[Wind Reach] The Archery Ranges

[Phoenix]

Wind Reach is a survivalist colony. Everyday is a battle, every winter a war, for the Endals to hunt enough meat to keep the citizens alive. Despite their best efforts, sometimes handfuls of Dek regularly die during the sparse cold season. The Archery ranges are the very heart and soul of Wind Reach. Hunting is a number one priority so there are several ranges to suit each caste, taste and season. Everyone is expected to show complete dedication and unwavering concentration while training within all of these ranges. Not even deks are exempt from bettering themselves for the sake of the community. Hunting is the number one ranked activity in order to keep Wind Reach as a well fed community and archery is highly encouraged for all. Don’t wait for an invitation—get out there and practice already! Hunting is the most revered occupation in Wind Reach. Those who can hunt, those who can provide - The Endals - are the most respected of all the castes. The Valintar makes sure their favored are properly prepared with their own personal training ground – Top Notch The Endal Archery Range is the best quality of course, with no expense spared in its set up. This range offers the most space, best variety targets, respectful privacy and kept in immaculate condition for the heart of Inarta society. The Top Notch caters to Endals only, providing the very best for the most highly esteemed caste members of Wind Reach. Since several Avora are also hunters, though lacking in a winged mount, they too are provided an archery range – Second QuiverThe Avora Archery Range is second only to Top Notch. A spacious room with good quality equipment is offered round the clock for ambitious Avoras looking to raise their skills. Although the targets are still in a fair variety of good quality materials, there is enough stinting to remind them that they’re still second best. Keep practicing and you too might become an Endal. The Yasi, the future hunters of the city, are also assigned a range where they can learn and yearn to be Endal’s themselves. They have to share some of their space with the Chiet who are never hunters but may have taken archery as a hobby. They share Fletcher’s Corner. The Chiet and Yasi share a range for a good reason; to remind each other of how close they are in caste. A good bit of competition flies through these ranges as both castes vie to prove their superiority. This is understandably so, considering how important a good amount of archery skill could raise either one to the top. The Sanikas Range-Bent Arrow - The outdoor Archery Range is open from late spring to early fall, depending on weather. Although it is open to all castes, there are very strong caste divisions to be observed. Endals and Avora to the left, Chiet and Yasi in the middle and Deks and foreigners much farther to the right with a tall divisor to keep them separated. Only the ‘Arrows’ and the Sanikas Range-Bent Arrow are regularly stocked and maintained. Mod Note: These locations can be self modded. Pay attention to the 'open hours'. If your PC practices in a range above their station or when it is closed, they will face consequences. Read the Rules of the Archery Ranges before you begin posting. They apply to every range. Yasis, there are special rules for you. Top Notch : Description: A breathtaking and spacious cavern,Top Notch is an Endal only Archery range. Due to Wind Reach's reliance on the hunters' success during real life hunts the Valintar makes sure to maintain their training facility to the highest of standards. During their stay, patrons are pampered, encouraging future visits. On the far wall, there are targets, regular bulls eye to realistic animal models, as far as the eye can see. There are even a couple targets, about the size of a head, that are mechanically rigged to move around randomly or in a pattern, these targets are always in high demand. To prevent backlog there is a head high stone wall, maintained by city reimancers, between every five targets so that archers don't have to wait for everyone in the range to finish shooting before retrieving their arrows. When all the archers in a section finish their set, a team of three to five of the range's deks will run and retrieve all the arrows for the Endals. Not only do they fetch shot arrows, the Dek can also be ordered to fetch new arrows, for free, for the Endals. Opposite of the target wall off shoots several smaller caverns. In one sits the one or more Fletcher and Bower Avora, in the range's official repair room. Endals can leave their broken bows to be checked or restrung with the Avora and pick it up in at most a day. In another cave lies the best made stock of archery supplies, from arm guards to quivers. It is to make restocking easier for the Endals. Instead of forcing them to search for individual Avora's to fill their orders, they can just grab what they need or want from the general stock at the range. Top Notch runs 24 bells a day, 91 days a season (92 in the winter). It is one of the number one Endal hang outs, acting as a members only club. One of the most appealing features of Top Notch is its well furnished Sky Hunter room, where Endals can come to relax before or after a training session. The tastefully perfumed room has a plethora of comfortable chairs to lounge about in. The walls are decorated with stunning glass ornaments that scatter the dim lamp light into an ethereal rainbow, that make the patrons feel as if they've been transported to a heavenly plain. A handful of Deks are always at the ready to fetch or do the Endals' bidding. But the most attractive feature of the Sky Hunter room is the cool blue, clear running, stream at the far wall, where patrons can refresh after a hard workout. NPCs: Mod Note: Second Quiver : Description: Second Quiver is a sunny, sandy floored range for Wind Reach’s crafting caste, the Avora. It is located barely a stone’s throw away from the Craft Gallery, Arms Gallery and Glass Reverie, connected by clear cut, well worn warrens. While the cavern is not too expansive, the ceilings climb high, giving the range the appearance of a more spacious area And though not as lavish as Top Notch, Second Quiver is still a well maintained range that would be the envy of many around Miza. Chiet may use the range, if and only if they meet certain prerequisites. 1. They are at least a competent archer, with any bow 2. They are sponsored by a practicing Avora If the range is full, the Avoras are always served first, and the Chiets will be asked to hand over their spot. A chiet can begin practicing without their sponsor, only after five accompanied visits, and has been approved by the range master. Industrious and respectful chiet are always welcome to practice, they are almost recruited. The far wall is lined up with regular bulls eye targets with a few animal shaped targets scattered about. To prevent backlog there is a head high stone wall, maintained by city reimancers, between every five targets so that archers don't have to wait for everyone in the range to finish shooting before retrieving their arrows. When all the archers finish their set, and the range isn’t too busy, a small team of Dek might fetch the arrows for the patrons. There are at least ten deks permanently assigned to the Second Quiver during open hours. Opposite of the firing wall are three tables with bowing and fletching supplies, where the Avora can fix their own weapons. An expert bower/ fletcher is available from the 13th bell to the 20th bell, for those who cannot fix their own weapons. Chiets may also use this service, but sparingly and only if the bower/ Fletcher has the time. It is customary to tip for more difficult repairs with a pinion or more. While at the range, only Avora or chiets accompanied by their sponsor are welcome to borrow the ranges stock of well crafted bows and arrows. Hunter Avoras are permitted and encouraged to restock and keep arrows from the range’s general stock; if they want a new bow they are encouraged to pay the Valintar at least half of the market cost: they can give their money to the range manager. Second Quiver runs from the 6th bell to the 22nd bell every day, except for major holidays. It is one of the more popular Avora hang outs in the city. NPCs: Mod Note: Fletcher’s Corner : Description:No more than a five chime walk from the Yasiry, the Fletcher’s Corner is the only range in Wind Reach to cater specifically to Yasi. The Fletcher’s Corner lies just across a serene underground lake dubbed Yasan. It is accessed by a simple yet sturdy stone bridge, maintained by city reimancers. The lake boasts crystal clear waters, of which the children love to peer into as they watch the schools of colorful fish swim about. While fishing is not prohibited, is frowned upon by the more sympathetic children. The medium sized cavern is broken up into three divisions. The first division makes up the far left of the range. Within the first division, are three sections, of five targets each. Though it is usually reserved for Chiet, older yasi with more competent skill levels are welcome to use the adult sized targets, with proper supervision. Due to their more demanding work schedules and because few Chiet hunt for a living, they seldom visit the range unless truly dedicated. The second, middle division is set up just like the first, except the targets are child friendly. They are two feet in diameter and are placed only a maximum of 50 yards away, they can be moved as close as 20 feet. Yasi of all ages are encouraged to practice their cultural skill during their free time. Those eager to attract the attention of an Eagle are encouraged build their archery skill to at least competent prove their worth. The third, right wall division is also made of child friendly targets, but instead of sections of five, targets are set up for individualized training. Surrounding seven foot high, stone walls leave enough space for a grown man to walk down the aisle with his arms outstretched. Guide lines are drawn on the ground to indicate safe areas where tutors can stand behind their students. Classes are held daily, morning and afternoon, at the Fletcher’s Corner, mainly in the second division. If there are off duty Archery teachers or masters with some free time, they are usually willing to give the more dedicated students private lessons at the third division. Opposite of the firing wall sits the repair station, where a master bower and Fletcher Avora can be found during open hours. The Fletcher’s Corner is where many of the eager begin to learn such a craft, learning by working on their peer’s bows and arrows. Their tools are even specialized to work specifically on the smaller and lighter materials dedicated to the yasi. While at the range, yasi are permitted to sign out for the duration of their stay, whatever type of bow and quiver of arrows they wish. Most yasi do not have a set of their own, and it is quite normal for them to pick out what they want from the wall of well stocked yasi archery supplies to the left of the repair station. The Bower/Fletcher Avora on duty checks everything out, and makes sure everything is checked back in. Due to its younger patron base, the Fletcher’s Corner has a more playful atmosphere than the others of the city, but by no means are the rules any more lax. There is always a supervising archery teacher between the 8th and 20th bell. Regulations and Safety Precautions are strictly followed and yasi are expected to recite them all before they walk through the cavern arch. If a yasi breaks the rules, or endangers another’s life, they will be banned from the range for the period of half a season accompanied with a strict punishment to be determined by the supervising teacher. Before and after their classes, yasi can hang out in the Range’s Common Room. Emulating the Endal’s common room, the walls are littered with misshapen and discolored works of glass, made by the apprentice yasi of the city. Though individually cringe worthy, brought together, the pieces make a beautiful collage of colors and shapes. Chairs, couches, and cushions, those discarded by the Enclave, fill the room with endless comfy surfaces to lounge upon. The common room is only open during range hours. And Yasi of all ages love to spend their free time at one of the few places where adults can’t berate them on slacking off. The Fletcher’s Corner is open from the 8th to the 20th bell and is serviced by a handful of dedicated Dek. It is open to use for Chiet and Yasi, but Endals and Avora are welcomed, even demanded upon for attendance to help with the occasional lesson. Safety Rules for idiots/foreigners- *At practice ranges, the only safe place is behind the shooting line. Never shoot an arrow until you are positive that no one is in front of you or behind the targets. *Don't stand in front of a bow while it is being shot, even if you are to one side of the shooter. *Wait for a verbal approval from the Teacher or her/his designee before starting to shoot. *Arrows should only be nocked on the shooting line and pointed in the direction of the targets. *NEVER point a bow and arrow at another person. *NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the air. You can end up hitting another person or yourself. *NEVER shoot an arrow off into the distance where you cannot see where it will land, because gain, you could end up hitting another person. *If you are looking for a lost arrow behind a target, always leave your bow leaning against the target face so that it will be seen by other archers coming up. If possible, have one archer from your group stand in front of the target to prevent anyone from shooting. *Crossing an unmarked area could place you in the path of a flying arrow, resulting in serious injury. *When shooting arrows, check them regularly for cracks. If one is found cracked, throw it in The Pit. Shooting a cracked arrow can result in its breaking and causing painful injury to the shooter. While we don’t mind losing a few dek, but we don’t want to lose you to stupidity. *Always use a bowstringer for longbows and recurved bows. This will reduce the possibility of damage to the bow and injury to the person. *Check your bow regularly for cracks or twisting. If in doubt, have it checked by a professional before shooting it any more. *Check the condition of your bowstring regularly. It's cheaper to install a new string than to replace the bow. *Don't draw a bowstring back further than the length of the arrow for which it is intended. *Overdrawing can break the bow and injure the shooter in the process. There is an old saying that a fully drawn bow is 7/8 broken! *Don't draw the string back except with an arrow on it and, especially, don't release the bowstring with no arrow on it. Doing so is called dry firing and can damage the bow. *After you are done shooting, wait for the word: CLEAR from the Teacher or her/his designee before going toward the targets to retrieve your arrows. *WALK, don't run toward the targets. Remember that the arrows are sticking out and can injure you. *When pulling arrows out of a target, stand to one side and insure that no one is directly behind you. *If archers will be shooting concurrently at varying distances, stagger the targets, not the people. This goes back to the previous rule about having one shooting line and staying behind it. *If you are using broadhead tip, be sure that they are adequately covered when not in use. *Treat a broadhead with the same caution that you would a razor blade. *Carefully follow the instructions given by the Teacher. [/color] Bent Arrow : Description: The Sanikas Archery Range-Bent Arrow is the only permanent outdoor range of the city. It is a short five chime walk away once you step out the Sanikas Gates. The narrow stone path is well worn, though it is barely discernable from the rocky outcroppings. There are a few handholds carved in the nearby wall just in case someone is feeling a little tipsy, though it’s been told that only one or two especially clumsy foreigners have fallen to their death… maybe three. The range is a natural plateau cut out from the side of the volcano wall. It is known as one of the most beautiful sight seeing spots in Kalea. There are even permanent stone benches scattered around the edge. Though not too close since from the edge is a straight drop right to the bottom of the mountain. Yasi like to dare each other to see who can stare straight down the longest without getting vertigo. The Sanikas Archery Range-Bent Arrow is the only city sponsored range that caters to all Wind Reach Castes and foreigners. Endal’s get first priority, then Avora, then Yasi, and then maybe Chiet. Dek may only practice if there really is no one around, but even then they are still not welcome. The range is only open when weather permits and between dawn and dusk.A magic called 'sheilding' protects the exposed plataeu from rock falls and landslides that often frequent Mt. Skyinarta. It also blocks the stronger winds from blowing away the practicing archers. Wicker torches are sometimes lighted when there are many Endals practicing late into the summer afternoons. And a raised stone platform is set off to the side for Eagle Riders to launch or set down at, but only two wind eagles at a time can fit in the range without disturbing the archers. The firing wall, the side with the mountain and not the view, is lined up with regular bulls eye targets with a few animal shaped targets scattered about. To prevent backlog there is a head high stone wall, maintained by city reimancers, between every five targets so that archers don't have to wait for everyone in the range to finish shooting before retrieving their arrows. When all the archers finish their set, and the range isn’t too busy, a small team of Dek might fetch the arrows for the patrons. There are at least ten deks permanently assigned to the Sanikas Archery Range-Bent Arrow during open hours. The Bent Arrow is one of the few places several different caste members can really mingle, sharing their common love of the art of archery. [spoiler=Archery Supplies Storage Room] Description: Due to Wind Reach's reliance on the Endals' hunt to provide a bulk of the city's food, archery is a very important part of the city's dynamic. To keep the elite caste of hunters properly stocked, and to prevent even a chance of mass starvation from lack of preparation, the Valintar has organized an entire cavern to be fully stocked with emergency arrows, bows, and targets for the archery ranges. Since active theft of the supplies could not help the Dek directly, the storage room is left unguarded save for a single, trustworthy Chiet left to guard the open cavern and its wares. Runner Deks are sent daily to the Storage Cavern from the active Ranges to fetch the supplies. And though it is not monitored the Dek are actually given their own little corner, in a back, badly lit, niche of the storage cavern to practice their archery (in the little free time they have.) And because the Dek are usually too poor to afford their own bows and arrows, they are even allotted the worst of the bows and arrows to borrow - tools the Chiet wouldn't even touch. Very few other caste members really know about the Dek's secret niche, but the ones that do rarely visit do to the shoddy environment; if they do visit, it is because they want to get away. The niche has three, cramped targets on the far wall, with hay and cloth that have not been replaced for many seasons. While left with the meager scraps, the dek appreciate what they can get with their lot. That and they even sometimes sneak a quick use of the Endals' bows when they are sure no one is around - but that's just a rumor. NPCs: Mod Note:[/indent] Rules of the Ranges : Rules • Archers cannot retrieve their arrows until everyone in their section is ready and has dropped their bows • Archers should not dry fire their bow (pull back their string and let go without an arrow) • Arrows must always be pointed down, to the ground or towards the target when not shooting • No running in the range Targets • 3 foot diameter • Red and white bullseye • Painted Canvas pinned onto a circular cork board with a wood frame • Firing wall is a foot thick, made of hay and feathers The Pit : Description: This cramped, dark and ugly cavern is mostly a garbage dump for other archer’s refuse. There’s a small leaving of cracked bows, bent arrows and inferior refuse for the Dek’s use. It’s good for the lowest caste anyway. In repairing the arrows and bows, they might learn fletching or wood crafting. The few ragged animals that find their way to The Pit, are a motley bunch of filthy, tired, bedraggled looking things that barely even resemble the rest of the proud Inarta. Because this place is usually deserted most of the time, it’s become a ‘secret’ hideaway for teenage trysts or shared secrets.