Defending Bow?

[gabrion]

The defending special property as it appears in the DMG says that the "sword" with this enhancement can be used to up the user's AC. Also, it is listed in the chart for melee weapon special abilities, but not the ranged one.

So, should this be allowed for bows? The first issue would be whether the charts are meant to limit which abilities can apply to ranged and melee weapons (vs. just being there as a tool to roll up random treasure). The second issue is whether the wording of the ability was just a slip up, or if it can only be used on swords.

Personally, since so many special abilities for weapons say that they are only for ranged weapons or only for melee weapons in their description, I think this one could be used for either. I'm interested in your opinions.

 

[dagger]

I would allow it if the bow was an elven crafted one out of Races of the Wild which basically lets you use a longbow as a quarterstaff.

 

[Denaes]

I could see allowing it on a few levels. Either using it to defend like the above potion mentioned.

It could also create a sort of aura of fear or magnificance or something and just make it that much harder to strike. It would really be up to the GM to add that sort of flavour and determine if it's an aura or you physically blocking or what.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

Since Armor Class is such a vague concept (combining both the ability to get out of the way, dodge, defelection; and being to tough to take damage from a hit, Armor, Hardness) I'd allow it.

I might change the bonus type they get from the Defending Bow. Allowing a bow to siphon a portion of its power into a Deflection bonus to AC seems reasonable to me. Maybe even a Dodge, Insight or some other type of bonus (though Insight & Dodge are pretty rare and bit better than other bonus types). An Armor Bonus would seem wierd to me, or an Enhancement bonus.

AC has a lot of components to it. Magic Items can augment many different elements that make up the total.

 

[the Jester]

I've always assumed the charts indicate which ability can be put on which type of weapon.

So I wouldn't allow it on a normal bow.

The silly elven bow-staff thingie- if I allowed it imc at all- I'd allow the defending quality for, but only when it was used as a melee weapon.

 

[Storyteller01]

I'd allow it. Too many referals to Turok and Speedy (ie Teen Titans) not to.

Then again, both of these examples are bows specially made for their user. But also, magic weapons are masterwork weapons specially made for the purpose...

 

[Artoomis]

"Defending " is a melee weapon special ability. By the rules, it cannot be placed on a bow, so it would have to be a special case of some sort.

 

[gabrion]

"Defending " is a melee weapon special ability. By the rules, it cannot be placed on a bow, so it would have to be a special case of some sort.

Not that I totally disagree, but how did you come to that conclusion? Was it just based on the two tables?

 

[Denaes]

Not that I totally disagree, but how did you come to that conclusion? Was it just based on the two tables?

It's on a table for melee items, not ranged weapons. ::shrugs::

I don't agree, but I see the logic there.