need help on integrating size AC modifier into ranged accuracy

[Greenfield]

Consider working out a system where range increments are based on the weapon and the user's Dexterity.

Say 10 x Dex for the Longbow, 6 x Dex for the shortbow, etc. You could convert standard weapon range increments easily enough by presuming that they were based on the average person, with a Dex of 10.

It adds a fine-tuning to range mods, making them personal.

Just a thought.

 

[epicbob]

It depends on whether or not an arrow can physically fly over 900 yards.

Because 18 Dex + the Far Shot feat would create a bow that can loose arrows at ranges equal to firearms. Your bow would be breaking the sound barrier every time you loose an arrow.

One thing I wonder, however, is if Composite Bows +STR should let you add Strength to hit as well as damage. In the -4 per increment penalty case, it would certainly alleviate some of the difficulties at range.

If we stay within -2 penalties, it would make having a maximum range of 1000 feet more relevant.

 

[Ashtagon]

It depends on whether or not an arrow can physically fly over 900 yards.

The world record for distance archery is 2047 yards, so yes, they can shoot over 900 yards.

World Record archer, Barry Groves, article on Flight Archery - the Pursuit of Perfection

Edit: Crossbow record is 2047 yards. Bow record is 1336 yards. Neither of these breaks the sound barrier, to my knowledge.

Because 18 Dex + the Far Shot feat would create a bow that can loose arrows at ranges equal to firearms. Your bow would be breaking the sound barrier every time you loose an arrow.

Not really. Flight times for distance archery can actually be surprisingly long.

One thing I wonder, however, is if Composite Bows +STR should let you add Strength to hit as well as damage. In the -4 per increment penalty case, it would certainly alleviate some of the difficulties at range.

If we stay within -2 penalties, it would make having a maximum range of 1000 feet more relevant.

Personally, I give all bows (and crossbows, and slings) Wisdom to damage, and have "mighty bows" (composite is a major abuse of toxology terms) that allow either Str or Wis to damage.

I'm really quite interested in these -4 attack per range increment articles. Bears further reading.

 

[epicbob]

Ok, they won't make sonic booms every time you loose an arrow BUT they'll definitely hang around Mach 1 to land that far away.

From what I understood of the article, the equipment focuses as much as possible on arrow velocity.

Except that in a fight, arrows are generally heavier to have a bigger punch. Meaning that even 900 yards will be a rather large stretch.

Heck, hunting bows barely have 100 meters/seconds compared to a flight bow's 300. And from what I can tell, they're about the same size as in the pictures of your flight archery article.

 

[Ashtagon]

Ok, they won't make sonic booms every time you loose an arrow BUT they'll definitely hang around Mach 1 to land that far away.

Typical target archery has arrow velocities of around 200 fps. The mechanics of conventional bow construction limit the upper end of bow design to around 350 fps launch velocity. Doing the maths, that means the 900-yard shot probably spent nine seconds in the air. For reference, the speed of sound is 1126 fps -- much much faster than even the best bows.

http://www.kslinternationalarchery.com/Equipment/ArrowSpeed.html
https://redneckarchery.com/support_arrow_speed.cfm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hunting-1633/Arrow-Speed.htm

 

[Dandu]

May I say something? It's all well to talk of realism in RPGs, but since we are playing a game, with mechanics, we should probably make sure that we do not create some sort of bug when modifying the rules.

If a more realistic system for, say, archery makes that combat style more untenable than it already is, I would question the wisdom of introducing said system.

 

[epicbob]

Typical target archery has arrow velocities of around 200 fps. The mechanics of conventional bow construction limit the upper end of bow design to around 350 fps launch velocity. Doing the maths, that means the 900-yard shot probably spent nine seconds in the air. For reference, the speed of sound is 1126 fps -- much much faster than even the best bows.

That's the main problem. You're comparing different kinds of archery that require different things.

Hunting =/= Target Shooting =/= Flight Shooting.

Dandu, I'm not trying to ruin archery. I've already said that. However, I feel that the penalties for shooting beyond half of a weapon's max range is unnaturally easy. Heck, the base penalty is so light that Far Shot barely even gives you an improvement to talk about.

 

[Dandu]

Dandu, I'm not trying to ruin archery. I've already said that.

I don't try to be awesome, but it happens anyways. Food for thought.

 

[kitcik]

Typical target archery has arrow velocities of around 200 fps. The mechanics of conventional bow construction limit the upper end of bow design to around 350 fps launch velocity. Doing the maths, that means the 900-yard shot probably spent nine seconds in the air. For reference, the speed of sound is 1126 fps -- much much faster than even the best bows.

OK, so forgetting about supernatural feats and whatnot, I am a BAB +16 straight fighter with nothing special in archery.

I fire 4 arrows per round.

The last arrow travels 900 yards in 6 seconds (length of round) minus however long it too me to fire the first 3 arrows. Let's say I fire one arrow per second (with the first at the zero second mark). This would mean the last arrow traveled 900 yards in 3 seconds. That is 900 fps or nearing the sound barrrier without rapid shot or anything else.

If you assume it took me a second to fire the first arrow, then the last one traveled 900 yards in 2 seconds or 1350 fps BOOM.

Anyways, the point being that game mechanics <> realism.

 

[Dandu]

Hell, a level 16 fighter will also be able to survive orbital reentry and eat arsenic for breakfast.

Among other unrealistic things.