Archery Question

GWC Community GWC Hive Mind
#1

Here’s is a question for the archery geeks out there, what is the major difference between a longbow, shortboxw crossbow and a compound bow. (pros and cons).

The main reason I’m asking is because I’m creating a character that has archery as one of their main skills. Yes, it’s a vampire character again for a MUSH i play (Toronto by Night) and it’s set in a modern city (Toronto).

Now, for a character to be into archery, what would be more feasible to have in a modern city environment. If you did archery as a hobby, I assume you can specialise in longbows, compound bows,etc…Also which is the oldest form, because if a vampire is that old, then they are going to be more versed in the older forms. I’m rambling, but I’m interested to what some of you might say.

#2

Shortbow: oldest fairly easy to conceal compared not very strong would not rec
Longbow: next oldest p. Damn big great accuracy and range
COMPOSITE*: A bow made of more than one material can be any style the standard now a days
Recurve Bow: looks kinda like a 3 in that it bends forwards and back more power for size usually composite would rec
Crossbow: A gun that shoots arrows great penetration but would not rec for a vampire.

Go recurve composite and say it’s pull weight is freaking absurd for a human like 500 pounds because you’re a vampire and have super strength and can handle it

#3

In a city environment I would recommend a pistol crossbow as it’s the only weapon in this class that is any way concealable. It’s a modern twist on an old idea and would suit a modern vampire who perhaps used heavy crossbows back in the day.

Here’s a pic

#4

Compound bows are the modern ones with pulleys on the end. Very powerfull.

Longbows are roughly man sized. They take a lot of strength and practice to use effectively. English archers had distinctive changes in thier skeletons.

#5

well i live in the city and mine is a compound bow, but its pretty much cause i learned it for hunting back in my home town. although i’m an admittedly barely passable hunter. but its not like i could just go around town with bow in hand and not have the cops shoot me dead like dickens.

but than again if your creating fiction really do whatever you think is cooler, but trust me a long bow is not fun… there is a reason that people who use bows to do more than just shoot targets generally use compound. cause its more powerfull and easier on the arm, greater acuraccy,

but like i said its fiction so whever you imagination can come up with right?

#6

You’re right of course I was thinking of COMPOSITE bows

and I got it right later in the post. Weird.

You gotta remember, dude’s a vampire though. The pull weight isn’t an issue if you have super strength you know?

#7

Alternately, you could have a different weapon that produced similar results. E.g., an air rifle or pistol that was fitted with a quarrel. Or maybe a stake-cane (c.f. sword canes.) Perhaps a walking stick that was a covert Atlatl.

#8

An Atlatl? Really? Lol.

#9

I must admit, I had to look that up.

#10

flexes non-existant geek muscles

#11

BishopMontanha, I’m definitely not trying to tell you what to do with your character. But, I’m unsure how anyone could keep a powerful bow, even a collapsible one, hidden even with a trench coat. I like the idea though so much that I might consider it on a future character myself. But, seems like you can have options of hide-able and weak, not hide-able and strong, cumbersome and strong, etc. Am I mostly correct on this after reading various responses?

If this game is in urban environment, then wouldn’t a vampire evolving from archery to guns be more likely? Even at night?

I must my bias as I’ve made WoD characters specializing in swords (katana) or hand-to-hand with guns as backup.

I’m just trying to help. I do like the idea as I’ve said.

#12

A vampire might be able to avoid the detection of a weapon a few different ways-

  1. Traveling along rooftops or via the sewer system. An or having stashes of weaponry hidden throughout his turf.

  2. Obfuscation and or meddling with humans minds, so as they do not notice it. This obviously would not work on security cameras but what the Hell…

  3. He conjures his weapons using a form of Blood Magic or Flesh Modding.

#13

Ok then. Thanks. I haven’t read this stuff in a long while. I stand corrected.

#14

This is based on my knowledge of Vampire the Masquerade, the gaming system he is using my be different.

#15

IMHO, archery weapons are much more graceful to shoot and can have much lore behing it. Much better than a dirty, noisy gun. I like the idea of a vampire embracing modern technology with old world weaponry.

For old world, I prefer a composite bow (bows where the limbs are fabricated a multiple material). They can be extremely ornate, beautiful and quite powerfull. They can be fairly small, a good attribute if you want to conceal it.

For modern, I like the compound bow (the one with the wheels on it, like Rambo’s). Powerfull, yet light and manageable size-wise. I think that an automatic deploy and retractable compound bow would be really neat in a modern vampire setting. Ultimate concealment, stealth and power.

In an urban setting though, I have to echo Shimmer’s comment. A pistol crossbow may be more appropriate.

Good luck!

#16

You know what’d be sick? A bow made of 2 leafspring. Vamp could pull it too.

Also if comics and movies have told me anything, a bow can fold in half and then extended all cool style maybe with a spin if you want some flare.

#17

This is why I love you guys - You have an argument based on the merits of a fictional character and weaponary. I’ve decided to go with the Compound as a main weapon, it jsut seems so nice. I did have a look at google images for composite and they do look nice :).

As for funs, I like to be different, although by saying that I’m probably conforming to the whole ‘Being different’ crowd. Plus it fits in with my character that I have in mind.

#18

Geeks can argue about anything. And usually will.

#19

Confirmed. Though I do miss the old Enterprise vs. Star Destroyer flame war occasionally. d:

#20

I wonder if certain parts of a bow could be made out of bone?:eek:

That would be cool…