Archers Take Aim

"Selviergard archers with bow and arrow in hand,

the apples may survive but not the beasts of the land."

--From The Chronicles of Selviergard

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--While the Fall Fling was a small event it was quite enjoyable for all who were able to make it out to celebrate a day of archery.  While mostly attended by Selviergardians, there was at least one couple from Ravensfjord and one person from Eskalya who came out to witness who would become the Barony of Selviergard's Archery Champion.

Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad and Baron Stephen de la Bere inspect the target.  October 10, 2015.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Archers took to the field to participate in Royal Rounds and the Inter-Kingdom Archery Competition.  Points accrued towards the shoot were added to their scores; allowing many of the archers to move forward on the list.

From there, the archers took part in the Archery Championship shooting.  The first shoot was a charging knight on horseback in which the archers had a limited time to fire upon the poor fellow.  While the horse was hit a couple of times, the charging Norman was killed on several occasions with well-placed arrows from good distances by capable archers.

From there, various "animals" were brought forward for the archers to take aim at.  The boar was the first animal that the archers had opportunity to launch their arrows.  Vital spots were worth points while non-vital spots were worth negative points.  The rabbit was the next, with only a limited amount of arrows to fire at.  A bird in flight was the last animal shoot, again with limited arrows to fire at the target.

Themed shoots were also on the schedule; focusing on the story of Robin the Hood and William Tell from days of old.  The first trial was to fire upon a simulated rope in order to cut it, thus freeing a merry man from the clutches of the dread hangman.  The rope was tricky, according to some of the archers, but the rope was hit at least once; adding points for a very skillful archer.

Finally, the highly anticipated apple shoot started.  Archers had to fire at an apple that was balanced on the top of a head.  The trick was to hit the apple and not the head, a task more easily said than done.  In fact, the first round, Hraði of Ravensfjord managed to hit the head with a killing shot, thus earning him the title "Killer" for the day.  Additionally, Fergus mac Thomais managed to graze the side of the head effectively "giving her a haircut."

Hraði Kotter poses with his "victim" during a part of the archery competition.  October 10, 2015.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

The apple survived with minor grazing.

Towards the end of the day a feast was placed out in which the participants of the event enjoyed meats and vegetables of the season.  Instead of a High Table, Baron Halfdan decided to join the group at one long table instead and the feast commenced to the delight of all.

In the court of Baron Halfdan announcements and awards were given out.  The autocrats, Viscount Fergus mac Thomais and his daughter, Delfina de Granada, announced the various winners of the day's activities including the meat shoot and the Pie Contest.  Archers who competed for the title of Baronial Champion received meat accordingly to their best shoot on one of the animals.  The award for the Best Pies went to our very own Mistress Clare Elana of Stathclyde for her wonderful entry.  Delfina  de Granada was also acknowledged as the winner of the Youth Archery activity and awarded with a token of esteem from Baron Halfdan.

In addition, Tristan of Selviergard was recognized in Baron Halfdan's court as the winner of the Youth Archery competition in Eskalya and was presented with a token from Baroness Elspeth who was unable to attend the day's event.  After the presentation, Viscount Fergus mac Thomais asked for a moment in His Excellencies court in which Fergus took Tristan as a his Page.

From there, the winner of the day was announced. Baron Halfdan recognized Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad as the Archery Champion of Selviergard.  Brann mac Finnchad had accrued many points throughout the day, showing off his skill with bow and arrow especially against the animals of the forest.  He was awarded with a token of an arrowhead with a single pearl as symbol of his new office for the coming year.

The new Archery Champion token, presented to Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad.  October 10, 2015.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

Some may believe that with winter fast approaching Selviergardians are staying indoors next to their hearth with ales and good foods.  Let us say that is not so!  With the wonderful weather we had for the event many Selviergardians are enjoying the out of doors and we were thankful to enjoy a bit more of the Oerthan Fall as our archers showed off their prowess and skills on the field.


The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the November 2015 DragonTale
Event Date: October 10, 2015