Melee Bow?

[Gwazi Magnum]

Is there a way to use a bow as an effective melee weapon so the archer doesn't need to swap between the bow and another weapon when enemies get too close?

[Agent 451]

Yes. Elvencraft bows let you use them as either quarterstaffs or clubs.

[Deadline]

Elvencraft Bow, pg. 166 Races of the Wild. It's a bow that has been reinforced and can be used as a club (shortbow) or a quarterstaff (longbow).

Any weapon enhancements have to be added separately for the ranged or melee capabilities though.

[JusticeZero]

I believe there are also feats/class abilities that allow one to use a bow without creating an AoO, which would have the effect you are looking for as well.

[Gwazi Magnum]

Yes. Elvencraft bows let you use them as either quarterstaffs or clubs.


Elvencraft Bow, pg. 166 Races of the Wild. It's a bow that has been reinforced and can be used as a club (shortbow) or a quarterstaff (longbow).

Any weapon enhancements have to be added separately for the ranged or melee capabilities though.

Thanks, do I add the enhancements seperately in terms of cost though?

Such as 2000 for +1 in melee and 2000 for +1 in ranged? Or will I need to pay the 8k to divide the enhancements?

[Waker]

Second level of Order of the Bow Initiate gives you Close Quarters Shot.

[Agent 451]

There's also the Yuan-Ti Serpent Bow in Secrets of Xen'Drik, page 136-137.

It's treated as a double weapon for masterwork and enhancement costs.

[eggynack]

How about the swordbow on page 61 of the MIC.

[Darrin]

How about the swordbow on page 61 of the MIC.

All of the MIC options (there's about three different types of swordbows in there) cost an action to switch. An elvencraft bow doesn't require any action to thwack someone who gets to close.

[Agent 451]

Thanks, do I add the enhancements seperately in terms of cost though?

Yes, you pay for them separately, like with double weapons.

[NeoPhoenix0]

My favorite part is on a full attack you can go quarterstaff with first hit then longbow on the second hit with an elvencraft longbow.

[Agent 451]

Yeah, the Yuan-Ti Serpent Bow lets you mix melee and ranged attacks within the same round as well. :smallwink: