A theory of Hillfort defences suggests that the gateways were basically built around the range of a sling - especially the complicated gates at places like Maiden Castle (Dorchester). Also, most hillforts have piles of sling-sized stones conveniently located.
> But you're right - the sling is often nicknamed as the "shepherd's
> bow." I was just pointing out that the sling was widely used in
> earthly cultures _similar_ to the Orlanthi. I think that chucking
> javelins and using slings is probably well in character for them.
> Bows...? Self bows and the like, sure. I just don't see them having
> massive numbers of ubernifty composite recurve (etc. etc. etc. add
> your prejudice) bows. But that's just my wapentake on the matter.
When I was writing up the military side of Heortling life, I used the Saxon model for bows - ie, individual "snipers" rather than massed bowfire. You'll only get a lot of long-ranged missile attacks during the Fyrd battle - heroes may chuck javelins or axes at each other during the Heroes and Warrior's battles, but woe betide the fyrdman that interferes with their sport! Of course, individual snipers will be heroes themselves, so an archery duel is possible - cf all those sniper characters in movies like "Saving Private Ryan" or "Enemy at the Gates" who shoot each other through their 'scopes.
Roderick
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