Music in the World of AMWNCTT

Music across the continent of Merion varies depending on location, both by nation and by region within it. Each nation and region has a variety of generic and cultural instruments and music that reflects both individuals and society at large.

## Musical Instruments

On the whole, the variety of instruments is impressive given the level of technology found throughout the world, leading to many recognizable, real-life instruments as well as some others. These vary from small scale wood-winds, which are easier to make and relatively more common, to things as complex, and relatively rare, as pianos.

## United Merion

Citizens of United Merion utilize a variety of instruments, based on both the individual regions and their history, but also drawing from both their neighbors and the osmosis of ideas and people across borders.

### Peasantry

The peasantry is usually found performing and listening to music based around fiddles (or a similar instrument), being a more commonly available instrument and easier to learn basic tunes on, though this varies region to region. Additionally, every region has a distinct musical genre tied in some way (to varying degrees) to the more indigenous style of the region in question.

### Nobility

Among upper-class Merionese, especially the Candlebrooks, choirs and chorales are quite popular. Vocal music -- often but not always a cappella -- is a big draw, and has been since the days of the Old Throne. They additionally have access to pianos, which are rare, expensive, and hard to move. The most notable example of these is a piano carved out of a meteorite, around which they built a concert hall, located in the palace.

### The Knights of Merion

Every order of knights has it's own approach to how it views music. On the whole, the knights of Air and Water view it more academically, while Earth and Fire approach it for its more traditional uses.

* Knights of Fire - Arguably the most affectionate of the knights when it comes to music, they view it as something much more personal, emotional, and performative. Most Knights of Fire either learn music of their own free will or as an elective during their time in the Academe.
* Knights of Air - Music holds little personal interest to Knights of Air, though they recognize that it can reveal much about both the individual performing it and the culture at large of the performer and piece. They value music as commentary of the societal state, but little further.
* Knights of Water - Much like Knights of Air, most Knights of Water don't have personal connection to music. However, many find it an interesting discipline for them to study, viewing sound and the noises it creates a worthy scientific pursuit. They are the most likely to know about historical, regional, and cultural significance of music, as well as more esoteric styles. More often than not, music composed by Knights of Water is an attempt to create the most obscure sounds, and compositions valued by them and found enjoyable would turn most other listeners instantly away.
* Knights of Earth - Being the most diplomatic and courtly of the knights, Knights of Earth recognize the importance of music to cultural awareness as well as a useful skill to have when navigating political circuits. This results in musical training being a mandatory form of education for the Earth Academe.

Additionally, two Knights of the Gardens, Knights of the Feast and Knights of the Cascade, typically produce knights known for their musical prowess, and these knightly bards are able to act as both musicians and political agents. Knights of the Feast are viewed as the superior of the two, being a combination of Earth Knights who can navigate social situations and Fire Knights who hold passionate love of music and performance. On the other hand, Knights of the Cascade, combing their training as Water Knights and Air Knights, act more as spies than public performers, using their knowledge of music to gain access to places they may not otherwise enter.

## Non-Merionese Music

### Barande

Little is known about the musical practices of Barandeans, although they appear to show a strong affinity and enjoyment of stringed instruments.

### The League of the Palisades

Music coming from U.M.'s eastern neighbor tends to involve large amounts of horns and other brass instruments.

### The Ides and "Idesong"

The Ides have invariably perfect-pitch and beautifully melodious voices, and are known for what the Merionese have dubbed "Idesong." In the olden days, they used to be fond of singing on the march, back when they used to have groups large enough to travel instead of solitary wanderers. These songs dealt with places far away and unknown to the Merionese, and are still well-remembered by the population. However, these songs have never properly been mimicked, and even the finest chorale's can't capture their spirit; most attempted reproductions lead to what many consider to be a "butchering" of the original.