Let the Arrows Fly

Barrada Kor · Post by **Barrada Kor** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:22 am

Would appreciate a bit of advice on arrows just to check that I understand the different types correctly.

Once you get to the city of Baldur's Gate and you have a fair bit of cash there is a good choice of arrows to buy, however I guess I have always assumed how they work rather than knowing for certain.

So am I right in thinking arrows which are +1/+2 have more chance of hitting but do less damage than the other arrows such as Acid or Flame which do additional damage but have no "+'s" to hit?

And once you have lots of cash the Piercing arrows are probably the best all round arrow?

Any advice appreciated.
Thx

mr_sir · Post by **mr_sir** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:58 am

Some creatures are immune to normal weapons. +1 and +2 arrows are classed as magical weapons and can hit these creatures (as long as the creature is not immune to +1 weapons too, in which case only +2 will work)

wise grimwald · Post by **wise grimwald** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:23 am

Which arrows are best depends on whom you are fighting. If you are fighting a mage, poison arrows are best because they disrupt spellcasting. If fighting a foe who is immune to fire, then clearly arrows of fire are little better than ordinary arrows and similarly with arrows of ice. I am not sure if +1 and +2 arrows make it easier to hit or just do more damage. However what Mr. Sir says is certainly correct. In SoA you will find that certain foes need fire to kill them. Read the hints that appear from time to time in that game for further info.

mr_sir · Post by **mr_sir** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:50 am

wise grimwald wrote:I am not sure if +1 and +2 arrows make it easier to hit or just do more damage.

IIRC +1 and +2 arrows have thac0 of +1 and +2 respectively so they have a slightly better chance to hit. Ultimately though, the main factor in how often you hit will be the type of bow (magical bows are generally the best, then composite longbows, then bows, then short bows) and the character's proficiencies (and thac0). For example, +2 thac0 will not make much difference if your character has low dexterity and is not proficient with a shortbow yet is equipped with a normal shortbow - you will still find yourself missing the majority of the time, even with +2 arrows.

wise grimwald · Post by **wise grimwald** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:33 am

mr_sir wrote:IIRC +1 and +2 arrows have thac0 of +1 and +2 respectively so they have a slightly better chance to hit. Ultimately though, the main factor in how often you hit will be the type of bow (magical bows are generally the best, then composite longbows, then bows, then short bows) and the character's proficiencies (and thac0). For example, +2 thac0 will not make much difference if your character has low dexterity and is not proficient with a shortbow yet is equipped with a normal shortbow - you will still find yourself missing the majority of the time, even with +2 arrows.

From your answer, I have deduced that for a ranged attack, Kiel's Buckler should be given to the Cleric and the Bracers of Dexterity to a fighter with Low Dexterity. However, I am wondering whether the Long Bow of Marksmanship and Bracers of Archery are best used in the hands of an expert or in the hands of a character with low stats.

Barrada Kor · Post by **Barrada Kor** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:41 am

Thanks folks

Nice to know that what I have assumed for some years is more or less the correct action. I tend to have Kivan or Minsc improved proficency for Bow shot then give them Braclets of archery and Bow of marksmanship.

And Thx for reminding me about the point about attacking mages and disrupting spell casting with acid arrows and melf's acid arrow spell.