Saga Nova College of Valor

The Saga Nova College of Valor (often just referred to as "Saga Nova" or "Valor") was an offshoot of the first formal bard college, the Harper College of Lore.

Bards from Saga Nova rejected the Harpers' tenet of noninterference. They were still storytellers and troubadours, but instead of merely recording history, Valor bards wanted to shape it. This often brought them into conflict with the Harpers, as Harpers claimed they were dependent on a bard being viewed as a neutral party to events. Saga Nova's activity, they said, tarnished bardic reputation and, in some cases, put Harpers in danger.

Bounty Hunters

Occasionally, Saga Nova colleges were hubs for bounty hunters. Though not technically a bounty hunting organization in the traditional sense, some Saga Nova chapters did seek letters of marque and reprisal from governments, publish monster hunting commissions, and display legal warrants. Saga Nova bards were well-trained as advisors, and some nobles hired them as councilors, spymasters, and court entertainers. Generally, though, Valor bards were "of the people", and often spent much of their time spreading joy, freedom, and peace away from major cities.

Relationship with College of Glamour

Whereas the relationship between Saga Nova and the Harpers was icy, and sometimes even hostile, the College of Valor generally viewed bards from the Deliria College of Glamour as spirited rivals. Glamour bards outperformed Valor bards in the courts of nobles and kings, but Saga Nova was seen as much more "down-to-earth" and accessible than Deliria.