What are the rules for re-stringing a bow or xbow after snapped string?

[Emirikol]

What are the rules for re-stringing a bow or xbow after snapped string?

Have a situation where the rogue cut some strings with a dagger and the guards grabbed the bows and restring.

Thanks,

Jay H

 

[werk]

They are probably located near the rules for how to snap the string in the first place.

 

[lukelightning]

I'd call replacing a string a full round action that provokes an attack of opportunity; this includes taking the string out of storage (I'd assume that archers carry a spare bowstring in a pouch on their quiver, so it would be somewhat readily accessable).

I figure a full-round action is a sizeable inconvenience without being murderously perilous.

Of course, I would never bother with broken bowstrings...the closest situation is sundering, in which case the bow is destroyed.

 

[notjer]

That is amazing. Guards who can restring a bow i immediately after the strings were cutted.

You can't restring a bow in 6 seconds. You need to tie it tighly, the string must be effectively suited with sticky-resin or similiar things. You need to remove the old piece of string and replace it with the new string. You can't restring it without removing the old string, if you try, it won't hold for a single strung.

I would say 1d4+1 minutes just to be simple. You can't swing the string around the bow and then it fits perfectly.

 

[abri]

On a bow, it will take a while. And might not even be possible, it is really hard to do and definitely among the "not happening while in combat": several (5-10) minutes at least.
On a x-bow, don't even think about it without special tools or some helps (or superhuman strength).

 

[Darklone]

It's one standard action that provokes an AoO and is called:

Cast Mending.

 

[Rhun]

They are probably located near the rules for how to snap the string in the first place.

QFT.

There are no rules to cover this, so it is up to the individual DM to decide what the procedure is to replace the bow/crossbow string.

 

[Darklone]

Irony is not something related to carbon and steel and stuff.

I'm surprised that a DM who makes up houserules how to cut bowstrings doesn't make up houserules how to replace them.

 

[notjer]

It's one standard action that provokes an AoO and is called:

Cast Mending.

Not many guards are able to cast Mending Even if they could they would need another person to hold the string(s) close together, except if he actually has prepared a still spell (mending) so he is able to hold it himself.

 

[moritheil]

That is amazing. Guards who can restring a bow i immediately after the strings were cutted.

This is equally amazing. But you do have a point - a DM could rule that the bow is effectively broken and needs a craft check for repair.