When I found a source for inexpensive custom tillered hickory self-longbows, not only did I think it would be nice to have one for target shooting, but that such a thing would be nicer to have on the field than a black fiberglass recurve. I arranged a sizable order, mostly for my Household, and of which at least half were destined to become combat bows.

For a uniform look, the combat bows were all stained in "AEthelmearc red", and then I painted escarbuncles along the back face with the owners arms just above the shelf. They look smart when we step onto the field as a unit, and they have also looked nice in the hands of a couple Queen's Guards.

I had my target bow tillered to my usual draw length and weight and decided that a vine motif - hops vines to be specific - would not only look nice but be somewhat appropriate for a brewer.