Bows two things

[chris3582]

1. Why does every D&D type RPG start archer classes off with short bows.
2. A short bow shoots 18 meters. A long bow shoots 18 meters. Make that make sense, someone, please!

[KRON]

1. Hell if I know
2. Longbows use 1d8 instead of 1d6 for damage and have a Brace ability. As for range, it's video game balance limit. I'm pretty sure there are no ranged attacks that have more than 18 meters range by default.

[HoneyDrake]

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons. This is not the case in BG3.

Also you have "Proficiency" if you have not forgotten about it.
It happens that "Longbows" are not considered "Simple Weapons" and classes, like Rogues, don't have access to Longbows, naturally (assuming their race doesn't give them it).

Any other questions?

[Popsicles]

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons.

Not true in 5e or 5.5e DnD.

Heavy weapon

You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13.

No mention of size when using heavy weapons. (longbow has heavy property)

[zaldaria]

i always thought because a longbow is like a premium weapon like short sword and longsword or basterd sword

[NowhereNarrative]

Originally posted by Popsicles:

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons.

Not true in 5e or 5.5e DnD.

Heavy weapon

You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13.

No mention of size when using heavy weapons. (longbow has heavy property)

From 5e PHB:

Heavy. Creatures that are Small or Tiny have disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. A heavy weapon’s size and bulk make it too large for a Small or Tiny creature to use effectively.

[HoneyDrake]

Originally posted by Popsicles:

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons.

Not true in 5e or 5.5e DnD.

Heavy weapon

You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13.

No mention of size when using heavy weapons. (longbow has heavy property)

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/basic-rules-2014/equipment#WeaponProperties

You most likely landed on the "free rules" page: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Heavy

Free Rules = simplified rules which are for beginners to learn about the most basic mechanics without worrying about anything at all. They only serve to make DnD easily accessible without making someone give up mid-way, like "ohh, sorry but your gnome can't use this amazing weapon you found effectivly, because he is too small. You need to gigantify to be able to use it without disadvantage."

[chris3582]

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons. This is not the case in BG3.

Also you have "Proficiency" if you have not forgotten about it.
It happens that "Longbows" are not considered "Simple Weapons" and classes, like Rogues, don't have access to Longbows, naturally (assuming their race doesn't give them it).

Any other questions?

It's not about proficiency. The range on both short and long bows is the same and that does not make sense. My character has proficiency with both and the range is still "18m."

[HoneyDrake]

Originally posted by chris3582:

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons. This is not the case in BG3.

Also you have "Proficiency" if you have not forgotten about it.
It happens that "Longbows" are not considered "Simple Weapons" and classes, like Rogues, don't have access to Longbows, naturally (assuming their race doesn't give them it).

Any other questions?

It's not about proficiency. The range on both short and long bows is the same and that does not make sense. My character has proficiency with both and the range is still "18m."

I assume balancing related.

You are looking at a game which is quite open and allows the user to see more than what should be possible for their characters.

And vice versa, too. Imagine being true to the rulebook: 180 meters on a longbow/100 meters for shortbow.

Enemies would be able to ♥♥♥♥ on you across the map, outside of your visuals.

It's a balancing related thing.


Well, a shame that "longbows" and "shortbows" don't have more differences, but that's what you have to comply with, when it comes to balancing and having fun in a video game.

[Popsicles]

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

Originally posted by Popsicles:

Not true in 5e or 5.5e DnD.

Heavy weapon

You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13.

No mention of size when using heavy weapons. (longbow has heavy property)

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/basic-rules-2014/equipment#WeaponProperties

You most likely landed on the "free rules" page: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Heavy

Free Rules = simplified rules which are for beginners to learn about the most basic mechanics without worrying about anything at all. They only serve to make DnD easily accessible without making someone give up mid-way, like "ohh, sorry but your gnome can't use this amazing weapon you found effectivly, because he is too small. You need to gigantify to be able to use it without disadvantage."

I copied this directly from the 2024 PHB. Page 213 to be exact.

Edited to add link:

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Heavy

"Heavy
You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13."

It was changed in 2024 ruleset. You all are quoting an outdated rule.

[HoneyDrake]

Originally posted by Popsicles:

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/basic-rules-2014/equipment#WeaponProperties

You most likely landed on the "free rules" page: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Heavy

Free Rules = simplified rules which are for beginners to learn about the most basic mechanics without worrying about anything at all. They only serve to make DnD easily accessible without making someone give up mid-way, like "ohh, sorry but your gnome can't use this amazing weapon you found effectivly, because he is too small. You need to gigantify to be able to use it without disadvantage."

I copied this directly from the 2024 PHB. Page 213 to be exact.

Edited to add link:

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Heavy

"Heavy
You have Disadvantage on attack rolls with a Heavy weapon if it’s a Melee weapon and your Strength score isn’t at least 13 or if it’s a Ranged weapon and your Dexterity score isn’t at least 13."

It was changed in 2024 ruleset. You all are quoting an outdated rule.

I am not quoting an "outdated rule", because the game was not programmed, designed or released in 2024.

It's like watching an old sports clip from 50 years ago and then shouting at the recording that it's not accurate and that, based on todays rules, it has to be a foul/red card/disqualification/etc.

You are right: if the game had started developement today your quote would be correct.

[Popsicles]

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons. This is not the case in BG3.

That is your writing correct? Now you are moving the goal posts.

DnD does allow small characters to use large weapons.

Any other questions?

[HoneyDrake]

Originally posted by Popsicles:

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

This game is based on DnD.

DnD doesn't allow "small" characters equipping "large" weapons. This is not the case in BG3.

That is your writing correct?

DnD does allow small characters to use large weapons.

Any other questions?

allowing, yes. I should have clarified that "back then" the rules for heavy weapons on small characters made them have disadvantage rolls on attacks.

This means that a decent chunk of classes, abilities, passives, etc. will not work. Sneak Attacks of any sort will not trigger for example.

It's just not well explained on my end, because... well... I have no interest creating wall of texts spanning over 20 pages explaining basic mechanics.

edit: I start believing that some people are bots and only want to create some form of engagement. I can't believe I have to tell people that "just because you can" you shouldn't use something which disabled more than half your kit in many cases. Especially for classes which rely on ranged attacks and that way advantages.

[wtiger27]

There is always going to be stuff in a fantasy setting that will not make sense and will violate the laws of physics.

Just play it like it is and don't over think it.

[Popsicles]

Originally posted by HoneyDrake:

Originally posted by Popsicles:

That is your writing correct?

DnD does allow small characters to use large weapons.

Any other questions?

allowing, yes. I should have clarified that "back then" the rules for heavy weapons on small characters made them have disadvantage rolls on attacks.

This means that a decent chunk of classes, abilities, passives, etc. will not work. Sneak Attacks of any sort will not trigger for example.

It's just not well explained on my end, because... well... I have no interest creating wall of texts spanning over 20 pages explaining basic mechanics.

edit: I start believing that some people are bots and only want to create some form of engagement. I can't believe I have to tell people that "just because you can" you shouldn't use something which disabled more than half your kit in many cases. Especially for classes which rely on ranged attacks and that way advantages.

You could just say ' yes, you are right.' Instead of deflecting and hurling insults. Notice I've not insulted you once?

Any other questions?

[peto]

Those aren't maximum ranges, those are just the limit of accurate shooting.

D&D has never been a particularly high res combat sim, and the current version is the simplest it's ever been.

It also lets you use a longbow or a greatsword in a hallway and reload a heavy crossbow easily. With D&D combat it is best to just forget everything you know about the subject and play the rules in front of you.