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A longbow is a two-handed, martial ranged weapon of the bow family.[4]

With the right weapon, a fearsome beholder is nothing more than a big floating bullseye.
— Anonymous.[5]

Description[]

The longbow is a flexible shaft of wood (or horn or bone) about 4‒6 ft (1.2‒1.8 m) long with the ends connected by a bowstring that was a little shorter than the shaft, causing the wood to bend and keep the string under tension. For a composite longbow, the shaft is made from laminated materials (again, horn, wood or bone) and fashioned with a recurve, meaning the bow remains bow-shaped even when unstrung.[6]

It was commonly known that it took about five years of training to become proficient at the use of the longbow.[7]

Weaponology[]

The length of a longbow can vary up to about the height of the archer but it quickly becomes unwieldy, getting caught on things or tripping the user. Composite bows are stronger than normal bows and therefore can translate more of the archer's strength into range and damage. Bows require two hands to fire and a good amount of practice in order to hit a target. Therefore, the longbow is considered a martial weapon. You may not use a longbow while mounted, however you may use a composite longbow from the back of a mount.[8]

History[]

The longbow seems to have been invented by the elves.[9]

Varieties[]

Aquatic longbow
A weapon favored by the aquatic elves with a kelp string.[10]

Notable Users of Longbows[]

Individuals[]

Religions[]

  • The Oerthian nature goddess Ehlonna was known to favor longbows.[12]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Video Games
Warriors of Waterdeep
Card Games
Magic: The Gathering (AFR)

Gallery[]

External Links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
  2. Gary Gygax (1978). Players Handbook 1st edition. (TSR, Inc.), p. 35. ISBN 0-9356-9601-6.
  3. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 117. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  4. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 117. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  5. Magic: The Gathering (July 2021). AFR symbol AFR #203 "Ranger's Longbow", illus. Marcela Medeiros. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 118–119. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  7. Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 180. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  8. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 119. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  9. Steven E. Schend, Dale Donovan (September 1998). Empires of the Shining Sea. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-7869-1237-5.
  10. Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 157. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  11. Ludia (May 2019). Designed by Stephen David Wark, et al. Warriors of Waterdeep. Ludia.
  12. Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 107. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
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