In the standard Classic D&D rules (in the RC version, at least) all attacks with a bow do 1d6 points of damage. I wanted to add a little variety for characters who use bows heavily, as well as give the DM some options to use with NPCs and monsters who make use of archery in combat, so here's a collection of new arrows I devised to give your archers a little more flexibility. Enjoy.
Bone Tipped Arrow : 1d4 damage
Used mostly by primitive cultures, including those of humanoids like Goblins and Kobolds, this arrow costs of a 3 or 4 inch
long sliver of bone strapped to the end of the arrow's shaft. It's
ineffective against any armor heavy than studded leather, causing
armored opponents to simply ignore the attack, unless the archer takes
a -4 called shot penalty to his attack roll to aim for an unprotected part of the
body (if any, DM's discretion).
Cost : 1cp each
Stone Tipped Arrow: 1d6-1 damage
Also used mainly by primitve peoples, this arrow is fitted with a
head made of stone chipped into a suitable shape. The major improvement
from bone arrows is that this variety can be effective against heavier
armors.
Cost : 2cp
Sheaf Arrow : 1d6+1 damage, -1 to hit
A thicker shaft and heavier head reduce the accuracy of this arrow, but give it a higher damage potential than the standard arrow.
Cost : 1sp
Standard (or "Bundle") Arrow : normal arrow stats
Called bundle arrows because they are easily made and usually sold
in large bundles, where the rest are custom made and sold in lots of 1,
2, 4 or rarely 6.
Cost : 5gp for 20
Whistling (or Screaming) Arrow : normal
Forces a moral check against creatures with wis of 10 or lower
carved channels in the shaft caused the arrow to spin on its horizontal
axis, creating a high pitched screaming sound easily heard up to 1000
yards away
Cost : 5sp
Flare (or Flame) Arrow : normal
Causes additional 1d4 points fire damage if target fails a save vs. breath. Often
used in the field by rangers and soldiers by shooting them straight up,
hence the flare name.
Cost : 1gp
Stinger (Ceramic Hollow Tipped) Arrow : -2 damage, -20 range increment due to weight
May be filled acid or poison that is released on impact. these
arrows shatter on impact and cannot be reused.
Cost : 1pp (does not include cost of acid or poison if used)
Frog Crotch Arrow : Not effective as a weapon, -4 to hit (generally against AC 10, but DM's discretion applies)
Succesful hit allows the archer to cut ropes and cords. Used often
by recon type rangers and archers involved in seige situations. The
name is taken from the old 1E Oriental Adventures book, so don't blame
me if it sounds a bit crude. The name is derived from the shape of the
head, sort of a rounded v with the open end facing forward and
sharpened along the inside edges, the arrow catches the rope and severs
it.
Cost : 1gp
More to come as I think of them. If you have any suggestions, please email them to me.
