Bow of True Arrows (SnF) for 6th level character; good idea?

[hong]

My understanding is you can use a wand every round, so I would assume the same for the bow. Even if it took a full round to activate each time, it seems like the weapon would be too powerful. I understand that true strike is just a first level spell, but it still seems too powerful.

You can cast the spell as a standard action. To make use of it, however, requires an attack roll, which in turn requires an attack action. This means you can only effectively get the benefit once every other round.

 

[Valen]

Ah, while I was writing that last post, I see that a few people cleared up the trigger issue. Thanks for the assist. It seems that I need to do some more reading before I seed any more items.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Swack-Iron]

This item has been Rule 0'd out of every campaign I've played in, including the one I run. In fact, I even have problems with the True Stike spell -- awfully unbalanced, isn't it, with a +20 bonus that grants the seeking weapon ability, all at first level?

 

[Crothian]

This item has been Rule 0'd out of every campaign I've played in, including the one I run. In fact, I even have problems with the True Stike spell -- awfully unbalanced, isn't it, with a +20 bonus that grants the seeking weapon ability, all at first level?

Well, IMC, the spell rarely sees use becasue you have to cast it one round and then use it the next. Two rounds for one hit is not always worth it.

 

[Bragg Battleaxe]

It works just like the spell, so yes it only fires once per round. Plus, the arrows are not magical, they just roll 20s. So if a monster has damage reduction, the spell does not bypass this. The Rogue in my campaign has one and by 10th level it becomes almost useless, especially since it only fires once per round. Trust me, if you use this item correctly, it will not be unbalancing. 4th - 6th level is the perfect time to allow it into play.

 

[jodyjohnson]

Re: Re: Bow of True Strike

Welcome, jodyjohnson!

I can't believe that was actually my first post.

Maybe I should abort posts less and let the chips fall where they may.


On topic: True Strike is an unbalanced on paper spell. I've had it on several items (swords, bows, etc) and almost never want to waste a standard action to activate it. The one standard action delay is pretty big. If you can only hit something with a +20 insight bonus, it's better to retreat than likely hit once 'next' round.

 

[Mistwell]

It works just like the spell, so yes it only fires once per round. Plus, the arrows are not magical, they just roll 20s. So if a monster has damage reduction, the spell does not bypass this. The Rogue in my campaign has one and by 10th level it becomes almost useless, especially since it only fires once per round. Trust me, if you use this item correctly, it will not be unbalancing. 4th - 6th level is the perfect time to allow it into play.

You mean once every other round, right? Round 1 Spell Trigger, round 2 Fire, Round 3 Spell Trigger, Round 4 Fire, etc...

True Strike is great for the first surprise shot, from hiding, by a sneak attacker. It is particularly effective when combined with poison use.

 

[ForceUser]

Ahh, well, if it's as hong says and you must activate it as a standard action, then it is hardly unbalancing since you are giving up a round of attacks to activate it. Still, if the item functions like a wand I would consider giving it 50 charges like a wand too.

I don't find true strike broken; like many others have said, it takes a standard action to cast and can only be used on your next attack. The only time I've ever used it is when my bladesinger casts it during a full attack action as a free action (Song of Celerity for those familiar with the class).

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

That bow is actually a mediocre item for an archer but a decent item for someone else, like a bard.

Using the True Strike ability you hit once every two rounds. A mid-level archer can loose 4-6 arrows in two rounds. It is a near certainty that many arrows is a better choice.

 

[Mark]

Good weapon for a 10th level Commoner, too!