Bow Construction

1. Bow Types

The base damage done by each of these types of bows is a very broad and vague approximation determined roughly by the size and general draw weight for bows of that length. The more exact bonuses to damage from draw weight and other modifiers are applied in addition to the base damages supplied here. The maximum base range is the cast of the bow before bow range modifiers are introduced. Maximum range is the cast of the bow after bow modifiers. Keep in mind that maximum base range or maximum range is not the same as maximum effective range.

• Short Bow: A bow with “short” limbs. Specifically, this refers to any type of bow that is 65 inches in length or shorter. However, this term can also be used to refer to any bow that is shorter than one’s own height. A common characteristic of short bows is that the anchor point is at the chest. They are good for archers who like to fire while on the move or on horseback. Base damage for 65 inch or smaller short bows is 1D6. Maximum base range is 675 feet.
• Longbow: A longbow is defined as a straight to slightly curved (reflex or deflex) bow as tall, or taller, than its user. Since this is a relatively subjective definition, what might be considered a longbow to some, may be considered a short bow for others. However, generally any bow 66 inches or longer is classified as a longbow. It is also argued by some that for a bow to be truly considered a longbow it must have a draw weight of at least 65 to 70 lbs. A longbow is usually a self bow, but can also be found as a built, backed, or even composite bow. The handle at the bow’s middle is always the thickest part, with the limbs being relatively narrow. When braced, the bow takes on a “D” or “C” shape. Because of this particular shape, the compressive forces of the bow are concentrated on the very small area of the riser. To minimize compression, the bow must be made long (hence its name). Base damage for a longbow is 2D6. Maximum base range is 825 feet.
• Foot Bow: A bow, designed for distance shooting, that is shot in a cant position  placing each foot on either side of the riser and drawing the bowstring with one’s hands. Base damage is 1D6.
• Crossbow: This consists of a short bow mounted across the end of a stock. It fires bolts or “quarrels” rather than arrows, and these projectiles are guided along a groove in the middle of the stock. The bolt is released by trigger. Crossbows are not described any further in this text as they will have their own section at a later date.

2. Bow Designs

There are a wide variety of bow styles and designs available to archers. Each design has its particular strengths and weaknesses, and most of the different designs can be combined.  

• Self Bow: A one piece bow, made of a single stave of wood (or other material).
• Built Bow: A bow that was constructed from several pieces of the same material. Generally, this term is used to mean a bow that is made of 2 staves of material of the same type, joined at the midpoint (handle), for uniform strength and properties. In respect to wood, this was often necessary due to the difficulty of getting a single bow stave of proper length without knots, warps or other defects. Built bows can only be combined with the backed design.
• Backed Bow: This kind of bow has a thin strip of another material glued into its back (the side facing away from the bowstring). The material can be a strip of flexible wood like hickory or cypress, or a strip of raw hide, or even a strip of silk. Backing can be applied to any type of bow material. The purpose of the backing is to help the bow slowly return to its proper straightness. Backing has little to no affect on the sturdiness or power of a bow. The only exception to this is sinew. A strip of sinew used as backing greatly enhances the tension of the bow, increasing draw weight by 10 lbs. and providing a +1 to base damage. Backed bows can be combined with the built, composite and compound designs.
• Flatbow: This is a bow with wide, flat limbs rather than rounded ones, and a low, flat riser. The flat quality of its design distributes the bending stresses that come with bracing and drawing evenly through the bow. Consequently, the bow is less liable to fracture when at full draw and easier to bend, giving it increased power. Flatbows are available as short bows or longbows and can be combined with the self, built, backed and/or composite designs. +1D6 to base damage. 
• Composite Bow: A bow made by laminating different materials together in thin layers. The different materials allow the bow to utilize the best properties of each material in the best locations to maximize the bow’s efficiency. Composite bows are built from various types of wood, usually combined with layers of horn and/or bone. Sometimes even metal is included to increase durability and strengthen the overall body of the bow. These layers are then bound together with sinew, glue, and in the case of metal, bonds. Manufacture of these types of bows is a slow and painstaking process, requiring weeks of work. Any weakness in any part of the bow will reduce its performance or cause it to break when at full draw.

Due to the wide range of materials that can be potentially used for this type of bow, it can have a multitude of properties. Simply combine the properties and modifiers provided by the various materials in use. In the case of multiple Durabilities and Resistance Factors, take whichever are higher. Composite bows can be combined with the backed and compound designs.   

• Compound Bow: A short bow which uses a system of two or more pulleys to develop a mechanical advantage. This system includes wheels, cams, and multiple cables which allow for a variable draw weight that can be set for each specific user. A compound bow can also allow the draw weight of the bow to drop off as it reaches full draw (known as let-off). This means, for example, that the bow can be set to a 60lbs. draw weight when at partial draw, but drop off to 30 lbs. at full draw (it can be held at that point more easily and for longer periods). Despite this let-off, the bow still does damage appropriate to its draw weight before the let-off.

The advent of the compound bow allows for weaker archers to fire arrows with the same force as more powerful archers because of its let-off capability.  Though originally, draw weight corresponded in part with a bow’s length, compound bows allow for increased draw weight (and therefore, more powerful arrows) without a need for increased size. However, it should be noted that even the best compound bow cannot match the draw weight of the biggest and best human-sized longbows (draw weight of 180 lbs.). Compound bows cannot be constructed as longbows, though they do equivalent base damage (2D6) in addition to damage bonuses from draw weight.

The riser and limbs of a compound bow are usually built from wood or metal, with the pulley assemblies always being metal. The bowstrings are also always metal, either generic steel cables or thread iron. Though strong wood can be used in place of metal for the pulley systems and alternate string materials can be used in place of steel cables, this is not common since metal is generally stronger and more durable. Non-metal components in compound bows usually need to be repaired and replaced more often, as they will experience a lot of wear and tear. Also, these types of bows are more difficult to tune (requiring twice the time) and more expensive to fix. Compound bows can be combined with the backed and composite designs.

Compound bows are extremely rare. Only a few Gnomish and Dwarven Tinkerers know how to build them. There are believed to be no more than one-hundred worldwide, and they are very difficult to procure. Many archers have no idea they even exist. The following is a short list of individuals who supposedly own compound bows.

1.      Duke Raldos Toth: A arrogant nobleman from the Western Empire, Vequerrel Woodlands Region, Duke Toth is well renowned for his skill with the short bow. He is an amazing archer without peer (or so he believes) and enjoys challenging other archers in his Province to tests of skill with the bow and arrow (including those just passing through). So far, he has never lost. As proof of this, he possesses an impressive collection of over a hundred bows of various kinds which he has won from his defeated opponents through the years.

2.      Black Fang: A member of the Bloodsnow Horde, this nearly ebon-furred coyle is the scourge of human soldiers in the southern part of the Disputed Lands. He is a powerful warrior and a deadly bowman who stalks the woods at night looking for prey (this prey being enemies of the Wolfen Empire). He is well respected by his kin, and feared by all Dominion soldiers who know his name. Black Fang is said to carry a powerful type of bow that easily pierces armor, a bow he supposedly picked up off a fallen foe.

3.      Nurgeon Nevermore: One of the Guardians of Bletherad, this human is a skilled ranger with an affinity for bows. Along with a fine elven longbow and arrows made by a master fletcher, he supposedly possesses a rare compound bow. The bow was given to him as a gift from a friend, or so they say, and the ranger’s crest is embedded into the inlay of the bow in jade.

4.      Keldra Alexianthus: An elven pirate hunter hailing from Lopan, Lady Keldra has made a career of hunting down nefarious pirates and turning them in to Western Empire authorities for reward. Traveling on a galleon with a like-minded crew, she sails the Inland Sea and Sea of Dread always searching for her next targets. She is feared and hated among pirate communities for her dogged persistence, nautical skills, and expert bowmanship, particularly with her compound bow which she has used to slay many a pirate. 

5.      Skurga Wyrmkiller: This savage tattooed dwarf is a dragon slayer who garbs himself in the remains of his draconic victims. Skurga carries an assortment of powerful dragon killing weapons with him, one of which is a custom modified compound bow with special arrows that penetrate dragon scale. 

6.      Ilra Nho Khetai: A Gnomish Tinkerer who lives in the Undercity of Northholme in the Eastern Territory. It is believed that Ilra may possess the knowledge necessary to build compound bows and supposedly owns three or more of his own. It is unknown whether he shares this knowledge with the Dwarves of Northholme or if he perhaps supplies them with his creations.

There are three types of compound bows, each with different capabilities.

Type 1: This is the weakest of the three types. This compound bow has a variable draw weight that can be set at 20 lbs. increments (30 lbs., 50 lbs., 70 lbs, 90 lbs.). The scale for draw weight is 30 to 90 lbs. Draw weight drops to half when at full draw.

Type 2: This type of compound bow has a variable draw weight that can be set at 15 lbs. increments. The scale for draw weight is 30 to 130 lbs. Draw weight drops to half when at full draw.

Type 3: This is the most advanced type of compound bow currently produced by Gnomish inventors. The sophisticated pulley assembly with its eccentric wheels and cams allows for a variable draw weight that can be set at increments of 10 lbs. The scale for draw weight is 30 to 160 lbs. Draw weight drops to one-third when at full draw.

3. Limb Curvature

For those who lack the common sense to figure it out on their own, each bow can only have one kind of curvature.

• Straight: The limbs of the bow have no curvature whatsoever when unstrung.
• Reflex: Implies that the bow has a very slight curve away from the archer when unstrung, providing extra power. This type of curvature is only available to longbows and it provides a +2 bonus to base damage.
• Deflex: The opposite of reflex. The bow has a very slight curve toward the archer when unstrung, giving the bow a greater brace height and less power. However, it is also more manageable which increases accuracy. -2 to base damage but +1 to strike. This type of curvature is only available to longbows.
• Recurve: This type of curvature is only available to short bows. The ends of the bow curve away from the archer when the bow is held in shooting position. The amount of recurve can vary from a slight curve at the tips, to a total curve whereby, when the bow is unstrung, the bow limbs bend far enough for the two tips to touch each other. These curves act as a spring, allowing the bow to develop extra power when drawn, decreasing draw weight and increasing arrow velocity. A recurve bow, though shorter, can inflict as much base damage as a longbow of equivalent draw weight. This makes it ideal for archers who want powerful, but less cumbersome bows. Any bow with the recurve feature receives a +1D6 to base damage. Draw weight is effectively reduced by 20% when using a bow with recurve, though damage infliction remains unmodified. Recurve bows can be combined with the built, backed, composite, and compound designs. Longbows cannot be recurve bows.
• Static Recurve: To the inexperienced eye, recurve and static recurve bows look mostly the same. However, the curves on the limbs of a static recurve bow are much more abrupt and do not move when drawn as they do with recurve bows. This design acts as a lever and applies additional power to the arrow. +1D6+1 to base damage along with the other benefits of a recurve bow. Static recurve bows can be combined with the built, backed, composite, and compound designs. Longbows cannot be static recurve bows.

4. Bow Materials

The quality and performance of a bow relies on a specific set of properties that are determined by the type of material used. These properties are durability, strength, compression and elasticity. Each of these traits is rated as poor, moderate, or good under the specific wood types (see below).

Durability refers to the toughness of the material. In regards to wood, this is related to how tightly linked the cells that compose the wood are. Wood with weakly linked cells has less grains per square inch and, consequently, less durability. The lower density means it can split and break more easily. Wood with tightly linked cells (known as close grain wood) is denser and more durable, which means it is more resistant to damage and splitting

• Poor Durability: No Resistance Factors.
• Moderate Durability: Impact R.F. of 2.
• Good Durability: Impact R.F. of 4, all other Resistance Factors are 2.

Strength depends on the moisture content of the wood. Wet wood is more fragile than dry wood. However, wood that is too dry also loses strength. It is important, when making a bow, that the wood is dried to ambient humidity. The higher a bow’s strength, the higher its S.D.C.

• Poor Strength: 50 S.D.C.
• Moderate Strength: 65 S.D.C.
• Good Strength: 80 S.D.C.

Elasticity and Compression are two forces that come into play when a bow is bent. The back of the bow needs to be somewhat flexible. It should be able to bend but should also be resistant to it, wanting to go back to being straight. The belly of the bow must be able to compress a little, but at the same time resist compression like a spring, trying to force the bow straight again. Too much of either property and the bow won’t bend. Too little, and the bow becomes flimsy. The right amount of each improves damage and range.

• Poor Elasticity & Compression: -2 damage, -20 ft. to range.
• Moderate Elasticity & Compression: No bonuses or penalties.
• Good Elasticity & Compression: +1 damage, +15 ft. to range.

Wood:

Types of Wood	Durability	Strength	Elasticity & Compression
Alder	Moderate	Good	Moderate
Ash	Good	Moderate	Moderate
Birch	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Cedar	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Cypress	Poor	Moderate	Poor
Elm	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Fir	Moderate	Poor	Moderate
Hickory	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Ironwood	Good	Good	Moderate
Juniper	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Lemonwood	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Mahogany	Moderate	Good	Poor
Maple	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Oak	Moderate	Good	Moderate
Pine	Good	Moderate	Good
Rosewood	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Sycamore	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Yellow Wood	Good	Good	Good
Yew	Good	Good	Good
Willow	Poor	Moderate	Moderate

Horn & Bone: Horn or bone is often used to augment the bow’s capabilities by enhancing the grip on the handle, acting as the back material in a backed bow design, or providing one of the layers of a composite bow. As stated in the arrow section, depending on the creature from which the material was taken, horn and bone can be weaker than wood or as strong as metal. However, rarely is an entire bow made from solid horn or bone. This is only likely to be the case such substances are taken from a supernatural or magical creature. A bow like that could have a variety of abilities, though these are always directly related to the nature of the beast it was built from.

Metal: This is a possible choice for bow material. Though metal is almost always tougher and stronger than wood, it also tends to be less flexible, which can mean greater difficulty in drawing. As a rule of thumb, metal bows have a draw weight that is effectively 10 lbs. higher than wooden bows of equivalent size and design. Unless the material is alchemically designed for such a use, iron, steel, and other metals are generally disregarded for bow construction.

5. Bowstring Type

“As unto the bow the cord is, so unto the man the woman is. Though she bends him, she obeys him. Though she draws him, yet she follows. Useless each without the other.”
                                                                                                      ----Longfellow, Hiawatha

Bowstrings are usually no thicker than 3/8 of an inch for human-sized bows. They are composed of several strands of material threaded together into one string. Most bowstrings are usually made of 8 to 30 strands, 16-18 being most common. 8 strand strings are usually for small, relatively weak short bows, while 30 strand strings are reserved for powerful longbows. The number of strands used in a bowstring determine its thickness as well as its breaking point. Breaking point is defined as the absolute maximum amount of weight a bowstring can endure before it snaps. The more strands used in the creation of a bowstring, the higher its breaking point will be. Breaking point can be determined by multiplying the number of strands in a bowstring by 10 (unless stated otherwise). The result is the breaking point of the string in pounds. If the draw weight of a bow is ever higher than the breaking point of the string, even by just one pound, than the string will snap when brought to full draw. Metal bowstrings are usually never in any danger of snapping from draw weight as it takes an outrageous amount of weight to surpass their breaking points.

However, more strands also means the bulk of the string increases, which can be disadvantageous. If a bowstring is too thick in relation to the bow’s draw weight, the string’s mass will actually work to slightly decrease the arrow’s velocity. This in turn decreases the arrow’s damage and range. To determine this damage/range penalty, compare the bow’s draw weight to the number of strands in the bowstring. The optimal ratio is one strand for every 10 lbs. of the bow’s draw weight (do not factor in breaking point). For every four strands beyond this ratio, the arrow receives a -1 to damage and -10 ft. to range. Consequently, a bow with a draw weight of 100 lbs. is best suited for an ten strand bowstring, whether its natural fiber, animal part, or metal. However, using an 18 strand bowstring would give any arrow shot a -2 damage and -20 ft. to range. 

Each bowstring is rolled in a layer of material called serving. Serving is a chafe-resistant layer of thread that is wrapped around the bowstring at the ends and in the middle. It helps protect the bowstring from wear and tear, greatly extending its life. When the serving on a bowstring shows signs of wear, the string can be stripped and then new serving reapplied with a device called a bowstring jig. The type of thread used for serving is always equal to or lighter in thinness than the material used for the bowstring. Common serving materials are cotton and silk. 

As for bowstring length, a general rule of thumb is that the bowstring should be about 3 inches shorter than the bow itself (4 inches for recurve and static recurve bows). Consequently, a 60 inch short bow requires a 57 inch bowstring, etc. However, note that after prolonged use many bowstrings have a tendency to stretch; usually about 1-3% in length. The degree of stretching varies with the material used.

• Plain Laid: This style is also known as “reverse twist” or “reverse-laid”. Next to elven braid, it is the strongest and lightest style of bowstring. It is made the same way regular rope is made and is extremely pliant. Four times the strength of the bow’s draw weight is required.
• Western Twist: Also known as a Plaited Loop string, this is a popular style of bowstring that is easily handmade, attributed to the people of the Western Empire. Allows for the adjustment of string length (3 inches longer or shorter) and brace height by twisting the string. With western twist strings, one end is looped and the other is timber hitched. A timber hitch is a unique kind of knot only really used on this style of string. It is a knot that secures the bowstring to the lower nock of the bow. Timber hitches are adjustable loops that can be used to change the length of the string (another 2 inches longer or shorter). To string or unstring the bow, one simply slips the loop on or off the top nock. However, the western twist design is the weakest of the string-making styles, which is why five times the strength of the bow’s draw weight is required.
• Endless Loop: A bowstring made from a continuous thread forming loops a both ends. It is the easiest type of bowstring to make but must be made to fit a specific size of bow. Consequently, this style is not a practical for mass production. A jig is required to make this type of string. About four times the strength of the bow’s draw weight is required for endless loop.
• Elven Braid: A superior bowstring made by the elves through ancient and intricate braiding techniques. The string is braided in a fashion in which the two looped ends of the string are thickest, and the string gradually tapers towards the middle. However, the string also thickens at the very middle, making the string extra thick in the three areas most prone to fraying; the center and the two ends. This design doubles the string’s life (fraying damage takes twice as long to appear). In addition, the strands of this style of string are so tightly braided together that more strands can be used without a proportional increase in thickness. Elven Braid has been known to use up to 60 strands. This string type only receives the bowstring bulk penalties (see above) for every six strands beyond the given ratio. This means that more strands can be used in making the string without an equivalent increase in the string’s thickness. Consequently, stronger strings can be used without an adverse affect on arrow performance. This kind of bowstring is primarily used by elves of course, and it is not commonly found in the possession of non-elven archers. Only archers and bowyers of the elven race seem to know this method of string-making. Only three times the strength of the bow’s draw weight is required for elven braid.

6. Bowstring Materials

The various materials used for bowstrings differ in durability, strength and elasticity. The following list of materials simply contains examples and does not encompass all the possibilities one can feasibly use for a bowstring.

• Flax-Linen: This is one of the most common materials used for bowstrings. Linen is made from the Flax plant, a plant that grows abundantly in the temperate regions of Palladia. It is strong, durable and stretches only about 2-3%. Test Strength: 20 lbs. per strand.
• Hemp: Another common material for bowstrings. It is a plant also found in the temperate regions of Palladia and is not quite as abundant as flax but easier to produce in its finished form. Hemp is strong but stretches about 4% over time. Test Strength: 20 lbs. per strand.
• Cotton: This plant is a third common material for bowstrings. It is a shrub found in plenty in temperate regions of Palladia. The seed hairs from cotton plants are primarily used for fabrics. However, it is also durable enough for use as bowstrings. Stretches about 3-4%. Test Strength: 20 lbs. per strand.
• Silk: Silk is a material harvested from the cocoons of silkworms whose food is the mulberry tree, a relatively uncommon tree only found in temperate climates. It is a valued and expensive material that is somewhat difficult to come by. Silk is naturally fine and thin, but when woven into thicker strands it is surprisingly strong (comparable to steel). Because of its cost and implications of wealth and refinement, a majority of those who use silk bowstrings are nobles or royalty who’ve taken up archery as a hobby. Silk stretches about 3-4%. Test Strength: 100 lbs. per strand.
• Rawhide: Cattle skin is also a feasible option for bowstrings. It is strong and durable, and can be eaten if desired. However, rawhide becomes highly stretchable when wet (up to 15% in length) and slightly brittle when very dry. Consequently, it is important to keep this material always a little moist, but never too moist. This can be accomplished by consistently applying string wax. With rawhide, string wax should be applied twice as often as with other strings. Fortunately however, even if rawhide gets wet it will always shrink and self-tighten back to its original length when dry. Test Strength: 50 lbs. per strand.
• Sinew: Sinew is made from the ligaments and tendons of an animal’s body. It is composed of thick, closely packed bundles of collagen fibers. It is extremely strong and durable, and usually taken from the hind legs of deer, elk, moose and bison, among other things. Sinew has a tendency to stretch when wet (up to12% in length). However, like rawhide, it will always shrink back to its original length. Consequently, consistent use of string wax is a good idea. Test Strength: 60 lbs. per strand.
• Chuna: An Eastern Territory plant that grows abundantly along the Old Kingdom River, Great River, and the western sections of the Highback Plains. The cotton-like seed pods of this plant are used by the Danzi for clothing, bags, tents and blankets, among other things. Chuna plant fibers are exceptionally resistant to cutting and tearing, which means this material is excellent for bowstrings. Chuna bowstrings have 1 S.D.C. per strand and Cut/Thrust Resistance Factors of 9. Chuna is also naturally waterproof. However, outside of the Danzi, few people know of this material, so it is not often sold and very difficult to find in finished form. Test Strength: 75 lbs. per strand. 60 gold per yard.
• Steel: Steel bowstrings can be used for any kind of bow, though they are commonly used for compound bows and sometimes for crossbows. They tend to be slightly bulkier and heavier than natural fiber or animal part bowstrings, however, they do not stretch and are more durable in most cases (5 S.D.C. per strand). Steel strings still need serving material, but take twice as long to fray. Cut Resistance is 7 and Thrust Resistance is 2. Test Strength: 100 lbs. per 1/32 of an inch strand
• Thread Iron: This string material deserves notable mention because of its special properties. It is a super strong alchemical twine about as thick as a piece of string, but stronger than the best rope. It is has an extremely high test strength, however, the thread cuts and burns as easily as normal string. Thread Iron (or Thread of Iron) is usually used as one single strand, not threaded together with other strands as commonly done with bowstrings. Consequently, its stronger than even the thickest bowstrings, but has a thickness of only 1/16 of an inch. The thinness of this string means that arrows with specially designed nocks are required. It is also prohibitively expensive. Thread Iron is the material commonly used for compound bowstrings and as a component in Fast Flight Strings. Also sometimes used for crossbows. Test Strength: 1,500 lbs. (675 kg) per 1/16 of an inch strand. 150 gold per foot.   

7. Special Features for Bows

• Urod Tree Protective Finish: Linseed oil is commonly used for the finishes on most wooden bows. However, the oil taken from the Urod Tree of the Yin-Sloth Jungles is excellent for finishes on all types of wood. It is a yellowish substance recognizable by its strong vanilla smell. Urod oil forms a highly protective finish that will completely shield a bow from the elements. Bows with this kind of finish are waterproof, scratch resistant, and the wood’s hue is never in danger of fading in direct sunlight. Plus, the wood maintains a miraculous sheen. This is a fairly pricey feature, costing 35 gold for short bows and 40 gold for longbows.
• Fast Flight String: Another Gnomish creation, this is a special high tension string that serves to fire the arrow at a higher velocity. Arrows shot with Fast Flight Strings cross their maximum effective range in five to six seconds less time. This increase in velocity bestows the arrow with a +1D4 to damage. Shots in which the arrow requires more than one action of flight time to reach its target, are maintained at one action and no more. The string ranges in thickness from a 10 to 20 strand string and has an S.D.C. of 10 to 50. 45 gold for short bow strings, 55 gold for longbow strings.
• Silent Bowstring: This interesting string is made from dried and treated animal tendon wrapped in rubber. It is designed to deaden the twang sound that results from bowstring release by immediately stifling the string’s vibrations. In addition, the string is specially cushioned with animal fur in certain areas to noiselessly absorb the impact from overdraw slap. This makes a deathly silent bow that is perfect for assassin work. 30 gold for short bow strings, 35 gold for longbow strings. Not available for compound bows.
• Knife Sheath in Bow: This is a convenient and somewhat concealed sheath built into the side of the bow. It is designed to hold any kind of small knife or dagger (stiletto, dirk, poignard, etc.). This weapon is useful for melee combat in which the fighting has become too close quarter to use a bow. Costs 10 gold.
• Hinged Bow: This type of bow has a hinge attached to the back of the handle which allows for the bow to be folded in half for easier storage and transport. Costs 30 gold. Adding this feature to a bow after its construction is difficult, making it more expensive. In such cases, the cost is 45 gold.
• Collapsible Bow: Also known as a takedown bow, this is a bow that can be taken apart for easier storage and transport. It can either be broken into two parts directly at the middle (built bows are ideal for this feature), or into three parts, these being the riser and the two limbs. Costs 55 gold for two-part collapsibility or 60 gold for three-part collapsibility, on top of the initial cost for building the bow. As with hinged bows, adding this feature to a bow after its construction is difficult and, consequently, much more expensive. In such cases, the cost is 85 gold for two-part collapsibility (only 60 if a built bow), 90 gold for three-part collapsibility.   
• Multiple Arrow Shelves: The arrow shelf is a small notch cut just above the handle where the arrow can lay upon when nocked. It can also come in the form of a small wedge attached to the bow. Generally, a bow only has one arrow shelf. However in the case of archers who fire multiple arrows simultaneously, multiple arrow shelves are required. An additional arrow shelf is needed for each additional arrow fired beyond one. The maximum amount of arrows an archer can fire simultaneously is three, so the number of arrow shelves is always one, two, or three. Without these shelves, multiple arrows cannot be fired at once. This is a common bow feature for those who indulge in trick shooting.

Draw Length and Draw Weight

There are two important terms that apply to the usage of bows. The first is draw length. This is the measure of how far apart an archer’s arms are spread in full draw position. Full draw is defined as the point at which the bow string is pulled completely back to the anchor point (the archer’s cheek or corner of his mouth) when in shooting position. Partial draw is defined as pulling the bowstring to any point below one’s draw length. Partially drawing a bow will proportionally decrease the power of the arrow. For instance, firing an arrow when the bow has only been drawn to a third of its full draw means the arrow will only have a third of its range and damage, etc. The average draw length for a human male is 28 inches.

Draw weight, also known as pull weight, is the amount of weight necessary to pull a bowstring into full draw. To determine a character’s draw weight capacity, multiply his P.S. by five. This number is the character’s Draw Weight Capacity in lbs. Consequently, a human with a P.S. of 20 can handle a bow with a maximum draw weight of 100 lbs. (20x5 = 100). For creatures with Supernatural P.S., draw weight capacity is equal to their P.S. x 10 in lbs. Bows with draw weights beyond a character’s draw weight capacity cannot be used by the character. If his P.S. is only one point too low, then the bow can still be drawn, but only to a partial draw (roughly half of the full draw). If his P.S. is any lower, the character can’t even pull the string back, much less bring it to full draw.

Draw weight reflects the energy imparted into an arrow upon its release and, therefore, its potential for damage. The more force behind an arrow, the more damage it will do. Consequently, the higher the draw weight of a bow, the higher the damage its arrows will do.

For these purposes, the average universal draw weight of a bow is held to be 60 to 80 lbs. For every 10 lbs. of draw weight over 80 lbs., the bow does an additional +1 damage and +10 ft. to range with its arrow. For every 10 lbs. of draw weight below 60 lbs., the bow receives a -1 penalty to damage and -10 ft. to range with its arrows. Therefore, arrows fired from a bow with a draw weight of 150 lbs. will receive +7 damage and +70 ft. to range. Alternately, arrows fired from a bow with a draw weight of 40 lbs. will receive a -2 to damage and -20 ft. to range. These bonuses or penalties are applied after all other standard bow and arrow modifiers. Bows with a draw weight of 60 to 80 lbs. receive no bonuses or penalties to damage from draw weight.

Damage Modifiers for Bow Size

Giant-Sized Bows: Any bow longer than 2.2 m (7.2 ft.) in length. This includes bows made for all the True Giant races, plus Wolfen, Trolls and Ogres. Due to the sheer size and high draw weights for giant bows, base damage increases by a +1D6 to short bows and +1D6+3 to longbows. This is in addition to any possible damage bonuses from high draw weight. 

Gnome-Sized Bows: Any bow shorter than 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) in length. This includes many bows made for Gnomes, Dwarves, Kobolds, Goblins and some of the larger Faerie Folk. Due to the short length and low draw weights for bows of this size, base damage lowers to 1D4 for short bows and 1D6 for longbows. This is in addition to any possible damage penalties from low draw weight.

Release Techniques

There are various styles one can use to hold an arrow while the string is drawn and then subsequently released. Though some archers may espouse that their particular method of release is superior, such claims are false. These methods are all equally effective and have more to do with personal comfort than arrow performance. Certain release techniques are characteristic of specific areas or societies, hence their names. Most archers learn one release technique and use it their whole lives, though a few rare archers are proficient at releasing arrows several ways. The following types of release have no mechanical effect in the game. Rather, they are included here for fluff and role-playing purposes.

Primary: A technique where the arrow is drawn by pinching it between the thumb and flexed forefinger.

Secondary: A technique, similar to the primary, but where the arrow is drawn by pinching it between the thumb and the flexed first and second fingers.

Tertiary: A technique where the arrow is drawn by pinching it between the thumb and straightened forefinger. It may also place other fingers on the string to assist in the pull.

Canine: A technique chiefly used by the Wolfen, Coyles and Kankoran of the Great Northern Wilderness, and consists of pulling the string with the flexed thumb, more or less supported by the other fingers, while the arrow is merely steadied in position by contact with the forefinger. This method is effective for the Canine races, who can use their thumb claws to engage the string. However, for humans and others races without clawed fingers, a sharp-edged thumb ring must be worn to reach full effectiveness with this technique. Due to its characteristic use by the Canine races, most enemies of the Wolfen Empire disregard this release method and look down on any non-canine individuals who make use of it. Still, a good number of human archers and other races in the Northern Wilderness practice this technique. Also called Northern Style Release by humans.

Eastern: A release technique common to archers of the Eastern Territory. The first three fingers, assisted by the thumb, draw the string, while the engaged arrow rests between the first and second fingers.

Three Fingers Under: A release technique which is a modification of the Eastern release, but where the engaged arrow rests above the first three fingers (and below the nocking point). Also called Llornian release as it is commonly used by the mercenaries of Llorn.

Elven: A ancient technique that originates from the elves. It is strangely similar to the style of release used by the Wolfen, which leads some to believe the Canine style of release is a modification copied from the elves. The thumb is flexed beneath the string. The middle finger is placed on the thumb nail to strengthen it. The index finger, completely flexed, rests on the arrow to keep it from slipping off the string. It is a fairly difficult technique to use and practiced by only the most disciplined of archers. Elves, of course, make primary use of this release style, though other species have also emulated it over the years.

Aiming Styles

There exist various methods with which an archer can aim the bow and arrow in his attempt to hit his mark. Like release techniques, aiming styles tend to be region specific or common to certain groups of people. The method an archer decides to use is a matter of personal preference, though it has been argued that instinctive shooting is the superior of the styles. Most archers learn one aiming style and use it their whole lives, though a few rare archers are proficient at aiming several ways.

§         Instinctive Shooting: This style involves shooting an arrow without the use of a sight or point-of-aim, relying instead on hand-eye coordination and instinctive memory. Most individuals are unaware of how they aim an object when they throw it. Through some coordination of muscle and eyes they direct the object and with practice, become accurate throwers. The same is true with bows and arrows. This method is the most natural of the aiming styles but also the most time-consuming to learn. Those who become proficient at instinctive shooting generally tend to be good at snap shooting (firing an arrow quickly for the purposes of speed, sometimes not even bringing the bow to full draw). The biggest advantage to using instinctive shooting is that the bow can be used in a cant (angled or sideways) position without the standard -3 strike penalty. This style is referred to by many archers as “becoming one with the arrow”.

§         Point-of-Aim: This style involves the archer sighting down his arrow shaft and using some sort of marker as the basis for his trajectory. This marker is usually something on the ground, lower than the target and in front of it, like a rock, shrub, or barrel. However, the marker can also be something above and behind the target like a treetop or the top of a house, etc. Through the use of these markers, natural or otherwise, an archer can determine the right elevation to hit his target. Shooting in a cant position is not recommended with this style since distance and trajectory calculations can be distorted (-3 strike).

§         Gap Shooting: This style is similar to point-of-aim, except instead of on an object within the gap between the arrow point and the mark, the archer focuses on the gap itself. He then raises or lowers his bow arm to account for shot distance. It is a rudimentary aiming style useful for novices and low level archers. However, once an archer has become proficient with this method, he is expected to begin focusing more on the mark itself and less on the gap (gradually switching to one of the other styles). Shooting in a cant position is not recommended with this style since distance and trajectory calculations can be distorted by canting (-3 strike).

§         String Walking: A style that involves sighting down the arrow shaft and raising or lowering the nocking point on the bowstring to adjust for shot distance. Shooting in a cant position is not recommended with this style since distance and trajectory calculations can be distorted by canting (-3 strike).

§         Face Walking: A style that involves sighting down the arrow shaft and raising or lowering the anchor point to adjust for shot distance. Shooting in a cant position is not recommended with this style since distance and trajectory calculations can be distorted by canting (-3 strike).

Bow Tuning

Bows, like any other weapon, need to be maintained and taken care of. Tuning one’s bow is a way of making sure one gets good arrow flight and that he hits where he’s aiming. Maintaining one’s bow is a little more involved than maintaining other kinds of weapons, given the complexity of a bow. How frequently one has to tune his bow depends on how often it gets used. A general rule of thumb is that any bow that sees moderate to heavy use (fired a dozen or more times each day) should be tuned at least once every week. For bows that see light action or aren’t used everyday, tuning once every two weeks to a month is probably adequate.

When tuning, all the various parts of the bow must be checked to see if they are in proper working order. If even one aspect of the bow is off, it affects the overall performance of the bow itself. This is a good opportunity to check for fractures in the bow material, signs of fraying and wearing in the bowstring or its serving, signs of warping in the limbs, etc. Repair and replacement is key. Along with this, the string must be properly aligned with the bow, the nocking point reset, the string checked for stretching, the arrow shelf smoothed, etc. In the case of compound bows, wheels and cams should be closely inspected for burrs. With all the different designs and types of bows out there, fine tuning a bow can change slightly from bow to bow.

After everything has been done, the bow should finally be tested with a few shots. If everything has been properly tuned, an archer should notice some improved performance from his bow (assuming the bow really needed a tuning). The time required for bow tuning depends on one’s experience and the type of bow being tuned. At level one, it generally takes about three hours minus ten minutes per each additional level. Tuning speed bottoms out at a half hour.

Price List for Bows

Note that if designs or characteristics are used together, the prices are cumulative.

Bow Type

Short Bow                                50 gold

Longbow                                  80 gold

Crossbow                                100 gold

Foot Bow                                 40 gold

Bow Design

Self Bow                                  No additional cost

Built Bow                                 1 gold

Backed Bow                            5 gold

Flatbow                                    10 gold

Composite Bow                       Varies with materials used; usually around 40 to 50 gold (these are time consuming bows to make)

Compound Bow                       Worth potentially thousands of gold to the right buyer.

Limb Design

Straight                                     No additional cost

Reflex                                       3 gold

Deflex                                      2 gold

Recurve                                    12 gold

Static Recurve                          15 gold, 5 silver

Materials

Bows made of materials with Good durability: 20 gold            

Bows made of materials with Good strength: 15 gold

Bows made of materials with Good elasticity and compression: 10 gold, 8 silver

*Bows made of materials that have poor properties in one or more of the performance categories are often 10% to 25% below market value.

Bowstrings

Plain Laid                     No additional cost with bow, 2 silver per yard

Western Twist              No additional cost with bow, 1 silver, 5 bronze per yard

Endless Loop               No additional cost with bow, 2 silver separately per yard

Elven Braid                   An additional 10 gold with bow, 18 gold separately per yard

Silk                              25 gold per yard

Chuna                          60 gold per yard

Steel                             100 gold per yard

Thread Iron                  450 gold per yard

Special Features for Bows

Urod Protective Tree Finish                  35 gold for short bows or foot bows, 40 gold for longbows and crossbows

Fast Flight Strings                                 45 gold for short bows and foot bows, 55 gold for longbows

Silent Bowstring                                    30 gold for short bows and foot bows, 35 gold for longbows

Knife Sheath in Bow                             10 gold

Hinged Bow                                         30 gold, 45 gold if this feature is added to a bow after its construction.

Collapsible Bow                                   55 gold for two part collapsibility,
                                                            60 for three part collapsibility.
                                                            85 gold for a two part,
                                                            90 for a three part if this feature is added after the bow’s construction.

Multiple Arrow Shelves                        4 golds