are Bows enhanced by Two-Handed Weapon Style?

[WrathTalon]

Hi folks,

I'm wondering whether ranged/missile weapons are enhanced by any of the four possible fighting "styles".

For example, do bows or crossbows benefit from "Two-Handed Weapon Style"? Do slings benefit from "Single Weapon Style" or "Sword and Shield Style" (depending on whether the character is holding a shield along with the sling)? Etc.

I'm guessing that the Styles only give bonuses to melee combat, not ranged—but I don't think the manual or game ever makes this clear.

Also, what is the penalty for using a ranged weapon when in close (melee) range? And does anybody know how close that actually is? I mean, if I have a paladin whacking a monster with his sword, and my elf ranger is standing right behind the paladin, shooting the monster, is that far enough away?

Thanks in advance!

[galraen]

The only thing I can say for sure right now is that single-weapon style doesn't count for darts, so presumably not slings either, and by extension, any other style for ranged weapons

[Ares2382]

I don't remember there being a penalty to your THACO when you're up close using a bow, I think the penalty is to your AC (or is it a bonus to your attacker's THACO) if he's engaged in melee with your archer.

[CFM]

I'm wondering whether ranged/missile weapons are enhanced by any of the four possible fighting "styles".

For example, do bows or crossbows benefit from "Two-Handed Weapon Style"? Do slings benefit from "Single Weapon Style" or "Sword and Shield Style" (depending on whether the character is holding a shield along with the sling)? Etc.

I'm guessing that the Styles only give bonuses to melee combat, not ranged—but I don't think the manual or game ever makes this clear.

I've read somewheres on these forums that ranged combat does NOT benefit from the various weapon styles, in any way.

Also, what is the penalty for using a ranged weapon when in close (melee) range? And does anybody know how close that actually is? I mean, if I have a paladin whacking a monster with his sword, and my elf ranger is standing right behind the paladin, shooting the monster, is that far enough away?

I also thought I've read that, when attacked by an opponent using a melee weapon, you receive an -8 THAC0 penalty while using a ranged weapon. Measured range is otherwise not used.

[Thrifalas]

IIRC, the game hints that you get a 4 AC penalty when in melee combat with something.

[WrathTalon]

Ah, great. Thanks very much folks.