(Archive) - DA Archery Tournament

Hard board discs of oak and birch wood line the end of the field. White circles mark the inner and outer rings over the black surface. The close observer may even notice gold lettered writing inside the rings, blessings to Orome, hunter and bowman of the Valar and of course Varda. The bull\'s eyes are true works of art: a thin layer of silver has been carved into an almost life-like flower... the fair and star-shaped Niphredil, one of the few flowers that blossoms in winter.

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A new day, a new crowd. A great gathering of folk i\'th lists, all waiting for the commencement of the Archery men, women too (though perhaps in lesser numbers) mill about. Girt with quivers filled with arrows, and bearing bows of sorts and sizes various. The men favouring longer staves and darts the women preferring shorter bows, those often recurved like huntsmans\' (on a reduced scale) and with arrows more suited in kind.

A few fellows woodsmen all, by the look of them grizzled men with weather worn faces, clad for the better part in varying shades of green. They bear yew bows of outlandish sorts full a mans\' own height for their length, accompanied with arrows ell long and green fletched for the most part these are scouts and Rangers out of the gardens of Ithilien, or from Pinnath Galen. Anborn is there among them, bracers on his arms, bow to hand a quiver depending off his heavy belt.

As the archers gather for the beginning of the competition, not a few are surprised to count the Prince\'s daughter among them. Yet there she stands, calm with her bow ready, waiting with all others for the shooting to begin.

A horn sounds, and a herald takes to the field before a row of serveral archery targets. He raises his arms and shouts, \"Good day my fellow Gondorians and friends from abroad! Today we will witness skill beyond measure as the contestants will take their best aim in our Archery Event! There will be two pools for this event. The Silver! And the Gold! Those competing on teams please inform one of the judges on the side of the field.\" He then walks back, towards the edge of the field.

Forhaim approaches the judged and introduces himself, concluding, \"I shall compete in the silver pool.\"

Earedail walks over to the judges, leaving Dunhere off to the side as he joins the crowd to watch the proceedings.

Lothiriel\'s eyes sweep the area for her teammates before she steps quietly over to the judges. Smiling, she says quietly, \"The gold pool, please.\"

The judge nods to Forhiam, \"You are noted, Forhaim.\"

Dunhere has changed the cracked practice blade to a bow, of the type oft seen carried by the mounted Riders of Rohan in their distant land. It is no longbow, yet neither a short one but something in between. Carrying the bow and a small quiver of arrows, he strides to the judges of the Silver pool, and in turn announces himself.

The judge bows his head to Lady Lothieriel, \"Of course, my Princess, your place has been noted.\"

Too, do the judges note Dunhere, marking him in their lists.

Likewise, Anborn approaches the appropriate judge. \"Anborn Dunadan for Lord Thorondurs\' Silver Eagles. Moreover,\" he smiles, \"for the Silver pool, as it happens.\"

Earedail smiles watching the Lord Dunhere approach the pool and shouts out, \"5 Silvers on the Rohirrim Lord to win!\" Earedail grins over the heads of the crowd at the Lord Dunhere and then quickly passes 5 silvers, to a man who quickly takes him up on his bet. Earedail\'s voice rises out again, \"Lord Dunhere of Dunharrow. I hope you turn out to be a good investment sir, or I will have reason to teach you otherwise later.\"

The judge pauses, looking Anborn over with a curious eye, \"If you wish, milord. You are noted on the list.\"

Mardamir crosses the length of the field, eyes upon the centre most part where a good number of others are converging. His steps quicken as the horn sounds and the herald lifts his voice, the great length of his bow held down at his side, a case of arrows at the other. Nearing to the place where the judges stand he offers but a single nod and a few wwords, \"Gold, for the Hethilhaich.\", before moving on to stand amongst the rest.

Lady Gweneth breaks from the crowd, wearing one of her less characteristcally noble outfits, bow in hand. She moves up to one of the judges and says, \"I would like to compete in the Silver as well.\" The Judge nods, smiling, \"Of course, Lady Gweneth.\" As Mardamir meet by her side and speaks the judge nods to him as well, \"You are noted as well, Mardamir.\" Gweneth smiles to him, \"Good luck.\"

The Herald walks back onto the field and shouts out, \"The last minute entries have been entered. Could the Silver Pool please step up to the line before the targets! These would be Lord Anborn! Lord Dunhere! Young Forhaim! And the ever beautiful, Lady Gweneth!\"

Dunhere bends the great black bow of ash and smoothly sets the string to it.

Mardamir drops back a step, bending forward in a short bow as he sends a generous smile to the woman, \"Luck to you as well, my Lady Gweneth.\"

The man-at-arms strips off his leather armor, and pulls out a leather archer\'s glove, which he gingerly slides upon his injured hand.

Lothiriel stands back silently, bright eyes watching the current competitors. Ere they begin, she walks behind the line and smiles upon reaching Anborn, and Forhaim. \"Fair friends, good luck.\"

Looking at her bow a bit wearily, Gweneth steps to the line, squinting at the targets that appear quite far away. \"Oh dear,\" she mumbles, taking an arrow and nocking it in her bow.

The Rohirrim walks forth to assume his place before the row of wooden discs, and draws forth a long shaft from the quiver by his side, and awaits for the signal to begin.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Forhaim sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

The Herald the moves off the field. When in a safe position from the newer archers, he calls out, \"You will recieve three shots for the first round. The top two from this bracket will then shoot off with five shots apiece. Good Luck to you all! Archers! You may fire at your targets when ready!\"

Anborn ducks to a half bow before the Princess, \"Your grace,\" he says with a smile, \"You are most generous\" Then takes his mark, his bow to hand and draws an arrow from the quiver at his belt. He removes the green fletched dart to the bow, nocks it, draws the waxed string back with notable effort...

Anborn sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Gweneth aims for a momment before her fingers let loose her arrow. It speeding through the air at her target.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Gweneth has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

Forhaim waits patiently for someone in the crowd to be still..

Forhaim releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Forhaim has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 5

Steady arm tightents, as Dunhere places the arrow against the wood of his bow and the length of twine, and draws back the cord...and releases it.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Dunhere has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

Forhaim curses softly to himself.

A moments aim and then its\' string singing as it is released, the arrow nocked leaps from Anborns\' bow towards the target...

Anborn releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Anborn has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 3

Those of the Hethilhaich team cheer loudly with Gweneth\'s shot. The lady herself appears a bit surprised, but smile nontheless.

A small look of disapointment touches Lothiriel\'s face, yet she says nothing yet, allowing the archers their concentration.

Forhaim glances the lady\'s way and shrugs apologetically.

Loud cheers ring from amongst the gathering of Rohirrim, they shout loudly and with bright voices as the Northern lord\'s shaft finds the middle of the distant target.

Gweneth does not see Forhaim\'s shrug, indeed as she has already raised her bow for her second shot. Releasing the drawstring only a momment after aiming.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Gweneth has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 18

Forhaim steps back from the line and removes his glove, which he drops to the ground. Then, he approaches the line again.

A frown creases Anborns\' brow he checks his footing, then, adjusting his forefoot and balance nocks a second arrow and re-draws, releasing the arrow in due course...

Anborn sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Anborn releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Anborn has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 6

Forhaim sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere, he pays no heed to the shouts and cheers, but notches another arrow with a calculated move, draws back the string and fires the slim brand towards the faraway disc.

Forhaim releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Forhaim has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 10

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Dunhere has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 12

Forhaim sighs and draws another arrow from his quiver.

Gweneth blinks, squinting once more to see if it is correct. As her score is announced she can\'t help but laugh. She takes out another arrow for the third and final shot, raises her bow, draws back the string and lets loose the arrow.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Gweneth has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 19

Forhaim sits patiently, feeling that there\'s a touch of wind.

There is a scream from beyond Gweneth\'s target as her arrow wizzes past the hay stack. She drops her bow in surprise, her hand rising her lips, glancing around.

Forhaim sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

A less fair short, that, as it hits only the edge of the round target, chipping the painted wood. Some dissappointed grunts and exclamations emit from the ranks of the Rohirrim, but Dunhere is seemingly oblivious to the clamour of his countrymen. He pulls free the third and final arrow, and without further ado nocks it against the tall frame of the bow, and lets it fly.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Dunhere has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 17

The guardsman watches the Rohirrim fire his shot and nods in approval. Then fires his own.

Stepping back off the mark Anborn stands a moment, free hand on his hip. He rechecks the range, marking the fair wind, the fine light. Walking back, he scuffs a foot on the grass, checks his footing and then draws forth a third dart he nocks the ell-long arrow, takes it behind the green dyed fletching and draws it back, aims along the shaft, and then releases.

Forhaim releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Forhaim has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 11

Anborn sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Anborn releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Anborn has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 7

The Princess\'s face drops, yet only for a moment, as her teammates lose the silver round. Yet there is still hope.

The guardsman shakes his head in disgust and retrieves his equipment.

Anborn lowers his greatbow, slipping the string out from the notched point at both the staves\' ends.

The Herald calls out, \"Thank you archers! Will the gold please step up to the line! That would be Lord Mardamir and the fair and beautiful, Princess Lothiriel!\" The crowd cheers for the pair of contestants loudly.

The young Princess steps up to the line, calm, almost relaxed, with her bow in hand.

Forhaim sits by quietly, watching the princess.

A youthful voice cries, in heavily accented common. \"Dunwartan, Dunwartan for Rohan!\" This produces a slight grin out of the tall Northman, and a wave of hand, as he walks away from the line, to allow the other contestants take their place.

Gweneth moves from the line, a smile beaming on her face.

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Central Lists

Forhaim moves away and joins the onlookers.

Stepping down, with a woeful shake of his head Anborn flicks the string off his bow, easing the tension off the stave. The flax he loops to a coil, then removes it to a pouch hung off his hip. \"Ill wind,\" he surmises, then walks off.

Mardamir has set about bending the length of his bow and fitting the string into the top while the first round of competitors are finishing their shots. Stepping forward to stand several feet from the Prince\'s daughter, he turns to the young woman with a smiling look, \"My Lady.\", he says.

The Herald then calls out, \"You both will recieve three shots! Begin when you are ready!\"

Gweneth moves from the edge of the field, heading towards Dunhere. \"Lord Dunhere, how did you do out there?\" she questions, nodding towards the targets.

Lothiriel smiles softly and nods, \"Sir.\" With that, she turns her head, focusing on the target for many long moments ere nocking an arrow to her bow.

Lothiriel sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Drawing back the string of her bow, the young Princess sights her shot carefully and lets the shaft fly.

Lothiriel releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Lothiriel has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

Mardamir gives a look full of approval to Lothiriel and steps forward to the line. He lifts the greatbow before him, smoothly setting and drawing back upon the bow while his eye holds upon the centre of the target set in the distance before them, releasing it after a space of a breath.

\"Fairly, my lady.\", replies Dunhere with an arrow in hand, his calloused fingers brushing the feathered end into order, and sketches a salute in the manner of his people. \"All mine shafts hit the mark, methinks, and one the very centre. How fared you, lady ?\"

Mardamir sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Mardamir releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Mardamir has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

The Herald quickly runs towards the line where Mardamir and the Princess are, speaking with both are not shooting. \"Excuse me, I was mistaken when I called out the number of shot you are allowed. Since it is only the pair of you, please take your five shots.\" He bows deeply, \"Forgive me for the mistake.\"

Lothiriel takes a deep breath, paying little attention to the goings on around her or the progress of her opponent. In silence and concentration she draws another arrow, and after a few long moments, shoots.

Lothiriel sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Lothiriel releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Lothiriel has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 10

\"I did well too, though I know not my score.\" Gweneth replies, then adds, with a coy smile, \"I think I did injure someone though, if that is any sign of my skill. One shot missed the target completely.\"

Mardamir stands with his feet firm and a shoulder\'s width apart, his grey eyes concentrating hard upon the target. After the Princess looses her second shot, his own bow is up and ready before him, drawn to the full, creaking aloud as he pulls back. Holding for a moment, his fingers slip from the string and the dart flies away.

Mardamir sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Mardamir releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Mardamir has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 14

Despite the fate of her last arrow, the Princess is not phased. She takes her time, checking her bow and the newest arrow prepared, to be certain all is right. With that she stands straight, draws, and sends the arrow off towards the target.

Lothiriel sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Lothiriel releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Lothiriel has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 19

Dunhere tucks the long shaft back among its companions, into the plainly embroidered, steel-fastened quiver. He returns the smile, and shrugs slightly. \"We shall see in time, my lady. If I mark yon scores rightly, it is us who will continue the race.\"

Now with the third arrow is set against the taunt string, Mardamir bends the wood of the bow and holds his breath as the fletching brushes against his lip. All thoughts upon the centre of the target, Mardamir ignores the noisey crowd upon the field and the bowstring snaps as it lets go.

Mardamir sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Mardamir releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Mardamir has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 19

As Cheers ring out for the Princess, Gweneth glances towards where the two archers are shooting, commenting, \"She must be doing well,\" then pauses and turns back to look at Dunhere, \"Us? Surely that cannot be correct. Not to undermine your own skill, milord, but I should not go on. Certainly there was one better than me? Perhaps a ranger? Or Guard?\"

Hands beginning to quiver as the competition wears on, Lothiriel puts her fourth arrow to the string, preparing everything with slow and measured movements. When all is ready, she pulls the string back and allows the shaft to fly.

Lothiriel sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Lothiriel releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Lothiriel has taken 4 shot/shots.

Total Score: 20

A short pause, a quick look to the Lady, and Mardamir steps to the line for the fourth time as the Princess\' last arrow finds no place upon the target. The greatbow held out before him and his eye travelling out past the tip of the arrow to the bullseye, he draws in a deep breath, releases half and releases the string.

Mardamir sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Mardamir releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Inner Ring. Decent shot.

7 points

Mardamir has taken 4 shot/shots.

Total Score: 26

No master of the bow, Lothiriel smiles quietly as she readies her final shot. Moments pass between the time she sets the arrow to the string and when she lets it fly.

Lothiriel sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Straining to make out the markings on the board, the Rohirrim lord squints his blue eyes, and gives a short laugh as he spells out the standings. \"Nay..neither could oust you, my lady. Great is the skill of the women of this land with the shaft and bow, indeed.\"

Lothiriel releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Lothiriel has taken 5 shot/shots.

Total Score: 21

The Herald calls out once more, \"Thank you archers! You both did an excellent job, but it this contest, Mardamir, from Blades of Flame wins!\" Cheers ring up from the crowd. He quickly quiets them, \"The scores from the first round have been calculated. Can I please have Lord Dunhere, who scored a seventeen! And Lady Gweneth, who scored,\" he pauses slightly, \"A nineteen, Step to the line! Archers, you will have 5 shots. This will decide the winner of the silver pool! You may fire when you are ready.\" Gweneth glances to Dunhere in surprise, \"I suppose you are right. Let us begin then,\" she says, moving towards the line.

Mardamir turns toward Lothiriel with an almost apologetic look, \"My Lady..\", he starts to say, and then his lips break into a wide grin, deigning not to offer sweetened words of apology after all, \"It was an honour to compete against you today.\" A deep bow and then he straightens again, setting the tip of his bow to the ground beside him.

From the hands of his young armiger Dunhere now retrieves the Rider\'s bow, receiving also encouraging calls from his companions. Down to the line he paces, then, and draws forth his first shaft.

Stepping away from the line, Lothiriel smiles in Mardamir\'s direction. \"For myself as well,\" she replies softly, disapointment barely touching her voice as she inclines her head. And with that, she moves away from the targets to allow the final competitors to take their places.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Dunhere has taken 4 shot/shots.

Total Score: 18

Gweneth, too, raises her bow, drawing back the string, arrow nocked. She lets out her breath, then pauses breathing for a momment, that is when she releases her arrow.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Gweneth has taken 4 shot/shots.

Total Score: 20

Gweneth glances at Dunhere, then to her own target, chuckling softly, \"We are great bowmen, are we not?\" Then raises her bow once more and fires off another shot.

Hrethawyr wanders along, then finds a place to watch the contest.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Gweneth has taken 5 shot/shots.

Total Score: 23

Anborn raises a great long bow, full equal his own height. A green fletched arrow is in his hand, then nocked.

A low oath escapes the lips of the Northman as he sees the arrow fly wide. Another shaft is produced, and pulled back against the sturdy length of the bow. He fires it off after only a moment of concentration.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Dunhere has taken 5 shot/shots.

Total Score: 27

Gweneth frowns at her own shot, lowering her bow and taking out another arrow. She nocks it and raises the bow, drawing back the drawstring and letting it loose.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... misses the target completely!

1 point

Gweneth has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 1

Anborn lowers his greatbow, slipping the string out from the notched point at both the staves\' ends.

\"Bema\'s ...\", exclaims one of the fair-haired Rohirrim, slapping his thigh in amazement. Dunhere, on the other hand, uses his hand to pull forth another arrow, and makes to fire it.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Bullseye! Good shot!

9 points

Dunhere has taken 1 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

Gweneth sighs, \"This is more like it.\" As she raises her bow once more, letting loose another shaft.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Gweneth has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 6

As if guided by some higher hand they fly, the arrows of the Dunwartan. There is some slight wonder in his own eyes, too, but the brawny arm of a warrior does not waver as the fourth arrow is nocked, and let loose.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... hits the Middle Ring. A fair shot.

5 points

Dunhere has taken 2 shot/shots.

Total Score: 14

Better, though not seeming enough are Gweneth\'s shots as she raises her bow for her final shot. She pulls back the drawstring, holding it steadily as she aims, then let\'s it go, the arrow singing as it flies through the air.

Gweneth sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of her bow back.

Gweneth releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Gweneth has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 9

Long he aims, Dunhere, as he readies to let fly the last arrow. The Rohirrim are quiet now, almost breathless as they await the outcome of the final round. Across the clearing the slender beam shoots, finally, as the horselord become archer releases his grip.

Dunhere sets an arrow into position and carefully draws the string of his bow back.

Dunhere releases an arrow. It speeds towards the target and ... its the Outer Ring. More practice is needed.

3 points

Dunhere has taken 3 shot/shots.

Total Score: 17

The Herald calls out for the final time, \"Thank you archers! As the last pair, you too were excellent and we thank you for the show but,\" he pauses, \"Lord Dunhere is our winner for today in the silver pool! Congratulations to Dunhere and Mardamir, our winners for today!\"

Gweneth sighs, walking from the line, \"Excellent job, Lord Dunhere. I warned you of my powess,\" she says sarcastically. Shaking her head, \"I should return to the castle and have its floors washed, that I am skilled at,\" she says, chuckling slightly.

Hrethawyr hops up and down, cheering loudly for Dunhere.

\"It was a bright match, my lady, and well fought.\", replies Dunhere as he unclasps the belt beholding the quiver to his hip. To the arms of his arms-bearer they go, bow and case of arrows both, as the Northman returns from the line amongst his men.

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