Confused about the difference between various ranged weapons

[Orion Invictus]

It seems like Shortbows add 1.5x the DEX modifier, while Longbows have a higher damage die, is that right?

Also, what's the difference between these bows and light/heavy crossbows, respectively?

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Only the damage die and special attacks are different.

[Anima Mundi]

The differences between bowqs and Xbows in DnD was clear. You were sacrificing range for damage.
In BG3 they scrapped that, and thus, crossbows are always superior because higher damage Die.
The only thing that balances it is that some Longbopws or shortbows may have magical effects that work better for your bnuild than the Xbows.
And well, flavour, if you're not into xbows.

[butbka]

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

It seems like Shortbows add 1.5x the DEX modifier, while Longbows have a higher damage die, is that right?

No.
The differences are type, damage, actions.
Wiki has a perfect descriptions for weapons.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Weapons

[Anima Mundi]

Originally posted by Anima Mundi:

The differences between bowqs and Xbows in DnD was clear. You were sacrificing range for damage.
In BG3 they scrapped that, and thus, crossbows are always superior because higher damage Die.
The only thing that balances it is that some Longbopws or shortbows may have magical effects that work better for your bnuild than the Xbows.
And well, flavour, if you're not into xbows.

Also where did you see that shortbow has 1.5 dex mod?

[Orion Invictus]

Originally posted by butbka:

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

It seems like Shortbows add 1.5x the DEX modifier, while Longbows have a higher damage die, is that right?

No.
The differences are type, damage, actions.
Wiki has a perfect descriptions for weapons.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Weapons

So why does my Shortbow deal 1d6+6 (1.5x DEX modifier) while my Longbow deals 1d8+4 (1x DEX modifier)? Is this a Ranger thing I picked and forgot about?

[Anima Mundi]

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

Originally posted by butbka:

No.
The differences are type, damage, actions.
Wiki has a perfect descriptions for weapons.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Weapons

So why does my Shortbow deal 1d6+6 (1.5x DEX modifier) while my Longbow deals 1d8+4 (1x DEX modifier)? Is this a Ranger thing I picked and forgot about?

are you proficient in both? What are the actual items in question, can you post screenie

[butbka]

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

Originally posted by butbka:

No.
The differences are type, damage, actions.
Wiki has a perfect descriptions for weapons.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Weapons

So why does my Shortbow deal 1d6+6 (1.5x DEX modifier) while my Longbow deals 1d8+4 (1x DEX modifier)? Is this a Ranger thing I picked and forgot about?

What's your Shortbow? What's your equipment? What's in you combat log?

[Orion Invictus]

Originally posted by Anima Mundi:

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

So why does my Shortbow deal 1d6+6 (1.5x DEX modifier) while my Longbow deals 1d8+4 (1x DEX modifier)? Is this a Ranger thing I picked and forgot about?

are you proficient in both? What are the actual items in question, can you post screenie

I am proficient in both, yes. One is "The Joltshooter" (the Longbow that gives you Lightning charges), the other is "Least Expected" (the Shortbow that gives you +1d4 to attack rolls if you're lightly or heavily obscured).

EDIT: Just realized Least Expected has a +2 Weapon Enchantment bonus.

[Anima Mundi]

that would do it lol :D

[butbka]

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

EDIT: Just realized Least Expected has a +2 Weapon Enchantment bonus.

[Aldain]

Originally posted by Orion Invictus:

Originally posted by Anima Mundi:

are you proficient in both? What are the actual items in question, can you post screenie

I am proficient in both, yes. One is "The Joltshooter" (the Longbow that gives you Lightning charges), the other is "Least Expected" (the Shortbow that gives you +1d4 to attack rolls if you're lightly or heavily obscured).

EDIT: Just realized Least Expected has a +2 Weapon Enchantment bonus.

I believe that is what the kids these days call a "Big oof".

But it happens to the best of us.

[Osmium]

The main difference between shortbows and longbows is racial proficiency. Elves get access to longbows whereas humans and half-elves use shortbows. Shadowheart, for example, has proficiency in short bows but not longbows unless you change her class to fighter or something. That was an issue for me on my playthrough when the only good ranged weapon I had for a long time was a longbow. Hand crossbows can be dual wielded and have a shorter range than either bow type, 50 feet instead of 60 (15m vs 18m).