Countering archers and bows?

[corwyn]

Originally Posted by gruundehn

Question about the setting. If you are running a swashbuckler, why are you facing archers? Historically the swashbuckler came into being as firearms reduced the usefulness of armor, so a pointy stick was more effective against an opponent. Your ranged opponents should be firing muskets or something similar - firing two or three times a minute - 60 rounds. Plenty of time to go at them and force them to flee, leaving their weapons behind or to force them to fight with melee weapons to your advantage.

Because many campaigns are not historical.