D&D 5E Strength bows?

[shadowoflameth]

You could use the same rule as 3rd. Str. for damage on a mighty bow. +100gp. cost per plus and still use dex to hit. You need at least that strength score to use the bow. I allowed it in my game and it didn't break anything. Only one character, the ranger cared and the effect was in line with the cost in gold and having both high dex. and str.

 

[Sleepy Walker]

I have also done something like this. Biggest thing is to make/keep the short bow relevant and keep it at no strength requirement.

 

[Wrathamon]

maybe I missed the post but the Dragon Heist has an NPC that has a bow that has a STR requirement

also, a crossbow that fires an extra bolt

 

[ZenBear]

In past editions this was a Composite Bow that allowed you to add a portion of your STR to rolls, depending on weapon quality. Essentially a magic weapon, but not technically magical. In my games I make bows finesse, allowing STR or DEX for rolls, but crossbows are DEX only. I also make longswords finesse so it isn’t a wasted proficiency on Rogues and DEX characters can use a two-handed weapon.

 

[Realbinkg]

You could merely create a new Weapon Property specific to the longbow whcih is the antithesis of Finesse:

Might. When making an attack with a might weapon, you use your choice of your Strength or Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls. You must use the same modifier for both rolls.

Keep an eye on it (limit it to longbows to start), and if it doesn't throw things out of whack, maybe branch out to heavy crossbows (stronger gears,pulleys,etc). Would help mitigate the "Dex/Finesse fighter is king of D&D now" thing going on a bit.

Pathfinder has this. It is a "strength" bow, like Ulysses had. No one with a strength lower than X can even draw it, and those that can add the strength bonus vs dex to the damage, since it pieces further

 

[Realbinkg]

Now if I had a fighter in my game that was strength based I could see me adding in a magic item like the following.

ODYSSEUS'S BOW
Weapon (bow), Legendary (require's attunement)
This magic bow can only be used by those with a 17 or higher strength. It is +1 to hit and adds the user's strength modifier to damage along with dexterity like normal. It does double damage to inanimate objects, rumored to have once puncturing holes through a dozen axe heads with ease.

Composite bows use strength, and work like this

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Pathfinder has this. It is a "strength" bow, like Ulysses had. No one with a strength lower than X can even draw it, and those that can add the strength bonus vs dex to the damage, since it pieces further

Yes. 3.0 had them too. But they are only partially str bows (damage portion) and normal bows just did not add damage on hits at all.

 

[ezo]

Pathfinder has this. It is a "strength" bow, like Ulysses had. No one with a strength lower than X can even draw it, and those that can add the strength bonus vs dex to the damage, since it pieces further

Welcome to the forums!

Nice thread necro...

 

[jmartkdr2]

Welcome and congratulations on your first thread necromancy!

I don't recall which thread or poster it was but I do remember someone saying that had success just giving bows the finesse property, which works both ways.

 

[Seramus]

You could merely create a new Weapon Property specific to the longbow whcih is the antithesis of Finesse:

Might. When making an attack with a might weapon, you use your choice of your Strength or Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls. You must use the same modifier for both rolls.

Keep an eye on it (limit it to longbows to start), and if it doesn't throw things out of whack, maybe branch out to heavy crossbows (stronger gears,pulleys,etc). Would help mitigate the "Dex/Finesse fighter is king of D&D now" thing going on a bit.

We used to do something like this in modern 5E games. Strength Shotguns to represent heavier material / bigger explosion / more recoil. At least, as an alternative to just scaling the damage die itself.