Archery: Arrow Crafting
Arrow Crafting
To make an arrow that flies so fast and strikes so accurately, is truly the work of a master archer. However to get to that point, one must first understand how to prepare an arrow. There are several arrows that we Rangers know how to make and use, and I will list them below. The first arrow I will mention is the simple, split-head arrow.
Split-Head Arrows
The first step to making a split-head arrow is to get a good sturdy branch. Any oak branch or old willow will serve as a fine branch for making an arrow. First, take your knife and strip away the excess bark, leaving only the wood underneath. Second, take your knife and carve three indents on one end of the branch. The splitting of the head allows the arrow to move through even a swift gust of wind. After you have carved the end of the arrow, take a few feathers (these can be from a quail, a crow, or any bird for that matter) and carve three small slits on the other end of the arrow. Finally, place the feathers in these slits and use mud and water to seal the end.
Explosive Arrows
The secret to making an explosive arrow is no different from making a regular one, with one exception; the small bag of explosive powder on the end of the arrow. A skilled archer will tell you that unless you're very fast with drawing from your quiver, you need a few of these to fell multiple targets. The actual arrow itself can be made just like a split-head, but cut a small notch to hold the bag of powder. Take twine and wrap it twice around the bag to seal it. Use any feathers you like, I myself have had much success with quail feathers with this arrow.
Poison-Tipped Arrows
Made in much the same way as the split-head arrow except that the arrow head is a triangle shape, with the tip being the sharpest point. The tip is then dipped in any poison you choose, to give the arrow it's potency. As with the explosive arrow, any wood is best for making it. For beginners, it is reccomended that you stick to curable, non life threatening poisons. Should you cut yourself with one of the more deadly poisonous tips, you could die.
Sleep Arrows
This arrow is made the exact same way as an explosive arrow, except the pouch is filled with a mixture of sulfur, sand, and sleeping powder. The arrow should be made of oak, as it is a harder wood and will need to strike the ground harder. This arrow is not fired directly at the target but toward the ground near the face. This powder causes the target to all under a deep sleep, rendering them imobile. Very handy for catching deer and bears.
These are just a few of the many arrows we Rangers can make. The others we choose not to reveal, as they are long guarded secrets. Very few still remember the original techniques, so it's secret is one of great importance to the path.
Durant Wiegraf