Pact Weapons

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Druun

Dec 12, 2014 7:26:13		I have a character that would like to use a short bow as a pact weapon instead of a melee weapon. I'm interested in others thoughts on this.
#2

cowleymen

Dec 12, 2014 10:26:50

No go. if your trying to keep it RAW, the pact weapon is always a melee weapon. How ever, if you dont mind house ruling, I dont see any inherint problem in letting him use a short bow. Keep in mind, the character gets auto proficency in their pact weapon, so it could be a longbow as well. IDK if they are worried about damage or not. However, you need to decide how magical arrows work. There is some debate on if a non-magic arrow fired from a magical bow counts as a magical attack for over coming monsters that resist damage from non magical attacks. 

 

If you do allow it, let the player know that it is on a probationary basias. If there is unforseen consiquences of him accidently breaking some game math, you might need to make changes. 

#3

Bloodscythe

Dec 12, 2014 10:44:23

I guess my question would be why?  Can't the warlock just eldritch blast if they want to make a ranged attack and do more damage than the bow could do anyway, especially with agonizing blast and eldritch spear?

Also consider, the warlock would be able to summon his "blade" (bow) to his hand, but would have no arrows automatically.

#4

DemoMonkey

Dec 12, 2014 12:07:46

You could have the special effect of the Warlocks Eldritch blast be a (insert appropriate cool special effect descriptor*) shortbow appearing in their hands and firing off one or more arrows of (insert same special effect) energy.

 

 

*eldritch, dark, crackling, ghostly, translucent, crystalline, engorged, frostcovered, infernal, nougat filled or whatever.

#5

cowleymen

Dec 12, 2014 12:39:44

Thats true. How ever, they may want some of the bonuses that come from having the blade pact, like life drinker, and still be a ranged character. BUt I had totally forgot about Eldritch Blast when I made my first comment. And remind your player the the extra rays from Eldritch Blast can each target a different creature.