Is there just one type of arrow?

[Xahn'Tyr]

One of my players says that there are shortbow arrows and there are longbow arrows, and the two are not interchangeable. This makes pefect sence from a realistic and historical (and 2nd Ed) standpoint, but does 3rd Edition go into this level of detail?

I notice that the PHB (or at least the SRD) lists "arrows" after each type of bow in the weapons chart, but the cost/wieght are exactly the same. Since they also have the exact same name, I think that the are all identical for game purposes. Is that right?

 

[Zhure]

Yes, there are different kinds of arrows for different kinds of bows. The amount of flex the bow imparts to the arrow is critical for making it fly straight, especially for non-flat bows (i.e., long bows and short bows as depicted in D&D). If the arrow doesn't flex the right amount, it will either slice or hook, but won't fly true.

In fact, for non-machined bows, each arrow would behave differently for every bow, as no two will be identical.

I don't think it's a level of detail that's important to track.

Greg

 

[Lunn]

For me, this is a GM call. I haven't seen anything in print that says there is more than one size of arrow. If you want realisim, go for it.

 

[Corwyn]

I agree with Zhure for eacht type of bow a special type of arrow (read lenght, mostly) is needed.

So yes you could decre that there are different arrows for short and long bows.

Not to mention that there are a myriad of different arrowheads each suited for a different type of task. (with hooks, flat heads, roud heads, broad leaf, etc.)
But again how much detail do you want?

 

[Xahn'Tyr]

Heh, I know that in real life there are many different types of arrows. What I want to know is that if my group kills a bunch of goblins that were using shortbows, can the ranger (with a longbow) refill his quiver with goblin arrows?

I don't want to add any house rules or complications, I just wanted to confirm that by the rules as written an arrow is an arrow is an arrow. Given the responses thus far, that seems to be the case, so I thank you for the information.

Simplicity is good.

 

[Madfox]

But long bows do 1d8 dmg and short bow do 1d6 damage. I have no idea if there is a difference between the arrows of these two bows per official rules (I don't have access to the PHB at the moment). I do know there is a difference between crossbow bolts and arrows by the rules. Personally I would rule it the same way for long- and shortbows.

 

[Moon_Goddess]

I think it was probably left vague so you could make your own choice.

 

[Eben]

Maybe a modifier is in order when you're shooting with different arrows. Then it's up to the DM to decide if said arrow is OK or not.
I find availibility of ammunition an interesting factor to keep player on their toes.
It all depends on personal taste. But don't be tricked into the realism discussion. There is no such thing in a game.

have fun

 

[SableWyvern]

But don't be tricked into the realism discussion. There is no such thing in a game.

have fun

Just to be pedantic, I have to say that there can be realism in games. High quality wargames especially can closely reflect reality in a lot of aspects.

But, as far as d&d goes, IMHO, anything vaguely resembling a serious attempt at realism is against the spirit of the game.

IOW - I agree. Realism + d&d = Error! Error! Does not compute.

Specifically relating to the topic, IMC longbows, shortbows, hand crossbows and light/heavy crossbows each have unique ammunition.

 

[Aaron2]

Small shortbows and Medium shortbows

We ruled that shortbow and longbow arrows were interchangable because they are both the same length (the length of the draw), but that arrows for a shotbow fired by a Small character couldn't be used in a shortbow fired by a Medium-sized character. They would be to short and the Medium-sized character couldn't draw his bow without it falling out.


Aaron