Does Archery Apply to Thrown Weapons? Unraveling the Ranged vs. Thrown Weapon Debate
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The short answer is: it’s complicated. While the Archery Fighting Style in many role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, specifically benefits ranged weapons, the application to thrown weapons is not always straightforward. The confusion arises from the nuanced definitions of “ranged” and “thrown” and how specific game mechanics interpret these terms. Let’s delve into the specifics to clarify this often-debated topic.
The Core Issue: Ranged vs. Thrown
The primary source of confusion is the distinction between “ranged weapon” and a weapon with the “thrown” property.
Ranged Weapons Defined
Typically, a ranged weapon is one designed to project ammunition at a distance, such as bows, crossbows, firearms, and launchers. These weapons generally require ammunition to operate. In many game systems, Archery Fighting Styles are explicitly designed to enhance attacks with this class of weapons.
Thrown Weapons Defined
A weapon with the “thrown” property is a melee weapon that can also be hurled as a ranged attack. This category often includes daggers, handaxes, javelins, and spears. The critical distinction is that a thrown weapon remains a melee weapon even when used to make a ranged attack. In simpler terms, you’re using a melee weapon in a non-melee way.
The Archery Fighting Style and Ranged Attacks
The Archery Fighting Style, commonly found in games, often grants a bonus to attack rolls made with ranged weapons. The language of these features usually specifically mentions the term “ranged weapon,” creating the debate about whether thrown weapons benefit from them.
The Core Conflict: Mechanics and Interpretation
Here’s where the rules get tricky. The thrown property of a weapon allows a player to make a ranged attack, but it does not magically transform the weapon into a ranged weapon itself.
- The Thrown Property: As the rules clarify, the thrown property simply means you can throw the weapon to make a ranged attack.
- Ability Modifier: The ability modifier used to determine the attack roll and damage roll is the same modifier as used for a melee attack with that weapon, indicating its inherent nature.
- Ranged Attack vs. Ranged Weapon: You are making a ranged attack using a melee weapon. This distinction is paramount.
So, Does Archery Apply to Thrown Weapons?
This is where we see variation between game systems.
- Games with Clear Definitions: Some games, like D&D 5th Edition, are explicit. Archery does NOT apply to thrown weapons. This is because the Archery Fighting Style specifically says it applies to ranged weapons, and even though thrown weapons use a ranged attack, they are still considered melee weapons in terms of the rule text of Archery.
- Games with Looser Interpretations: Other systems might allow the Archery bonus to apply to thrown weapons if the text of the Archery feature specifies “ranged attack” or the game masters favor a more lenient interpretation. This is often a table-by-table decision.
- Context is Key: The rules of the specific game being played are paramount in determining if the Archery Fighting Style benefits thrown weapons.
What about Sharpshooter?
Interestingly, the Sharpshooter feat in D&D 5e is another element to consider. Thrown weapons do count as ranged weapon attacks with respect to the Sharpshooter feat. This is important because the feat does not give disadvantage for attacking at long range or with a ranged weapon and also ignores half and three quarter cover. The feat however does not allow the -5 to hit for +10 damage because it says with “ranged weapon” and not “ranged weapon attack”.
The High/Low Ground Bonus
While the specific Archery Fighting Style might not work for thrown weapons in certain games, they can receive benefits due to the circumstances of combat. Specifically, many games give a +2 to hit when attacking from a higher elevation, and a -2 to hit when attacking from a lower elevation. Thrown weapons, when used in a ranged attack, get these same modifiers as ranged weapons do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a ranged weapon?
A ranged weapon is a weapon designed to attack at a distance, typically using ammunition. Examples include bows, crossbows, firearms, and launchers.
2. What exactly is a thrown weapon?
A thrown weapon is a melee weapon with the thrown property, allowing it to be used for ranged attacks. Examples include daggers, handaxes, and javelins.
3. Does a thrown dagger count as a ranged weapon?
No, a thrown dagger is still considered a melee weapon even when used for a ranged attack. It possesses the thrown property, allowing it to be used as a ranged weapon attack, but is not a “ranged weapon” itself.
4. Can you use a bow as a melee weapon?
A bow is a ranged weapon, not a melee weapon. In most games, you can improvise an attack using a ranged weapon in melee, which usually results in lower damage and penalties. In D&D 5th edition this would be a 1d4 improvised weapon attack.
5. Can you throw a weapon without the thrown property?
Yes, many game systems allow you to throw a melee weapon that does not have the thrown property for reduced damage, usually something like 1d4 and possibly with an attack penalty for not being balanced. This is often considered an improvised attack.
6. Do thrown weapons have a lower range limit?
Typically, no. There is no lower range limit for a thrown attack. However, being in melee with a hostile creature gives you disadvantage on your attack roll.
7. What is the range increment of a thrown weapon?
A thrown weapon usually has a shorter range increment than a projectile weapon. The exact distance varies by game system, but usually a thrown weapon’s maximum range is around five range increments.
8. Can you cast booming blade on a thrown weapon?
Generally no. Booming Blade specifies that the attack has to be made with a melee weapon in melee and not as a thrown ranged weapon attack. Some game systems specifically do not allow casting this spell on thrown weapons.
9. Is a throwing axe considered a ranged weapon?
No, a throwing axe is a melee weapon with the thrown property. You make a ranged attack by throwing it, but it remains a melee weapon.
10. What is the oldest throwing weapon?
Archaeological evidence suggests that javelins and throwing sticks were among the earliest throwing weapons, dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
11. Do thrown weapons have disadvantages when you throw them?
If you are in melee range with an enemy that is not incapacitated, you have disadvantage on the attack roll when throwing the weapon at any target.
12. Can hunters use thrown weapons?
In some games, hunters might use thrown weapons as a secondary attack option or to pull mobs, especially if they don’t have a better ranged option.
13. Does the Archery bonus apply to thrown weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?
No, as in the tabletop version of D&D 5e, Baldur’s Gate 3 treats the Archery Fighting Style as applicable to ranged weapons and not thrown weapons.
14. Do firearms count as ranged weapons?
Yes, firearms are considered ranged weapons in many role-playing game systems and will work with features that affect ranged weapons, including the Archery Fighting Style.
15. What is the damage output of a thrown melee weapon?
When a weapon has the thrown property, you use the damage type of the weapon, and use the same attack and damage modifiers as if you were to use the weapon in melee. If a weapon does not have the thrown property, it would usually inflict a lesser 1d4 damage.
Conclusion
The interplay between ranged weapons and weapons with the thrown property is nuanced and often depends on the specific rules of the game you are playing. While some game systems might allow features like Archery Fighting Style to benefit thrown weapon attacks, most define the rule strictly that a weapon with the thrown property still remains a melee weapon, and the Archery benefit is only for ranged weapons. Always consult the core rule book for specific guidance and consult with your game master. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for strategic combat and effective character building.