Where do you carry your longbow when in melee?

[dead]

I was just wondering how one carries a longbow in D&D because many NPCs in modules have them while at the same time wield sword and shield.

I thought because it was 6-foot long and flimsy my players would have to carry it in hand and then drop it when you go into melee. Is this too cruel?

And what of the shortbow for medium characters? Could this be strapped to the back while in melee? Or would it be too awkward and get in the way (not to mention being at risk of damage)?

What are others' thoughts on this?

Thanks

 

[Nightfall]

dead,

they put them in a demi-plane that's on their backs.

 

[Aaron L]

Shortbow can be carried in a case on the back. Check out Legolas in the LotR movies.

A longbow is a bit trickier.

dead,

they put them in a demi-plane that's on their backs.

No no, that's only immortals with their swords.

In trench coats.

 

[Griffith Dragonlake]

IIRC a lot of fantasy heroes carry their longbow around their body -- stave on the back and bowstring on the front.

As for shotbows. . . I'm not sure if any Fantasy heroes actually use a shortbow. I think the Mongols had some sort of holster for their composite shortbows.

Hope this helps.

 

[Nightfall]

No no, that's only immortals with their swords.

In trench coats.

Nah it works with longbows too! And elves!

 

[Ranger REG]

I was just wondering how one carries a longbow in D&D because many NPCs in modules have them while at the same time wield sword and shield.

I thought because it was 6-foot long and flimsy my players would have to carry it in hand and then drop it when you go into melee. Is this too cruel?

If you have to drop it, then drop it. If you can hold your bow in your off-hand and fight melee, go for it. You take your chance, including your very heavy backpack (especially if you're as prepared as Samwise Gamgee).

And what of the shortbow for medium characters? Could this be strapped to the back while in melee? Or would it be too awkward and get in the way (not to mention being at risk of damage)?

Better to store it in a case similar to your quiver, hold it, or drop it. Trying to strap the shortbow on you (the shaft on your back with the string coming around the front) can be cumbersome and may restrict upper-body mobility. Worse if you're still lugging your backpack.

 

[Nightfall]

See this is why my demi-plane idea on their back is so much more fun!

 

[WayneLigon]

No reason the longbow couldn't be carried on the back as well, and it's hardly flimsy. Generally, the 'string around the front' is probably a temporary measure. I seem to remember reading that most bows are kept unstrung until close to the time you're going to need them. That probably doesn't hold true for magical ones, as they're quite a bit more resistant than normal make.

 

[Nightfall]

And if you put them in the demi-plane that attached to your back.

 

[reason]

...

I was just wondering how one carries a longbow in D&D because many NPCs in modules have them while at the same time wield sword and shield.

I thought because it was 6-foot long and flimsy my players would have to carry it in hand and then drop it when you go into melee. Is this too cruel?

Right hand sword, left hand bow. Stab with the right to create a new organic bow-holder, stick bow into holder, move on. Retrieve bow from the newly created bow-holder after the fight, and remember to thank them for the involuntarily-offered service, should they still be in a position to listen.

Reason
Principia Infecta