Craft - Modifying weapons for size

[nittanytbone]

How difficult would it be to resize a Small Composite Strength Longbow (as for use by a goblin or gnome) to be a Medium Shortbow (as for use by a human)?

 

[irdeggman]

I don't think it is possible.

IMO any weapon that needs "resizing" is essentially getting recrafted.

Especially one like a composite bow that has more "intricate" workings than say a spear.

 

[Elethiomel]

I don't think it is possible.

IMO any weapon that needs "resizing" is essentially getting recrafted.

Especially one like a composite bow that has more "intricate" workings than say a spear.

Well, you're not actually making the bow any larger (Small Longbow -> Medium Shortbow; these two bows are about the same length) - you're just fitting the grip and pull for a larger creature. The pull might be a problem, the grip should not be.

 

[irdeggman]

Well, you're not actually making the bow any larger (Small Longbow -> Medium Shortbow; these two bows are about the same length) - you're just fitting the grip and pull for a larger creature. The pull might be a problem, the grip should not be.

I view it as they are actually longer in size too.

More akin to a medium size shortbow being roughly the same as a small longbow - with all of the "problems" with using a "larger" weapon with it, That is a longbow has "issues" when used:

Longbow: You need at least two hands to use a bow, regardless of its size. A longbow is too unwieldy to use while you are mounted. If you have a penalty for low Strength, apply it to damage rolls when you use a longbow. If you have a bonus for high Strength, you can apply it to damage rolls when you use a composite longbow (see below) but not a regular longbow.

 

[Elethiomel]

More akin to a medium size shortbow being roughly the same as a small longbow - with all of the "problems" with using a "larger" weapon with it, That is a longbow has "issues" when used:

Uh, are you agreeing with me that a medium shortbow is the same size as a small longbow? I know about the rules for not using longbows while mounted, but if the small longbow that's re-gripped for a Medium creature and is a shortbow for that creature is used by a medium creature, I can't see why it shouldn't be usable mounted.

 

[irdeggman]

Uh, are you agreeing with me that a medium shortbow is the same size as a small longbow? I know about the rules for not using longbows while mounted, but if the small longbow that's re-gripped for a Medium creature and is a shortbow for that creature is used by a medium creature, I can't see why it shouldn't be usable mounted.

Not really.

Changing a weapon to match the size of the creature is more than merely regripping it.

I was pointing out that there is a "size" component as well as the placement of one's hands involved.

Regardless, per the RAW, you'd still suffer an inappropriately sized weapon penalty to use a weapon that was not "sized" correctly for the character wielding it.

 

[Tetsubo]

I'd say that falls into the "impossible" category... unless you use magic of course...

 

[nittanytbone]

It doesn't seem like there is any way to do it, then...

Basically, I've got a goblin archer NPC villain with a nice magic bow coming up soon, and I was wondering if there was any chance for the party's archer (a human) to be able to make use of his bow.

It sounds like if he wants to use it, then he's stuck with accepting a -2 penalty for an inappropriately sized weapon. Or, the entire thing can be recrafted, requiring a DC 20+ craft check and quite awhile (a +1 STR comp shortbow costs 430 GP, so someone with a super-awesome +40 craft check would require ~145 GP for new materials along with 2.7 weeks of work). I'd imagine the recrafted bow would retain the original magical bonuses.

Note that per the SRD/PHB, "You can use a composite longbow while mounted."

 

[irdeggman]

It doesn't seem like there is any way to do it, then...

Basically, I've got a goblin archer NPC villain with a nice magic bow coming up soon, and I was wondering if there was any chance for the party's archer (a human) to be able to make use of his bow.

It sounds like if he wants to use it, then he's stuck with accepting a -2 penalty for an inappropriately sized weapon. Or, the entire thing can be recrafted, requiring a DC 20+ craft check and quite awhile (a +1 STR comp shortbow costs 430 GP, so someone with a super-awesome +40 craft check would require ~145 GP for new materials along with 2.7 weeks of work). I'd imagine the recrafted bow would retain the original magical bonuses.

Note that per the SRD/PHB, "You can use a composite longbow while mounted."

And since its magical don't forget the xp portion.

At best its a mend magical weapons - using the craft magic arms and armor feat - 1/2 xp and 1/2 raw materials and 1/2 time it would take to craft the item in the first place. But really it should be a complete redo since it is not "mending".

I had a feeling that is where you were going in the first place - magic weapons and armors are differently handled than normal ones (well they are more time consuming and require the craft feats to handle).

 

[Zurai]

I would not allow a bow or crossbow to be re-sized (and CERTAINLY not re-strengthed). The unique way they are constructed just makes it completely implausible to do so.

A sword or axe or mace, etc... those I can see. The main thing there would be to modify the grip and alter the balance of the weapon.

With a bow, you can't just shave off weight or attach a different grip.