| Kaedon Scouts Tourney: Archery |
| Summary: | Archery Contest of the Kaedon Scouts Tourney |
| Date: | 28/10/2015 (Date of RP) |
| Related: | Other tourney logs. |
| NPCs: | {$npc} |
| Players: |
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| Galenthia - Pinevale - Tournament Grounds |
| The Tourney grounds of Pinevale are fairly traditional in some ways. There is a training area to practice in and a set of archery targets off to one side for archery practice or competitions. A hard packed dirt circle serves as a sparring area for melee combat and there is even a little used jousting area. The most impressive thing here is the obstacle course designed specifically to train the elite forces of House Kaedon. Great care has gone into making a difficult course that requires running, climbing, jumping and even walking softly to complete it. |
| Octobre 28th, 1866 |
The forest city of Pinevale, the capitol of the County Kaedon is abuzz with activity. The city itself is built in the middle of the Snakewood near a river. Trade flows through quite regularly and with the tournament happening here things have only picked up even more. Stands have been set up in the Tourney Grounds of Pinevale near the archery targets. The grounds themselves are one of the only places where the trees have been cleared. Most of the city is built around the massive trees of the Snakewood but here it is clear and open though trees do surround the area and the path leading back to the city. It gives the feel of being in a forest clearing. The weather is clear and cool today the sun hanging high but providing little warmth.
At the center of the stands in an area for the tourney host sits the Viscountess Kaedon. Sonya is dressed in an elegant gown of black velvet. The cut of the dress is in her normal teasing style that highlights her form and she sports a black fan with silver snake designs painted on it. Reclining with lazy elegance she watches the people as they arrive to watch and take part. The fan is flicked back and forth in a casual almost bored fashion though her dark eyes remain alert and watching. At her side four Shadow Snakes stand guard watching over thier Viscountess with silent vigilance. The people of County Kaedon fill the majority of the stands and a few stands have been set up selling refreshments as well. Its already a busy day and the fun hasn't even started yet.
A larger party has arrived from Firen, bringing the Viscount and Viscountess Cassomir and their entourage. Among that is young Lord Cassius Volstak, dressed in fine new clothes as he strolls into the tourney grounds with a few other young men. They chat among themselves, looking around curiously, ready for a day of fun. Naturally the youths are soon making a beeline for the drinks stand.
Well-rested but still a touch surly, Stellan arrives at the tourney grounds with a short bow clutched in his hand. He had spent the majority of the previous day in a stuffy manse with an epic hangover the likes of which no mortal ought to suffer through and remnants of it still persisted into the following morning. He was here mostly to win some money before he departed, with a bonus of embarrassing Southern Heathens on their own turf.
Not likely to happen in this contest, but might as well try. He stares ahead at the archery targets, trying to keep his focus.
A stop on the way back to the northern reaches of Aequor, Yves d'Martine could consider this a brief novelty. Or rather an amusement, given his current opinions of the south. Outwardly, he still maintains an air of civility as he arrives at the tourney grounds with his own bow in hand and dressed accordingly for such exertions. In comparison to the lad nearby to whom he nods to, he might seem rather stone cold sober.
Slipping silently onto the tourney grounds is a tall nobleman clad in elegant and well fitting clothes of a dark red and blue in shades that surprisingly look quite nice on him. He carries a long bow and a quiver of arrows is hooked to his belt. The mans steps are slow and have the grace of a large predatory cat. Silently Vittore slips up beside Stellan studying him a moment and offering a faint confident grin. "A good day to you." He greets politely looking down at the targets with an assessing gaze. He studies them intently and nods. "It won't be quite as satisfying as a real hunt but showing up Galenthians should be amusing at the very least." He comments idly glancing to Stellan once more his grey eyes twinkling with amusement. Yves is studied as well after a moment and Vittore offers the man a polite nod.
Indeed, Elaine Cassomir is here, clad in a comparatively modest riding dress of high waisted cut, her blonde hair done in a single braid that falls down over her back; a bow held loosely in her left hand, a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder she stands among the contestants, here to compete obviously, rather than watch. The Viscountess of Ironhold seems to be in relatively good spirits, a glance given her two Huntresses that watch from the stands, another slightly longer one spared for her husband, who is among the spectators; the third, holding the required respect for the host of the tournament, when the Kaedon Viscountess is greeted with an incline of the head, but it is clear Elaine is a bit nervous, her cheeks rosy, as she bites her lip. Competing for the first time in an official archery contest.
Cassius spots his sister approaching, so he picks up his own bow and arrows quickly, excuses himself from his companions and heads over to her. "Smells of northerners here.", he mutters to her, looking around disdainfully. His dark eyes rest on Stellan briefly, then he nudges Elain with a grin. "We'll hand their asses to them, won't we, sis?"
Stellan's blue eyes narrow slightly at the chatty heathen who tries to engage him in small talk, but he stops himself from snapping when the other man reveals he's not from these parts. "You've been dragged down here, too? Or did you come happily for some reason?" He inquires of the d'Cauthone, still a bit suspicious. "Regardless, good because I'm terrible at this. You might want to stand a little further away…" At least he's not in denial about his chances?
The lady in brown leathers and blue tunic fumbles with her bow a little, obviously not too familiar with the weapon, but her blue green eyes scan her competition all the same. "Bloody well going to get my arse stomped," Lady Shirlyn Charing says as she swipes her braid over her shoulder and awaits the hostess to tell them to begin.
A smile blossoms on Elaine's features when her brother approaches. Grey-blue eyes linger for a moment on the bow in his hand before they widen and a slightly incredulous chuckle escapes the blonde Viscountess. "You are competing as well, brother?", she smiles, before his latter remark brings that hint of nervousness back to her expression. "We'll try, won't we…?" Wardeness of the Hunt, about to blunder? The blonde blue-eyed lady seems vaguely familiar, as Elaine allows her gaze to drift over the other contestants, a nod offered should Shirlyn look her way.
Vittore lofts a brow at Stellan's narrowed eyes. He doesn't look the slightest bit bothered by it though. He chuckles lightly clearly amused. "I came happily, its not everyday I get to show off in such a fashion after all. Lord Vittore d'Cauthone, a pleasure to meet you." The mention of standing further away has Vittore grinning. "Don't worry, just relax and don't think too much.
"Are you certain of his chances," Yves remarks towards Vittore, hearing the familiar family names being spoken. Not to mention, getting him to speak more than just a mere handful of words. "I think you may have been the first person who said they could and did travel here of their own free will, my lord." It's with a brief nod that he acknowledges the man, noting Stellan as well. "Lord Yves d'Martine."
Eyes widening slightly when another Northerner pipes up, the d'Tremaine smirks. "You folks need to show up more at actual tournaments, you know," he asides to Vittore and Yves before nodding to acknowledge the latter. "Sir Stellan d'Tremaine, a pleasure to meet you both. I think." On the subject of why he's present, he speaks no further, as he readies the unfamiliar weapon in his hand in anticipation of starting.
As the contestants assemble Sonya watches each one carefully. Cassius is studied with interest as is Elaine. The influx of Northerners is met with some surprise and bemusement that shows briefly in those dark eyes. Finally the fan she carries is flicked to one side and the Kaedon Viscountess rises to her feet in a single smooth motion. Her voice carries as she addresses the crowd and the locals all seem to fall silent with respect for her. "This marks the start of the Scouts Tourney and I welcome our visitors to County Kaedon! For this archery contest each competitor gets three shots at their target. The shots will be scored according to the traditional circuit rules. The winner will recieve a longbow made from one of the oldest and rarest trees of the Snakewood and a purse of twenty crowns! I wish you all the best of luck. Begin!" She settles back onto her seat with that same regal grace her gaze watching the competitors with faint interest.
<FS3> Cassius rolls Archery: Great Success.
<FS3> Cassius rolls Archery: Good Success.
Cassius spends 1 luck points on Kick ass in the tourney.
<FS3> Cassius rolls Archery+25: Good Success.
<FS3> Elaine rolls Archery: Good Success.
<FS3> Elaine rolls Archery: Good Success.
Elaine spends 1 luck points on Make a good showing, Wardeness of the Hunt and all :P.
<FS3> Elaine rolls Archery+25: Great Success.
Shirlyn spends 1 luck points on I no wanna shoot myself in the fooooots..
<FS3> Shirlyn rolls Archery+25: Amazing Success.
<FS3> Shirlyn rolls Archery: Success.
<FS3> Shirlyn rolls Archery: Success.
<FS3> Stellan rolls Archery: Success.
<FS3> Stellan rolls Archery: Failure.
<FS3> Stellan rolls Archery: Failure.
<FS3> Vittore rolls Archery: Good Success.
<FS3> Vittore rolls Archery: Good Success.
Vittore spends 1 luck points on Show off.
<FS3> Vittore rolls Archery+25: Great Success.
<FS3> Yves rolls Archery: Success.
<FS3> Yves rolls Archery: Good Success.
Yves spends 1 luck points on To do respectable in this archery tourney-thing.
<FS3> Yves rolls Archery+25: Good Success.
A quirk of a smile and a nod is given to the Cassomir lady before leveling her eyes on the target. "One, please don't let me shoot myself in the foot," she looks to the nobles left and right of herself and sighs. "Well, I did say I wanted to practice more." Shirlyn pulls back once the games are announced to commence and clumsily shoots three arrows into the archery butt.
When she finishes Shirlyn blinks at the arrow stuck dead center on the target, the other two just barely on the target at all. "Well, we'll call that luck, or the One responding to my prayer," Shirlyn chuckles out to herself, she is nowhere near winning.
Cassius is asked to step forward first. That was not exactly what he had in mind. Yet he inhales deeply to puff himself up as good as he can and strides in manly fashion towards the target. His movements are precise, just as he had been practising and his first shot hits an inner ring with a satisfying plop. There's some cheering in the audience and suddenly all his manly posturing is gone. He begins to look nervous and starts to fumble a little, but at least the other two shots end up in decent spots on the target. He casts a look towards Elaine as if asking if he did well, before leaving the field to watch the others.
True to form, only a single arrow knocked from his bow hits the target, and it is a distance away from the bullseye. Stellan is clearly the worst on the field and it is now on public display! He grouses under his breath, but mostly to himself this time, but some of it can be heard by those nearby. "I'll do better with real weapons…" 'Real weapons' being the ones he actually knows how to wield, of course.
Elaine exhales when the sign is given, for the contest to begin; her eyes close for a moment as she tries to focus on the task at hand… not to blunder! Her lips twitch upwards in an attempt at a smile, when her eyes open again, glancing to Henric, then to Syrn and Alice who are so far away at the moment, unable to offer any advice in her archery technique. Her right hand reaches to draw the first arrow from her quiver, her gaze now taking aim, as she puts the arrow against the bowstring, lets it fly, and then a second and a third soon after; the first two hitting the second ring, and the last even hitting close to the bull's eye. Not too bad, for her first round. Elaine Cassomir smiles, the relief apparent in her mien.
"I like traveling my Lord. I find it enjoyable to discover new places and people." Vittore replies to Yves and grins at Stellan. "I'm afraid I would be little use at anything but archery." Then the host is announcing the start of the event and he falls silent waiting respectfully. When time comes to shoot an arrow is neatly nocked on his bow and he takes his aim firing one shot after the other in quick succession. All his arrows hit the target in decent spots though the last one is the best, landing next to the bullseye is not directly on it. Stellan is given a glance and to his credit Vittore doesn't laugh at him, he does look extremely entertained though. Vittore glances down the line with a satisfied smile as he sees how well he did in comparison.
"It really does not interest me to attend every tournament," Yves remarks to Stellan, falling silent as he takes up his bow into a waiting position as his gaze settles on the Lady Sonya. If he recognizes her, he wisely says nothing about it as he lifts the bow, aims and fires - in thoughtful consideration, at least. He's satisfied that it hit the solid item and not miss outright.
Noting Cassius effort that matches her own, Elaine smile deepens, a bit of surprise at her brother's skill joining her relief at her own showing.
Shirlyn snorts at Stellan, looks like she's not the only one ill equipped for archery. "It would seem, my lord, if I were out hunting stag I would've got one today, but not tomorrow or the next." She laughs while waving her hand toward her target and tilts her chin in polite greeting. "Lady Shirlyn Charing," she smirks, "Indeed, I think I shall fare better myself with my blades in hand," the Charing lady says as she pats the handle of a dagger on her back and moves to put her back against the wall around the tourney field and watch as the others take their shots.
As the archers take thier shots Sonya watches them with growing curiousity. She smirks her dark eyes shining in delight as Cassius seems to do better than most. Finally she stands up again as the archers come to a three way tie. "Well done. We have three way tie that must be broken. Viscountess Elaine Cassomir, Lord Cassius Volstak, and Lord Vittore d'Cauthone will take another shot to determine a winner!" Her dark eyes linger on Cassius in encouragement as she retakes her seat and continues watching.
<FS3> Cassius rolls Archery: Failure.
<FS3> Elaine rolls Archery: Good Success.
<FS3> Vittore rolls Archery: Good Success.
One brow ticks in slight annoyance when his fellow Northerns do not share his enthusiasm with tournaments! "Well, I'm not any good at this but I still showed up." Yves's answer receives a shrug. "Fair enough." He was a knight, so tournaments were something to look forward to when he wasn't at war. Shirlyn's presence is then noticed and his face lights up in recognition. "Ah, you're that lady who tried to take down that mountain of a White Haller down with a dagger," he remembers outloud and a smile finally tugs at the corner of his lip at the memory. "Sir Stellan d'Tremaine, if you haven't heard. It's good to finally put a name to the face."
Cassius gets a bad case of the nerves as he is called to take another shot. Fumbling badly, the arrow goes off with way too little forward movement and plops onto the ground in front of the target. Blushing brightly, Cassius hurries off to find a hole in which to hide.
Vittore is focused on his shooting. He grins when he is called to make another shot. He looks down at Cassius and Elaine and offers his competition a smirk and a nod of his dark haired head. Then he turns and focuses nocking his arrow and drawing it back to fire. The arrow flies true landing a decent hit to the target. He turns and chuckles lightly when he sees the young boy fleeing in embaressment. The Viscountess is studied with curiousity and she is offered a charming and very roguish grin as Vittore sees thier shots are about equal.
A hearty laugh is directed at Stellan as the tie breaking participants take their shots. Shirlyn studies the man's face and smiles crookedly. "Indeed I did! All men can fall, Sir Stellan, but he bested me fairly that day." she winces as Cassius misses. "Tough luck, that," she tilts her chin toward Cassius.
Elaine lowers her gaze when she hears Cassius, the Northerner d'Cauthone and herself need to decide the matter with another shot. A shy smile playing across her lips, before it gains in confidence after meeting the encouraging glances of the Huntresses Alice and Syrn. Grey-blue eyes find the target and stay there, Elaine focusing on the bull's eye; but when the arrow hits the archery butt, it does so in the second ring. A quick glance to Cassius' and Vittore's targets shows she and the Northerner are still in the contest. An empathic sigh leaving her lips when she sees her brother didn't manage to score a hit this round. "Oh, Cassius! Such can happen! You did incredibly well…" At least she knows now that the time he has spent in the company of Huntress Siada Hogan were good for something. Elaine shifts in her stance, her head turning to study her remaining opponent, that roguish smile of his perhaps responsible for that blush on her cheeks deepening a little. She breaks the gaze and offers a nod, acknowledging his effort, before she gathers her composure and focus for the all deciding shot. The next arrow is placed against the bow string, as the Wardeness of the Hunt takes aim. She exhales, shortly before she lets the arrow fly.
<FS3> Elaine rolls Archery: Great Success.
<FS3> Vittore rolls Archery: Success.
…And the arrow hits close to the bull's eye!!!
Cassius just can't mope any longer when he sees his sister do well. He scoots out to where she is standing to wrap his arms around her and hug her. "Well done, sis! Show the world that Volstaks are not to be trifled with!", he grins happily, then whispers: "I'd have hated you forever if you'd let the Northron win." So there's that.
It could be that blush that distracts him or it could be just bad luck. Vittore's arrow hits the target on the outer edge, his worst shot yet. He studies the arrow thoughtfully a moment then shrugs his shoulders in a nonchalant fashion before turning on his heel and moving off to the sidelines. He doesn't seem to mind and Elaine gets a cheerful grin as he passes her by. "Well shot your Excellency." He offers polite before he vanishes into the crowd.
"Indeed. And fell he did," he concludes with youthful smugness before turning his attention towards the impending tie-breaker. Alas, it does not appear the prize will be leaving in a Northerner's possession like he hoped. He looks momentarily crestfallen, but he makes a half-hearted attempt to console Vittore. "Well… you can't win them all." Not that he won't ever not try! He eyes the cheering Volstaks, finally, but says nothing as he moves away from the contest.
"That he did," Shirlyn says kindly before moving off to speak to her two guards that await her by the gate.
Sonya looks a little put out when Cassius fails to win but Elaine is given a look of admiration and respect and the Viscountess rises to her feet once more. "The winner of this Archery Contest is the Viscountess Elaine Cassomir! Well done your Excellency the prize is rightfully yours!" The Cunning Serpent smiles faintly her dark eyes glittering with delight. She steps down from the stands signaling the end of today’s contest. The prize will be delivered to Elaine shortly afterwards, a heavy purse of twenty crowns and mastercrafted longbow of ebony wood. The bow is beautifully made with delicate vine patterns carved into the wood. A weapon worthy of a master archer.
Elaine Cassomir, born a Volstak commoner more than 18 years ago, now a Viscountess through a dramatic turn of events of the last half year, a young woman who had aimed for a career as a tapestry artist and seamstress, before fate - and the One - had decided a quite different road for her, is too stunned for a moment to do anything else but gawp at her shot. She sees Vittore's arrow hit the outer ring, a fact that makes her the winner of the contest! Before the realization hits her fully she finds herself already being hugged, first by her brother, whom she hugs back with an overwhelmed smile, then by her husband, Henric Cassomir who leaves his place among the spectators to congratulate her with a hug and a kiss! Her attention shifts to Vittore then, as she steps away from the Viscount, a polite incline of her head offered to the Northerner who made second place. "You did quite well, my lord," she offers softly, grey-blue eyes following him as he steps away.
When the Kaedon Viscountess announces her as the winner, Elaine offers a curtsey in the direction of Sonya, out of words as it seems. Overwhelmed. Wait! A prize? She raises her gaze, extends her hands to accept the longbow with awe, and the purse as well. "Thank you," is murmured to whoever gives her the win.
Cassius watches with just a tiny trace of jealousy when his sister gets the coveted prize, but claps for Elaine nonetheless. "Come, we deserve a drink", he then tells her and strolls back to the drinks tables to help himself to some of Sonya's best vintage. He doesn't see a chance to go talk to Sonya in private, so he just stands, his eyes drifting around the people, fastening upon the northerners. Creeps.