Bowmaster

Master Bowyers, Smiths, and Fletchers

Bowmaster is the rank given to a Journeyman member of the Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir, a guild of bowyers, smiths, and fletchers that are based in the Realm of Eaerlann. It is typically given to a member after they have made their first confirmed masterwork, whereupon they gain the right to be known as a master of their craft, take on apprentices, and join The Collective.

Qualifications

Anyone looking to become a Bowmaster must have obviously completed their apprenticeship and spent at least ten years as a Journeyman, although this length of time is sometimes shortened or lengthened depending on whether The Collective and the High Bowmaster feel that the member's behaviour, talent and devotion to the guild's activities is exemplary or not. The creation of a masterwork is possible at a younger age, but is typically not taken into consideration by The Collective until the Journeyman has spent a sufficient amount of time in the rank.  

Requirements

After ten years give or take of service to the guild as a Journeyman, a member is encouraged to begin preparations for creating a masterwork weapon. They are required to make a unique schematic, hand-drawn on parchment, and follow it whilst chronicling their progress and noting any amendments to the initial plan. This can be a taxing time for a craftsperson, especially seeing as they are expected to do this whilst keeping up with any guild contracts and private commissions they may have, but it proves to The Collective and the High Bowmaster that they are capable of producing fine work even whilst under duress. After completing what they believe to be a masterwork, the Journeyman submits it to The Collective, who appoint random Bowmasters to inspect and test the weapon. If they come to a consensus that the weapon is indeed impeccable, they turn it over to the High Bowmaster so that they can give their final verdict. If successful, the Journeyman is considered eligible to become a Bowmaster. Failure is not chastised, however; the judges simply give their feedback to the Journeyman and encourage them to try again.

Appointment

Upon having their masterwork approved, a Journeyman is brought before the High Bowmaster and The Collective to be presented with their masterwork, the distinctive forest green cloak of the Bowmaster, and a certificate on fine parchment that is proof of their mastery of their trade. After this short formal ceremony, the newly-minted Bowmaster is expected to say goodbye to their master's workshop (if they were working in one) and find their own place to ply their trade.

Responsibilities

A Bowmaster is expected to be one of the guild's teachers, taking on an apprentice or two to pass on the techniques they have perfected over years of experience. They are required to be on-hand for any guild-run activities, including demonstrations, workshops, and tournaments. A select few with good business acumen may be given the post of running one of the Bowmaster's stores. In addition to this, a Bowmaster will join The Collective, which serves as the council of masters within the guild and is responsible for deciding business practices and discussing internal affairs. 

Benefits

Being a Bowmaster allows access to some of the finest and rarest materials available, including the likes of Ironwood, par-Brightsteel, and unicorn hair. Such materials still cost a great deal of money, but guild discounts are generous for masters, making the creation of masterworks by far more profitable. Outside of the guild, Bowmasters are respected for their expertise and, quite often, considerable skill with ranged weapons. Within the guild, Bowmasters are seen as dedicated, loyal, and competent among their peers, and are often given higher paying contracts and better schematics. 

Accoutrements & Equipment

All Bowmasters are given a forest green cloak and a silver clasp shaped into the crest of the Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir (a bow and three arrows on a circle) at their inauguration ceremony. Neither are magical, but they are an important symbol of the Bowmaster's rank.   

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

It is possible that a Bowmaster may leave the guild willingly or through disgrace. Generally, if they continually do not keep up with guild payments, disgrace the good name of the guild, are not shown to hold to its mandates, or are proven to be guilty of corruption, then a Bowmaster will be brought before The Collective and the High Bowmaster and stripped of their rank and place in the guild. This has only happened four times in the history of the guild, however. Most cases of Bowmasters losing their rank is simply because they voluntarily leave the guild, which is not recommended if the member wishes to continue plying their trade within the Realm of Eaerlann, but happens on occasion. They are honourably 'stripped' of the rank and given a parting gift for their service. Ex-Bowmasters who leave this way are always welcome to rejoin the guild whenever they like, although they must pay a lump sum of gold for the privilege.

Type

Civic, Professional

Status

Active

Form of Address

Bowmaster; Master (sometimes, in the case of an apprentice)

Source of Authority

The Collective (Council of Bowmasters)

Length of Term

Life, or until leaving the guild

Reports directly to

High Bowmaster

Related Organizations

• Bowmasters of Mhiilamniir