Adding Str bonus to composite bows after getting them


Rules Questions


I recall in 3.5 (or at least 3) you could add/remove parts to/from a composite bow to adjust its Str bonus, so basically you could buy a +0 bow, add a +1 when you get the money, add another when you get more money, and so on.

As a GM, I've continued to apply it through my Pathfinder years (well, it didn't come out often, in truth), but now I can't see that rule in Pathfinder's Core Rulebook.

So, is it still there, somewhere, and I missed it?
Or has it just become impossible to do that, and once you buy a bow with a Str bonus, it is set in stone?
Or, yet, is it simply implied that it's possible to modify the bow at will? (I'm no bow expert, but the "composite" name suggests me that it is made of parts that can be changed.)


I think you are recalling 3.5 and composite bows incorrectly, the strength bonus changing was always a problem. Perhaps it was someones house rule? Magical Composite bows in pathfinder can be upgraded with Adaptive for 1000gp, which automatically adjusts to any strength pull.


3.5 never allowed it either but there was a bow in the magic item compendium that adjusted to your strength.


The "composite" in composite bow is because the bow limbs are made of multiple materials not because they're interchangeable.

The simple solution is to make your +0 strength composite bow magical and then add the adaptive magic enchantment on it. It magically makes the bow use whatever your strength modifier is.


Just keep in mind that, if subjected to anti-magic, Adaptive would shut off and you'd be left with just a +0 Str bow. Probably be a good idea to make it +1 or +2 base (based on your Str at the time) and then just put adaptive on it when your Str surpasses that.


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Kazaan wrote:
Just keep in mind that, if subjected to anti-magic, Adaptive would shut off and you'd be left with just a +0 Str bow. Probably be a good idea to make it +1 or +2 base (based on your Str at the time) and then just put adaptive on it when your Str surpasses that.

Eh, its a 10ft radius. Moving is probably a better option. If you can't move out of the antimagic field you probably have bigger problems.


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Also if you can't kill a caster(normally a wizard/sorcerer) with no magic you also have problems. Pull out the sharp piece of metal and stab him.

Disclaimer: If this is a dragon, or some melee brute with wizard levels then create space. :)


The Anti-magic spell isn't the only source magic cancellation. Magically dead planes, Wall of Suppression, Magicbane Bandersnatch, etc. Also, being pinned down in an anti-magic field by a martial can be bad; it's probably not just the caster you need to deal with.


What exactly is the magicbane bandersnatch? I've seen this mentioned several times on the board now, but have no clue what it is.

Magically dead planes are places you probably are going to avoid unless you specifically prepare for it. And, if you don't get a chance to prepare you're probably screwed anyways. Think of the poor wizard/witch/arcanist/sorcerer etc who literally have nothing to do. It's technically possible, but it's kind of dick move on the part of a GM.

And certainly being pinned down by a martial in an antimagic field is a problem, but then if you're pinned down by a martial and a wizard working in tandem you have bigger problems than your bow not working at optimum because you only have a +0 strength modifier on it. Honestly, the strength modifier will normally only add 3 points of damage or so. It's not the end of the world. If he already has the +0 bow, I just wouldn't worry about it.

My point ultimately is that antimagic isn't that big a deal in the specific instance. 3 points of damage just isn't important if the fighter is about to rip your head of because he's next to you. Getting away from him will be important. How you let yourself get cornered in the first place should be of concern too.

Kazaan wrote:
The Anti-magic spell isn't the only source magic cancellation. Magically dead planes, Wall of Suppression, Magicbane Bandersnatch, etc. Also, being pinned down in an anti-magic field by a martial can be bad; it's probably not just the caster you need to deal with.

In summation, like I said, bigger problems than damage.


bandersnatch, magicbane.


If your fighting just a full caster wouldn't being in an anti-magic field completely protect you from just about everything dangerous he can do to you?


NikolaiJuno wrote:
If your fighting just a full caster wouldn't being in an anti-magic field completely protect you from just about everything dangerous he can do to you?

Yes, that's another point. What if you're using an AM field defensively? If you are using it to protect yourself from magic, while still being able to shoot out of it, you're going to want a decent +1 or +2 Str rating on your bow. It's really a rather small investment to be able to fall back on a +1 or +2 Str composite bow than to just have a +0 composite bow and completely rely on the adaptive enhancement.

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