"Desert Winds Blow in New Bardic Instruments"

by Derivan Hariar

Greetings Elanthia! I recently visited the desert city of Muspar'i
and carefully inspected four of the new Bardic Shops that are found
within the tall walls of this entrancing city. I am happy to report
that they are all open for business and have a variety of new and
exotic instruments for all of the musicians and collectors out there.

After a long, long trip involving an incident with some very temperamental
Gypsies and a patting down by some overcautious sand elves, I finally
made it to the city gates. As I walked underneath them into this
new environment, I was prompted to say that Muspar'i lives up to its reputation
as being the jewel of the desert.

The first stop on my trip was Ishamik's shop. I was very impressed
initially by the quality of the craftsmanship, being an instrument maker myself. The
shop offers a wide selection fit to suit all of you percussionists,
wind lovers, and string players. The sanded bamboo shakuhachi was
a particular favorite of mine. Ishamik reminded me to pick up a
set of four strings for the pi tambura I bought before I left.

The next shop I visited was Laniloti's Zurnas. If you have not seen
or played a zurna before, this shop is a must see. A zurna is a
very old wind instrument that has been used in S'Kra festivals for years and years.
Laniloti uses many beautiful woods to complement her work, including red cedar and golden oak.

Just down the street is S'hhtrkith's shop, where the sounds of the
wares ring outwards from the door. Adorning the shelves is a plethora of bardic tools
that have been expertly tailored from the fruits of the lands. Some
of the unique inlays found on the instruments are abalone and pearl
suns. This shop also has a wide variety of stock, but my personal
favorite is the sarangi, a very graceful looking three stringed
instrument which is played using a bow (the strings and the bows
are also available from the shop).

Across the way is the shop Melodies of the Earth which features
even more beautiful instruments. My choice from here: the pale pi
sitar, an elegant instrument that allows a master string player the use of five strings.

All in all, this bard is very impressed with the wide array of exotic
instruments. Not only priced wisely, they are meticulously handcrafted
as well. With such a great show from this desert oasis, a lot of people are
awaiting the opening of the Muspar'i Bard's Guild.

Well I am now off to raid the Ale & Axe Inn. Farewell, readers.

A heartfelt thanks to all the shop owners who helped me with this report.

By my hand, Derivan Hariar