Ranged Weapons Treatise III

Description
"The Deserts of Maaf and the Secrets Of the Dunes. Travelling and Adventuring Notes, Part Two"

Effect
Allows to learn some bow abilities:



Acquired From

 * Sometimes sold by Gerlot, merchant in Mannshire.
 * Sometimes sold by Bert, merchant in Osbrook.

Book content
( . . . )

The Sand Guard commander was a man of few words. One could never guess his thoughts just by looking at his face.

When he addressed me in broken Aldorian to discuss archery, I figured he'd quickly get bored and return to his duties. Yet to my surprise, he got so carried away that he switched to elven, trying to explain to me the idea behind some secret technique...

I couldn't make sense of it. Without changing his expression, he approached one of the captured nomads, loosened the restraints around his ankles, and led him to a spot a hundred steps away. After exchanging a couple phrases and receiving a silent nod, the commander returned at a leisurely pace, leaving the prisoner behind. He continued the conversation from where we left off.

A curious thing: a three-fingered grip is called "Aldorian grip" by the elves. They prefer drawing bows by holding a string with their thumb. To avoid injury, they use metal rings - it finally became clear to me why the warriors of the Sand Guard, well-known for their ascetic lifestyle, would wear any kind of accessories...

( . . . )

The commander's advice was to aim at the upper part of the body to guarantee quick and less painful death. He put it simple: "Hit above the ribs - and it's a kill. Hit below the ribs - and you cause needless suffering". With these words he drew his bow and, without wasting any time aiming, shot an arrow at the captured nomad. It hit him right in the head, dropping him dead right where he stood.

"Why wasn't he trying to dodge or escape?" I asked. "We hang the captives from the city walls. Getting captured is a dishonor. I promised him I'll tell everyone that he died in battle. His body will be buried before we reach the city," the commander replied.

Jumping ahead, I have to say - he kept his word...

( . . . )