Allowing Crossbows to threaten

[Stalker0]

In the rules forum, I realized a lot of people thought crossbows were weak compared to normal bows, so I thought this might be a good way to put it back on par.

Basically you give crossbows a 10 ft threat range for AOO when there loaded.

It makes sense since it takes but a trigger press to fire them, versus loading up the bow, and its seen in a lot of movies, where the guy charges and a crossbow bolt hits him between the eyes.

What do you guys think?

 

[LrdApoc]

I like the idea, however it breaks some of the core mechanics used in D20. For example even in d20 modern ranged attacks prompt AoO's and people with ranged weapons are still unable to snap off a quick shot.. I'm not sure why.. especially when you consider all the games are based off hollywood action, not trained gun use..

I would probably implement not only a limited range, but possible an attack penalty to hit, because of the lack of accuracy 'firing from the hip' on a reactionary act. Say a -2 or -4 situational penalty depending on how the attack is provoked. This introduces a heck of a lot of more complications in a modern setting though since modern firearms could be fired more than once in a turn.

 

[peterka1]

Don't mess with ranged AoO. A readied range weapon should hit first.

ex: Crossbowmen expect trouble. They cover the door. The heroes show up. Readied actions (last round action: wait) go first. The heroes are now porcupines. It's like an AoO, because action is delawed up to heroes show-up, but it's in the PhB.

If the dm allow delayed wait action in subsequent rounds + current action, the crossbowmen are suppossed to act this round also. But it's debatable...

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

I don't think it's a problem that crossbows are weak compared to regular bows. Crossbows are simple weapons. Their value is that anyone can use them with minimal training.

Regular bows require more skill to use. They're not quite as powerful (except for mighty bows) or long ranged but they can be fired more quickly by skilled archers.

Hey, that even more or less fits the historical situation of crossbows.