Of Bows & Arrows

[The Dark Elf]

Just got Rifter #45...

So far just read the article on PFRPG bows and arrows...

Thought it was really good. Well done, great job to the author.

[Prysus]

Greetings and Salutations. That was an unexpected (but pleasant) surprise. *Bows.* Thank you very much. Always nice to know my work is appreciated. Though I'm sure the article wouldn't have been nearly as appealing without the brilliant artwork of Chuck Walton (Premier on the forums) to highlight it. Thank you for your time and appreciation, please have a nice day. Farewell and safe journeys for now.

[Lord Z]

In retrospect, this was sort of a needed article. As a fundmental aspect of fantasy gaming, archery has not had much attention in Palladium products. As I mentioned in another thread, it was a great article with usefulness beyond justy the PF product line. Prysus has something cooking which will blow your socks off. Yes, I am a terrible tease.

[gaby]

Maybe some one can make a ritual so Magic,s O.C.C can store a Invocation spell in a item like a Arrow head,that is release on impact,this is a way for normal Bowman to have more firepower in Palladium Fantasy.

[Lord Z]

Gaby, it seems to me that the Talisman Ritual already allows this. A talisman can be in any shape, so an arrow or arrowhead is a valid choice. Then again, the 1000 PPE cost might be prohibitive.

What do you think, Prysus?

[Prysus]

Gaby, it seems to me that the Talisman Ritual already allows this. A talisman can be in any shape, so an arrow or arrowhead is a valid choice. Then again, the 1000 PPE cost might be prohibitive.

What do you think, Prysus?

Greetings and Salutations. Since my input was asked directly, I'll answer ...

I've been all over the place on this thought process. My first thought was: "Cool! Magic arrows! I want to make some!" I actually had some ideas plotted out for the article, but was going to make their magical nature more like alchemic magic weapons (so you need to find an alchemist to get them). Then it became a hassle, and I just put it off for a future project.

While looking at those notes for a future project, I came across the Magic Dragon Bone Arrows in Dragons & Gods (near the back). At this point I was thinking: "Well, if I made other magic arrows that would make these ones less special. I can't do that. While new magic arrows would be cool, can't make official material less cool."

Then I saw this topic, and was about to respond with the above thought process. Before doing so, I naturally went to double check my facts (I try to avoid posting before double checking, no matter how well I know the material). And woe and behold I learned something new. Magic Dragon Bone Arrows have magical spells instilled within them, true! But, they are also magic versions of the normal Dragon Bone Arrows which have greater damage, range, and durability. Those increased benefits can still make those arrows unique and rare, while making room for new magic arrows.

Currently: I'm still debating about whether or not I'll toy more with the magic arrows I was working on before. I may or may not. I can't decide if it's worth the headache (figuring out magic items isn't really my specialty). Finding the proper balance with new magic arrows and the Magic Dragon Bone Arrows must also be taken into consideration. All that aside ...

The taalisman idea is interesting, and not one that I had ever thought of. While there are little hiccups involved (such as taalismans don't release their power upon impact), I think the idea holds merit and I'd let it work (in my games).

Overall though, I'm hestitant to make putting magic into basic weapons too easy. If enchanting magic weapons was that easy, then alchemic weapons would become less special. Still, an enchantment could work if temporary, while the alchemic versions would be permanent. If kept separate in that regards, it could still be useful. I know, I know. Arrows are one shot items (most times) so no worries about the spell lasting, right? But why would this magic work ONLY on arrows and not normal weapons? Just have to make sure to check all applications. Though I have debated about making an Enchanter O.C.C. (practitioner of magic) that specialized in things like temporary boosts, but haven't really pursued the idea at all.

Overall thoughts: While I'm not opposed to the concept, great care would have to be taken with the concept. If made too easy, then magic arrows could be handed out like party favors. It has to be difficult and rare(ish), but at the same time if it's too difficult then you run the risk of it being almost pointless because all the effort for a one shot item.

Did I ramble? I do that. Thank you for your time and patience, please have a nice day. Farewell and safe journeys for now.

[gaby]

Ok making a Magical equivalent High tech arrows is Out.
But das Any one have ideas for Magic Bow,s Enchantments?

[FluidicAztec]

I thought this was a great article. I would have liked to see some Rifts adaption, such as the T-Archer. I gave the T-Archer the same ability to select Archer Proficiency as the Psi-Archer. Overall, good work. Thanks.

[The Galactus Kid]

Just got Rifter #45...

So far just read the article on PFRPG bows and arrows...

Thought it was really good. Well done, great job to the author.

Yes it is excellent.