D&D 5E Fighting Style - Archery

[txshusker]

To me it's relatively obvious how to use it: The rule specifically says "Ranged Weapons", not ranged attacks. They aren't synonyms. Ranged weapons noted in the PHB are, all crossbows, long/shortbow, dart, sling, blowgun, Net. As the feat states, Archery Style... logically and physically, it's not the same as hand thrown styles at all. It's not called "Ranged Attack Style". You can always rule it how you want, especially since some character may end up staying out of the fray throwing melee weapons and such and that's how they contribute to combat. In the game, that type of continuous action would make someone better - like a quarterback throwing through the hole of a tire all the time - and so allowing the feat to cover that makes sense to me.

 

[guachi]

Knowing that duelist worked with hand axes made the guy who is wielding a quarterstaff one handed happy. He feels useful even if he can't get to melee range.

 

[Bayonet]

Why is anyone bothering the designers with this? Let your GM make the decision and/or stop analyzing each word. This game is all about intention and we don't have to be Magic: The Gathering players like we did in 4e. Someone who specializes in ranged weapons will be better hitting the target than someone who isn't. It doesn't matter if they throw an axe or a broadsword or a stuffed duck. Let your GM decide. If you are the GM, then use common sense. Does it make sense to you? That's all that matters in YOUR game. Who cares what Mearls or Crawford do in their games, their games don't have stuffed ducks.

I totally agree. Stop fretting about minutiae and just run the game in a way that maximizes player and DM fun.

I'd usually read that Archery style as using ranged only weapons (bows, crossbows, slings, etc) but if a character wants to play a Javelin and handaxe chucking specialist, I see no reason to cripple his player idea over an overzealous reading of rules. It's not going to break the game, and it might make for a fun character, so let them play it the way they want.