When one of my players made a long bowman for the Palladium Fantasy
RPG he pointed out to me how underdeveloped some of the rules were,
especially for the bow and arrow which was such a complicated (in my
opinion) weapon. I pondered this for a while and decided that I was
going to take a shot at writing some advanced archery rules for the
Palladium system (or rather, my version of it). I knew next to nothing
about archery and have picked up a bow only once in my life. Consequently,
I went about doing as much research as I had time for.
As
I delved deeper into the lore of archery, I realized how complex of
a weapon the bow is and how many variables factored into its use. I
originally intended to simply write up a few arrowhead types to give
arrow damage some increased variability. However, the more research
I did, the more I began to appreciate the importance of various aspects
of bows and arrows. So here and there I started adding new rules and
sections. Before I knew it, my archery rules progressed into this following
document and its other related parts.
Now
I’m the first to plainly admit that I am not an archery expert.
Like I said, I’ve picked up a bow once, maybe twice, in my entire
life. Consequently, any archery expert or enthusiast who reads this
will probably find slight inaccuracies or blaring errors on my part.
Please understand that I tried as hard as I could to realistically depict
archery in the Palladium system. However, many of the question I had
I could not find answers for. Comparing some of the sources I used,
I even found contradictory information. As a result, at some points
I had to just make a best guess.
There
are things I suspect are inaccurate but aren’t sure. I’m
aware that some of the archery tech included in these rules is beyond
the 12-13th century archery technology of the Palladium World. Yet,
with magic and tinkerers (see Rifter #10, pg. 19 for the O.C.C.
description) I decided “what the hell” and threw it all
in. Also, if some of the mechanics I mention in these rules don’t
make sense to you, it might be because I’m either not clear enough
or they’re part of my personal House Rules. If you read that section
of this site, it may help you out.
Anyways, if you actually know your shit when it comes to archery and
find things about my depiction of it to be flawed, send me an e-mail.
Just tell me what’s wrong and why. If you have a suggestion on
how to fix it, I’d be happy to read it. I’m all for constructive
criticism. Through the course of this process I’ve developed a
profound respect for archers and archery. I never realized that it was
such an involved and complex practice. So accordingly, I’d like
to do it justice. Take it easy on me. :P