Elven Archery

Elven archers are known and feared throughout the lands. This art combines stealth, concealment, and ambush tactics to give them an edge. Archery has always been a part of elven culture, with numerous contests to find the best archers. Most of the elven deities are depicted holding bows or arrows.

When the northern barbarians, then the Xianese, attacked their borders the bow became the weapon of choice. Steel was difficult to acquire from the dwarves, and it took time to train someone to use a sword or spear. However, even the youngest child was taught how to shoot a bow from the time they could walk.

This style represents the best techniques used by those elves that excel at the bow. This counts them as the best archers in the known world. Advanced Techniques

The abilities listed below are those learned by elven archers that prove their skills enough to stand beside the masters. It is rumored that the easiest task is pinning the wings of a dragonfly at one hundred paces, without harming it. Sword Breaker XE “Elven Archery:Sword Breaker”

This technique was actually taught by both dwarven and elven masters. The dwarves lent their knowledge of metals and construction, and the elves used their skill and precision. If the arrow strikes hard and true enough, even the most stout item can be rendered useless.

Power: 10d6 Dispel

Modifiers: Affects any small man-made construction(+¼), Full Phase(-½), Elven Archery Skill Roll Required(-½), OAF: 2-handed bow(-1½)

Active Cost: 37 Active Points

Real Cost: 11 Real Points

Endurance: 7 END

Skill Modifier: -4 Arrow netting XE “Elven Archery:Arrow Netting”

These small and finely woven nets are secured behind the shaft of a special arrow. When the head strike something solid the net will expand outward; hopefully ensnaring its target. However, the net is very unbalanced and difficult to work with under the best conditions. The nets are made by an old elven custom of weaving the thinnest strands of silk.

Power: 4d6 Entangle

Modifiers: Entangle and Character both take damage(+¼), Full Phase(-½), Elven Archery Skill Roll Required(-½), OAF: 2-handed bow(-1½), ½ OCV(-½)

Active Cost: 50 Active Points

Real Cost: 12 Real Points

Endurance: 10 END

Skill Modifier: -5 Final Strike XE “Elven Archery:Final Strike”

It is said there are over two hundred ways to bend or strike a bow that will render it useless — and only one way that is safe. A skilled elven archer knows the one way in which a bow may be used as a last ditch weapon when an opponent gets too close. If struck properly the bow will suffer no damage.

Power: 4d6 Hand Attack (bought at 5pts/1d6)

Modifiers: STR Minimum: 10(-¼), Elven Archery Skill Roll Required(-½), OAF: 2-handed bow(-1½), ½ OCV(-½), Side Effect: Bow destroyed, no damage inflicted(-½)

Active Cost: 20 Active Points

Real Cost: 5 Real Points

Endurance: 2 END for Strength

Skill Modifier: -4 Maiden Archers

The Maiden Archers represent the elite archers from among the best elven archers in the world. These women are personally chosen by Ellowyn — and are often referred to as the Chosen Hand of Ellowyn. It is there task to defend the elves, their lands, their culture, and most importantly anything representing Ellowyn. Soul Bows

These bows are the mark of a Maiden Archer. Each willing given from a single Adarra tree, the living spirit trees of the elves, they are perfect. Their shape is a formed recurve that neither Carthin or Elven bowyer could explain how it cannot crack.

Inside of each bow lives the eternal spirit of all that have carried the bow before the current owner. When she passes away her spirit will reside within the bow. Each bow is named for the first Maiden Archer to carry it. Advanced Techniques

If the world sees elven archers as the pinnacle of their craft, then a maiden archer is something truly marvelous. Their skill is unsurpassed with the bow; however the greatest among them is Aisha. This woman commonly referred to as “the princess” for her commanding attitude mixes legendary talent with incredible style and ego.

Most of a Maiden Archers advanced techniques will be held in the clerical pool; however the player can opt to purchase a few of the more common skills outside. Obviously, a practitioner of this craft may choose any of the techniques listed for Elven Archery and Elven Sword Dancing as well. Hand Arrows

Anyone that retreats as little as Aisha is bound to have enemies close within striking distance several times. Those skilled in this technique can find they have a use for their arrows, even without the bow. While this may cost quite a few arrows, better than losing a few body parts.

Power: 1d6 HKA

Modifiers: Damage Shield(+½), ½ END(+¼), Full Phase startup(-¼), Maiden Archery Skill Roll Required(-½), OAF: Arrows(-1)

Active Cost: 26 Active Points

Real Cost: 9 Real Points

Endurance: 2 END

Skill Modifier: -3