Perfect bow for the Ranger

[Moriquende]

I've gotten back into D&D after a multi-decade absence and am trying to catch up on all the new rules. For my first character I decided to go with a Ranger which perhaps I'll make into an Arcane Archer. Naturally, I want the best bow possible.

I'm starting out with a +2 STR bonus, so after running a couple quests I can now get a +2 STR Masterwork Darkwood Composite Longbow with my PA. As I advance I can then enhance the bow magically with +1, +2, etc.

However, what if I'm able to increase my STR bonus to +3? I could do this by increasing the ability score at 4th and 8th. (Looking at some higher-level characters it seems as though there are other ways to increase ability scores, too.) If I've got a +3 or +4 or more STR bonus at some point down the line, I would naturally want the Composite Longbow I'm using to be STR +3 or +4 or more.

I think I read elsewhere that you can't increase the STR rating of a composite longbow after it's crafted, although I'm not sure about that. If that's the case, then I could craft a +3 or +4 STR bow from the start, anticipating the need later, although I'll be running with -2 to hit until I increase the ability score. The only other solution I can think of would be to build a +2 STR bow and then scrap it later for a +3 or +4 STR once I increase the ability score.

I would imagine that I'm not the first person to consider this, so any ideas?

[Anonymous Visitor 163 576]

You'll want to keep the old bow.

You can suffer strength damage through fatigue, poison, spells, attacks, you name it. Being able to switch bows, and not take that -2 penalty is a BIG deal.

Also, there are plenty of circumstances where using your backup weapon is a good idea, like when the sundering and disarming comes into play.

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Just LOOK at the wealth a 10th level character has. Buying a new bow can be done with pocket change.

So I recommend now, a MW bow built for +2 str. Enchant it to +1.

Then, start saving for the +4 str bow. Between level adjustments and bull-s strength spells, you will be there soon enough. Buy a belt of str +4 when you can, and then start casting cat's grace on yourself.

After that, leave your strength alone, and keep enchanting the bow. Having a spare +1 weapon is 2000. Having a spare +3 weapon is WAY more.

[Rellen]

Generally you will probably want to concentrate your level up stat boosts on dex with an archer, but its true you may eventually gain a boost to strength - likely through an enhancement item, etc. I would say the +1 damage such a boost offers is pretty negligable and would not be worth giving up a favorite bow.

It would not be cost effective to scrap a bow you have presumably invested a great deal in, but if you happen to find a better bow - which you likely will in my experience then you can relegate your bow to back up if you choose. Personally I like to keep one weapon with some characters, heirlooms, etc., and find that most DMs will allow you to upgrade a composite bow to a higher strength rating for an increased cost.

When I get asked this question as a DM I generally either adapt the Bow of the Wintermoon from the Magic item Compendium into a magical ability costing 2000gp which allows the bow to change to fit its users strength, or allow them to find someone capable of upgrading a bow for 1000gp or so.

[Moriquende]

Thank you both for the great advice. Earlier this week my DM suggested that it might be able to upgrade the STR rating on a Composite Longbow, but he wasn't quite sure.

So I'm going to go for the MW +2 STR Composite Longbow and save up to make it +1. I'm still level 1, so I'm thinking that'll be a pretty nice item for the time being.

I have no idea how much wealth one has at 10th, but it's good to know that it won't be too much of a problem. I'm looking forward to firing this thing!