Bane Weapon and Ranger Favored Enemy

[William Simpson]

Our party found a Magic Bane (human) strength longbow. Humans are my favored enemy. Do the bonuses stack? I say yes. My DM is not sure. He is leaning towards no, but can't sight a source for saying no.

I think the bonuses come from two different sources. Favored Enemy bonus comes from having studied humans,their strengths and weaknesses. I know where to hurt them, and how to interact with them. Bane weapons is a magical enchantment placed on a weapon by a wizard. It uses Summon Monster I, something the ranger cannot duplicate.

For the record, my character is a half-elf, so if I could not wield it because it burns or hurts my human side, I would understand that. Bane weapons could possess powers that absorb into the weapon itself. Also, it should be noted that I wield a great sword, and in 12 levels of play, have only used my bow about a half dozen times. However, I would like to hear some opinions, in case I wanted to add this ability to my favorite 2-handed weapon.

[Revan]

William Simpson wrote:

Our party found a Magic Bane (human) strength longbow. Humans are my favored enemy. Do the bonuses stack? I say yes. My DM is not sure. He is leaning towards no, but can't sight a source for saying no.

I think the bonuses come from two different sources. Favored Enemy bonus comes from having studied humans,their strengths and weaknesses. I know where to hurt them, and how to interact with them. Bane weapons is a magical enchantment placed on a weapon by a wizard. It uses Summon Monster I, something the ranger cannot duplicate.

For the record, my character is a half-elf, so if I could not wield it because it burns or hurts my human side, I would understand that. Bane weapons could possess powers that absorb into the weapon itself. Also, it should be noted that I wield a great sword, and in 12 levels of play, have only used my bow about a half dozen times. However, I would like to hear some opinions, in case I wanted to add this ability to my favorite 2-handed weapon.

Ranger Favored Enemy is an untyped bonus to attack and damage. Bane increases the weapons enhancement bonus, and gives an untyped bonus to damage. Untyped bonuses stack with everything except untyped bonuses from the same source. So Favored Enemy stacks with bane, but not with an overlapping Favored Enemy.

[Ughbash]

William Simpson wrote:

For the record, my character is a half-elf, so if I could not wield it because it burns or hurts my human side, I would understand that. Bane weapons could possess powers that absorb into the weapon itself. Also, it should be noted that I wield a great sword, and in 12 levels of play, have only used my bow about a half dozen times. However, I would like to hear some opinions, in case I wanted to add this ability to my favorite 2-handed weapon.

Nothing about bane says that a creature that the bane effects can not use it (though a GM could claim that for story purposes).

One of the most effective weapons for an Elf is an Elf Bane Bow... at least in areas where there are conflicts with Drow.

For a Drow an Elf Bane bow is even better, it works on their two main enemies... Other Drow (politics) and Surface elves. Obviously for people who make use of bane weapons that effect them, it can be shall we say a Double edged sword....

[J-Rokka]

Intelligent elf bane weapon used by a drow would be an interesting campaign idea...

[Aelryinth]

Banes and FE do stack.

There's a +2 3.5 Weapon Enhancement that adds Bane to all a Ranger's Favored Enemies to his weapon. One of the best deals in the game.

IN 3.5, Epic Rangers can take an Epic feat that makes ALL their attacks Bane against ALL their FE's.

==Aelryinth