Codex Sagitum Triarii Vol1¶
You see a simple drawing of an archery target, laden with only three arrows.
Only one of the arrows seemed to make center. The drawing, although
graphical, lacks any outside detail other than a target with arrows pierced into
it. Below the target is raised and embellished text reading "Archers
Standard".
Sagitum Triarii via Legio
You read this page of the codex, and notice it is an official publication issued
in addendum to the subject of the codex.
"Sagitum are the most elite of archer of the weapons class.
Weapons proficiencies of the Sagitum require completion of the Archery
Standards. Combined with the weapon proficiencies are the nuances of self-
defense. The Sagitum will have full combat capabilities to engage the enemy
up close as with the Hastate, or Principe of the Legio. He will be well
intermingled with his brethren at the front lines, and hard to single out in the
mass of warriors as battle ensues. Regular soldiers will regard Sagitum class
archers as equals in most combat situations. These archers are well
established among the archers class as fighters. There are relatively less
goals for Sagitum to cover, outside the Archers Standard outside of Combat
Maneuvers. For such reason, the Goals tie specifically toward the Archers
Standard, and its completion graduates the archer to the League of Sagitum."
You notice an official addendum written in the codex on this page.
"Sagitum Triarii via Legio
The Legion requires archers of a caliber prior to enlistment. As the Century
functions as a group, the archer must hone to work with such group. It is
unwise for a soldier to work alone in a surge situation, ergo all units within the
Legion perform a purpose. The following will be guidelines for the Archer
class Soldier. There are many job designations for such archers. All archers
will be able to perform the initial rank requirements. "
You notice a number 2 at the bottom of the page.
Classification of Archers
You read a table illustrated on this page. It is headed with "Classifications of
Archers" and divided in half. The first half of the table reads the archer class
and abilities of the class. The second half of the table reads the definition of
the class. There are three present classifications of Legionary Archers on the
table. Reading on might help with this table.
You notice a number 3 at the bottom of the page.
Classification of Archers (cont'd)
You read the first classification and definition of the table "Classifications of
Archers"
"Artillery-Rear Triarii-
Medical support, Camp defense, Battleground support
All archers of the Triarii fall under Artillery upon completion of Legio
recruitment. It is necessary for archers to demonstrate the ability to perform
toward this purpose in order to receive approval into Iridines Legio."
You notice a number 4 at the bottom of the page.
Classification of Archers (cont'd)
You read the second classification and definition of the table "Classifications
of Archers."
"Scout-Forward Triarii-
Setup camps, Survey, Special Assignment, Artillery
It is important to understand that it is not necessary to wield a bow to
become a scout. The qualifications require the Hunting and Outdoors Lores
to be demonstrated proficiently. The addition of the position to the Triarii
incorporates the purpose of the position, to support the main battlements of
the Legio. The addition of the position to Archers offers a direction to support
the position. It is not necessary to become scout as an archer."
You notice a number 5 at the bottom of the page.
Classification of Archers (cont'd)
You read the final classification and definition of the table "Classifications of
Archers."
"Sagitum-Line Triarii-
Combat Specialists for Front Line Support,
This position is weapon specific. Archers that fall under such
classification have combat ability to support the main line, at the main line.
Such archers can demonstrate Point Blank Shot, and combat defenses that
allow for toe-to-toe, up close, combat. Archers may be able to do such with
alternate weapons or fighting styles, but to specifically become Sagitum one
must demonstrate such with only a bow. These are to be considered the elite
archers, and masters of their weapon."
You notice a number 6 at the bottom of the page.
The unnamed soldier
You read on in the manual and find a quote from an unnamed soldier.
"The Legion never pulls for a caliber of warrior unfit for their organization.
Such prequalifies have honed their skill to be effective for the purposes of
military combat, and cooperation within the ranks. All professions of
weaponry have their own guidelines on how to train. Archers are of no
difference."
You notice a number 7 at the bottom of the page
Forward
You notice the first text associated with the purpose of the manual. Finally,
you read into the subject.
"This is a Military perspective into archery training. This is not meant for
Hunters, Gladiators, Mercenaries, or other form of archer, but can be used in
reference to training regardless. As an archer proceeds through the Archers
Standards, they will notice a complete dedication toward skill learning. This is
meant to effectively learn a certain skill, and to install a dedication of training
as a methodology."
You notice a number 8 at the bottom of the page, after realizing this page
was yet another forward by the author.
Basic Training
You read into the text of this page.
"Goal 1.-Grand Mastership of the Missile Weapon-Bows
Understandably, an individual will want many skills and techniques to their
weapon for use in combat. An archer may find themselves training in multiple
skills. But to be clear, the basics will aid all collective skill within the set. It is
imperative that the archer brings their basics up fast, and foremost. This is
beneficial to all class of archers.
Along-side their training in the basics, they may learn Quick Stringing, and
Unstringing to help develop their time with the weapon. As a suggestion I
would recommend off combat time doing such, though it would be wise not to
perform such in the presence of the general public."
You notice a number 9 at the bottom of the page.
Basic Training (cont'd)
You read the text of the next page in the codex.
"Goal 2.-Basic Shot to Outstanding
For the general purpose of landing a significant shot, fifty lessons in the skill
will suffice. More in the skill can prove lethal. It is to this end, that only an
outstanding level is recommended. Such will be covered in the next goals. At
this goal level, an archer may be able to survive on the ability of his weapon
alone."
You notice a number 10 at the bottom of the page.
Basic Training (cont'd)
You read the text of this page in the codex.
"Goal 3.-Shot Timing and Aim to Grand Mastership
Aim is the ability to his specific points of the target. The better an archer is
with this skill, the better with an archers ability to shoot a target high, low, or
at its middle. This has proven useful at shot rotation, and hitting target
openings. Shot Timing is the ability to hit a target while it is otherwise
engaged with compatriot combatants. Such skill is necessary for the politics
of combat turning in the archers favor. Both skills work collectively to keep an
archers flights from straying from the target. Only to a Grand Mastership will
the compatriot warriors be confident in the archers ability. It may be
requested that an archer demonstrate this ability to prove worth for the partys
cause."
You notice a number 11 at the bottom of the page.
Basic Training (cont'd)
You read the text of this next page of the codex.
"Goal 4.-Long Range Targeting
A competent archer will take this to a Grand Mastership. Outside knowledge
of this skill, the archer is compelled to fight at a range easily approached by
the enemy. Though by now the archer should know that toe-to-toe fighting is
impossible, the ability of the enemy to approach the archer is great without
knowledge of this skill. Depending on the archers inherent abilities, the range
of an average archer is between 25-200 feet. Grand Mastership of Long-
Range Targeting raises this ability to 25-1000 feet or more. Range is ultimate
protection for the archer, as he can lower his defense to fight without penalty
of injury to the archers self.
By these four goals the archer may be considered eligible for service within
the Republics Legion. It is not entirely necessary for the archer to complete
Goal 4 before recruitment, though it is looked upon with favor. The next few
months are to be considered training protocol for the Legion, though an
archer may have already accomplished these goals by such time as
enlistment."
You notice a number 12 at the bottom of the page. The layout of the codex
seems to imply an end of a chapter.
Recruit's Regimen
You start to read this page, and notice it implies the beginning of another
chapter in the Archers Standard.
"Goal 5.-Foot Shot
The Legion requires archers to be able to pin enemy combatants with clarity
to aid compatriots on front line offenses. This ability is as stated, an aimed
shot to the foot. Training in the technique shows the archer how to provide
power in the pull of the string, and penetrate the arrowhead through the foot
to ground. The combatant should find themselves to a knee, unable to
retaliate, in preferred scenarios.
Even at a Grand Mastership, all shots may not prove true to the techniques
intent. However the skill provides the archer such ability. It is preferred that
the Legion trains the archer in such skill, as completion of recruitment
harbors the necessity of the archer to demonstrate such."
You notice a number 13 at the bottom of the page.
Recruit's Regimen (cont'd)
You read the text of this page.
"Goal 6.-Head Shot
Another of an archers refined skills; the headshot is a dedicated shot high to
the cranium. The shot delivers deliberate damage to the skull, face, or head
area in general. Power of penetration is held back only to provide a blunting
shot to the area. The purpose of the shot is to stunt the enemy combatant to
the end of inability to defend, or attack. Such shot is useful for the line fighter
to deliver their next attack free from defense or retaliatory offense. If the
archer has proven competent in Foot Shot prior to or during recruitment,
dedication to this technique will ensue."
You notice a number 14 at the bottom of the page
Recruit's Regimen (cont'd)
You read the content of this page.
"Goal 7.-Rapid Fire
This ability is to dedicate a second shot to the enemy before or during
counter-measures is taken from the enemy. The skill uses the basic shot
ability of the archer for the first shot. The second shot is developed by the
training of the Rapid Fire technique. An equal Rapid Fire ability to the Basic
shot ability offers no penalty to the second shot. This is under the assumption
that the Basic Shot technique has been fully Grand Mastered.
It is imperative that the archer has Grand Mastered the techniques of Shot
Timing and Aim, due to the increased chance of straying flights. Such shot is
as well, most dangerous, as the archer will concentrate on delivering a
damaging barrage of flights to the enemys area.
These three goals are the Legions initial proof of worth for their archers. After
such, the archer will train their defenses to an outstanding level. The next
level of accomplishments will require that the archer can hold their own in
tight skirmishes. The Legion does not dedicate their combat effectiveness to
open range alone. These next goals are to be assumed after and during the
archers defensive competence engagement."
You notice a number 15 at the bottom of the page. The format of the page
seems to suggest the end of another chapter.
Sagitum's Path
You read the content of the page. It is the beginning of the final chapter in the
Archers Standard.
"Goal 8.-Point-Blank Shot to Grand Mastership
This is probably the most difficult technique for the archer to learn. It must be
understood that only a Grand Mastership of this skill will prove to be useful for
the archer. If the archer dedicates his training to singular techniques at a time
as prescribed by the Legion Triarii, this goal can be accomplished within no
more than a semester.
It is important that the archer has at least an outstanding lore of Combat
Awareness with various defensive skills to such level. Training of Point-Blank
Shot is not recommended until such competence is achieved. This skill
permits the archer to fight in tight skirmishes, toe-to-toe, and alone in some
instances. Completion of this skill and ability of defense is desirable for
Legion purposes."
You notice a number 16 at the bottom of the page.
Sagitum's Path (cont'd)
You read the text written on this page
"Goal 9.-Shot Breathing and Steady Shot
Shot breathing assist the archer to pace himself for firing continuously. It
works with Shot timing to deter from straying; and works with Point Blank to
keep from stumbling in toe to toe fights. Steady shot improves the archers
accuracy. It ties in with Aim to such regards.
By this level of training, the archer should be in harmony with his weapon.
There should be a prevalent understanding at what training affects the overall
shot. Speed, Accuracy, Power, Types of Damage, Training Management, and
Combat Method will become well understood by the student archer."
You notice a number 17 at the bottom of the page.
Sagitum's Path (cont'd)
You read the text on this page.
"Goal 10.-Wind-Shot and Slope Shot
These shots are as suggested by their name. It is not an actual shot, but
rather the ability to shoot in such situations. Wind is a factor to slow the flight,
or stray the aim. This offers a reduction in power behind the shot, or
increases the chance of the flight straying into compatriots during occasional
gust of wind. Without knowledge of the Wind Shot skill, and archer might find
themselves seeking a position to fire with the wind to effectively fire at their
target. Slope shot is the ability to fire on terrain where the enemy may be
higher or lower than level with the elevation of the archer. Such skill aids the
archer to fire from elevated position, or at aerial targets. An archer might
besmirch such skills as petty, or irrelevant, however they have proven their
worth."
You notice a number 18 at the bottom of the page. You notice by the format
of the chapters before that this is the end of the chapter.
Addendum
You read the text written on this page of the codex. It is yet another
addendum to the manual.
"It is notable that some skill has not been mentioned in regard to the art of
archery. Such skill is of obvious necessity, if even only for a minimal need.
Completions of these skills are not required for Legion purposes outside
special interest. The training officers may dictate relevance of such skills, and
definitions mentioned as per their specific interests. These guidelines are
expressed with diligence toward their purpose."
You notice the number 19 at the bottom of the page
You gaze at this final page, a menacing drawing of an archer in full armor and
gazing around a corner into a non-descript vast deeper into the picture
appears before you. You notice the detail put in to the drawing of the
individual in the picture, recognizing depth and layers into the image. The
picture is subject to interpretation by various critics, but fits as a final image to
this manual.
At the bottom of the page is an official dedication to the Library of Iridine from
Legio I
"This manual is bequethed to the Library of Iridine in hopes to promote
enlistment of the current archery proficient headcount."
signed
Legionary Jon Matias,
Liaison to the Traevant Militia
Triarii to the Wolf Squad
Rearing Stallions Cohort
Eagle Century, Legio I