Question: Do Arrow Have Size?

[Aluvial]

Does ammunition, especially arrow have a size? Or is it just the weapon that makes certain damage based on size?

In other words, are there Small arrows?

Aluvial

 

[Jack Simth]

Yes, they do have a size.

Firstly, they're weapons, just like the rest.

Secondly, see the Telekinesis spell description - it includes a provision for arrows of different sizes.

Thirdly.... well, try and picture a Colossal Titan trying to grab the arrows from a Halfling's quiver, and use them in his Colossal bow.

 

[Christian]

PHB 3.5 pg 114:
Arrows: An arrow used as a melee weapon is treated as an improvised weapon (-4 penalty on attack rolls) and deals damage as a dagger of its size ... (emphasis mine)

So arrows definitely have a size. From the table, it looks like bow damage is based on the size of the bow; it's not clear what happens when you use a mis-sized arrow. As a DM, I'd rule that you can use arrows one size larger than your bow with a -2 to hit and no adjustment to damage; arrows larger than that, or smaller than normal for your bow, cannot be successfully launched.

 

[Dross]

So arrows definitely have a size. From the table, it looks like bow damage is based on the size of the bow; it's not clear what happens when you use a mis-sized arrow. As a DM, I'd rule that you can use arrows one size larger than your bow with a -2 to hit and no adjustment to damage; arrows larger than that, or smaller than normal for your bow, cannot be successfully launched.

I like the house rule which i'll probably use if it comes up.

Damage is based on the size of a bow, if using an appropriate sized arrow. It's one of the "real life instances being trumped by ease of play." I personally don't want to note whether each arrow can be used by a composite longbow or a shortbow, that's too much book keeping. It gets even worse with Heavy, Light, their Repeater versions, and Hand crossbows, which by RAW can all use the same bolt but really should be sized for each one.