D&D 3E/3.5 Enchanted Ranged Weapons in 3.5

[pbd]

In 3.5 does the enchantment on a ranged weapon, say a bow, add to damage also?

For instance (I know simple enough question, we don't need an example here. I am going to give one anyhoo) does a +2 Longbow do 1d8+2 damage?

pbd

 

[dcollins]

Yes. From the 3.5 SRD for "Weapons":

Magic weapons have enhancement bonuses ranging from +1 to +5. They apply these bonuses to both attack and damage rolls when used in combat. All magic weapons are also masterwork weapons, but their masterwork bonus on attack rolls does not stack with their enhancement bonus on attack rolls.

Weapons come in two basic categories: melee and ranged. Some of the weapons listed as melee weapons can also be used as ranged weapons. In this case, their enhancement bonus applies to either type of attack.

You'll notice that the first paragraph applies to magic weapons of all types; no distinction is made whether they're melee or ranged.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

Allowing "New Magic Items" is a rules variant (DMG p. 214), so please put them in House Rules.

Within the last few weeks, the moderators had some discussion of this and ended up with the decision that pricing new magic items belonged in Rules. I know, because I posted it originally to Rules, had it moved to House Rules, and then had it moved back -- with unnecessary apologies -- to Rules, with a statement to the effect of my first sentence.

Just FYI. Unless they've reversed themselves again, your .sig is directing people to the wrong place. Here's the thread in question:

http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=103527

 

[UltimaGabe]

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't that also the case in 3e? The only time it wasn't the case, to my recollection, was in Neverwinter Nights.

The only difference, however, between the enchantment of magic weapons in 3e and 3.5 is that in 3e, a +5 Bow's arrows couldn't overcome damage reduction unless they themselves were enchanted as well- so a monster with DR of 5/+1 couldn't be beaten without +1 or better ammunition. In 3.5, however, an enchanted weapon bestows everything upon its ammunition, including its enhancement bonus for purposes of overcoming damage reduction. Another difference, though, is that in 3e, enhancement bonuses from a weapon and its ammunition stacked- so a +5 bow firing +5 arrows got a +10 to attack and damage. In 3.5, this is no longer so. Therefore, there's no reason to get ammunition higher than a +1.

 

[kenobi65]

In 3.5 does the enchantment on a ranged weapon, say a bow, add to damage also?

Placing an enchantment on a bow will not do much, since enchantments only work on creatures.

In 3E / 3.5, the correct terminology is "enhancement." The word "enchantment" specifically refers to spells and effects from the Enchantment school, which is a completely different animal, so to speak.

Just tryin' to keep us clean.

 

[MerakSpielman]

Therefore, there's no reason to get ammunition higher than a +1.

Well, it can still be fun having a +5 bow and +1 flaming holy arrows...

 

[Trainz]

Well, it can still be fun having a +5 bow and +1 flaming holy arrows...

Or (more cost efficient), an Arcane Archer with a plushone flaming holy bow...

... would that work ? ? ?

OR OR... an archer with a plushone flaming holy bow and his friendly high-level cleric casting greater magic weapon on his quiver every morning.

... yes ?

 

[shilsen]

Or (more cost efficient), an Arcane Archer with a plushone flaming holy bow...

... would that work ? ? ?

OR OR... an archer with a plushone flaming holy bow and his friendly high-level cleric casting greater magic weapon on his quiver every morning.

... yes ?

Yes, both would work just fine. Though I'm not sure about this new term "plushone"

 

[Trainz]

Yes, both would work just fine. Though I'm not sure about this new term "plushone"

Been using it for years. Plushone, plushtwo, plushfour...

No, I'm not a furry.

 

[UltimaGabe]

Well, it can still be fun having a +5 bow and +1 flaming holy arrows...

Yes, but as far as actual plus's go, there's no reason to get +2 arrows. It would cost just as much to make a +2 bow, and the bow won't run out after fifty shots. +1 is all you need on arrows, and that much is just so that you can add on special abilities.