[PnP] Elf Shot questions

[Scott Adams]

At 02:18 AM 5/6/08, you wrote:
>Lets see if I understand this
>Cast once to dedicate bow but at cost=10 mana
>Cast once for each arrow dedicated cost=5 or 2 mana
>Then cast to actually fire the arrow at cost=bmc+2*el?
>
>Then its cast spell, on phase spell completes shoot arrow?
>
>oh well, shoot and fire rules would work ok for a fast caster, so may 
>work out.
>The limitations on target HP and doing damage through armor greatly 
>restrict its use

You have a good grasp on it now.  The nice thing about this spell is each GM can tweak it to their own version.  What makes pnp so great compared to that other game with dungeons in it.  

I've played that the Bow has to be an Elf Bow.  Regular bows wouldn't work.  But in other games and other times I've used any bows.  Also I've done like others had players make the arrows but not the bow from virgin materials.  Mostly though over the 25 years its been regular bow, no need to make them.  I've also used the limit on number of arrows.  This is so a castle can't have 200 arrows dedicated for it to use against raiders.  A GM can tweak it by putting a limit on how long the dedication lasts for the bow and arrows. Maybe something like (EL+1)x2 months or something.  Arrows maybe half that.  Its all easy to tweak.  
        Basically once the bow and arrows are made and dedicated they can be used in any future combat.  Doing this stuff in combat would tend to be a waste as by th etime its done the combat is over.  
        I've always done it that the arrow must HIT and score damage for the arrow to be effective magic wise.  If 1 or more hp is done then the magic releases and does its thing.  If not and its stuck in the armor or shield then magic is there.  But the arrow could break either way.  Success rolls are made for to-hit and for magic (ie arrow ).  Its possible to score damage and no magic effect (high MDV).  
        I've seen some players argue that only Elfs can use this spell.  I've seen them argue that certain races can only be affected (ie humans only or Faerry only).  

        Fatal spear I've only GMed or used maybe 2-3 times over the decades.  Elf-Shot is more a capture spell than a offensive one like your Botl example shows.  LB is for damage for sure.  Elf-shot is for the friendly player who wishes to only stun the cannon fodder guards.
        In sniper action its good for bodyguards since most wizards would just sluff it off.  

PS if you like sniper action look  at Archery Powers.  I invented the spells after playing Diablo. :) Thsoe spells would benefit a sniper better than elf-shot.  Who needs line of sight. :)