#ranged weapons

[lawfulgoodness]

I’m disappointed in the lack of paladins, but the bard makes up for it.

(link)

[duckwawia]

“…scary.”

[handbookerhelper]

...The most dangerous of ranged weapons

[nightly-sereine]

This is J4Y-D3!

I'm trying out some simpler styles and all I can say is it's so. Freaking. Hard to do. A friend of mine, and a darn good illustrator, said I should watch Adventure Time and work on that.

[heroineimages]

Ranged weapons

So that image of the sorceress with the crossbow reminds me of something I’ve meant to ask more experienced role-players about. When I’ve played D&D or Icewind Dale or Neverwinter Nights or even Dragon Age: Origins, I’ve always given my characters backup ranged weapons---regardless of class. Whether healer or spell-caster or tank or melee damage or what have you, I’ve always made sure to give them a bow, sling, crossbow, or throwing weapons, just in case they’re in a situation where they need to offer ranged support. Yet I’ve seen a lot of experienced rpers who don’t do this.

My very first 3.5 campaign, my rogue was the only one packing a bow and my brother’s barbarian had throwing axes. But none of the other players---all of them with years of experience---carried a ranged weapon. Watching Critical Role, I noticed that Nott was the only member of M9 who started with a ranged weapon, though Beauregard bought shurikens later. And though several of the others have ranged magic they can use, none carry any kind of ranged weaponry. Yasha, love her to death, seems to have no ranged capability at all.

So I have to ask, why do so many experienced players not bother to equip their characters with ranged weapons? Is it a roleplay thing, where people playing spell-casters assume their mage is only going to rely on their magic and shun plebeian weapons like crossbows, while people playing melee characters think their character has to go full-Spartan by considering it cowardly to fight at range? Can someone with more experience than me chime in on that? 

[sosthemortalcoil]

after an angel blade has manifested as something other than the default spear, can it change its shape again? and can it take the shape of ranged weaponry like bows and guns, or is it always a melee weapon? are they always "basic" weapons or can they be higher developed, like crossbows and chainsaws (is there a limit to how far it can be?)? is the shape of the angel blade a concioius choice, or does it adapt to the owners mind?

1. Technically, yes, but it’s extremely difficult to do so (I’ve talked in other posts about how at the start of book 2 you’ll be able upgrade/unlock new weapon choices)

2. Angel Blades are meant to be melee, for the most part. If you need a ranged attack, that’s why you have Grace.

3. I take exception to ‘basic’ weapons (but that’s just me). They are weapons refined for killing up close and personal. An angel would laugh at the idea of using a chainsaw; they aren’t weapons intended for killing (a single blow could cause the chain to come off and then you’re nowhere). Crossbows and the like fall under ranged weapon, see number 2.

4. It’s a conscious choice, but seeing as combat and weapon preference are personal, you might as well say it’s adapted to the mind of their wielder. Additionally, once an angel establishes a weapon choice it become harder and harder to change the shape of the Angel Blade; their mind and Grace defaults to the form selected, instinct more that conscious action.