Flaming Frost: Longbow's Dual Nature

Flaming and frost longbows are a popular feature in role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and other fantasy tabletop games. In these games, players can enchant their weapons with special abilities, such as adding fire or frost damage to their attacks.

In real life, it is possible to make a longbow, but it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and specialised tools. The process involves selecting the right type of wood, drying and shaping it, and carefully shaving away layers to create a flexible and functional bow. However, adding flaming and frost abilities to a real-life longbow is not possible.

Flaming and frost effects can be stacked with other enchantments

However, it is important to note that activating each enchantment requires a command word, which takes a separate standard action. So, if you have a weapon with multiple enchantments, you will need to use a separate standard action to activate each one. This can be a bit cumbersome, especially in combat situations where time is of the essence.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some enchantments may be incompatible, such as those with opposing alignments (e.g., holy and unholy). In such cases, it may not be possible to stack them on the same weapon.

When it comes to the Pathfinder Magus class, there is some debate about whether they can add the flaming, frost, or shock enchantments pre-activated. The rules do not explicitly state whether these enchantments can be added in an already activated state. It is up to the DM to decide how these abilities function in their game.

Flaming burst arrows cost ~18,000 gp per 50

Flaming burst arrows are enchanted in lots of 50 and cost around 18,000 gp per stack. This works out at about 360 gp per arrow.

Flaming burst arrows are +3 market price modifier arrows, because they must also be +1 to accept any enchantments. This means that the cost of enchanting a stack of 50 flaming burst arrows is 18,000 gp.

Flaming burst arrows are a significant upgrade from flaming arrows. Flaming arrows cost 8,000 gp for a stack of 50, which is only a +1 flaming enchantment.

Flaming burst arrows are a good option for an archer's arsenal, as they can be used to great effect when combined with a +5 bow. This combination will result in +5 flaming burst arrows, which can deal a significant amount of damage.

It is worth noting that the enhancement bonuses of the bow and the arrows do not stack. Only the higher of the two enhancement bonuses applies. Therefore, it is generally more effective to have a highly enhanced bow and combine it with special arrows, rather than the other way around.

Additionally, magical arrows lose their magic after being fired, so retrieving them is usually not a priority. This is something to keep in mind when deciding whether to invest in enchanted arrows or not.

Flaming deals an extra 1d6 fire damage on a successful hit

Flaming weapons are sheathed in fire that does not harm the wielder. The fire remains until another command is given. A flaming weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of fire damage on a successful hit. This means that if you enchant a longbow to be flaming, it will deal an extra 1d6 points of fire damage on a successful hit.

Flaming Burst is a weapon trait that functions as a flaming weapon that also explodes with flame upon striking a successful critical hit. In addition to the 1d6 fire damage from the flaming ability, a flaming burst weapon deals an extra 1d10 points of fire damage on a successful critical hit.

In a discussion about enchanting a longbow with flaming and frost, a user commented that bursts can be stacked, so it is possible to deal 1d6 flaming, 1d6 frost, and, upon a critical hit, 1d10 fire damage and 1d10 cold damage assuming no immunities.

A longbow is usually about the same height as the user

The longbow has been used for centuries, dating back to the Paleolithic era, and is known for its use in hunting and warfare.

The length of a longbow is important for its functionality and ease of use. Generally, a longbow should be about the same height as the user, or a couple of inches taller. This ensures a smooth draw and maximises energy efficiency. If the bow is too short, the user will not be able to draw it smoothly, and if it is too long, the extra height of the limbs will waste energy.

The English longbow, for example, measures on average 1.98 metres or 74-78 inches, while the American longbow is shorter, at 1.7 metres or 68-70 inches. The Horse longbow is the shortest of the three, at 1.6 metres or 65-68 inches.

When choosing a longbow, it is important to consider factors such as the user's height, draw length, and strength. The draw length, or how far back the user can pull the bowstring, is crucial for determining the ideal bow length. The right longbow length will provide stability and forgiveness, making it easier to correct errors and improve accuracy.

Additionally, the brace height, or the distance between the grip and the bowstring, is an important factor affecting speed and accuracy. A shorter brace height results in a faster arrow but a louder release, while a longer brace height reduces speed and noise. The ideal brace height depends on the user's preferences and intended use of the bow.

Custom and stock longbows are available for purchase, and customisation options include grip shape, embellishments, and core upgrades. Accessories such as a bow bag, string silencer, and a bow quiver can also enhance the user's experience.

In conclusion, the ideal longbow length is influenced by the user's height and draw length, with the goal of maximising stability, accuracy, and energy transfer. The length of a longbow is an important consideration for anyone interested in traditional archery or historical weaponry.

A longbow can be made from scratch

Making a longbow from scratch is a time-consuming and highly involved process, but it can be done with the right tools and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a longbow from scratch:

Selecting the Right Wood

The type of wood you choose will depend on your skills, tool experience, size, strength, skill as an archer, and body type. Good options for bow wood include yew, ash, hickory, oak, elm, and maple. The wood should be sturdy yet flexible, with few knots and twists. It should be about 5-6 feet long and 1.5-2 inches in diameter.

Preparing the Wood

Once you have selected the right tree, cut it to get at least six feet of straight bow wood. Remove the bark with a draw knife or scraper until you reach the white wood. Coat both ends of the wood with wood glue or paint to prevent cracking. Cut out the rough profile of the bow with a band saw to speed up the drying process. Store the wood indoors and let it dry for at least two months.

Shaping the Bow

Begin reducing the thickness of the bow limbs with a scraper or farrier rasp. Floor tiller the limbs of the bow against the floor to see how much it flexes. Continue reducing the thickness until you can string the bow and draw it at least 20 inches. Remove any tool marks with sandpaper.

Adding the String Notches and String

Cut string notches into both ends of the bow with a chainsaw file. Then, string the bow with a tillering string. Make sure the bow limbs bend in an even arc when the string is on.

Finishing the Bow

Before decorating your bow, test it by shooting it to see if it is worth finishing. Some pieces of wood may not make good bows, so it is better to cut your losses and start over rather than try to force a bad piece of wood into a straight-shooting weapon. If your bow passes the test, you can move on to decorating.

Apply a stain and a waterproof finish to safeguard your bow from weather and damage. You can also add personal touches such as snakeskin, beaver tail, bone, or leather to make it uniquely yours. Finally, apply a final coat of varnish and fit a bowstring, and your longbow is ready to use!

Frequently asked questions