Your symbol: Blueberry Muffins   Sweet, crumbly and always deliciously in demand!

Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor master elites will stop your singing and dancing! Well, okay, maybe the master elites can pause or stop it...but only them! You're a minstrel --- proud, vibrant and always on key!

You inspire and heal others through song, offering aid and hope in times of despair. Though you are also able to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, you often prefer to assist your fellows, rather than become a cold-blooded mass murderer. This is why you prefer music and song over the hand-held weapons also at your disposal.

Due to your well-developed healing abilities, you are often the victim of unwelcome aggro. Since you don't function well as a tank, the wisest of you will often sing a soothing song to reduce your "threat." And if you haven't done so yet, purchase new lute strings! Ground-breaking research has lead to the development of strings that can also reduce your "threat." You, however, remain baffled as to how any creature or being could fear you when you have a lot more beauty, tenderness and love in your heart than blood-lust in your eyes.

Minstrels are generally the most coveted of the LOTROniac Signs. Everyone wants you. Everyone needs you. And for those reasons, some of you are a bit ego-maniacal, and even charge or have contemplated charging others for your services. Until there is a "national health insurance" program on Middle Earth, you might even get away with charging whatever fees you feel like charging to those desperate...or depraved...enough to pay!

That type of greed is likely to give you Minstrels a bad name, but there are enough generous, caring, charitable Minstrels out there to even the score. Some of you have even been known to resurrect other strangers you happen upon randomly while on long strolls and jaunts through the countryside.

With a vibrant energy and youthful vigor most others lack, no wonder you find it easy to make friends! Whereas others are jaded and battle-weary from amounts of bloodshed none should see in the course of 1,348 lives --- you retain an innocence and hopefulness, as you are there to help more so than to spill or shed blood. In song, you can even buff your fellows' skills, though most still only think of you as the holistic healer, not realizing the full value and diversity of your entire "playlist."

Your friends love the stories you weave, the songs you sing and the way you coax harmony from your instrument as you strum or play it. There is no greater musician than a minstrel, who has talent enough to play a variety of instruments, though the lute is truly where your skills shine the brightest! However, not everyone is your friend, so be careful. Some are merely brown-nosing in order to gain your health benefits!

When it comes to romance, you often use music to make others swoon instantly before you, and rarely do you fail. Your voice has strong magical healing powers that are both hypnotic and enchanting. You can make the dictionary enticing...assembly instructions sound sexy...and even turn legal speak into the finest wine! Your songs have even been the reason you and others have "hooked up," while your Song of Soothing has been the saving grace that patched up many a relationship on the rocks.

This all makes sense somehow, as you've always known that at your core...you're a lover, not a fighter. You know the power of love, "power ballads" and serenades. In fact, on occasion, you've been Cyrano de Bergerac or the ghost-writer/singer of songs, letters and poetry on behalf of your more tank-ish or DPS-ish, battle-weary friends. (Those who sometimes can't tell the difference between the sweetness of a love song, the straight-forwardness of a dinner menu or the dryness of an instruction manual.)

Unlike your friends, you are never at a loss for words. There are no awkward silences and no open-mouth-insert-foot moments of horror to replay in your head for all eternity. You're a smooth-talker with a silken tongue that caresses the auditory senses.

Once your melodious, silken tongue has debuffed your "target," you have the perfect opening to use that soft, masterful touch of yours to send shivers and tingles...of pleasure or fear (depending upon your interest in the "target" at the time)...rippling through one's very soul. No matter your choice, you are likely to be equally as successful in matters of the heart as you are on the battlefield.

On those rare occasions success is not met, you are the safety net that salvages a quest, instance, battle, date or evening...so long as you stay alive (or there is a Captain or other Minstrel around to revive you if you do not). You are gifted with the rare ability to resurrect others. Mostly, this is something you must do out of combat, though...at least until you've become "legendary" enough to earn and purchase the rights to do so in combat, on occasion. Others do, however, question the wisdom of performing a resurrection in the midst of a heated argument, debate or battle, since this sudden distraction could lead to your own demise as well...if you're not careful.

Of course, if you suddenly find yourself in serious trouble, you do have an escape clause other than death. You can play dead! And after some of the fellowships you've been in, this can be a real godsend, especially if you're convincing enough that even those in your own fellowship believe it!

To unwind, you find that having a few drinks and socializing with friends after a long day helps you forget the horrifying sights you've witnessed on the battlefield, as well as helps you forgive yourself for the lost souls you were unable to revive.**

Virtues of significance for Minstrels:

Minstrels are generally very Loyal, full of Wisdom and strong in Valour. Many of you are also very Idealistic and Empathetic, or possibly abundant in Fidelity. As the most helpful and healing LOTROniac Sign, of course you're known for such strong values and virtues!

Discipline and Determination are also virtues inherent to many Minstrels. Those, too, can come in handy when others rely on your assistance and healing abilities a little too much.

Finally, some of you are even known for Charity, Confidence and Patience. However, even those of you without these traits still feel you have them by default when eloquently dealing with others who don't understand that you can't save them every single time...especially if it seems they expect you to save them from themselves!

Primary health concerns of Minstrels:

As a Minstrel, it is vital that you take great care of your throat, mouth, voice and hands, or you wouldn't be much of a minstrel. Do not expose any more of those areas than is necessary when out on the battlefield - and always ensure you are wearing as high of armor level protection as possible over those areas!

 

At the first sign of laryngitis, be sure to gargle as often as is possible. We recommend gargling with Essence of Athelas, or any higher quality versions, such as Refined and Greater Essences. Drink, gargle or swish it in your mouth and swallow as recommended at the first sign of a sore, dry or scratchy throat.

 

Before you put your gloves or gauntlets on your hands, it is imperative to apply a warming lotion liberally to keep your hands and fingers moisturized and limber. After all, the most highly skilled of Minstrels is always able to play instruments on the battlefield, even in full armored attire!

Occupations that Minstrels excel at include:

The "famed" who exhibit Minstrel characteristics include:

**Earnote: Just remember, if you see a "Karaoke tonight" sign in front of your usual hangout, choose another alehouse. Your ears and eyes will thank you. You're a professional. Don't torture your ears with off-key singing and your eyes with those jerky motions some think suffice as dancing.

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