Max STR Bonus to Bows

[Vlos]

A question came up last night as we started a new campaign as to what was the MAX STR bonus that could be applied to Bows. For some of us, we thought it was +4, but others disagreed. We made a quick game ruling for the night until research could be done (i.e. now).

Can anyone state if there is a MAX STR bonus for bows? And if so point to a reference.

Thanks

 

[Seeten]

I cant see any mechanical reason to limit this, beyond a limit on a per bow basis. You can ALWAYS build a bigger, more powerful bow, including one for the pull of a giant, assuming you have enough, and good enough wood, and whatever you are using for a draw.

Max for a certain size of bow, non-magical, with a regular oak tree might be +5, but get into darkwood, and masterwork or magic, and you are no longer limited, except by strength.

Important to note that bows built for huge strength characters will not be drawable by others. You need to be close in strength with the user to draw the bow.

 

[diaglo]

i know i've seen +8 str bows in Dungeon magazine.

 

[Thanee]

Max was +4 in 3.0 ('cept for Solars), there is no max in 3.5

Bye
Thanee

 

[Omote]

The WAR TROLL in MM3 has a composite long bow that is +10 STR, and that directly from a WOTC source! There is no limit to the amount of STR bonus that can be applied to a bow... at least that I've ever seen.

.................................Omote
FPQ

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Max was +4 in 3.0 ('cept for Solars), there is no max in 3.5

Thanee is correct.

For clarification purposes, note that, in 3.5, only a composite bow gains any strength bonus to damage, and that damage cannot be changed once the bow has been crafted. i.e. each composite bow has a "strength adjustment" from +0 to +[unlimited number]. That number becomes the maximum strength that can be added to damage from the bow, as well as the strength required to use the bow without a -2 penalty to attacks for ineffective use. That number x100gp also serves as an addition to the basic composite longbow's cost.