What Makes Me The Brazen Bard
While I may go by the moniker of the Brazen Bard, it may come as a surprise to you that I don't have a class in real life. However, if we were in a tabletop role-playing game, would this be my actual class? As my partners and friends would probably agree, yes, kinda, and I am more than likely a multiclass, with Bard being the lower level. So, what's my main RPG class? Well, that would be paladin, perhaps for reasons you may not expect.
Why Do We Make The IRL Class Joke?
The short answer to this question is that it's fun and also a good shorthand and conversation starter. The long answer is that we are a bunch of grown nerds who like to chat about our favorite RPG and use it as a pseudo-personality test. There is no real psychology behind it, but finding something to relate to is easy, like the plant girl in our group being a druid or the edgy friend who I once played with being similar to a warlock as he would undoubtedly have sold his soul for power if given the chance.
What Makes Me A Paladin
What is a paladin known for in the traditional sense? Fifth edition D&D defines them as "A paladin swears to uphold justice and righteousness, to stand with the good things of the world against the encroaching darkness, and to hunt the forces of evil wherever they lurk." Essentially, what makes a paladin is a generally good alinement, a commitment to justice, and to act as a shield against the darkness.
While I by no means am righteous in the orthodox sense, as I am a heretic and heathen by the definitions of most organized religions, I do believe in morality and doing what is right. Not to appease some higher deity but simply because kindness is a free action and something that I hold dear in my heart. Furthermore, as a veteran and now a father, I can relate to committing myself as a shield against darkness.
What Makes Me A Bard
Bards in Dungeons and Dragons have been memed to hell. Rolling to seduce the dragon, jamming in the corner during battle, and doling out sick burns to deal damage. I do none of those things except seduce a dragon, but that relationship did not work out, and I am glad she is out of my life. But, I cannot play an instrument, and heavens know that if there is a scrap, I will be in the middle of the fight throwing elbows like it's no one's business.
Contrary to the memes and preconceptions about bards being the singing class, I have always preferred to define my personal bardiness off the most well-known bard in history, Shakespeare. I am passionate about poetry, flowery words, and sharing my stories with the world. In my opinion, being a bard is about using charisma to inspire and improve the lives of others. It is through the medium of writing, which I have chosen as my talent, that fulfills me, but it's not the simple act of stringing words together that matters. It is how it enriches the experience of life for those who read my words and play at my table.
How To Find Your Class
Not everyone is a bardadin like me, and to find your real-life class requires introspection and a look at your values. However, we are all likely multiclass creatures. You may be a little druid, a little rogue, and a whole lot of wizard. What matters is finding your passion, what drives you, taking hold of it, owning it, and embracing who you are. It may change over time, but the best part about life is that we can respecialize at any time. No matter how long you sold your soul to a fey in a poor bargain or relationship, you can break those warlock bonds and find your true self. All you have to do is look in the mirror and accept the person looking back.
"Displaced ill waters
Reflecting a fractured soul
That I call my own"
