soundcraft, a group of Bardbarians are able to work together to strengthen their works beyond the norm, but the effects here are lesser, with several Bardbarians typically needing to work together to display the full power of a work where soundcraft simply requires one.
Propcraft is the art of manufacturing objects infused with the power of the arts, whether that be paintings that change as the object of their focus changes, instruments that resonate with the powers of the arts, beastly Totems that ward off wild animals, or masks that allow one to truly display the character they are supposed to be in a play. it is the most Permanent of the arts, with even a poorly made prop lasting months, and true masterworks lasting decades, or even centuries if they are well maintained, but in turn they are the most subtle, where Soundcraft can invoke true flames, and Storycraft can convince one that they are on fire- Propcraft can only provide slight warmth which could be mistaken for illusion. of note, Propcraft is a solitary art, where the Bardbarian craftsman who works upon a prop, will find no extra strength from working with others- and may even have his creations weakened if there is competition in the styles of those working alongside him.
[carving, painting, calligraphy, sculpting, tattoo art, etc- are all valid methods of expressing propcraft, the main point is that something artistic is actually physically made]