(Year 234, Summer) These days Archery is trending all over the kingdom of Mazaloom. This sport, or in most cases perhaps better defined as a hobby, helps young and old to learn to focus, and is a good activity combining consentration with fresh air. But in certain areas the archery represents so much more!
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| Archery is currently trending, but it is among our oldest sports. |
We need to look back to the Medieval age for the origin, because this activity is much older than your filthy old shoes. It is based on the old hunting communities, where you would simply not survive unless you knew how to hunt or fish with a bow. In some cases it would also help to know someone skilled enough to provide for your food and protection.
Today this old tradition stands strong in a few areas, but is practically forgotten in others. Thanks to the Archery Rivalery Fest taking place annually in Gibbi Point, in certain circles the young family members work hard to build their skill. And yes, nobility is very much involved.
You can practice alone (perfect for Loners), or you can initiate a little contest with a number of friends.
The Archery Skill
Archery is a 5 level skill, and it is pretty easy to build through practicing and contests (lvl 2 and up).
Starters can practice at an archery target. The target objects can be bought, but in Gibbi Point they are also available in some community areas, and at festivals.
Once you reach level 2, you can initiate competitions, as well as acclaiming about Archery to others. Level 3 allows you to Discuss Archery Techniques, and you can upgrade your bow. Level 4 allows for the fully upgraded bow, and you can even go Bowfishing at regular fishing spots! From level 4 you can mentor others, and at top level 5 you become a master of this skill, which allows you to shoot an apple off another person's head!
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| In Gibbi Point you can practice Archery out and about. |
The old tradition stands strong in Gibbi Point, thanks to the easy access to archery target objects. It will be hard to find a local who did not at least try once.
But also in other areas of Mazaloom we find that this sports was kept alive. This is typical for traditional hunting areas or districts attracting nobility back in the Medieval age. Where there was a Market there would also be entertainment like Archery contests. Granite Falls/Windenburg, Britechester and Henford-on-Bagley are some of those districts. And, it's not random that these places also hold dukedoms.
Archery Rivalry Fest
Nobility used Archery to make their children practice Focus. It would help them later in life both in school and in social life. Today only some of the dukedoms have a private archery court at their estate. Others will mostly practice as members of a hobby club, or during their vacation in Gibbi Point.
Whether they are into Archery or not, all Houses of aristicracy do occasionally attend the annual Archery Rivalery Fest, that takes place in Spring in Gibbi Point. Only teenagers can sign up for the actual contest, but other family members will join them to cheer.
This fest is plain fun, and the winner gets nothing but fame. No trophy, no money prize. But let's face it, a winning teenage lord will get recognized by all who matters! It is very good advertising when i comes to getting the attention from the higher ranked Houses.
Contesting is not all, though. Everyone attends dressed up in medieval costumes, and you won't even have to like Archery to enjoy this one day outdoor event. The final post on the program is of course the hillarious apple shooting where a Master will shoot an apple from the head of a woman. The Master is normally the winner, but if the winner is not skilled enough, a local back-up Master is ready to step in. In the old days the poor woman would be the oldest Widow, but these days it is always an older female family member of last year's Rivalery winner - preferrably mother.
So, winning the contest might bring some good vibes, but not necessarily for the mother of the winner. She would be the 1st candidate for the next year's apple shooting finale number. Allowing your child to participate but refuse to do the apple trick would indeed bring shame to your House. You don't have any choice, and this bit is actually the nerve and excitement of the entire Archery Rivalery Fest.
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| Butlers are not alloweed to enter the contest, but recently Duchess Prudence de Aarbyville observed her butler practicing Archery in the yard. |
The fest has been arrangede ever since Year 167, the founder Blancha Gibbi-Woods is long gone. She was not a member of aristocracy, but her origin family, Gibbi family, is often seen as founders of the modern Gibbi Point.
Come Spring Year 235 we'll bring a full feature post from the event!
Disclaimer: The Archery Rivalery Fest is not a feature of the EP Adventure Awaits.
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