Deadeye

When marksmen gather to test thier mettle, they hold a gathering known as Deadeye. Much more than just a contest, this ritual begins with chanting, feasts, ritual naming ceremonies, and of course tests of skill. A spectacle to outsiders, in populous areas it becomes a festival lasting several days. Tents and tables are erected from timbers, animal skins, and rough textiles. Striped booths sell confections, food and drink, and carnival games. At its conclusion, a champion or two is elected by peer vote and they are awarded dark sunglasses bearing a tiny crest.

History

The first marksman ceremonies were conducted in secrecy amongst a couple of mercenary brothers known to be excellent archers. They developed the chants and trappings of the ceremony as they invited expert archers and slingers they recruited from across the lands. After they gained in popularity, it became common for archers to seek glory by attending and gaining some exposure to techniques and attitudes of masters in thier trade. Eventually the quality of skilled participants led to many effective town guard forces who absorbed innovative knowledge and techniques.

Execution

The ceremony is prepared on site for a week before the event, as members and vendors set up tents and booths, the archery range and targets, and the ceremonial stage and dining hall. Vendors prepare thier wares for the tourists in the early morning of the ceremony, then fall quiet as the opening chants begin. Participants march in two ranks from the surrounding forest or outlands as it may be while chanting and carrying thier personal weapon across their shoulder. They march upon the stage and greet each other in a prescribed way, then join in a loud jubilant yell which announces the public opening of the ceremony. After this, they congregate about the dining hall, enjoying a hearty breakfast informally, while some participants may leave to do some practicing on thier own. A roster of participants is drawn up and names are drawn two at a time to perform tests of skill, shooting at ceremonial targets. After each matchup, a score is tallied. These matches are observed by most of the participants. After all participants have had a chance to show thier strength, a champion is elected by vote and awarded the prize, a pair of ceremonial black sunglasses. These would later be worn by the victors and signified a deadly archer as the owner. The ceremony concludes after a celebratory feast, then the site is demolished and cleaned in a few days work, or contracted to laborers to assist in clean-up.

Components and tools

Deadeye Glasses are the trophy given to the best performers and bear a tiny crest designating the date of the ceremony. Ceremonial targets are prepared in advance, rolling tightly straw into a spiral and then sprinkling with the blood of a hunted animal.

Participants

All participants are peers, and no attendee ranks above any other in duty. All participate to set up, manage, and break down the ceremony.

Observance

These festivals occur usually in the late growing season.