D&D General Weapons should break left and right

[Azzy]

The issue isn't really bowstrings snapping, although that can happen. The larger issue is that if you keep the bow strung for extended periods of time, the bow itself breaks. Or, you weaken the bow and the string stretches. IOW, keeping a wooden bow strung for extended periods of time is a bad idea.

I'm aware, but that has nothing to do with string breakage being introduced to the game.

 

[AlViking]

Why do you insist on assuming that bow-using adventurers are incompetent bumblers who don't routinely keep their bowstrings waxed?

While there are no numbers that I can find after a in-depth hard core internet search of approximately 2 minutes, I did find a mention of armies bringing along spare bowstrings. Now, I don't think this is any indication that they broke on a regular basis but they did wear out. Which is logical, we have far better materials than they had back in the 13th century. On the other hand they didn't have giant spiders so no spider silk bowstrings or other ways of creating supernaturally strong strings.

The reason I mention this is because it goes back to a point I made earlier. One reason I don't add in maintenance, cleaning kits, whetstones so that the game is more "realistic" because I don't really have a clue and even if I did I wouldn't know where to end. It makes sense now that I think about it that people would replace bowstrings every so often, but I never would have even considered it. I have no idea what else I'm missing so I just assume that the characters are competent at what they do and do not share our 21st century level of ignorance of basic maintenance and care of their gear.

 

[TiQuinn]

If the player has "Whetstone" listed on the character sheet, that's enough for me to assume said whetstone is being used at camp each night, or (even more likely) each morning while waiting for the casters to do their praying and studying.

And if said player tells me the character is sharing the whetstone around, the party's covered.

Okay but even at that, you’re telling me a one time purchase of a whetstone is enough to take care of an entire party’s weapons.

This seems more like a brief nod towards verisimilitude than anything impactful or of real consequence in the game.

How is it not easier and better to simply assume that with the proficiency that comes with wielding a weapon also comes the care and maintenance of that weapon?

 

[AlViking]

Totally agree. Which, if you scroll back a few pages, is exactly what I said that apparently is extremely contentious.

But, apparently, we're both completely wrong and in home games no one ever used a sword. DM's always changed every single sword in a module to another weapon. I guess. That seems to be the story that's getting told here.

First, your claim that a sword was never a primary weapon of choice is false as the historical record is concerned. It wasn't the only weapon used but it certainly wasn't the equivalent of a military commander's sidearm. Second, no one has ever downplayed the influence of the representation of swords in cinema. Meanwhile there were dozens of weapons in AD&D, I even provided the list.

What I did say is that if a player wants a character that uses something other than a sword is that when it comes to handing out magic items there is nothing stopping a DM from providing a magical weapon of the character's choice. Just because the default was a +1 sword, the DM makes the final call on what it is when they describe it. So can we stop with the strawman?

 

[GobHag]

Because - and to repeat - it's immensely easier to take things out than to add them in.

And sure: if it's not working for most, modify it such that it has a better chance of working and-or label it as optional.

Knocking it out entirely isn't the answer, though, as there's going to be those as wants it kept and expecting them to reference an older version of the game just for this doesn't make their lives any easier.

I suppose 5e's encumbrance is the best compromise if the majority dislike the mechanics then; Practically useless so that even if it's used that i can easily ignore it and has very little effect overall on the gameplay

 

[Micah Sweet]

I suppose 5e's encumbrance is the best compromise if the majority dislike the mechanics then; Practically useless so that even if it's used that i can easily ignore it and has very little effect overall on the gameplay

Have you used 5e's encumbrance, or just ignored it from day 1 (ignoring it includes using magic to get around it)? And what version of 5e?

 

[Hussar]

First, your claim that a sword was never a primary weapon of choice is false as the historical record is concerned. It wasn't the only weapon used but it certainly wasn't the equivalent of a military commander's sidearm. Second, no one has ever downplayed the influence of the representation of swords in cinema. Meanwhile there were dozens of weapons in AD&D, I even provided the list.

What I did say is that if a player wants a character that uses something other than a sword is that when it comes to handing out magic items there is nothing stopping a DM from providing a magical weapon of the character's choice. Just because the default was a +1 sword, the DM makes the final call on what it is when they describe it. So can we stop with the strawman?

You are right.

 

[jasper]

I find referring to a game that allows for item damage as "accountant base" is insulting, and I suspect intended as such. Some people like things you don't, and that IMO ought to be respected.

That is an quote from one my player who did not want to deal with extra math. And you got the wrong suspect.

 

[jasper]

Modern strings are far different than medieval strings (polyester/Kevlar vs linen/silk/hemp/natural fibers)

And ancient strings did not have deal with a wimp with bat naughty word on his fingers nuking his position.

 

[kermit4karate]

I have no idea why you are saying that. It certainly isn't remotely related to anything I said.

So, one more time for the audience. Every edition of D&D has heavily promoted the use of swords over every other weapon. They have done so at various times, by making swords the best weapons in the game, the best magic weapons in the game, and the easiest magic weapons to find.

Anything else you seem to want to add to whatever it is you think I'm saying is entirely on you.

"Promoted" is maybe too strong a word for it. It almost sounds like part of a propaganda campaign to get people to sell body parts.

I don't think it's a conscious thing. They purchase artwork depicting heroic figures using swords. They use the word "sword" a lot instead of "mancatcher" and "caltrop." That doesn't exactly mean they're trying to subvert your efforts to showcase slings.

If you want to make a +5 vorpal tomahawk, you do you!