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The Dragon Age (thedragonage) wrote in thebattleage,
@ 2011-06-01 21:45:00

Entry tags:

! complete, (plot), jill sorrel, sydni tethviel

Tournament: Archery Contest, Round Three
Who: Hilda Aelricsdottr, Linn Flannghaile (NPC), Ser Bridget Pryce (NPC Knight), Arja Serik, Jill Sorrel, Sydni Tethviel and open to spectators
When: 3 Solis, 9 am
Where: Tournament grounds, Vigil’s Keep
Rating: PG
Summary: The final round of the archery competition is underway. On this day archers from all across Thedas will compete, with one being declared the winner.

The day had dawned clear and bright, not a cloud to be seen in the sky, and already the heat of the sun had drawn sweat upon many a man’s brow. Alistair himself was no exception. Worse off perhaps due to the gleaming armor he had to parade about in as he led the proceedings. His attempts to coerce Bethany into opening the day’s competition had fallen flat, not helped by his escape from the prior evenings fete. It had been worth it though, he thought, as he idly mopped the back of his neck.

A sudden gust of wind stole across the area, drawing many relived sighs from the assembled crowd as it eased away the worst of the morning heat. It grew until soon enough a strong breeze continuously buffeted those who had gathered to watch the competition. While Alistair was just as thankful for the breeze as the people packed into the stands he couldn’t help but wonder what affect it would have on the archers. Archery had never been a skill he had been particularly gifted at, not gifted at all in fact, but even he knew how the strength and direction of the wind could influence a shot.

Shifting in his seat he tried to catch Bethany’s eye, wondering for a moment if he should delay this round for a moment until the winds abated somewhat. All that earned him was a look, one which meant it was high time he stood up and got things started. Sometimes he really wondered, and most assuredly without a pout, just who was the Warden-Commander of Ferelden.

Pushing himself up from his chair he smiled at the crowd, waiting until he held their full attention. When it seemed as if every eye was on him he spoke. “On this fine morning let me welcome you all to the final round of our tournament’s archery competition!” The roar of the crowd drowned out the rest of his words. He waited, shifting uneasily as he waited for them to fall silent. When they didn’t he fell back on the method of calming them that had worked so well the day before. Raising one hand into the air he stood still until even the most exuberant of fans quieted. “Yesterday we saw our competitors shooting at targets at a distance of seventy-five yards. Today that distance has been made even greater; the targets now stand at ninety yards!”

The crowd rippled as excited cheering broke out once more. Fidgeting, fingers drumming uncomfortably against his armor, he only had to wait a short moment before all fell still again. “Each archer will have three shots, the person who holds the greatest amount of points today shall be declared our winner!” Inclining his head to the side he looked over to where the line of competitors stood. “Best of luck to you all. Let the final round begin!”

Please note that for this round the modifiers used to adjust dice rolls has changed as the difficulty of the competition has increased. Using the D20 die found here players will modify their result with a +7 if archery is not their primary weapon/skill and -3 if archery is. The closer to 0 the roll is, the closer to the bulls-eye, with 20 being a miss.

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First Shot

thedragonage
2011-06-02 01:52 am UTC (link)

As the Warden-Commander retook his seat the herald rushed out onto the field. The crowd sat anxiously, eager to see what the last round would bring. Last minute bets rang through the air and people called out encouragement to their favorites.

“Archers, to your positions!” As he waited for the competitors to line up the herald straightened, one arm rising into the air and falling as he called out the first shot.

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Re: First Shot

arcane_arts
2011-06-02 03:57 am UTC (link)

(Hit: 9+7 = 16)

Sydni was far less confident about his chances this day. Especially with his poor showing in the previous round. Taking a deep breath and grateful for the lack of heavy wind, he raised his bow and fired.

He had to squint to see the result, as far out as the target was. A slight push of the stray winds made the fletchings sway and become visible against the target. It was not the finest shot, but it had hit.

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Re: First Shot

jillsorrel
2011-06-08 08:09 am UTC (link)

(20-3 =17)

As she walked into the field, Jill was aware of an uncomfortable churning sensation in her stomach. Her confidence seemed to have been swept away on the sudden winds that ruffled her hair and pushed it into her eyes. Biting her lip nervously, Jill took a moment to look for Lillie in the crowds, for Conlan, for Lalin; for anyone she knew. She didn't see anyone, and turning back to face the targets, Jill swallowed with some difficulty. She did believe in her skills, she told herself, she did deserve to be here on the field. But still the distance to the targets seemed enormous - unmoving and too far away.

Lifting an arm to wipe over her brow, Jill squinted at the distant targets, drawing a deep breath. She had nothing to be nervous for, nothing at all, she told herself sternly. Had she not fought in actual battles in harder conditions? Why, a little tournament ought not get her this worked up!

Insides quaking, a brave smile on her face Jill Sorrel let loose her first shot. It weaved through the air, visible loosing power and speed along the way, and when it struck the target it seemed about to fall off for a moment.
Staring at it with shock and a hollow feeling inside her belly, Jill swallowed and waited for the second shot. Wasn't much more to do, she thought wearily, her anger for once far behind the rest of her emotions.

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Re: First Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 06:46 pm UTC (link)

(9-3 = 6)

She would keep her temper in check, Linn told herself, and she would do her best. The very real possibility of just being forced to return to her sister and the children and everything she had wanted to get away from, loomed before her. This was her last chance, to win some gold, to impress someone worth impressing, to remove herself from the unmarried aunt she was, and transform into someone else.
As she stared at the target, Linn imagined her future if she did win, if she put this shot close enough to the centre, and then the next one and the next one.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to shut out everything else, knocked an arrow and let it fly.
It struck true, and with a deeply satisfied nod, Linn reached for her next arrow, too eager to wait for the herald to proclaim the second shot.

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Re: First Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 07:09 pm UTC (link)

(13-3 = 10)

Back held ramrod straight, posture stiff, ser Bridget walked onto the field. She was aware of the hum of the spectators, of the way the din lessened when she appeared and most and foremost of the difference in magnitude from the first day. Then they had been clapping and cheering for her, now there was a speculative air to the murmurs, as if they were unsure what to think of her.
Inside her head she was praying.
Loudly.
Mostly it was a plea that she would be able to leave the tournament with some honour intact, but there was also lots of begging for the strength to get through this last round of archery.

Huh, archery. Funny how she suddenly disliked something that had earlier been her foremost skill and what made her into a knight in the first place.

With a sigh, and another imperceptible straightening of her back, Bridget lifted her bow, knocked an arrow and shot. Maybe the Maker had there and then heard her prayers for mercy, because although the shot was fine, better than those really bad ones, she felt nothing.
Standing back she waited for the second shot.

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	Second Shot thedragonage 2011-06-02 01:53 am UTC (link)
	As the echo of arrows and bolts being fired faded away the herald quickly returned to the field. “Archers, ready yourselves.” Pausing for a moment he let them do just that before he spoke again. “Next shot!” (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Second Shot

arcane_arts
2011-06-02 04:04 am UTC (link)

(Hit: 7+7 = 14)

Sydni nodded to himself before raising his bow. He'd done decently with the first shot, but at the range the target lay, he had no certainty it would continue. It took three deep breaths to steady himself before he was able to release the arrow.

When it buried itself in the target, just inside his first shot, Sydni couldn't help the broad smile that split his face. There but for a moment as he took control back and pressed his lips together. There was no reason to get so excited about it. But that didn't stop the rapid pounding of his heart or the pride in his eyes as he waited for the final shot to be called.

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Re: Second Shot

jillsorrel
2011-06-08 11:20 am UTC (link)

(12-3= 9)

The second shot was called and Jill stared desolately at the target. It was no use reminding herself that she had fought darkspawn and robbers (she had at least ran away from both, with the added possibility that a few of her arrows hit their marks) and never had she felt this bad. When Bennick began teaching her to fight, it hadn't been this bad.
Nothing had been this bad, her life was over! She was a disgrace and the teyrn would call her back to Highever just so he could send her away again.

With a deep sigh, as if her heart was breaking by doing it, Jill lifted her bow. The wood was smooth and polished as usual, her hands sliding over it like...well...silk. But today it didn't cheer her up at all, it was simply the first step in what would surely be a great disappointment. Not that she wanted the money, but she sure wanted the glory, why wouldn't she?
Fumbling for an arrow, she drew back and released it. It flew straighter than her first, more sure of itself. It landed better too, still not half as well as Jill had preferred, but enough to make her stare undecidedly at it for a moment, nibbling her lip.
In the end, she shrugged and stepped back, waiting for the other archers.

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Re: Second Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 07:09 pm UTC (link)

(20-3 = 17)

Second shot. Somewhat enjoying the emptiness inside her head - clearly this was the Maker helping her, letting her have a moment of reprieve? - Ser Bridget lifted her bow to fire again. She could feel the smoothness of the arrow under her fingers, the best money could make, yet not enough.
Clearly there was a lesson in all this, hidden there to temper her pride in her accomplishments.

Letting the arrow fly, she regarded it steadily and pretended to herself she didn't feel the sting of another bad shot.

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Re: Second Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 07:31 pm UTC (link)

(8-3 = 5)

The herald had hardly done his job and called the second shot before Linn's arrow was on it's way. Clenching her bow, not even bothering to lower it, her eyes followed the arrow as it sand into the target. Even closer than the last shot!

"That's it, old girl, your time has finally come!" she told herself, as usual unaware that she was speaking. Maybe if the last shot was decent too, maybe then the Grey Wardens would see...

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	Final Shot thedragonage 2011-06-02 01:54 am UTC (link)
	The crowd’s excitement was palatable as the herald strode out onto the field. This would be the last shot of the day, of the competition. This shot would decide the winner and the outcome of numberless wagers and everyone knew it. “Archers, your final shot,” he cried. In the stands the crowd sat silent, breathless, as the competitors took aim and fired. (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Final Shot

arcane_arts
2011-06-02 04:15 am UTC (link)

(Hit: 2+7 = 9)

Sydni's heart wouldn't slow down. He lifted the bow and had to lower it as he tried to calm, shaking his head and sucking in air. He wasn't going to win. He knew this and it didn't matter. But his shots so far had been far more better than expected. And it was making him shake with excitement.

Shaking would only mess up his final shot. He wanted to do as well as he had on the first two. To give a decent show for the competition.

It took a few moments to get himself back under control and lift the bow once more. His fingers were still unsteady as he released, but he couldn't delay much longer without looking like he'd given up.

The elf stood there stiffly after his shot hit. Staring dumbfounded at it's position.

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Re: Final Shot

jillsorrel
2011-06-08 12:06 pm UTC (link)

(20-3= 17)

When the third and final shot was called, Jill had all but forgotten about the crowds of onlookers, about those of her friends who might be watching. She had been glaring at the target for a while, her frustration at not managing a good shot growing while she waited for the third round. Her mood couldn't get any lower, but thankfully for the other contestants, she only glared at the target. Her first two arrows, the first one still wobbling precariously when the wind reached for it, mocked her, and she had all but lost faith that her last shot would be any better. Several scenarios, most of them ending with her going home in disgrace, chased each other in her mind.

Distracted, angry, frustrated and nervous, Jill let her final arrow fly.

It was a horrible shot, one that she was ashamed of, yet at the same time she was relieved the ordeal was over. Now she could go and have a good sulk, preferably in some dark corner where no one would ever find her.

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Re: Final Shot (Spectating)

lilliofthenight
2011-06-08 08:35 pm UTC (link)

Lillie was amazed by how far away the targets appeared to be today. She couldn't imagine hitting them with a spell, let alone an arrow fired with a taut piece of string. And it was obvious, for this round most of the competitors were doing far worse than before. Sydni seemed to be doing better than other rounds, but that was probably because his shots before had been horrible, with the occasional miss. Still, Lillie was hoping that the elf wouldn't win the archery tournament.

Pushing aside such unkind thoughts, Lillie frowned as she leaned forward to watch Jill. It was clear enough that she'd done poorly today, and she was more than a little upset. Before the final shot went off, Lillie was edging through the crowds to get towards the area where the competitors entered the arena. When Jill left she planned to intercept her. Perhaps it was time for another picnic.

And a break from tournaments for a while.

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Re: Final Shot (Spectating)

jillsorrel
2011-06-09 07:42 pm UTC (link)

It felt as if there was a caged beast inside her, a large and angry one that just wanted to attack someone. But Jill knew her temper well enough to read the signs and she just hoped she could avoid anyone she knew, at least in order not to blow up at them. Slinging her bow over one shoulder - it wasn't good for the bowstring, but it would do for just a short while - and keeping a hand on the quiver fastened to her belt in order to stop it from bouncing, Jill started moving away.

Just as she stopped, she saw Lillie walking towards her, and Jill stopped. She swallowed hard, looking down as she tried to control her frustration and anger.
"Hullo Lills," she said, voice maybe a little more gruff than usual. Sighing softly, she could think of nothing more to say, so she stayed silent. At least it was better than overreacting in some way, or saying something unintentionally hurtful.

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Re: Final Shot (Spectating)

lilliofthenight
2011-06-09 07:49 pm UTC (link)

Seeing Jill's face, Lillie knew that the redhead was angry with herself and her performance in today's round of the archery competition. She didn't bring it up, instead smiling and reaching for her friend's hand. "Just the person I was hoping to catch. Come on, Jill, I need someone to have lunch with me."

She tugged her from the press of the crowds, edging her way through the people, the slowed to fall into step beside her. "I thought we could have another picnic. Get away from all these crowds for a little bit. It's quite exciting but I think I wouldn't mind a little friendly conversation without having to shout over drunken louts." She sniffed slightly. "Or push away grabby hands. The nerve of some people." Her voice sounded disdainful, but she was grinning at her friend, a mischevious light in her eyes.

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jillsorrel
2011-06-10 04:47 pm UTC (link)

Jill let go of the quiver of arrows and let Lillie take her hand. The contact cheered her up a very little, and she didn't have the heart to tell her friend that she wasn't at all hungry.
She followed Lillie listlessly, staring at the hem of her friends pretty dress, not wanting to look up and see anyone else she knew. Would they pity her? Would they think she was unduly cocky before the competition or would they think she had let them down, being such a horrible shot.
It couldn't bear to think about, and Jill sniffled, then angrily wiped at her nose with her elbow.

She was vaguely aware of Lillie speaking a cheerful litany of nonsense beside her, but all she could manage was an occasional grunt. As Lillie mentioned grabby hands though, Jill looked up with a frown.
"There are pickpockets here?" she asked disinterestedly. "I thought the Wardens would keep them away."

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lilliofthenight
2011-06-10 04:59 pm UTC (link)

Jill wasn't in a very chatty mood, but that was okay with Lillie. She could talk more than enough for the both of them if need be. And if her friend did not get over her bad day at the archery contest soon then she could enjoy her company in silence just as easily. She squeezed her hand gently, smiling at her when she had her attention again.

"Oh... well I'm sure there are pickpockets, though I've had no trouble with them." The truth of the matter was, that Lillie could guess who the best thieves present were, and they would be unlikely to steal from a friend. And it wasn't like she was silly enough to carry a large amount of coin on her anyway, just enough to feed herself for the day at the tournament usually. "I mean grabbing in another manner. Usually by lustful drunkards." She frowns. "Not that I'm unfamiliar with such manners, but outside of a brothel I don't think I have to put up with it."

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jillsorrel
2011-06-27 06:23 pm UTC (link)

"I haven't had any trouble either," Jill replied dully, her mind not really on what she was saying, or what was happening around her. "I guess they rummaged through my things and them gave up trying to find valuables."

"Lustful drunkards?" That did snap Jill out of her dark mood, if just for a moment. "Just point out who it was and I'll make them regret it Lillie!" Looking around as if the gentlemen (or not really) in question would stand on their toes and wave their hands for her attention, Jill looked fierce and determined.

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lilliofthenight
2011-06-28 10:40 pm UTC (link)

Lillie smiled at her friend's fierce defense of her and put her arm around Jill's shoulders gently. "It was yesterday during the mage combat. And of all things, a Templar came to my rescue. I haven't seen the lout of a man who did the grabbing yet today though. Perhaps he's still in bed sleeping off his drunkeness. In any case he did no real harm to me," she said softly. "Just irritated me a bit with his behavior."

She linked her arm through Jill's and lead her away from the crowds and towards the food vendors. "And besides, now I have you here to watch after me and make sure no one tries anything funny while we enjoy our lunch. I think I will feel quite safe."

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Re: Final Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 07:14 pm UTC (link)

(4-3 = 1)

Steeling herself, Bridget didn't stop to think, or pray or do anything. As the third and last shot was called, she already had her hands on the bow and the arrow knocked and ready. She wouldn't escape, she told herself sternly, she would stay and shake hands and incline her head and be courteous because that was why she was here.

The arrow flew, cutting straight and true through the air. For just a moment ser Bridget's breath stuck in her throat, before she squished the last measure of vain hope inside her.

Then it stuck to the target with a slight 'twang' and she stared at it as is she had never seen it before. How come that her last shot was suddenly true, her last shot out of so many the only one that lived up to her reputation and skill?

Shaking her head at the irony, Bridget turned to began making the rounds.

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Re: Final Shot

theminionage
2011-06-27 07:35 pm UTC (link)

(17-3 = 14)

The final shot. The one her whole future rested upon, the shot that would determine if she was more than a spinster aunt - or just that.

This time Linn didn't shoot so quickly, at first she had to calm the way her hands trembled. But, overcome with the moment or old age, she didn't know, she could not stop her hands shaking. As everyone else had shot, as the audience were growing silent and the herald started eyeing her with raised eyebrows, Linn made the shot anyway.

And regretted it instantly. Clearly, if she had only taken her time, if the damned herald hadn't been glaring so. If only.
With her lips pressed together hard, she left the tournament field, muttering to herself, looking to find the nearest tavern and fortify herself with a drink. The Maker knew she needed one!

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Spectator

lalin
2011-06-04 06:17 am UTC (link)

Lalin was resolutely not sulking. She had been delighted at the news of an archery contest and then heartbroken when she discovered she was not allowed to enter. She vaguely wondered why she kept coming to the rounds in the contest. Each stray arrow and each target left without a single bulls-eye made her want to take the bows from more than on contestant. They certainly had no business wielding them if they were going to compete like that. She had hoped that the final round would at bring some better competition, but still there was more than one shot that had her wincing in horror.

"Your feet are all wrong!" she yelled at one competitor, before realizing that she was a Grey Warden at a tournament in their honor and not at a spectator's match in Denerim. A Grey Warden should be above heckling... probably. No one had ever said she couldn't yell things at the field. Besides, his feet were positioned wrong. If this had been one of her companions, she would have been pointing it out. How else were you going to get better if you weren't corrected? And in that case, why shouldn't she be yelling the right way to do things? She only wanted them to do well.

With that settled, she focused her attention back on the field. "Loosen your grip! Relax!"

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