What ranged weapon would you use...

[CCamfield]

With my character's capabilities?

He's a 2nd level ranger with an 18 Strength (16 Dex, 12 Con). Since he's been wielding a greatsword in melee combat, I chose the archer path at level 2.

However, he has yet to buy a bow, as he spent a lot of my money on a masterwork greatsword, a hawk, and a light horse last session. He currently has a sling, but it can't be used with Rapid Shot. My DM is letting me use Rapid Shot with thrown javelins providing I have them both out.

Now that I have a horse, I expect to be fighting on horseback a reasonable amount of the time. I couldn't use a long bow on horseback; I'm unsure whether thrown weapons receive the -4 penalty if used from horseback, but I presume so?

 

[Rel]

With my character's capabilities?

He's a 2nd level ranger with an 18 Strength (16 Dex, 12 Con). Since he's been wielding a greatsword in melee combat, I chose the archer path at level 2.

However, he has yet to buy a bow, as he spent a lot of my money on a masterwork greatsword, a hawk, and a light horse last session. He currently has a sling, but it can't be used with Rapid Shot. My DM is letting me use Rapid Shot with thrown javelins providing I have them both out.

Now that I have a horse, I expect to be fighting on horseback a reasonable amount of the time. I couldn't use a long bow on horseback; I'm unsure whether thrown weapons receive the -4 penalty if used from horseback, but I presume so?

Assuming that you're at least medium sized (I'm fairly certain that you are), I'd say you need to get yourself a Masterwork, Mighty Composite Longbow (+4) if possible. It'll cost a chunk of money but you'll do great damage at range and Rapid Shot will make it even nastier.

 

[CCamfield]

Assuming that you're at least medium sized (I'm fairly certain that you are), I'd say you need to get yourself a Masterwork, Mighty Composite Longbow (+4) if possible. It'll cost a chunk of money but you'll do great damage at range and Rapid Shot will make it even nastier.

Oh, yes, the character is human. So basically I need to save up a bunch of money - I'm sure you're right. edit: I hadn't realized you could use a composite longbow on horseback! Thanks!

 

[Rel]

Oh, yes, the character is human. So basically I need to save up a bunch of money - I'm sure you're right. edit: I hadn't realized you could use a composite longbow on horseback! Thanks!

In the short term, I'd probably get my hands on a regular Composite Longbow. You've got the Rapid Shot feat after all and there's no need to have it go to waste. Your damage output with the composite bow will be inferior to that of a javelin but you'll have much better range.

If you do find yourself having to shoot from horseback, the to-hit penalties will be terrible, but at least it's possible with the composite longbow (unlike a regular longbow).

 

[d20Dwarf]

Is there any ranged weapon worth using *other* than a composite longbow? Assuming proficiency, of course.

 

[James McMurray]

Maybe bolas if you want to get freaky.

 

[LordAO]

Is there any ranged weapon worth using *other* than a composite longbow? Assuming proficiency, of course.

There are plenty of good picks, but the Mighty Composite Longow is by far the best choice.

 

[Lord Ravinous]

I'd go with Mighty Composite Shortbow (+4 Str), since you can't use longbows while mounted (unless 3.5 changed that). Its also a good chunk cheaper than the Longbow.

 

[Thanee]

Anything that has "composite" and "bow" in its name will work!

Bye
Thanee

 

[Rel]

I'd go with Mighty Composite Shortbow (+4 Str), since you can't use longbows while mounted (unless 3.5 changed that). Its also a good chunk cheaper than the Longbow.

Actually, according to the description of Composite Longbow in the PHB, it differs from the regular Longbow in being able to be fired from horseback. This seems to jibe with historical examples of this fighting method (among the Japanese in particular).