Carrying Strung bow 24x7
- Thread starter Vlos
- Start date
I've wondered about this as well. From stories I've read it sounds like bows were not strung all the time and extra strings were carried in case one broke. If I ran a game I've thought about putting in a rule saying it took a move equiv or such to string the bow. But... I've also thought this might just be a detail its just as well to gloss over in the interest of keeping the game simple. Same with trying to fire a bow in the rain. IRL I guess that just did not work. In game...?
BTW the same with crossbows. I think they were not kept 'cocked' all the time and only done when action was emminent.
rv
BTW the same with crossbows. I think they were not kept 'cocked' all the time and only done when action was emminent.
rv
TheEvil
Explorer
I understand keeping a bow strung at all times will stretch out the string. This will become particularly problematic in very moist climates or weather. Given all the other things that D&D doesn't cover, I wouldn't worry about the strung bow. Heck, if armor and weapons don't rust...
As far as stringing a bow, if I were inclined to rule, I would call it a move action to string a bow. This doesn't include getting the bow or string out in the first place.
As far as stringing a bow, if I were inclined to rule, I would call it a move action to string a bow. This doesn't include getting the bow or string out in the first place.
the Jester
Legend
I would only do this if you also enforce realism in when and where armor is worn.
focallength
First Post
first off having a bow strung 24-7 is not that bad, it really is the firing of the bow that stress the string, I would change my strings about once a month, with using the bow about 2-4 hours a day. So if you really want to inforce it and the character goes through a lot of combat say a new string every week (taking into consideration the quality of bow strings then and now) as for string a bow if you have the string ready it takes about 2 seconds as you never really take the string all the way off just slip it down one end about 3 inches (this sounds confusing if you dont know how to do it) so what is a move action 30 seconds? so I would call it a free action if your going to get technical about it. But basically its one of those things that should be left alone unless your going for super realism then you open so many rules youll always be sharpening swords and comparing weapon types vs. armor types, repairing armor and replacing padding, what about shoes, we usually travel great distances on foot, so how many pairs of shoes do you have on you? etc. etc. etc.
Henry
Autoexreginated
There are no rules governing it just like there are no rules that say that a STR 6 commoner can't hold an outstretched greatsword for 16 hours straight. It's something that has to be adjudicated with common sense. A bow string (especially a strong made of gut) will eventually stretch out of place, but also the bow itself will start to warp if held in curved shape for too long. In other words, tensile strength is lost, and so is power and range effectiveness.
However, since it's not very heroic to have to worry about this, just like not worrying about the STR 6 fighter and his greatsword pose, it's safe enough for DM fiat to say, "you can't go around doing this 24 x 7."
However, since it's not very heroic to have to worry about this, just like not worrying about the STR 6 fighter and his greatsword pose, it's safe enough for DM fiat to say, "you can't go around doing this 24 x 7."
Shin Okada
Explorer
If you think "reality" of that level, weapons and armor may rust, blades may become dull or even break, warterskins may leak, and closes will be ruined by soaking up a lot of goblin blood.
In my experience, it is better to ignore and make obscure that kind of "reality". Adding such details never please anyone. Just think that PCs are changing strings often or putting strings only when they likely to meet immediate danger. Or, your PC's magical bows may never get such kind of trouble. We are playing for fun, not for get frustrated, right?
In my experience, it is better to ignore and make obscure that kind of "reality". Adding such details never please anyone. Just think that PCs are changing strings often or putting strings only when they likely to meet immediate danger. Or, your PC's magical bows may never get such kind of trouble. We are playing for fun, not for get frustrated, right?
Warehouse23
First Post
It's sort of snarky to enforce rules about when (cross)bows are strung/unstrung, but it could produce some good RP. In my games, I like in when the DM points out that it's rude/illegal to walk down a city street with an ax drawn, or when he points out that the dwarf in full plate is slowing down the party as they attempt to hustle through a jungle. Equipment defines how characters fight (a central part of a D&D adventure), but should not be forgotten about as soon as the iniative is dropped.
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