Despite trying to read up on it, I've never had a firm grasp of how buying ammunition works.
I appreciate that 20 arrows = 1gp.
The rules say that masterwork arrows cost 6gp per unit of ammunition. Does that mean that it would cost 7gp for 20 masterwork arrows, or 121gp for 20 masterwork arrows?
Are there any rules on using different materials to craft arrows? I've never played any part of an Archer/Crafter Bard before, so it's all a bit new to me. I'm trying to sort this out before the game starts, as my GM actually knows less than me [makes a nice change to GMing] and I don't want to ruin his day.
Thanks,
PAz
|
Despite trying to read up on it, I've never had a firm grasp of how buying ammunition works.
I appreciate that 20 arrows = 1gp.
The rules say that masterwork arrows cost 6gp per unit of ammunition. Does that mean that it would cost 7gp for 20 masterwork arrows, or 121gp for 20 masterwork arrows?Are there any rules on using different materials to craft arrows? I've never played any part of an Archer/Crafter Bard before, so it's all a bit new to me. I'm trying to sort this out before the game starts, as my GM actually knows less than me [makes a nice change to GMing] and I don't want to ruin his day.
Thanks,
PAz
I have always read that single unit line as 121gp per group or 7gp each. I have also played in three games in three different towns with three different GMs who ruled the same...by no means "absolute" just wanted to mention I have had confirmation.
As per the specialty materials the prices for each should be listed with each material, for instance an adamantine arrow is +60 gp. (And that is clearly by arrow) MW is included in that price.
Funny, I always read it as 7gp for one unit meaning a unit = 20 arrows. *shrug*
The 6 gold for master work is per arrow, so a stack of 20 would cost 121. the reason is the masterwork cost for a weapon is 300 for a single weapon, or 50 ammunition(ie arrows, bolts, shuriken).
The same goes for enchanting. A +1 weapon enchantment is 2000 gold for a single weapon or 50 ammunition, plus masterwork. doing the math, that means a single +1 arrow costs: 46g and 5c.
formula:
2000g(+1 enchantment) +300g(masterwork quality)+ 2g 5s(50 arrows)/50(for single arrows)
using that, you can calculate the cost of buying single shots of specialty arrows, which is handy for an archer.
A bigger example would be +1 flaming burst arrows of speed
72000(for a total of +6 enchantment) +300g(masterwork) + 2g 5s(50 ammunition)/ 50(for single arrow = 1446g and 5c
That may seem like alot to pay for a single shot, but compare it to the cost of a regular weapon with the same bonuses.
An archer has the advantage of simply keeping 5 or so of these available and waiting till you fight that white dragon to use them. Imagine a fighter trying to keep spare weapons that way!
So what's the point in buying base masterwork arrows when 60 arrows costs more than masterworking the bow, and the enhancements don't stack?
For just masterwork arrows? No point at all.
Though it might be cheaper early game than a masterwork bow.
Masterwork arrows only become important when you want them enchanted.
Well that clears that up :D
Excuse me while I go make my DM cringe as my Mithril Shirt just cost 700gp less :P
Thanks for the help though, it's really cleared it up.
I agree that the price per is pretty whacky.
However, for those on a tight budget, a garrison giving the guardsmen a couple of M/work arrows each would be cheaper than making a pile of M/work bows, and essentially give them the same combat effectiveness.
M/work ammo is the McDonalds of Pathfinder - expensive for what you are getting if used frequently, doesn't stack with anything, and something you move out of as soon as you can afford a better menu!
"Argh! I, Captain Obvious, have been hit by an arrow!
What's this? It smells funny, is rather greasy, and I'm now getting fatter?
Cheapskaaaaaattteeeee.... *pop*"
Heck 10 masterwork arrows are going to last you probably into 3rd level for most APs.
This falls solidly in the area of houserule, but I've always allowed MW arrows to stack with a MW bow. Not only does it justify the expense of the arrows, but it makes sense. A good bow plus a good arrow should be better than a good bow plus an average arrow. Limiting the stacking to MW+MW means it only comes into play at low levels and doesn't really affect game balance very much at all.