How the Competition Works

Each year, wizards from surrounding kingdoms gather their chosen musical acts for a tournament judged by a panel of their peers. The host realm must provide the venue, lodging, stage, and festival arrangements. Book Six brings the event to the resource-starved Beandom on Midsummer’s Day, forcing Jackdaw to stage an international spectacle during the Dearth.

The Golden Harp of the Muses

The winning realm keeps the Golden Harp until the next tournament. The instrument plays requests without tiring and bears carved figures of a goose, donkey, cat, dog, and rooster. Cantus arrives as the two-time defending champion, while Jackdaw dreams of becoming the first Beandom host remembered for winning it.

More Than a Concert

Bard Cards, magical performances, rival wizards, and festival crowds make the Battle a cultural institution. In Book Six, however, the competition becomes cover for Felgarath and Precht’s attempt to turn an arena full of powerful people into the opening act of a Netherworld invasion.

Chronicler’s note: The title sounds violent, but the official Battle is musical. The actual battle begins only after the rules, judges, and trophy can no longer contain the ambitions gathered around them.