Quick Fire Questions (A Place to Ask and Answer)

[Warren_Paul]

I don't see a problem with that, Springs. I like it the way it is.

[springs]

That's cos HB has worked his magic. With my version it was just urggh, in knots... I'm happy with it now.
Next paragraph... staring inanely....

[Vertigo]

Originally Posted by luci2also

Archery articles maybe try reading here it has some of the physics behind archery. The real need for strength should be in the draw. Gripping not so much.

Exactly and even the drawing hand only hooks the fingers; the real work is initially in the arms and then the back. Take my word for it, if I've not been shooting for a long time (as now for example) then I go shoot a round, it's not my fingers or hand that aches afterwards!

HB I love that Gothic version!!!!

[David Evil Overlord]

I remember reading somewhere that the French, after the humiliation of their huge host of knights getting slaughtered by a small force of English longbowmen at Agincourt, started cutting the first two fingers off English right hands. This meant the victim could no longer draw a bow.

Apparently, the English rude gesture of a "two fingered salute" evolved from this -- they liked to show the enemy they were still fully equipped with all the fingers needed to draw a bow.

I also believe the finger-chopping practice continues in some of the never-ending African civil wars, since an enemy with no trigger finger can't fight very well.

If the other woman knows your MC is an archer, perhaps it's not her pinky she would aim for.

[Vertigo]

Originally Posted by Warren_Paul

If you lost your little finger (pinkie) you would lose some of the strength in your hand - which might make it harder to use a bow, considering they already take a great deal of strength, especially old fashioned longbows.

Old fashioned fighting longbows' draw weights ranged from around 100-180 lbs, hunting bows more like 50-60 lbs, modern longbows around 60lbs. My modern recurve draws around 45 lbs and modern compound bows (with pulleys and stuff, like Rambo used!). Only draw about 25 lbs. The reduction in draw weight reflects the improved efficiency of the bow limbs. For accuracy you want a low draw weight that can be held steadier. But still the hand does very little.

Originally Posted by luci2also

Archery articles maybe try reading here it has some of the physics behind archery. The real need for strength should be in the draw. Gripping not so much.

Exactly right! Some strength is required in the drawing hand but actually not much. The fingers are locked and the strain passes (or should pass) straight through your hand into your arms. Once at full draw all that strain should shift onto your back. When I tried a 100lb longbow once I struggled to draw it but even at full draw it was no problem at all holding the weight on my fingers.

Originally Posted by HareBrain

Dear God! -- it seemed the very stones did weep with what they had witnessed, and would have cried out, had they but voices, to purge from themselves the burdensome, invidious secret of that place’s ancient horror.

That is just brilliant HB, I love it!

[Warren_Paul]

Originally Posted by HareBrain

Fainting readers is what gothic is all about!

Take it to the max:

Dear God! -- it seemed the very stones did weep with what they had witnessed, and would have cried out, had they but voices, to purge from themselves the burdensome, invidious secret of that place’s ancient horror.

(OK, I should probably be thinking about bed.)

That's brilliant, HB. You should write plays!

[springs]

@HB; don't go there! I can't bear another rewrite. Not yet. In six months I will do the origninal Victorian melodramatic, space opera, Star Wars-fan chick, stage play (with stage directions, directors prompts, and an entire cast)
First, I need to get over this one....

[Vertigo]

In iambic pentameter I trust

[springs]

Do we have a module on that
Or do I have to rely on my Shakesperian knowledge. It could be painful... imagine that on the crit's board
*shudders*

[David Evil Overlord]

Han Solo, Han Solo, wherefore art thou, Han Solo?

[allmywires]

Originally Posted by David Evil Overlord

I remember reading somewhere that the French, after the humiliation of their huge host of knights getting slaughtered by a small force of English longbowmen at Agincourt, started cutting the first two fingers off English right hands. This meant the victim could no longer draw a bow.

Apparently, the English rude gesture of a "two fingered salute" evolved from this -- they liked to show the enemy they were still fully equipped with all the fingers needed to draw a bow.

I also believe the finger-chopping practice continues in some of the never-ending African civil wars, since an enemy with no trigger finger can't fight very well.

If the other woman knows your MC is an archer, perhaps it's not her pinky she would aim for.

That 'two fingered salute' story is brilliant. I think I may just use that in my work!

True about not aiming for the pinky, but I do still want her to be able to shoot. It's only early days in the war for her. I'm thinking that maybe it will be a torture scene, and she'll start with the little finger, but mercifully get interrupted before she loses the whole caboodle.

[David Evil Overlord]

Originally Posted by allmywires

That 'two fingered salute' story is brilliant. I think I may just use that in my work!

Please do. I believe it to be true, but I may have read it on the internet...

Originally Posted by allmywires

True about not aiming for the pinky, but I do still want her to be able to shoot. It's only early days in the war for her. I'm thinking that maybe it will be a torture scene, and she'll start with the little finger, but mercifully get interrupted before she loses the whole caboodle.

Of course. Starting with the pinky and working her way along is a very effective torture both physically and psychologically ('cos she knows what's coming next...). And a timely interruption leaves your MC still able to shoot.

[Vertigo]

To the best of my knowledge that story is absolutely correct.

[Bowler1]

DOE - the chopping of the two fingers was true and the two fingered salute was around for a long time before the battle of Agincourt.

It was a very effective end to a bow mans career.

[David Evil Overlord]

Ah, right effect, wrong battle. All Fantasy archers please beware of the vengeful enemy with the small knife.