How do you break a bowstring in combat?

[Hypersmurf]

Interestingly enough, you don't need a magical weapon to sunder a held object, even if said held object is magical. So you can sunder the +5 Shocking Screaming Holy bow with a rusty dagger if you wanted.

You don't need to tell me - I'm the champion of that interpretation

-Hyp.

 

[LokiDR]

A bow already doesn't have much hardness or hit points. If you take away the restriction of enchantment to harm them, no should ever be used within 200 feet of an opponent combat. However realistic, it makes archers a lot less fun to play.

 

[Hypersmurf]

A bow already doesn't have much hardness or hit points. If you take away the restriction of enchantment to harm them, no should ever be used within 200 feet of an opponent combat. However realistic, it makes archers a lot less fun to play.

Enhancement.

But anyway - I agree. It's just amusing to tell people it's a house rule

-Hyp.

 

[LokiDR]

Enhancement.

But anyway - I agree. It's just amusing to tell people it's a house rule

-Hyp.

enchanted weapon is needed to hurt an enchanted weapon Did you think I was talking about hold person and charm monster?

 

[Hypersmurf]

enchanted weapon is needed to hurt an enchanted weapon

Objects are immune to Enchantments.

-Hyp.

 

[reapersaurus]

*looks around at the ghost of Sean Reynolds still lingering *

 

[Hypersmurf]

Well, he has a point

-Hyp.

 

[Pagan priest]

Given how easy it is to break a bowstring in real life, I would argue that replacing a damaged string has no effect on enhancements on the bow. Things like rain or even fog can render a bowstring useless; they stretch. Over time, they will fray and need to be replaced. (That is why I didn't go shooting today... last time I looked, my last "good" string was starting to fray)

As far as the main point of this thread, I prefer to call it a sunder attempt, hardness 1 hit points 1... takes the bow out of the fight, but it is usable again in short order.

 

[Endur]

There aren't any rules. Your Gm has to make interpretations.

First, can you target a bow string? Maybe, Maybe not. Maybe you have to target the bow. Personally, I'd allow someone to target a bow string; its as large as the bow.

My interpretation: Either Sunder attack or Strike a Held Object. Bowstring is hardness 0, hit points 1. Probably Strike a Held Object is the correct rule; sunder should apply for melee weapons.

The issue comes up: Are bowstrings magical? The rules don't say. Up to your GM. Personally, I would think that the Fantasy archer would have a magic bow and many unmagical bowstrings. As one wears out, he replaces it. Other GMs might have a bow that has a magical bowstring.

What are the rules for breaking a bowstring in combat with a melee weapon?

Sorry if it's obvious from the rules - I'd appreciate a point in the right direction.

 

[LokiDR]

Advice on adjuicating this issue:

Decide what sort of campaign you are playing. If you focus a lot of effort on minor details and like a realistic style of play, cut the string. If you like a faster style with more focus on character motivations, skip the minor details. Hit the bow or don't.

Just my $0.02