simple arrow question

[Jeff Wilder]

In modern archery, despite what some folks have said here, arrows are approximately the same length for most archers. (Think about it: an archer draws from the same point -- the extended hand -- to the same point -- the line of the jaw, and that's your arrow length.) A particularly tall archer -- like me, for instance -- will tend to use longer arrows, but even then the difference is pretty small: an inch or two at most.

Historically, there were several different draw techniques, and realistically there are other reasons to select different arrow lengths (not to mention weight and heads), but D&D is complex enough not to worry about this, IMO.

 

[dvvega]

IMC we don't worry too much about arrows vs arrows. The main reason is that dedicated archers will ensure they have plenty of stock. They use combinations of:

Quivers of Ehlonna (and no you can't hold more than 60 arrows IMO since it specifically mentions sizes for the other compartments, thus the magic of the quiver limits this).

Capped Quivers (quivers with a cap that stops arrows falling out) stored in bags of holding.

A maximum of 2 quivers on their person (one for back drawing, another for hip drawing).

The most dedicated archer I've had in my campaign world has had at any one time:

Quiver of Ehlonna x2 (120 arrows)
10 quivers of arrows in bags of holding around the party (200 arrows)
Bag of Arrowheads (50) for making arrows later (I essentially charge them for the making ahead of time in this situation).

One QoE holds normal, the other silver, and other special material arrows.

Personally I think that was overkill on arrows, but she did run out at one stage (and I mean ran out completely including special arrows which became "normal") while exploring a vast underground city. She was able to make enough arrows to continue along, but that was the only time.

D

 

[Psimancer]

In modern archery, despite what some folks have said here, arrows are approximately the same length for most archers.

True, but that is partially the result of modern compound bows; power is derived from the cam/pulley system that is used. Arrow length is relative to the users span, or rather, half span. This is approximately half a person’s height. The length of arrow used by a 5’6” person compared to a 6’ person will generally be about 3”.

Now, to get technical (real world, not game). Arrow length is actually very important; Arrows depend on gaining lift when loosed (never use the word ‘fired’), and as such, the centre of balance is about 40% of the length down from the tip. As mentioned before, the most important characteristic is the way the arrow flexes. If the arrow is not of the correct length, weight or stiffness relative to the size and power of the bow, it won’t flex correctly. When an arrow flexes, it bends on all planes (like a fish in water); if the power of the bow is too much for the arrow (because it is too short), the arrow will flex too much. If the power of the bow is too little for the arrow, it will flex too little. All of these things contribute to accuracy.

All of this is relative to a bow of the same size, add in longbows, shortbows and composite bows (and we are not going to get into backed, built and recurve bows), you end up with a system that is just way to complex to game.

Stick to ‘all arrows work with all bows’ – it will save you the headache…

 

[Legildur]

Personally I think that was overkill on arrows, but she did run out at one stage (and I mean ran out completely including special arrows which became "normal") while exploring a vast underground city. She was able to make enough arrows to continue along, but that was the only time.

Which is the concern that I have for my archer, even though he has not yet taken the Rapid Shot feat (next level), and why I was happy that someone asked this question.

 

[dvvega]

Legildur: just follow my player's tactics. It's not expensive, and you've got arrows to burn. She had Rapid Shot pretty early on, and Boots of Speed as well.

D

 

[Legildur]

Legildur: just follow my player's tactics. It's not expensive, and you've got arrows to burn. She had Rapid Shot pretty early on, and Boots of Speed as well.

That would be nice, but as a 1st level character, it could be a while until we find a Quiver of Ehlonna, if at all. And I'm unsure of our capacity to return to have things crafted and to restock. I purchased 180 arrows in all from starting gold and have spread the quivers around the party, and taken ranks in Craft (bowmaking) in the hope to maintain supply.

 

[KaintheSeeker]

I figure it's a moot point personally (Way TOO much accounting that way)

Me, I usually have to use about a 34 to 36 inch shaft on my bow when I used it, 6' even and that was with my old Bear Compound bow. (Miss shooting it)