In Norse mythology, Valkyries are powerful female figures who are responsible for choosing which warriors will live and die in battle. They are often depicted as fierce and fearless warriors, adorned in armor and wielding weapons. However, in the realm of fantasy and imagination, the concept of Valkyries has been expanded upon and given new twists and abilities. One such twist is the idea of a magical lyre-wielding Valkyrie. This concept combines the strength and courage of the traditional Valkyrie with the enchanting powers of music. The lyre, a stringed musical instrument, is often associated with ancient Greek mythology, but in this adaptation, the Valkyrie not only wields the lyre but also uses it as a source of magic.
Songs are the main feature of the Bard, and they provide a variety of magical effects that indirectly influence the outcome of a battle in the Bard's favor. Because the player usually needs to be playing the song for these effects to matter, the player can't take advantage of them on their own. There are some combat-agnostic or non-combat songs, but their uses are limited. The idea is that any song should be good to use with the starting party (unlike some starting spells). Each song is a randomized-per-game sequence of ABCDEFG notes, of varying length.
Existing musical effects pacifying nymphs and snakes, putting monsters to sleep, charming monsters are either migrated to short songs or dropped see below. The existing system of monster equipment and item use is not really sufficient for a bard, who has to manage three other characters gear as well as their own.
The lyre, a stringed musical instrument, is often associated with ancient Greek mythology, but in this adaptation, the Valkyrie not only wields the lyre but also uses it as a source of magic. Imagine a Valkyrie soaring through the skies on her majestic winged horse, with her lyre strapped to her back. As she descends into the midst of a raging battle, she effortlessly unsheathes her lyre and begins to play a haunting melody.
Instrument of the Bards, Cli Lyre
An instrument of the bards is an exquisite example of its kind, superior to an ordinary instrument in every way. Seven types of these instruments exist, each named after a legendary bard college. The following table lists the spells common to all instruments, as well as the spells specific to each one and its rarity. A creature that attempts to play the instrument without being attuned to it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d4 psychic damage.
You can use an action to play the instrument and cast one of its spells. Once the instrument has been used to cast a spell, it can’t be used to cast that spell again until the next dawn. The spells use your spellcasting ability and spell save DC.
You can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the save. This effect applies only if the spell has a somatic or a material component.
| Instrument | Rarity | Spells |
| All | — | Fly, invisibility, levitate, protection from evil and good, plus the spells listed for the particular instrument |
| Anstruth harp | Very rare | Control weather, cure wounds (5th level), wall of thorns |
| Canaith mandolin | Rare | Cure wounds (3rd level), dispel magic, protection from energy (lightning only) |
| Cli lyre | Rare | Stone shape, wall of fire, wind wall |
| Doss lute | Uncommon | Animal friendship, protection from energy (fire only), protection from poison |
| Fochlucan bandore | Uncommon | Entangle, faerie fire, shillelagh, speak with animals |
| Mac-Fuirmidh cittern | Uncommon | Barkskin, cure wounds, fog cloud |
| Ollamh harp | Legendary | Confusion, control weather, fire storm |
Source: DMG p176
The magic whistle serves to prevent headaches in herding all of the other adventurers to the stairs, and the wand of undead turning is a somewhat kludgy solution to the problem of one of the other adventurers dying. The Bard is thus granted two free resurrections of the allies before they need to either find another wand or master the Elegy to the Fallen.
The music resonates through the chaos, captivating both friend and foe. The enchanting music emanating from the lyre has a magical effect on those who hear it. It can soothe the weary spirits of battle-weary soldiers, giving them a renewed sense of strength and determination. It can also inspire and invigorate, increasing the combat prowess of those fighting alongside the Valkyrie. The melodies from the lyre can even heal wounds and mend broken spirits, providing much-needed respite in the midst of the brutality of war. The lyre-wielding Valkyrie herself also benefits from her magical instrument. As she plays her lyre, she can tap into its immense power, channeling it through her voice and body. With every note, she is able to manipulate the elements around her, conjuring storms of lightning or gusts of wind to aid her allies or hinder her enemies. Her music and magic become one, creating a symphony of both beauty and destruction. But the lyre-wielding Valkyrie is not only a formidable force in battle. She is also a symbol of hope and inspiration. Her music has the power to bring people together, and her presence lifts the spirits of those she encounters. Whether it is on the battlefield or in times of peace, she uses her lyre to spread joy, harmony, and unity. In conclusion, the concept of a magical lyre-wielding Valkyrie takes the mythical warrior figure to new heights. By combining the strength, prowess, and courage of the traditional Valkyrie with the magical abilities of music, the lyre-wielding Valkyrie becomes a force to be reckoned with. Her melodies not only inspire and heal but also harness the power of the elements. She is a symbol of hope and unity, using her music to spread joy and bring people together..
Reviews for "Capturing the Divine: Depictions of the Lyre-Wielding Valkyrie in Art and Literature"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical Lyre Wielding Valkyrie" based on the captivating synopsis and all the positive reviews I had seen. However, I was left disappointed. The story felt lackluster and cliché, with predictable plot twists and underdeveloped characters. The main protagonist, despite supposedly being a powerful valkyrie, lacked depth and complexity, which made it hard for me to connect with her. Overall, I found the entire reading experience underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I picked up "Magical Lyre Wielding Valkyrie" expecting an entertaining and unique fantasy adventure, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was clunky and lacked finesse, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary subplots that distracted from the main narrative. The world-building was also disappointing, as I found it to be unoriginal and uninspired. Overall, I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book, and I would advise others to look elsewhere for their fantasy fix.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was initially drawn to "Magical Lyre Wielding Valkyrie" because of its intriguing title and the promise of a strong female protagonist. However, I was disappointed by the execution of the story. The pacing was off, with long stretches of unnecessary exposition that slowed down the narrative. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry, detracting from the overall plot. While there were a few moments of excitement scattered throughout the book, they weren't enough to salvage the overall reading experience for me. I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a compelling fantasy adventure.