Horses are provided to each of the contestants (unless they have brought their own). Shinjo Batzorig rides ahead of the group, with Chinngis flying high above. The competitors are brought to the Forest near Tsuma, specifically prepared for high speed riding and hunting. Bow and arrows are handed to each of the competitors.

The tanned skinned Samurai rides up and down the line of competitors, looking them over. "To hunt is a noble pursuit of we Samurai. Riding should be as natural to you as drawing breath. This test will see if you have that mettle. To see if you have the eyes of an eagle." He nods, before turning his horse, and clicking his tongue. Riding away at full speed through the course, he guides with his legs, while drawing his bow.

The riding of the horse is adaptable, the two beings working as one. The horse's movements are graceful, light as a feather.

Allowing Batzorig's first shot to be launched with shifting precision. His arms moved fluidly, and the arrow raced, arcing to a target down the line, before the horse turns, bearing down full speed down the line back towards the crowd.

Then a sharp cry from Chinggis above, and Batzorig draws another arrow, not even looking, as the arrow is loosed again, bringing down a clay target that was launched by a nearby group of Unicorn samurai. If one looked closely, Batzorig's eyes were closed.

Disadvantages that must be triggered once on a roll of the affected PCs choice: Clumsiness (Fire), Omen of Bad Luck (Water), Battle Trauma (Fire), Fear of Death (Earth), Maimed (Any), Lost Arm or Lost Hand (Fire), Hunted By Chikushō-dō (Earth)

Techniques that are applicable:

Shinjo Outrider - Born in the Saddle (Can be applied to any roll of the Outrider's choosing)
Utaku Battle Maiden - Heroic Charge (If succeeded on Step 1, can be added to either Step 2 or 3.)

Please feel free to ask if your tech could apply

Magic is not allowed for this event

Scoring:
1 Wild Point for a Basic Success
+1 Wild Point for every 2 successes after the first,
+1 Wild Point for using Shinjo Batzorig's favored approach, if successful on the roll.
Tiebreaker 1 - Opportunity on Kept Dice
Tiebreaker 2 - Strife on kept dice (whoever has the last amount of strife kept)

1st Place - 3 Topaz Points, 3 Glory
2nd Place - 2 Topaz Points, 2 Glory
3rd Place - 1 Topaz Point, 1 Glory

Step One: "Rider and Horse, Two Become One." Batzorig looks to the gathered Samurai, his horse calm beneath him. "You must be graceful with your horse. Two understand what they want, and to know how to get them to be a partner with you." He clicked his tongue, his horse neighing, before he leaned forwards, giving the horse a treat. "They'll do what you want, when they want to do it to."

This is a TN 2 Survival check as a Support Action. Success on this check represents the Horse riding down the prescribed route with no issues. Failure on this check will force you to reroll any two dice showing success or explosive success during Step 2.

Step Two:"The first shot is where you shift from being one with the creature, to letting them adapt to the situation around you, while you focus on your target. Your movements easy, fluid and relaxed." He recreated the first shot as his horse trotted up and down the line again, demonstrating.

This is a TN 2 Martial Arts - Ranged check. For purposes of techniques, this counts as an Attack action. This represents firing at the stationary target at the end of the track, before doubling back down.

Step Three: "It's never just one arrow. You must be prepared to find your next target, and loose again before too much time has passed. The arrow knows the way, even if you don't. I learned that from a ronin I met. Never met anyone with such mastery of the bow such as her." Again demonstrating, he didn't even open his eyes as he bullseyed the next target.

This is a TN 3 Martial Arts - Ranged check. For purposes of techniques, this counts as an Attack action. This represents firing at the moving target, the clay pigeon launched by Batzorig's fellow Unicorns.

Kasumi... was not a trained rider.

But she'd scaled the rigging in a howling gale and could run a lap on a kobune's after-rail, so how hard could sitting a saddle be?

Not very!

And then came the bit she had a bit of experience with- shooting arrows from a moving platform.

Only she was used to the target moving too!

Well, shit!

So of course, she absolutely nailed the moving target.

Not so bad. Shoulda been able to hit the stationary target, though!


[Roll 1- "Rider and Horse, Two Become One." TN 2 Survival, Using Earth for Keen Balance, spending bonus shrine-fixing Void | TN: 2 | Success: 5 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 3


5 successes, 3 strife.

2 Wild Points (I seriously Doubt Earth is the favored approach, but I needed it for my Distinction )

Roll 2- The first shot is where you shift from being one with the creature, to letting them adapt to the situation around you, while you focus on your target. Your movements easy, fluid and relaxed." He recreated the first shot as his horse trotted up and down the line again, demonstrating.

Using Water, Keen Sight applies | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1


Failure, still at a total of 2 Wild Points. Using 1 opp to remove 2 strife from herself, using the other to cancel the strife from the roll.

Roll 3- "It's never just one arrow. You must be prepared to find your next target, and loose again before too much time has passed. The arrow knows the way, even if you don't. I learned that from a ronin I met. Never met anyone with such mastery of the bow such as her."

Using Water, Keen Sight applies, spending her regular Void | TN: 3 | Success: 6 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 5


2 more Wild Points, for a total of 4.
Using the opp to remove 2 strife from herself.

Total of 4 wild points. One successful roll used Earth, the other used Water.
3 Opportunities on kept dice.

They say the arrow knows the way.

Then the way was apparently:

• The heart of a tree
• The horizon line
• A puddle of mud
• The most unlucky rabbit in the world

But the spirits must have been watching over her regardless, as at least no living human or horse was hit by a stray shot.

---

D4LM | Test of the Wilds | TN 2 Survival | Water | TN: 2 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1


Failure.

D4LM | Test of the Wilds | TN 2 Martial Arts [Ranged] | Water | Void point | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 1


Success, +1 point

D4LM | Test of the Wilds | TN 3 Martial Arts [Ranged] | Water | Special void point from D3 event | TN: 3 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1


Failure.

Total:
1 point (2 if water is favored)
Tiebreaker: 3 opportunities, 3 strife

Strife actually taken: 1/8
No void points remaining, special or not

Fluff later...



[D4, EM] Test of the Wilds
Step 1: Water/Survival | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 0



[D4, EM] Test of the Wilds
Step 2: Water/Martial Arts [Ranged] | TN: 2 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 4 / Strife: 1



[D4, EM] Test of the Wilds
Step 3: Water/Martial Arts [Ranged] | TN: 3 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1


Wild Points: 2(4 if Water)
Tiebreaker 1: 5
Tiebreaker 2: 2

Kyujustsu wasn't precisely a main tenant of the Niten style, but it wasn't exactly unpopular either. Plenty of folk would tire of mountain roots and sparse rice harvests, and hunting for some Mountain Tuna was familiar enough. Horses on the other hand...

"Heeeeeere boy" Shinko reaches out a hand to the horse's muzzle, trying to calm it, keeping herself as balanced as possible. The horse lets out a snort, but is calm and allows her to climb on. She's not the most natural rider, but the horse continues at a steady trot as she approached the first target. The arrow looses with a satisfying "thwak" into the target. Shinko is already wheeling around looking for the next target. That one is close, but barely misses


I hope that's enough


________________

D3 Test of the Wilds - "Rider and Horse, Two Become One." - Survival (Water) - TN 2 | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2
Pass

D4 Test of the Wilds - "The First Shot" - Ranged (Water) - TN 2 - VP spent | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2
Pass

D4 Test of the Wilds - "The Second Shot" - Ranged (Water) - TN 3 - VP spent | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1
Miss

Wild Points: 2
If Water is favored approach: 4
Opportunity: 3
Strife: 5

Yuji had been expecting a hunt, though he found the choice of target slightly disappointing.. Granted clay targets were a lot easier for the shugenja competitors to handle and Tsu fish numbers had been reduced dangerously low due to overhunting....it was as his grandfather often said just not the same.

Still a chance to ride and shoot was an opportunity to enjoy oneself. Yuji and Yutaka rode the course gracefully, though Yutaka was apparently not in the mood to especially shine today, perhaps feeling a bit inadequate compared to the Unicorn steeds.

Round 1: 2 sux, 2 opp, 0 strife. in Air.

Despite the slightly rougher ride, Yuji hit the first target with a little effort, but hit it he did.

2 sux, 1 opp, 2 strife on Step 2 Opp to cancel strife.

Sadly, the rush of the second target threw Yuji off a bit, and the arrow went wide.

1 sux, 0 opp, 0 strife.

Yuji was slightly disappointed in his performance. Still, Yutana had done his level best and would be brushed down properly for their performance.

Final Score:

2 Points (Air)
3 ops
2 strife

Masaru held back a small smile as todays test was explained to them. Horseback riding was something he had done on many occasion and he was a fair hand at archery as well. Now he had never combined the two but at least with some training in both should make bringing them together a bit easier.

His assumption was right as he soothed the animal gracefully mounting the beast and spurring it into action his shots were deft and quick the stationary target was simple and then the follow up his eyes sharpened and the arrow pierced the clay target at the apex of its arch. Then he gently trotted back to start point bowing and returning the bow and arrows to the Unicorn.

----------------------------------------
D4 test of wild survival/air | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2

Air
1 wild point, 2 opp, 2 strife
2/8 strife

D4 test of wild ranged/air | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

air
1 wild point, 1 opp, 1 strife
3/8 strife

D4 test of wild ranged/air | TN: 3 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

(wager 1 honor to reroll 2 dice both came up success no honor loss)
air
1 wild point, 1 opp, 1 strife
4/8 strife

3 total wild points (6 if air is correct choice), 4 opps, 4 strife

Things did not begin well for Ichiro. Despite some familiarity with horses it seemed the one they had been assigned was much more verbal command focused and did little to heed the more subtle body movements the Ishiken attempted to direct the beast. Realizing that they were completely out of control the young shugenja shifted focus. Gone was an attempt to impress the judge replaced instead with a fierce determination to succeed. Opening themselves up to the Void they ignored their steed entirely as they drew upon the skills and talents of those around them more versed in the arts of archery and allowed themselves to slip away leaving only skill and target until the two merged into one and the arrow found its mark in one target after another.

As their steed decided it wished to return to the starting line the only signs that anything had ever been amiss, let alone their desperate attempt to rally, was a cold and distant gaze of fierce determination... and a small trickle of blood from the corner of their mouth. Maybe they had bit something on the wild ride....


(Step 1:

D4, LM: Step 1 - Survival/Water, Void spent | TN: 2 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1


Fail, 2 Opportunity, 1 Strife

Step 2:

Step 2: Martial Arts (Ranged)/Void - Unskilled, Void spent, 'Adversity' due to failing Step 1 | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 4


Success - 1 Wild point, 3 Opportunities (5 total), 4 Strife (5 total)

Step 3:

D4, LM: Step 3 - Martial Arts (Ranged)/Void - Unskilled, Void spent | TN: 3 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 3


Success - 1 Wild point (2 total), 1 Opportunity (6 total), 3 Strife (8 total, compromised but unbroken), 1 Fatigue from Ishiken Push

Scoring: 2 Wild points (4 if void is correct, but I doubt it is), 6 Opportunities, 8 Strife )

Ahiru was looking forward to this test. While she wasn't a great rider, she had been around horses a few times in her life and knew that horses were noble beings that required a gentle hand, not a forceful one. She took a moment to bond with the steed, which would pay off in ensuring no mishaps while on horseback.

There were some disapproving looks in the audience as she handled the bow, a mood she could feel and it caused her first shot to only chip at the edge of her target.

With a calming breath, she found the natural rythm of the horse's movements, and let that guide her for an impressive shot with her second arrow.


----------

D4 LM Test of the Wilds. "Two Become One". Survival/Water. Void point. TN2 | TN: 2 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 2

Success with additional point.
1 Opportunity if Doji Diplomat tech applies.
2 Strife

D4 LM Test of the Wilds. "The First Shot". Martial Arts: Ranged/Water. TN2 | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 0

Failure.
1 Opportunity.

D4 LM Test of the Wilds. "The Second Shot". Martial Arts: Ranged/Water. Void Point from the Fortunes. TN3 | TN: 3 | Success: 5 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 4

Success with additional point.
4 Strife.

4 Points (+2 if Favored is Water)
1 (or 2 if Doji Diplomat applies) 2 Opportunity.
6 Strife

Urusai falls back once again upon his training, emptying himself to reach for the quiet stillness of the Seppun miharu. He's getting practice with this, recently, and quite a bit of it. But it does not seem to help with the horse, somehow--sensibly, really, since the miharu are accustomed to standing a post more than to charging ahead.

Urusai's unease while mounted shows, for he wobbles somewhat--but still, somehow, hits his target. And his skin prickles, his head suddenly snapping to the side as he hears...something? What?

No matter. The task at hand needs attention.

...more than he can give it, evidently. Something is...off, and so is his aim.

A stiff and silent son of the Seppun bows sharply and surrenders the weapon and steed.

~~~~~
Survival roll, https://sakkaku.org/rolls/2584; failed at 1 sux, 1 opp, 1 strife; opp to eat strife; reroll two sux/explode dice on nxt roll

MA:Ranged roll, https://sakkaku.org/rolls/2586; passed at 2 sux, 4 opps, 1 strife; 1 opp to eat strife, 3 to "Feel a chill down your spine, notice a sudden silence, or detect another sign of the supernatural if there is a spiritual disturbance in the scene. Extra [opp] gives an increasingly precise location for the supernatural occurrence."

MA:Ranged roll, https://sakkaku.org/rolls/2587; failed at 2 sux, 1 opp, 1 strife; opp to eat strife

1 WP (2 if Void is favored)
6 opps
0 strife

Jiro knew nothing about how to do any of this. He was at least glad he didn't have to kill anything and could shoot at targets. So there was that at least. But he had no faith that he would be able to do this correctly. And so... he tangled his foot up in the stirrups intentionally. He suspected hed be thrown and it seemed that would be the case if not having taken the dumb action he did. His ankle would be sore for the rest of the day, sure, but he didn't fall off.

Fortunately, his horse also simply repeated it's path from previous riders. It gave him the opportunity to take his shots as best he can. The first goes a little wide as he readjusted improperly in the midst of the shot, bit it seemed the second shot did know the way. He gritted his teeth, put his weight on the tangled ankle, and fired while wincing in pain. The arrow hit.

After bringing the mount under control, he doesn't look happy. It's not actually damaged, but that foot was bruised and would need some time to rest. And likely wouldn't get it.

----

D4, Test of the Wilds, Step One | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2

1 Wild Point, 1 strife, Void Ring

D4, Test of the Wilds, Step Two | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 1

0 Wild points, 1 strife, Void Ring

D4, Test of the Wilds, Step 3 | TN: 3 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 2

1 Wild Point, 2 strife, Void Ring

2 Wild points (4 if Void favored), 1 opp, 5 strife

Fluff later
//D4 LM Rider and Horse Survival water approach | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2


1 WP
1 Opportunity=-2 strife

D4 LM Event First Shot Martial arts Range Water approach Seizing the Moment | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2

1WP
1 Opportunity=-2 strife
1 Opportunity to perform the task efficiently

D4 LM Event There is more arrows Martial Arts Range water approach | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 3

0 WP
2 Opportunity for -3 strife

Total WP= 2
Total Opportunity= 5

Fluffing incoming...


LM4 Test of the wilds - Step 1 | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

1 opp used to -1 strife

LM4 Test of the wilds - Step 2 | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

1 opp used to -1 strife

LM4 Test of the wilds - Step 3 | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1

1 opp spent to -1 strife

Totals
2 Wild pts
4 opps
3 strife

This was perhaps the second or third time that Hirame had seen a horse, and the first time he'd been this close to one. It was so big! Hirame hesitated as his horse tossed her mane, making a horsey sort of rumble. Was she upset? Angry? Hungry? He couldn't tell! It was curious, having a living creature under you like this as you tried to do something, tried to anticipate her needs, and Hirame found himself riding somewhat awkwardly. "You okay, girl?" He asked. The horse tossed her mane again, with another noise of horsey discontent. He just couldn't get a read on her. Maybe he'd name her Ahiru.

As they rode along, Hirame found himself adapting. He liked animals, in their way. Sometimes dolphins followed the ship. You could see the intelligence in their eyes. Wasn't it the same with the horse? Like some sort of land dolphin. Hirame felt his aim grow steadier as he grew more in tune with the beast beneath him.

The next shot was harder, a moving target. But then, he was in motion, too. It was just a matter of adjusting for his movement, the target's moving, Horsiru's movement... really, life was in constant motion, wasn't it? The realization was a strange one, but it was enough to let him hit his target.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Test of Nature, Survival, Water Approach, SFS | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1


Failure, 2 opps, 1 strife (cancelled)

Test of Nature, MA-Ranged, Water, TN2, VP spent | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 0


1 Point WATER, 2 opps, 0 strife

Test of Wilds, MA: Ranged, Water, VP spent | TN: 3 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2


1 Point WATER, 2 opps, 2 strife (cancelled)

Final: 2 points (+2 water), 6 opps, 3 strife

Hayakawa moved swiftly and Jingyi had to do little to guide her mount. Like her cousin, she was accompanied by her hunting partners, Jiyukaze and Aiyama, though neither would play a significant role in this test. She drew and fired the first arrow in a fluid motion, striking true. The second arrow was already notched and it was loosed as soon as the second target was launched. She didn't even watch it hit as she spurred Hayakawa to top speed, laughing with joy.

- - -
[LM4] - Test of the Wilds, Step 1, Born in the Saddle, Animal Trainer, Reroll with correct Dice | TN: 1 | Success: 5 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2

Water Opportunity to remove 2 Strife

[LM4] - Test of the Wilds, Step 2, Keen Sight | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 4

Water Opportunity to remove 2 Strife

[LM4] - Test of the Wilds, Step 3, Keen Sight | TN: 3 | Success: 6 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 4


Approach: Water
Points: 6
Opportunities: 2
Strife: 10

Michi mounted up calmly, looking stoic as usual. Giving it a sharp signal to proceed, the horse did indeed. Perhaps it read her aura of confidence, because it took off much faster than she was prepared for and spent too much time righting herself. She may not have time to set properly to make her shots.

But she is an Akodo, the arrow flew swiftly and accurately, despite the horse disagreeing with her.

On the round about, matters proceeded properly. The horse calmed and Michi drew her arrow smoothly, breathing matched the hooves and the shot struck the target dead center.

Coming to the end she dismounted, bowed to the judges and her steed, then proceeded back toward the other competitors after handing over her bow and arrows.

OOC
D4 Horse Archery, Survival/Water, Void, Akodo Tech | TN: ? | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1
Oops
D4 Archery/Horsies, Actual Roll, Akodo Tech | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2

Use Akodo tech, take 1 fatigue for, -1 strife and +1 success
D4, Horse Archery, Final Roll, Void, Akodo Tech, Water/Ranged | TN: 3 | Success: 5 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 3

Use Akodo tech, take 1 fatigue for -1 strife and +1 success

Water used on all efforts.
5 points
3 opportunities
4 strife
2 fatigue

Fragrant and resplendent, Arami climbs upon his own steed with as much grace as he could muster. A horse is really just like a person - with preferences and emotions that could be met. Though the Academy never had courses on horsewhispering, it did have much to teach on how to texture one's voice to convey a feeling. The Crane remembers these lessons well as he soothes the animal beneath him, the pair moving as one.

Having calmed the beast, Arami tries but fails to hit the targets set for him, his arrows barely even getting near where they were supposed to be. But no matter. His training lies elsewhere, as his Doji eyes stray subtly to their judge, Shinjo Batzorig-sama, observing sharply what can be seen.

Rider and Horse, Two Become One - bonding with my steed. | TN: 2 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 3


Shooting a stationary object from horseback. | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 0


Hitting a moving target from horseback. | TN: 3 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 1

Opportunities Uses:

• One Air opportunity to learn Shinjo Batzorig's Demeanor.
• Two Air opportunities used to "notice an interesting detail about (Shinjo Batzorig), such as an advantage or disadvantage. At the GM’s discretion, you may establish a new detail for an NPC." - [lavender netsuke hanging on his waist]
• Two Air opportunities used to "notice an interesting detail about (Shinjo Batzorig), such as an advantage or disadvantage. At the GM’s discretion, you may establish a new detail for an NPC." - [eyes speckled with blue, indicating some Crane ancestry]

Day 4 Event - Test of the Wilds

Water/Survival, TN 2, spending a void point | TN: 2 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2


Rin and Ikki surge forward, the two moving as one. Clearly, months of feeding her horse the best oats had paid off.

Day 4 Event - Test of the wilds

Water/Martial Arts Ranged, spending a void point, TN 2 | TN: 2 | Success: 1 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1


Day 4 - Test of the Wilds

Water/Martial Arts Ranged, TN 3, spending a void | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 2


The Sparrow's two shots come close, but that just means they narrowly avoid hitting any local wildlife. Rin can be heard muttering something about
"Well, it's no sling."

Mitsuko wasn't sure what to make of all this, but her pony - a rather barrel-shaped horse named Mochi for fairly obvious reasons - seemed to feel quite happy to cooperate in the challenges.

Sadly, the skinny Kuni girl desperately needed more practice with a dai-kyu to compete at this level, so despite a fair amount of flair facilitated by Mochi, this day's test ended up something the Crab would be quite happy to forget.

------------
Rolls
Step One: "Rider and Horse, Two Become One."
D4 event roll 1: Survival TN 2. Void 3, 0 skill, void point | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 2

+1 Wild point, 3 opportunities reduce strife, 0 net strife

Step Two:
D4 event roll 2: MA Ranged TN 2. Void 3, 0 skill, void point | TN: 2 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 1

0 wild point, 2 opps reduce strife, 0 net strife

Step Three:
D4 event roll 3: MA Ranged TN 3. Void 3, 0 skill | TN: 3 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 3

0 wild points, 2 opps reduce strife, 1 net strife

Total:
1 Wild point (+1 if void preferred on roll 1)
7 opportunities kept
6 strife kept

Jun is an indifferent archer, usually. And he hasn't shot from horseback before. He knows how to ride, all right--a well-educated gentleman must!--but hunting in the high northern mountains is hardly ever a mounted affair. Jun had learned to sit a horse in the settled valleys and narrow mountain roads around his home and the castle town of Great Falls, and to plunk at archery targets in the back garden, hitting at twenty paces perhaps just more than half the time.

But somehow... somehow... today is different. The horse he's given by random lot is beautifully cooperative, seeming to know the course better than Jun does and run it smoothly, indeed with positive joy. And the shots...

With his mount carrying him along at a canter, the angles and speeds of horse, arrows, and target somehow snap into focus as they never have before. It should be much harder than shooting from a standing mark, but instead the greater complexity of the task is clarifying. Jun practically sees geometrical diagrams dancing before his eyes as he nails the first target, then wheels his horse and hits the clay pigeon with such precision that it bursts into a fine shower of particles like a dusty daylight firework.

Well, that was unexpected.

It feels good, though!

---

D4 LM Test of the Wilds--step 1, Survival/Air horsey time. | TN: 2 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 3

Pass with bonus!
Opp to reduce strife taken (2/8)

D4 LM Test of the Wilds--step 2, Ranged/Air fixed target. StM. | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

Pass!
Opp to cancel strife (2/8)

D4 LM Test of the Wilds--step 3, Ranged/Air moving target. StM. | TN: 3 | Success: 6 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 6

Pass with bonus (what on earth is happening?)
Opp to reduce strife taken (6/8)

Final Tally: 5 Wild Points before any favor bonuses, through some truly wild dice luck.
Air approach on all rolls.
Opps on kept dice: 4
Strife on kept dice: 10

Both VP spent (regular and shrine bonus)