Large Longbow Question

[LordXxXErebus]

does size increase the range of a longbow? what about the composite?

 

[Empirate]

No on both counts. Only the damage increases, not the range increment. There's the Greatbow, which has a greater range increment, but is an exotic weapon.
Note that you could also try and buy a Storm Giant's composite longbow, which has a range increment of 180' (!).

 

[frankthedm]

Solars and Centaurs in 3.5 use large longbows without mention of any increased range.

 

[Dross]

On the other side I don't think that there is any mention of small size bow users having a smaller range increment either.

 

[Tharkon]

So what is the difference between a small longbow and a medium shortbow that justifies all of the following:

A small longbow weighs 1.5 lbs., deals 1d6 damage using arrows weighing 0.075 lbs. each, and has a range increment of 100 ft.
A medium shortbow weighs 2 lbs., deals 1d6 damage using arrows weighing 0.15 lbs. each, and has a range increment of 60 ft.

Judging by its weight a small longbow is smaller than a medium shortbow, yet it fires arrows over a greater distance dealing the same damage with lighter arrows.

 

[anest1s]

No on both counts. Only the damage increases, not the range increment. There's the Greatbow, which has a greater range increment, but is an exotic weapon.
Note that you could also try and buy a Storm Giant's composite longbow, which has a range increment of 180' (!).

Where can I find the Greatbow?

 

[xigbar]

Where can I find the Greatbow?

Arms and Equipment Guide.

 

[Jackinthegreen]

Arms and Equipment Guide.

Complete Warrior has an updated version, along with Composite Greatbow in there too.

 

[domino]

Size does not increase range, in the same way that a collossal shortspear does not have reach, despite being probably 10 times the length of a medium longspear.

 

[Jackinthegreen]

Something to note is a Composite bow has an extra 10' range. Take a look at the PHB, page 117.

As for the whole size issue with range, WotC probably didn't want to penalize small characters with a short range on their bows. Medium characters who use them take a -2 penalty to hit.