Shiny newbie Questions-help !

[kenhreed]

Just got started and am trying to keep it simple.

Goblin-melee short sword +2 (1d4/19-20)
Does that mean +2 to attack roll, damage is 1 four sided dice and what is 19-20?

shortbow +4 (1d4/x3) Is that + 4 to attack roll, damage is 1 four sided dice and what the heck is x3?

longsword +2 (1d6) why isn't there a 1d6/19-20 or 1d6/x3?

[Zhayne]

The 19-20 is his critical threat range. Unless specified otherwise, attacks only threaten a crit on a 20.

The X3 is the shortbow's critical multiplier. Unless specified otherwise, attacks have a critical multiplier of x2.

I have no idea why the longsword was printed without its 19-20 threat range.

You are correct about what's an attack bonus and a damage roll.

[Tordek Rumnaheim]

By the way, welcome to the game and the gaming forums!

[Arikiel]

You've got the hang of attacks and damage dice. The last number (19-20 or x3) has to do with critical hits. Unless specified all weapons have a chance of scoring a critical hit on 20 and do x2 (double) damage on a confirmed crit. See page 58 (Critical Threats) in your Hero's Handbook. :)

PS. Longsword should have a crit range of 19-20. That seems to be an editing error.