I love these topics!
Allow me to determine the best bow (well the most damaging at least):
Assuming grandmastery patch is installed:
lvl 9 archer with Tuigan = 5*(1+3+5+(1D6)) = 50-75, average = 62.5
lvl 9 archer with Strongarm = 4*(3+3+5+(1D6)) = 48-68, average = 58
lvl 9 archer with Gesen = 4*(2+3+5+(1D6)+(1D8)) = 48-96, average = 72
lvl 15 archer with Tuigan = 5*(1+5+5+(1D6)) = 60-85, average = 72.5
lvl 15 archer with Strongarm = 4.5*(3+5+5+(1D6)) = 63-85.5, average = 74.25
lvl 15 archer with Gesen = 4.5*(2+5+5+(1D6)+(1D8)) = 63-117, average = 90
lvl 34 archer with Tuigan = 5*(1+9+5+(1D6)) = 80-105, average = 92.5
lvl 34 archer with Strongarm = 4.5*(3+9+5+(1D6)) = 81-103.5, average = 92.3
lvl 34 archer with Gesen = 4.5*(2+9+5+(1D6)+(1D8)) = 81-135, average = 108
lvl 7-12 fighter with Tuigan = 5*(1+5+(1D6)) = 35-60, average = 47.5
lvl 7-12 fighter with Strongarm = 4*(3+5+(1D6)) = 36-56, average = 46
lvl 7-12 fighter with Gesen = 4*(2+5+(1D6)+(1D8)) = 36-84, average = 60
lvl 13+ fighter with Tuigan = 5*(1+5+(1D6)) = 35-60, average = 47.5
lvl 13+ fighter with Strongarm = 4.5*(3+5+(1D6)) = 40-63, average = 51.75
lvl 13+ fighter with Gesen = 4.5*(2+5+(1D6)+(1D8)) = 40-94, average = 67.5
How things were calculated:
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The first number corresponds to the number of attacks per round. The next represents the damage bonus dealt by the bow, followed by archer bonuses, proficiency bonuses and finally the damage range of the projectile. In the fighters case, there are no archer kit bonuses, so only the bow and proficiency points count.
It looks pretty conclusive, that the Gesen bow owns all! However, this is *only* the case when using ammo. The 2 piercing damage is still applied when normal arrows are used, giving the bow a hearty 1D6+2 piercing, +1D8 electrical damage with each hit. As six said, combining acid arrows with this combo gives an awesome 1D6+2, +2D6 acid, +1D8 electrical + archer bonuses + proficiency bonuses (and even a further +2 from using various gauntlets) with every hit! If ammo isnt used with the Gesen, the damage is pretty lame and the projectiles travel sooooooo slowly.
Further to note, you wont be level 7 when you get the Gesen bow, and probably not even level 15. In fact, if you're soloing, you're likely to have hit the XP cap long before! This leaves you to choose between the Tuigan bow and Strongarm in the meantime.
While the archer is sub level 13, the extra attack is significant, and the archers (and only barely the fighters) maximum damage per round is achieved using this bow. However, once you start getting past level 13, the Tuigan effectively loses a 1/2 attack per round advantage over the Strongarm, and Strongarm becomes the better choice for both archers and fighters. Only at the very higher levels, when the archer has massive kit bonuses, does the extra 1/2 attack from Tuigan shine through and retake the crown. This is why archers should really be grandmastery in both long and short bows so they can stay at their peak at all times. I left the Heartseeker and the Ripper out of this contest since they would lose out when it comes to damage. Only the +3 bonus of the strongarm allows it to compete with these giants.
On a side note:
Quote:
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Besides Magic Missile, Skull Trap and ADHW, what other spell(s) deals Magic Damage?
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Here are the ones AFAIK deal magic damage (i've included arcane and divine)
Magic Stone
Holy Smite
Unholy Blight
Cause X wounds/harm
Chromatic Orb
Larloch's Minor Drain
Vamparic Touch
slay living provided the save is successful
Bolt of Glory (not sure but probably magic damage)
Finger of Death provided the save is successful
Sunray
Prismatic Spray