File: jayose/Jayose Library: Music in Yliakum.txt

by Roya Vuntarr


Music is the balance between sound and silence creating harmony throughout the history of time. All will succumb to its beauty in one form or another. While walking through the streets of our fair city, one may hear music wherever one goes. For we, the music makers, reside among you finding corners of our world to grace all with the sound to evoke emotions. We sing of the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, for we sing of life and all that we see. Our muse is that of each other. We travel far and wide sharing the stories, the history of all we see. We touch lives, and in turn are given what others have to share with us, coin, food, lodging... balance. Evenings are spent in taverns celebrating in joyous style, we spin a web of tales, catch their attention, make them hang off every word. We give them respite from the weary world. Music brings together all those who open up to its haunting melodies.

The more a performer plays, the more they gain a reputation as one always will, whether ’tis good or bad. If ’tis good one may be asked to entertain at parties, or perhaps to be staffed. It is a blessing and a curse to become staffed, for they have all the luxuries they could wish for, but they forget the true meaning of music... to share. They reside in the homes of those they work for, they provide song whenever asked. They become blind to the outside world. They lose touch with the rhythm of life. The music becomes shallow, pointless and meaningless. It no longer evokes emotion but takes up sound and silence. People come to dance at parties but they don’t stop to listen to the words, nor do they feel the music, they only listen to it to keep pace with the others. These so called musicians forget the times when music healed the wounds left from the loss of a departed friend. As a last tribute as they descend into the well, they are given a last song to ease them from this world. The music touches our hearts and pulses throughout our veins, we feel it, alive, and know that we are not dead and must keep on living.

Music can be found in the world all around you, in Xiosia’s breath blowing gently through the trees, through chimes placed by Talad marking another beautiful hour spent in the glory of Yliakum. For Talad placed the chimes so that all would hear peaceful music that would sooth the souls of those coming to pray. Music is felt in your feet as you walk to the beat of your own soul, the pulse of your existence. Music is heard in your voice in the sharing and communication with all Yliakum’s creatures. Music is everywhere, all around us, enveloping us in sound... and silence.

We all move to the beat of our own musician and even to the voice of different instruments. Enkidukai love to hear the sound of the ’h’oka pont’. Its voice is harsh, the three strings sounding together to create intricate harmonies and discord. The slender neck, sleek and elegant holding the strings taught, keeping in tune with the world around. The strings resonate from the hollow drum with a taut skin so all may hear its beautiful music. Their claws make for excellent picks to quickly strum a tune that winds its melody deep in your soul until it is a part of you. Its fervent rhythm dances within you calling you to battle, perhaps to one of the heart. It is said that the call of the h’oka pont is like that of an ulbernaut to meat, no enkidukai can resist the call.

Diaboli flock to the sound of multiple voices raised in song. The sounds of their voices work together entwining themselves like braided rope. Their voices creating intricate melodies, that intertwine with each other, weaving a story through song.

Kran even though they have no ears, enjoy music as well as any other race, as they hear sound through vibrations, their skin is ultra sensitive to music. It is said that when playing an instrument the vibrations of the instrument’s voice can be so intense, the Kran feel the music throughout their entire body, and that they are truly one with music. Ah, to just once be able to experience that feeling would be truly divine.

Dwarven music is a cross between that of drunken poetry and bashing drumbeats. They keep pace and flow with the life of a miner. Their digging itself is that of music; it is no wonder that many songs are written out at the mines while the hardy dwarves pick away at the walls of the rich ore filled rock.

There is nothing though that can compare to the sound of a large group of Xachas playing intricate instruments. Their love of math and science is heightened within the purpose of sharing music. The sounds and textures of the instruments blend like flavors on your tongue, working together to create the right palate of sounds dancing inside your ear.

Stand back I say, for when the klyros play they feel and express the music with all they have. It is truly a sight to see. Their wings begin to keep time, to an unheard song, the air they disturb is felt before heard. They play instruments of the land, things found but not made. A simple melody is their choice, but look down upon it not, for many a person be entranced by the sound of a klyros melody.

Nolthrirs’ songs are truly odd to those that are not aware of their gifts. They click and whistle, and wail which on land may sound rather eerie but this gift in their throat allows them to sing underwater. For deep under the water their song shall travel, It is elegant and beautiful, a true hidden treasure.

The lemurs’ instruments are simple enough in form, they are typically that of a harp or zither, an instrument played with their hands. This leaves however their voices to be raised in song, sharing the songs of life.

Dermorians are rather nomadic. They travel the lands far and near. They bring back stories so entertaining and new. Their voice so clear and understanding that all whom are there are stricken anew. One is left waiting on every breath to hear what shall happen next. Percussion and sound is the life of the rhythm, that which turns the world around.

The Ynnwn tell stories of history and life. They speak of the stories told many years ago. Epic tales with the heartbeat of the world beating ever so steady onward through time, always continuing. Their drums are made of the gifts of Yliakum, wooden with tanned hides.

The Ylians they be interesting, no music of their own, however they are not picky, and shall listen to whatever you say for as long as it pleases them. They move often from style to style. True musicians that they are, they listen to all styles and respect them all.

I am taking the time out from my music to share with you the importance of music in this world in which we live. For without music, there would be no sound or silence. Without sound or silence, there would be no world. For with sound and silence our world was created by the gods. Look upon those who share their music not with pity and loathing but with a new found respect. Stop, and listen to the music around you, for you too will find we are the same, for there is music in all you do.