There are two basic bow cards (so you can choose freely between them), but one is strictly better than the other...
...so what's the point of the Shortbow?
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Shortbow:
Traits: Bow, Ranged, Piercing, 2-Handed, Basic
Power1: For combat, use DEX/RAN + 1d6
Power2: ...discard to add 1d4 to a combat check at another location.
Light crossbow:
Traits: Bow, Ranged, Piercing, Basic
Power1: For combat, use DEX/RAN + 1d6
Power2: ...discard to add 1d4 to a combat check at another location.
So, unless there's some benefit to being 2-Handed (which is usually a disadvantage) is there ever a reason to choose a Shortbow?
I'm not an RPG-er so perhaps this situation is common but mitigated by availability? In this case they are both basic, so freely available so this doesn't apply.
The only scenario I can see is when you're using all the Light Crossbow cards if you're playing with 6 characters and then want another bow...? Or perhaps there will be some future buffs that apply to "2-handed bows", like flaming arrows?
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Does everything have to have a reason? Everything doesn't have to minmax'd all the time. Remember there is random loot in the game. Sometimes you find a Light Crossbow, sometimes you find a Shortbow.
Now looking at them in the RPG, you will see they are very similar.
Crossbow, light 35 gp 1d6 1d8 19–20/×2 80 ft. 4 lbs. P
Shortbow 30 gp 1d4 1d6 x3 60 ft. 2 lbs. P
CB, cost more, has higher base damage, better range, and can be shot one handed.
SB, has higher crit, is lighter.
I should also point out that the Shortbow is a Martial weapon to the Crossbow being a Simple weapons, so harder to use.
Damagewise assuming they confirm crits[CB average = 4.5 + [4.5 x 10% x 2] = 5.4 // SB average = 3.5 + [3.5 x 5% x 3] = 4.025] shows that the Light Crossbow does an average of more damage.
So again...the only drawbacks for the Crossbow are 5g & 2lbs, why even have the Shortbow in the Pathfinder RPG. Because it is a classic weapon that everyone can relate too.
In my opinion, they got the cards correct. The Light Crossbow is a little better than the Shortbow. Personally, would have made the Light Crossbow +1d8.
If I could include a weapon in my deck, yes I would choose light crossbow over the shortbow. (P.S. the light crossbow is a +1d8, not +1d6).
However, I am playing Lini and I can't choose a weapon card for my deck.
The shortbow has a 'check to acquire 3'. The light crossbow has a 'check to acquire 4'.
Lini rolls a 1d4 as strength. I am not going to discard a card to try for a weapon I won't be able to keep (and i don't always have an animal ally for the additional 1d4). My wife plays Lem who also has a 1d4 for strength. Either of us has double the chance to acquire the shortbow over the light crossbow during play.
At times, the light crossbow is not always strictly better to see over the shortbow. Each has a benefit.
Sorry for the horrendous typo. The d8 vs d6 was the whole point of this thread!
And, yes, I can see that the Shortbow is easier to use. I just don't really get why some characters' suggested starting decks include Shortbows instead of Light Crossbows!
Sorry for the horrendous typo. The d8 vs d6 was the whole point of this thread!
And, yes, I can see that the Shortbow is easier to use. I just don't really get why some characters' suggested starting decks include Shortbows instead of Light Crossbows!
I believe they were designed so that every character's deck can exist at once. There are only two crossbows to go around, and I think Harsk gets both.
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Since it's a card game and not an RPG, I think roleplaying reasons shouldn't be used to put in items that are inferior. They basically just clog things up. BGG has a discussion going of subtle differences that would make one item get chosen over another. This is one of those cases where you'd never choose the lesser item.
I just don't really get why some characters' suggested starting decks include Shortbows instead of Light Crossbows!
That's only ONE character, and I am sure Harsk would have preferred to carry 4 crossbows with him (in fact he would have wanted them bigger and better!), but he had to accept what the quartermaster could supply him with from the local armoury at this particular time.
@Onesiphorus - yes, or perhaps the crossbow could have been recharge to use (i.e. it takes time to reload) or "display it face down in front of you until your next turn begins" to use.