simple arrow question

[Lasher Dragon]

If you can afford it, when I play an archer I usually get a Quiver of Ehlonna and just pack it chock-full of arrows. It got to the point where I don't even keep track of arrows, I just put some gold down for an "arrow fund" everytime I go to town. I usually have around 500 arrows when I have just restocked.

 

[Sithobi1]

Quiver of Ehlonna can actually only hold 60 arrows, so you would need 9 of them to hold 500 arrows.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

Indeed, that's where the other compartments, my type-II BOH and my Heward's come in.

 

[Sithobi1]

Erm, both would be punctured by the arrows, I believe...

 

[Krafen]

Well in the PHB there are only descriptions for Arrows and Bolts. Not Arrows (Shortbow) and Arrows (Longbow) or the like... However, in the weapons table under each bow, they have arrows listed for each type of bow. Why not have it listed once if they were universal? And if they are not universal, why not have a description of each type of arrow?

While there is an entry for arrows under each bow type, all arrows cost and weigh exactly the same amount. Based on this, I'd say there is not difference between shortbow and longbow arrows. Granted, logically, they would be different, but I think we all know applying logic and real-life experience to the rules simply causes confusion.

Both for the sake of simplicity, and because the rules seem to imply it, I suggest considering all arrows to be the same.

 

[thalmin]

I agree, the rules seem to make all arrows the same. I invoked Rule 0 for my campaign. This is the least my players have to worry about.

 

[Psimancer]

In the real world (shriek!), arrows need to match the bow for both draw length and pull to make sure that they flex correctly. If the arrows don’t flex correctly, then they will be terribly inaccurate. This effectively makes all arrows incompatible with all bows. :\

However, if you assume that an archer will make some adjustments to his ammunition prior to use, then you could say that pretty much all ammunition is compatible with all bows…

At the very least you can assume that ‘long’ ammunition can be adjusted for both long and short bows (cutting down), but ‘short’ ammunition will only be usable with short bows…

Just a thought...

 

[Blacklamb]

Quiver of Ehlonna can actually only hold 60 arrows, so you would need 9 of them to hold 500 arrows.

I disagree.
If it can hold javelins and staffs i just put arrows in THOSE pockets.
Plenty of room for them then.


Blacklamb

 

[tensen]

In the real world (shriek!), arrows need to match the bow for both draw length and pull to make sure that they flex correctly. If the arrows don’t flex correctly, then they will be terribly inaccurate. This effectively makes all arrows incompatible with all bows. :\

However, if you assume that an archer will make some adjustments to his ammunition prior to use, then you could say that pretty much all ammunition is compatible with all bows…

At the very least you can assume that ‘long’ ammunition can be adjusted for both long and short bows (cutting down), but ‘short’ ammunition will only be usable with short bows…

Just a thought...

Or if you want to think of it in more reality based terms... short ammunition causes you to draw back less. So you won't likely get any strength bonuses. In theory most mighty bows are going to have longer arrows than the other bows. (Of course having a small character with a high strength really confuses the issue.)

All arrows in D&D should suck if you follow the reality. I mean how accurate are your masterwork arrows going to be, unless you have them purchased as a set and all weighted and balanced in an equivalent manner? In game how often have you seen a character pick up random arrows?

 

[Psimancer]

Or if you want to think of it in more reality based terms... short ammunition causes you to draw back less. So you won't likely get any strength bonuses.

Underdrawing is a totally ineffective technique and I wouldn’t bother including it as an option; I doubt I would allow even a d4 for damage. And range would be another consideration…

In theory most mighty bows are going to have longer arrows than the other bows.

There is more to mighty bows and their ammunition than just draw length, such as poundage. I would say that heavier arrows would be more important then length.

All arrows in D&D should suck if you follow the reality.

On that we agree. Reality in regards to D&D archery is just unpayable. Assuming that all arrows can be used with all bows is by far the simplest and most playable.