Arrow types

[AGGEMAM]

while we are on it, can anyone tell me what a sheath arrow is? it is listed in a module i am about to run and i can't find squat on it

In 1ed and 2ed, the were two basic types of arrows, flight and sheaf (spelled sheath in 1ed), one had longer range while the other did more damage. Guess which !

In 3ed the arrows of previous editions have melted into one single type, namely the (surprise!) arrow.

 

[chatdemon]

I use the following types:

Bone tipped (for primitives) : 1d4 damage, -5 range increment

Stone tipped : 1d6 damage, normal range

Sheaf arrow: +1 damage, otherwise normal

Standard (or bundle) arrow: normal 3e arrow
called bundle arrows because they are easily made and usually sold in large bundles, where the rest are custom made and sold in lots of 2, 4 or 6

flight arrow: -1 damage, +5 range increment

eagle arrow: -2 damage, +10 range increment

Whistling or Screaming arrow : normal, but forces a moral check against creatures with wis of 10 or lower
carved channels in the shaft caused the arrow to spin on its hirizontal axis, creating a high pitched screaming sound easily heard up to 1000 yards away

Flare arrows : normal, but cause 1d4 points fire damage if target fails a DC15 fort save
often used in the field by rangers and soldiers by shooting them straight up, hence the flare name

ceramic hollow tipped arrow : -2 damage, but may contain acid or poison that is released on impact. these arrows always shatter on impact and cannot be reused without a Craft : Flectcher skill use, and spare arrowheads

harpoon arrow : trails a 200 yard length of light but strong cord, used to reel in prey, treat as a sheaf arrow for range and damage

grapnel arrow : as the harpoon arrow above, but with a small grappling hook for a head. treat as a sheaf arrow for range, and damage. Target must make a DC 15 fort save to remove the arrow or take an additional 1d4 damage.

All of the above variants are also avaiable in crossbow bolts, javelins and spears, and some gnomish craftsmen even make dart and hand crossbow bolt variants, but these are insanely expensive (50 gp per dart or bolt at least)

 

[SableWyvern]

Broadhead = standard arrows from the PHB.

Bodkin = available for longbow (including Composite) only; D6 damage, ignores DR from armour at up to 5 range increments.

Note that I use Medium Armour DR 1/- and Heavy Armour DR 2/-.

 

[corndemon]

Oops. When I posted my list (as chatdemon) I forgot one:

Frog Crotch Arrow : Not effective as a weapon, -5 range increment, succesful hit allows the archer to cut ropes and cords. Used often by recon type rangers and archers involved in seige situations. The name is taken from the old 1E Oriental Adventures book, so don't blame me if it sounds a bit crude. The name is derived from the shape of the head, sort of a rounded v with the open end facing forward and sharpened along the inside edges, the arrow catches the rope and severs it.

 

[Fade]

A sheaf arrow is an arrow with a heavier head, designed for war rather than hunting. They are more powerful, but have a shorter range.