at higher levels it would allow my archer to use STR buffs without penalties due to having too much STR for his bow)
There's never a penalty for having too much strength. There is a penalty if you have a bow that requires high strength and you're not strong enough.
In other words, if you have a bow set for a strength rating of 14 (+2) and someone casts bull strength on you, resulting in a strength of 18 (+4) there's no penalty, you simply don't get any extra damage beyond the strength rating of the bow. (arrow+2)
I'd let it modify. Transforming into a +2 Str bow is no different then transforming into a +8 Str bow.
==Aelryinth
Technically, Transformative can only be applied to melee weapons. I would allow this to be added to a bow to alter its strength rating though simply because that's a really awesome idea.
It seems the idea is to change the shape not any attributes,but I would allow it due to the price.
But I am fairly sure that there is a penalty for using a bow with the wrong STR rating
Longbow, Composite: "You need at least two hands to use a bow, regardless of its size. You can use a composite longbow while mounted. 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. The default composite longbow requires a Strength modifier of +0 or higher to use with proficiency. A composite longbow can be made with a high strength rating to take advantage of an above-average Strength score; this feature allows you to add your Strength bonus to damage, up to the maximum bonus indicated for the bow. Each point of Strength bonus granted by the bow adds 100 gp to its cost. If you have a penalty for low Strength, apply it to damage rolls when you use a composite longbow."
When it mentions a penalty for low Strength, that means a negative modifier. Someone with a Strength score of 08 (-1) would apply that penalty to damage rolls with a composite longbow, regardless of the strength rating of the bow.
When it mentions a penalty for low Strength, that means a negative modifier. Someone with a Strength score of 08 (-1) would apply that penalty to damage rolls with a composite longbow, regardless of the strength rating of the bow.
Also would not anyone with a Str modifier of less than +0 always take a non proficiency penalty no matter what with a composite long bow? That seems to be the case from the wording you highlighted above.
Ah I missed the first line about only being able to be applied to melee weapons.
But I am fairly sure that there is a penalty for using a bow with the wrong STR rating (whether you have too much or too little STR). I'll try to double check RAW on that however as it does make a difference for my PFS zen archer.
As others have stated, you only get a penalty for being too weak, not for being too strong :-)
Also would not anyone with a Str modifier of less than +0 always take a non proficiency penalty no matter what with a composite long bow? That seems to be the case from the wording you highlighted above.
I assumed they were using the English word definition of proficiency, as it wouldn't make sense for someone who gets strength drained (or loses a strength belt) to have a -4 nonproficiency penalty in addition to the -2 penalty mentioned in the text.
Also would not anyone with a Str modifier of less than +0 always take a non proficiency penalty no matter what with a composite long bow? That seems to be the case from the wording you highlighted above.When it mentions a penalty for low Strength, that means a negative modifier. Someone with a Strength score of 08 (-1) would apply that penalty to damage rolls with a composite longbow, regardless of the strength rating of the bow.
No, nonproficiency is another matter entirely. It gives you a -4 on your attacks, not a penalty on your damage and attack roles.
Example:Guy A - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 14 (+2), Bow with Str+2
-> Attack +0, Damage +2
Guy B - not proficent with Composite Longbow, Str 14 (+2), Bow with Str+2
-> Attack -4, Damage +2
Guy C - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 10 (+0), Bow with Str+2
-> Attack -2, Damage +0
Guy D - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 10 (+0), Bow with Str+0
-> Attack +0, Damage +0
Guy E - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 8 (-1), Bow with Str+0
-> Attack -2, Damage -1
Guy F - not proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 8 (-1), Bow with Str+2
-> Attack -6 (-4 nonproficient, -2 strength), Damage -1
I hope I covered the most important combinations and did not make any mistakes :-)
Guy E - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 8 (-1), Bow with Str+0
-> Attack -2, Damage -1
This one is incorrect given a strict reading of the rules, specifically: "The default composite longbow requires a Strength modifier of +0 or higher to use with proficiency."
Reading "with proficiency" as a game term means Guy E would take -6 on his attack roll.
Reading it as descriptive English, basically a synonym for "with competency," just means it's a bad idea to use a composite bow if you're weak.
Guy E - proficient with Composite Longbow, Str 8 (-1), Bow with Str+0
-> Attack -2, Damage -1This one is incorrect given a strict reading of the rules, specifically: "The default composite longbow requires a Strength modifier of +0 or higher to use with proficiency."
Reading "with proficiency" as a game term means Guy E would take -6 on his attack roll.
Reading it as descriptive English, basically a synonym for "with competency," just means it's a bad idea to use a composite bow if you're weak.
I would say it does not overrule your basic proficiency with the weapon which the -4 is keyed to. After all, just because you are weak now (strength damage or such) does not negate the fact that you know how to use the weapon. You still are penalized anyway. So I think it remains as I put it.
I understand that this is a point that can be argued though.
Reading "with proficiency" as a game term means Guy E would take -6 on his attack roll.
Reading it as descriptive English, basically a synonym for "with competency," just means it's a bad idea to use a composite bow if you're weak.
*facepalm* Please Paizo make keywords that are reserved to describe the game!!!! You're messin' with my mind man!