Based on Profession:
* Low social standing: Bards are often seen as entertainers, wanderers, or even vagrants, placing them below landowners, merchants, or the clergy in the social hierarchy. They might be viewed as unreliable or frivolous.
* Economic exploitation: Bards rely on patronage and tips, making them vulnerable to exploitation by wealthy patrons demanding free or underpaid performances. Innkeepers might demand a share of their earnings for the privilege of performing.
* Censorship and suppression: Their songs and stories might be seen as subversive or critical of authority, leading to censorship, imprisonment, or even execution. Ruling powers might control what stories are told, silencing dissenting voices.
* Discrimination based on genre: Certain types of bardic music or stories might be deemed inappropriate or offensive, leading to discrimination against bards who specialize in those areas (e.g., bawdy songs, politically charged ballads).
* Lack of legal protection: Bards may have little legal recourse if they are cheated, robbed, or harmed, especially if travelling alone.
* Competition and jealousy: Other bards, established musicians, or even guilds might actively try to undermine or sabotage a bard's career through rumors or competition for gigs.
Based on Identity (depending on the bard's background):
* Racism or xenophobia: If the bard is from a minority race or ethnicity, they may face prejudice and discrimination in their travels and performances. They might be denied access to certain venues or treated with hostility.
* Sexism: Female bards, in particular, might face additional obstacles, including sexual harassment, assumptions of incompetence, and limited opportunities compared to male bards.
* Ableism: A bard with a disability might face exclusion from performances or be denied opportunities due to prejudice or lack of accessibility.
* Religious persecution: If the bard's beliefs differ from the dominant religion, they could be persecuted or marginalized. Their songs and stories might be considered heretical.
* Classism: A bard from a lower social class might struggle to gain acceptance among the elite, regardless of their talent.
Beyond specific identities:
* Lack of access to education: Bards might lack formal training in music or storytelling, limiting their opportunities. Their knowledge might be passed down through oral tradition, making it less valued than formal education.
* Social isolation: The itinerant lifestyle of many bards can lead to loneliness and isolation, making them vulnerable to exploitation or hardship.
The specific injustices a bard faces would depend heavily on the world they inhabit and the specific details of their background and circumstances.