using a composite bow as heavy armor?

[Spindoc]

Paladin here, heavy full plate. Now, I am fully aware that it makes NO sense for someone in a full plate to be able to use a longbow but as far as we can find, as long as you meet the str requirements, you are proficient with (composite) longbows.

You then add tour str mod up to its bonus limit (on the bow) for dmg. My actual question is do you still use Dex for atk rolls, and if so do i take my armor check penalty into the calculation when shooting the bow?

[DesolateHarmony]

Dex for attack rolls with a ranged weapon, and armor check penalty for attack rolls only happens if you are not proficient with the armor.

So, a paladin is just fine using a longbow, or composite longbow in full plate, as he has proficiency with all martial weapons. Having a good dex with a paladin is rarer.

If you do have a good dex, other armor options might be better, as full plate limits you to +1 from dex towards armor class.

[wraithstrike]

Armor does not inhibit bow use.

[Imbicatus]

Actually, full plate is far less restrictive to movement than the game assumes, and it's completely possible to use ranged weapons while wearing it.

Regardless, the maximum Dex bonus on armor only applies to AC, it doesn't affect other uses of dexterity like reflex saves or attack rolls.

[mplindustries]

In real life, it is easier to move around and fight (and shoot a bow) in full plate than it is in padded armor. Plate armor had its weight distributed across your body, while padded armor was just layer upon layer of cloth making you look like the Michelin Man.

[Cap. Darling]

I was expecting someone using a bow as armor:(

[Thewms]

Cap. Darling wrote:

I was expecting someone using a bow as armor:(

You are not alone friend...

[fretgod99]

Thewms wrote:

Cap. Darling wrote:

I was expecting someone using a bow as armor:(

You are not alone friend...

I am disappoint.

This thread had real potential.

*sigh*

[MeanMutton]

The above are correct; the armor doesn't reduce your ability to use a bow in any way. Here's the detailed relevant rule:

Maximum Dex Bonus

This number is the maximum Dexterity bonus to Armor Class that this type of armor allows. Dexterity bonuses in excess of this number are reduced to this number for the purposes of determining the wearer's Armor Class. Heavier armors limit mobility, reducing the wearer's ability to dodge blows. This restriction doesn't affect any other Dexterity-related abilities.

Even if a character's Dex bonus to Armor Class drops to 0 because of armor, this situation does not count as losing his Dex bonus to Armor Class.

A character's encumbrance (the amount of gear carried, including armor) may also restrict the maximum Dex bonus that can be applied to his Armor Class.