Post/Author/DateTime

Post

Tanivor 10-22-05, 11:43 AM

Hi everyone. I just thought it would be a fun thread to post and see what everyone is doing to expand the arsenal of DnD. Not magical weapons, or at least not only magical weapons, but weapons that people use that are outside the norm for a campaign. I'll start off with the sniper's greatbow. This weapon is designed to be used by NPCs at first introduction, especially elves, and often in large battles. The archers will position themselves in areas conducive to remaining unseen, and then until the battle begins they will pick off any foes they can spot. It is meant to give characters who specialize in archery and moving silently a chance to actually combine the two and have a chance of being successful. Let me know if you think it's unbalanced. Sniper's Greatbow In the Player’s Handbook it states that if a person uses the sniper ability from cover they take a -20 penalty on all Hide checks after that until they move. This seems illogical, however, given the effectiveness of current snipers. Surely there is a parallel weapon in that time period. Enter the Sniper's Greatbow. This greatbow has several restrictions on its full use: Θ The user must have a strength modifier of +3 or be unable to use the weapon. Θ The user must be able to move silently to use the weapon. Θ The user must be at least 20 feet from the target. Θ The weapon requires a full round action to fire. However, these problems merely serve to counteract the enormous benefits that the sniper's greatbow provides to an intelligent user: Θ Take only -3 penalty on Hide checks after use. Θ Deals 1d12 damage from cover. Θ After four rounds of observation, the weapon can deal 2d12 damage to a target. Θ After ten rounds of observation and if a natural 20 is rolled, the weapon threatens instant kill for most targets. (Those immune to critical hits are immune to this effect as well.) The sniper's greatbow is a powerful weapon, but it has limitations that should keep it balanced enough to be useful in the game, and when used effectively it rewards the wielder. I'll be happy if anybody else posts similar weapon concepts here. Let's keep the post going!!