Re: archery commentary

[John Hogg <johnhogg@expert.cc.purdue.edu>]

On Thu, 24 Sep 1998, Wright Frazier wrote:

> > So, lemmie get this straight ... with a variety of rate 6 to rate 12
> > spells, or a base cost 500, restricted, skill (assume you meant
> > assassination for the autocrit skill), you feel the bow is justified.
> 
> I'll take my chances against an assassin, he has to hit, make his skill,
> and roll well on the crit.  My chances against the divine word aren't
> so good, and can reach just as far.
>

OK, so now the bow is better than a 500 bc res skill? 

> have more headaches from what that character can do otherwise beyond
> being unskilled with a bow.  He'd STILL have to find someone to train
> him to use the thing, or research it.
>
So are the ranges being cut, or the x2 option dropped?  Otherwise, he just
doesn't fire as fast as someone with skill, and can't jostle for a better
shot.

> Also, as far as starting combats at 720 feet? What? thats a crock to
> think it'll happen ever time, or even commonly.  720 is a ways, and
> the average combat starts at 200 or less, ususally less.  I've in game

Which would put it at 40 ft BEYOND the max range on a previously existing
bow ... that is 125% bow range.

assuming the 40 ft is a flat addition combat range would begin 760 ft
assuming it was 125% bow range, 900 ft

> had a bow capable of shooting 700' before at a d6+3 damage.  The _ONLY_
> times I got to use it were in ship battles, and when the bad guy

(Homer Simpson voice)
Mmmmm, Ambush skill

> was running away.  Combats just do not start that close, and for ship ones
> they always grabbed cover behind barrels, masts, etc... so the only
> guy I could really shoot at was the guy at the wheel.  And he after the

Defer ... Fireball, but go after the artillery, first ...
	  Torch, but go after the sails, or flaming arrows W/O defer
	  Demolish, and damn near anything

> 1st shot got the idea of having some friends get some cover for him.
> Actors aren't dumb, they will take cover just like players will if they
> are getting plinked at from a long ways away.
>

Ground combat solution to this, multiple people with range weapons,
surrounding (i.e. with various firing angles) the target.

Tough to find cover from ALL directions