In the Scenario “Our Lady of Silver,” one of the possible rewards is a +1 flaming composite longbow (+5 Str). The question came up in our session as to whether the +5 Strength component could be adjusted to allow someone with less strength to use the bow.

As it stands, I would think there are only a handful of characters running around Pathfinder with a 20 or better Strength, so as a treasure it would be virtually useless to the vast majority of players. And as it’s most likely to be of interest to a ranger with bow specialization, it’s even more unlikely that such a character will have the required Strength. Even if the full 8,900 gp cost had to be paid, it would be nice if the pull on the bow could be adjusted to allow use by those with less Strength.

Can we get some official clarification about this?

Can we get some official clarification about this?

Interesting question. When I ran this as a Ranger I didn't look twice at the item because of the ST rating on it. I see nothing in the PFS rules that allow you to change a certed item.

I didn't worry too much about it though, because the best way to get the items you want is to finish those faction missions which gives you access to equipment.

It does actually make more sense to just have the bow you want crafted once you have the requisite faction standing. It would certainly be cheaper than paying the full cost for this bow if you can't use all the Strength bonus.

I think the question arose because the player doesn't currently have the prestige award total needed to buy something like this normally, and won't for several more scenarios.

I would assume and rule yes. A character with a composite bow crafted for his strength would otherwise be unable to use his own bow after an attack that deals ability damage. I look at it as the maximum applicable damage adjustment.

In the Scenario “Our Lady of Silver,” one of the possible rewards is a +1 flaming composite longbow (+5 Str). The question came up in our session as to whether the +5 Strength component could be adjusted to allow someone with less strength to use the bow.

As it stands, I would think there are only a handful of characters running around Pathfinder with a 20 or better Strength, so as a treasure it would be virtually useless to the vast majority of players. And as it’s most likely to be of interest to a ranger with bow specialization, it’s even more unlikely that such a character will have the required Strength. Even if the full 8,900 gp cost had to be paid, it would be nice if the pull on the bow could be adjusted to allow use by those with less Strength.

Can we get some official clarification about this?

The Core Rule book description for composite longbows(p147) is as follows:

All composite bows are made with a particular strength rating (that is, each requires a minimum Strength modifier to use with proficiency). If your Strength bonus is less than the strength rating of the composite bow, you can’t effectively use it, so you take a –2 penalty on attacks with it.

Anyone whose ever tried to draw a longbow in real life can attest to the realism behind this rule. If you don't have the minimum strength to pull a bow with a certain pound rating you won't be able to draw it and hurt someone with it.

In the Scenario “Our Lady of Silver,” one of the possible rewards is a +1 flaming composite longbow (+5 Str). The question came up in our session as to whether the +5 Strength component could be adjusted to allow someone with less strength to use the bow.

As it stands, I would think there are only a handful of characters running around Pathfinder with a 20 or better Strength, so as a treasure it would be virtually useless to the vast majority of players. And as it’s most likely to be of interest to a ranger with bow specialization, it’s even more unlikely that such a character will have the required Strength. Even if the full 8,900 gp cost had to be paid, it would be nice if the pull on the bow could be adjusted to allow use by those with less Strength.

Can we get some official clarification about this?

The bow is found as a +5 Str bow and that aspect of it cannot be modified on the chronicle sheet for the purposes of purchasing that item. You can only modify size (small, medium, large) and nothing else when purchasing items off your chronicle sheets.

Can they purchase it and then pay 100 gp to downgrade it's strength bonus? (much as we can pay 100 gp to increase the strength bonus)

Nope. It is as its found on the chronicle sheet.