A religious interpretation of Order of the Bow Initiate?

[johnsemlak]

I'm playing a archer-buffed character on the way to becomiing an Order of the BOw Initiate. It's an Elf, with high Dex, and several archery feats.

And, he's a cleric.

I've used that to choose the Elf and War domains, and I can cast some useful buff spells like Cat's Grace and Magic Weapon.

Now, what would be a good way for my my Elf Cleric of Corellian Larethian to interprete the OotBI? The class description hints at a religious dimension but gives no details. It isn't race specific (like arcane archer).

In short, I'd like to come up with some interpretation of the Order as some sort of religious order suitable for my character. Any ideas?

 

[MerricB]

I'm playing a archer-buffed character on the way to becomiing an Order of the BOw Initiate. It's an Elf, with high Dex, and several archery feats.

And, he's a cleric.

I've used that to choose the Elf and War domains, and I can cast some useful buff spells like Cat's Grace and Magic Weapon.

Now, what would be a good way for my my Elf Cleric of Corellian Larethian to interprete the OotBI? The class description hints at a religious dimension but gives no details. It isn't race specific (like arcane archer).

In short, I'd like to come up with some interpretation of the Order as some sort of religious order suitable for my character. Any ideas?

I did so in my campaign with both the Church of Ehlonna and of Xan-Yae. (see here), with the Church of Hextor also possessing an Order of the Bow, though not detailed.

The Church of Xan-Yae believes that perfection comes through harmony of body and mind; the Order of the Bow as sponsored by the Church of Xan-Yae emphasize that as created by the firing of an arrow: "The perfect man need make but one shot to down his foe."

The Church of Hextor have the order as a martial arm, trained assassins if you will. "From a position of power you may subdue the weak."

The Church of Ehlonna (and I would extend this to Corellon Larethian) have the following to say: "In the forest, there is always movement. Pause, therefore, only briefly as you set loose your arrow, and keep ever moving to be ready for the next challenge that awaits you."

Cheers!

 

[MerricB]

Further ideas:

The Order of the Bow (as sponsored by the Church of Corellon Larethian) works on a master-apprentice system, with such pairs wandering the lands. Only rarely do you find numbers of the Order gathering together. Although the elder members of the order do settle down in one place, there are few such members. Most members of the Order of the Bow are slain in combat, despite their prudence.

Freedom of movement is essential to the Order of the Bow, with concealment only slightly behind in their list of priorities. "He who lingers for the bear's jaws will wander no more!" is one of their sayings. (Believe me, it sounds better in the original elvish! ) Magical items that increase their speed, as well as bracers of archery, are greatly prized.

On the occasions when an elven community is threatened, you may find several members of the Order of the Bow working together, an exception to the normal rule. However, it is most likely that each will determine their own missions and seek to fulfill them independently. However, it is rare that these missions will conflict - inspiration from Corellon Larethian (or from his priests) keeps them working on goals that are separate but conducive to the overall effort.

Need any more, John?

Cheers!

 

[johnsemlak]

Very helpful. Thanks.

I'll have to run these ideas by my DM

 

[hong]

When asked "what is Truth?", an [OotBI] picks up his bow, fires an arrow and, without saying a word, lets his mastery of the weapon serve as a gauge of the archer's progress along the way.

... is almost word-for-word taken from a description of the philosophical underpinnings of Kyudo. Google for that and you'll have plenty of metaphysical stuff to work with.

You could also have a look at the intro to this prestige class.

 

[Hypersmurf]

The Order of the Bow as sponsored by the Church of Xan-Yae emphasize that as created by the firing of an arrow: "The perfect man need make but one shot to down his foe."

Requirements: Rapid Shot...

-Hyp.

 

[Thanee]

In general, since archery (and swordplay) is more like an art for an elf, I think the OotBI would fit very well for such a character.

I would probably not even look for a highly religious integration, since religion isn't something very "elven" in general, but rather see it as a way of perfection or artistic expression.

Bye
Thanee

 

[johnsemlak]

I would probably not even look for a highly religious integration, since religion isn't something very "elven" in general, but rather see it as a way of perfection or artistic expression.

Bye
Thanee

That's a good point. An elf isn't likely to be a religious zealot.

I like the suggestion of having a more mystical rather than religious outlook; I think that fits the character

 

[MerricB]

Requirements: Rapid Shot...

-Hyp.

The OotBI leaves that behind with his Ranged Precision ability.

Cheers!

 

[Piratecat]

Requirements: Rapid Shot...

-Hyp.

He just needs to make that one shot really fast.