Quote:
Originally Posted by Molokh
However, what about the games with normal point ranges (100-150 or below)? What are the roles of archers in those parties, especially given that learning Bow is a lifetime investment?
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1) A bowman can ambush and strike from a distance. It is a *very* useful addition to most parties from both a strategic and tactic perspective, even if melee weapons deal more damage and hit more easily.
2) Bodkin arrows. The only easy way to reduce DR in low-powered, pseudo-realistic games.
3) All-out aimed attacks on vulnerable locations, especially against huge monsters or heavily armored knights.
4) Being a bowman is very cheap compared to a swordsman: a single skill to improve, ST and HT are less important, equipment is cheap.
5) If you stay 10 yards out of the fight, you'll probably avoid capture, watch the horses, protect the One Ring, even if the fight goes badly. This can be very useful for the party.
Bowmen DO kill less foes than melee fighters, but playing them can be both useful and fun!