Deadly Archery

[Glorelendil]

I struggle with that one. I have to admit it adds an interesting dimension, but it triggers my PJ alarm bells. I'd probably like it better if I had never seen the movies.

Sorry if that came off overly dismissive. From a purely game-mechanical sense I do think the idea is intriguing. But it just doesn't feel like something that fits the source texts. What quote would you use? I can't think of an example in the texts where an archer uses a bow in the middle of melee.

I also am wary of messing with a core mechanic (ranged attacks shall only be from rearward) so dramatically.

[Corvo]

I struggle with that one. I have to admit it adds an interesting dimension, but it triggers my PJ alarm bells. I'd probably like it better if I had never seen the movies.

Sorry if that came off overly dismissive. From a purely game-mechanical sense I do think the idea is intriguing. But it just doesn't feel like something that fits the source texts. What quote would you use? I can't think of an example in the texts where an archer uses a bow in the middle of melee.

I also am wary of messing with a core mechanic (ranged attacks shall only be from rearward) so dramatically.

Don't worry Glor, it's fine, it's just...
...It's just that, as soon as I read your post, I remembered that scene from the first movie with Orlando Bloom punching Orcs in the face with an arrow

[Angelalex242]

This is a longass thread I started.

The general theme, however, seems to be Lorien Elves just don't get as much out of Deadly Archery as do Mirkwood Elves...

However...

What if, instead of adding heart to attack rolls, it added an extra success dice? (like Shadow Bane, for ranged.) This makes Lorien Elves MUCH happier with Bow of the Galahdrim.

[Falenthal]

What if, instead of adding heart to attack rolls, it added an extra success dice? (like Shadow Bane, for ranged.) This makes Lorien Elves MUCH happier with Bow of the Galahdrim.

That, or re-rolling one success die if you don't want to make it so powerful (as the Virtue does synergie with the Bow and Great Bow Rewards).

As with Shadow Bane, you should add some circumstance or limitation to when it can be used (when succesfully ambushing enemies is my personal favourite), and I think it works perfectly.

[Glorelendil]

An extra success die, even just a re-rolled one, is really really great for Called Shots. And it has tons of synergy with Woodland Bow, which I personally don't think is a good idea. I'd rather see DA make MElves better at the things they're not good at, rather than improving the thing they're best at even more.

I'll also point out that this is equivalent to the Mastery Die appearing in the Adventurer's Companion, although those can only be used for common skills. Giving one for a weapon skill is very potent indeed.

[Rich H]

I'll also point out that this is equivalent to the Mastery Die appearing in the Adventurer's Companion, although those can only be used for common skills. Giving one for a weapon skill is very potent indeed.

Mastery Dice can be used for Weaponskills too; page 114 of the AC:

Skill Mastery (favoured skill)
Tireless application and dedication to your preferred craft is finally bearing its fruits.

Add 1 Mastery die to a favoured skill (Common or Weapon skill). The same skill cannot be chosen twice.

[Falenthal]

I'd rather see DA make MElves better at the things they're not good at, rather than improving the thing they're best at even more.

You are right. It's just that I have a hard time seeing them good at anything but first attacks.

My other choice would probably be related to enemies rolling -1 Success die at Protection test after a Pierce provoked by a Prepared Shot or Called Shot, but not for rolling an Edge in the Feat die (aiming at a weak spot and all that).

[Angelalex242]

Well, sticking the same 'servants of the shadow' limitation Shadow Bane has on it (Why only Mirkwood elves have shadow bane, I'll never know...) lets Mirkwood and Lorien elves really kick ass at their chosen field. And if it's possible to have a mastery die on weapon skills anyway...

Still, I'm in favor of adding a success die because Galadhrim bow's special feature only triggers on extraordinary success. (otherwise, it just saves you two points of encumbrance.)

I also thought of something else. Suppose we've been thinking about it wrong. What if Deadly Archery (which, by default, gives a ME/Lorien elf up to +13 to hit when spending hope) isn't designed to help primary archers? What if it's designed to help primary melee elves, who never get more then 1 die of bow, hit things anyway?

[Glorelendil]

I'll also point out that this is equivalent to the Mastery Die appearing in the Adventurer's Companion, although those can only be used for common skills. Giving one for a weapon skill is very potent indeed.

Mastery Dice can be used for Weaponskills too; page 114 of the AC:

Skill Mastery (favoured skill)
Tireless application and dedication to your preferred craft is finally bearing its fruits.

Add 1 Mastery die to a favoured skill (Common or Weapon skill). The same skill cannot be chosen twice.

I stand corrected. Once again.

[zedturtle]

Thank you for not allowing me to play The One Ring by the gracious refusal you disdainfully uttered from your position of self-appointed magnanimity.

I've selected this bit as representative, although it is not the only post that you've made that has generated reports, Insect King.

We strive very hard to have a feeling of community here... a welcomingness that while acknowledging that different folks will value different things about the game, also means that everyone should be respected. Just because this is the House Rules area does not change those basic expectations.

No one here can prevent you from playing The One Ring Roleplaying Game. No one should be telling you how to play the game at your own table. This forum is provided so that enthusiasts of the game can have a discussion about the rules, and it's expected that all participants comport themselves accordingly. In other words, it's fine to talk about rules and tell us what you don't like about a certain rule, or how you would change it. But keep the discussion about the rules, don't let it become personal.

— • —

Let me remind everyone that the hidden strength of the Shire against the Enemy was their friendliness and fellowship. Bickering, taunts and winking asides are the tools of the Shadow to spread strife. Let us be more kindly children of the West and take comfort in good cheer.