Bow ?

[joe05]

... I would put "stupid" in the title, but only spoiler is required

I have a few questions.
Installed the Suran Archery Tradehouse ... so the Bows in question are
those offered from those sellers
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Did not like my other build ... as DW mentioned before" she likes to design a character and thus use the appropriate skills"
Well, my Thief/Scout was more like a tank = not realistic
So, I've opted for the "Hood look" ... light armor = I have to be careful
But, it brought to my attention a "bow issue" ?

I did a do-over
Custom made a Thief-Scout ... Major: Marksmanship, Spear, Light Armor, Security, Sneak ... Minor Athletics, Alteration, Illusion, Mysticsm, Restoration
Pumping up STR via Armorer skill buys.

We're doing better, BUT.............>
I can't get the hang of using Bows

What I have observed, maybe I'm imagining it, is: "bows don't shoot true/straight" ?

I bought the "Dragonslayer" ... looks like the best bow offered .. 4-45 damage/1400 condition/14.5lbs/$7450
But, it seems I have to aim at, say, 3-o'clock to hit where the reticle/crosshair is.
It took me 10 point blank shots to hit a rat chewing on my legs ?
Plus the repair cost is high

So, I bought a good, but cheaper bow ... can't remember the name 3-30 damage/1600 condition/9lbs/$900
Seems I have to aim at around 2-o'clock ?

Then I bought the cheapest Longbow ... 1-20 damage/500 condition/?lbs/$500
It looks basically like a steal bow with a cloth grip.
Now, I only had to aim at about 1-o'clock ?
(... some numbers may be off a bit)

Also as the creatures got close, point blank shots went throught them(... tough to switch weapons asap = I just kept shooting)
Alit/Hounds = seems I need to shoot over their spine to record a hit(... at point blank range)

So I'm confused; as usual

I will add a radius when I up my Enchant ... when the enemies get really tough
I added the Witchgirl mod = I have to now watch how big a radius I use + my aiming issue

Am I imagining the aiming issue ?

Here are my questions............>
1) Do the bigger bows shoot less true/straight ?
I do know that the skinny cheap bow is more accurate than the Dragonslayer = used both running around Seyda Neen and my ratio of hits was much higher with the cheap Longbow (... even nailed a few Slaughterfish) ?

2) Which bows offer more enchanting points(... one site FAQ noted a lesser bow offered more points than a Deadric bow)

3) What radius is best(... using a companion mod)

The Suran Archery Tradehouse has such a huge selection, I can't figure which to buy/use ?
If they all shoot the same(... when aiming), then I guess the selection is purely cosmetic or what you can afford ... I need firepower because I can't run + gun

Wondering if my observation are accurate ?

We have any snipers here

Thanks for the help ...I like the bow, but I can see big problems later if I have problems with my ranged weapon

[galraen]

1. I don't think the type of bow matters, although I haven't used that mod. What can make a diffrence is the size and location of the creature's collision detector (cd). The cd of a creature is not the whole body, but a small box inside the body (that's a technically flawed description but adequate for this). This means the target zone isn't necessarily where you might think it is, and varies from creature to creature, but is consistent for each creature type, so figure out the target zone for one mud crab, and you've figured it out for all. I've usually found that if I imagine the target creature to be framed in a box, if I get most success if I aim at the top right corner. Another quirk is that the offset seems to vary depending on the height of the PC, I recall struggling like heck when I started playing a dwarf after playing extensively with an Altmer. For humanoids I've found the best point of aim is just above their left shoulder (if they're facing you), or one o'clock as you put it).

2. It doesn't really matter, there's very few enchantments worth using on a bow, the best CE you can get is Fortify Marksman and that comes free with a bound bow. The only enchantment I usually bother with is Bound Bow, usually on a Bonemold Longbow. Damage enchantments on bows don't do anything.

3. I don't understand the question.

[dragon wench]

I'm about to crawl into bed, so this will be fairly brief

Basically, a few things I have found about archery..

1. It is one of those skills that is *really* worth finding a trainer for, because it takes a long time to improve. Try to get your Marksman to 50 or better, you should begin finding it makes a difference.

2. This is a dumb question, but do you have your crosshair visible? (check your options area to find out) If you don't have it turned on, I'd suggest doing so.

3. The best way to aim, in my experience is just slightly above the centre of your target.

4. Now this might be just me, others may differ in their experience, but I generally find that silver arrows seem to shoot straighter than iron, steel, corkbulb and chitin. Indeed, when it comes to the more mundane ammunition, they are my arrow of choice.

[Legend]

I only use Area Effect arrows, so even a slightly off balance shot does damage. They are quite expensive, but money isn't really a problem in Morrowind. Never leave home without them.

[joe05]

Galraen - on the #3 ? ... well, you answered it :-(
If I can't add damage, then no Absorb Health and no radius.
This is not good.
Better buy Bound Bow spell ... guess it is better than nothing


DW - yeah, it's late
Silver arrows ... Got it !
Never a dumb question where I'm concerned = yes, the crosshairs are on ... I wouldn't hit a thing without them ... like playing a FPS using iron sights = not possible

Legend - bought some, but the seller does not resell them ?
So, I've been saving the ones I bought early on ... in fact, he doesn't even resell iron arrows

Well, we practiced all night.
I see the "hit box" correlation per enemy.
I still find it much easier to aim the $50 Long Bow vs the $7450 Dragonslayer ?
I nailed 6 Netch in a row ... 3 Betty's took 4 arrows each
I equipped the Dragonslayer, and "died" ... missed the "hit box"
Maybe the better the bow, the higher the skill level for competency ? ... I believe I'm around 41
With the cheap bow = they rarely get to me
With the Dragonslayer = they often get to me

Thanks for the tips.
When I get enough $, I'll practice with the Dragonslayer ... maybe my aim was off = I used it first, before I noticed the "box"
When these arrows run out, I'm going to load up on Silver

I guess as per Galraen's spell instructions(... what works on which enemy), I now have to find the "box" per enemy with a bow
I did notice humans tend to be at about 1 or upper right ... crawling/running creatures at the spine ... Netch bottom half
It's when they get very close, the "box" seems to disappear = I guess I need range for the flat trajectory

[Legend]

Well, i forgot to mention one tiny detail, the Area Effect arrows are to my knowledge only available in the Vivec fletchershop, which is an official Bethesda plugin. I have never seen them in any other weapon or merchantshop, so you definitely want to get that one if archery is your thing. Not only can you buy all the best arrows in bulk, the shopowner also provides training and has a Daedric Longbow for sale.

[galraen]

Using bows when the opponent is in melee range isn't a good idea. I suggest you tie your favourite melee weapon to a hot key.

[joe05]

Legend - I was going to install it in a previous build, but in the description
it noted I have a newer version(...game installed) and there might be compatibility issues ?
Plus, on the download page some posts noted potential conflicts with other "archer/ranger" mods ?
Unless I'm sure it will work, I'd rather play it safe ... don't want to do another "do-over"
I already have Suran Archery Tradeshop installed + my version is PC-GOTY edition(1.618.20).

Galrean - trust me, not my intention
The ol' manual dexterity problem.
I have all my hotkeys shifted to the "right".
My problem is, I need two hands to use the mouse = if I let them get too close, I occasionally miss stabbing(...pen in left hand) the "switch weapons" hotkey + then I need to backpedal and spear = gets a little dicey

I bought the Bonemold bow = did not miss all morning ... nice to hit where you're aiming
Loaded up on Silver arrows as per DW's tip.
Bought Bound Longbow.

Stole all night ... up to $450,0000
Thanks to my "Special Friend".

Bought a few houses(Seyda Neen/Balmora) = might as well spend some $.
Now I can practice/bow and buy some furniture

Then add my MW family + Witchgirl.

BTW, where is the Ald-ruhn "house for sale".
Suppose to be behind Morgana's house = nope
In fact, on one side the house looks to have 2 shells ?
The other side, one shell.
Did the modder overlap houses = did I waste $120,000
I walked round-round etc, no other door or sale notice.
Is it a trick = I have to open the lock
I also noticed this at Hla Oad = no house behind the one noted on the map ?

Now, I need someone to give me $1,000,000
Found the Ebonhart castle = oh yeah, we will save till we can afford it
Better level up and hit the shrines !

[BlueSky]

Hey Joe..
glad to see you posting again..

Strategy that my nephew uses....
gets within sight of enemy...conjures skeleton/scamp/ghost....
backs up a little, uses bow to attract attention and do a little damage
and while the enemy is attacking the conjure...he either cast spells or uses the bow to finish off...this might help with your style of playing...

keep up the good work...my current assassin is about done with main quest, ready for expansions and the few mods I have installed/although DW,(bless her soul) enticed me to download a Morag Tong mod she found...guess I'll be starting a new character or maybe if no conflicts install it on the current game....:laugh:

[Legend]

Joe, just install the file, if it gives any errors whatsoever, simply uncheck it in your datafiles, i have half a dozen unchecked mods in my datafiles, and as long as they remain unchecked, they won't harm the game in any way, it's a win win situation either way.

[joe05]

Blue Sky - I actually try to keep my posting to a minimum.
No quest related posts, only "how do I do this, what did I do wrong OR what works best" ... otherwise Fable would shoot me

What is the name of the Morag Tong mod ?

Did you complete the quest using a dagger ... future character will be Morag Tong + I may try a dagger ... but it has no "reach", so I doubt I'm good/smart enough to succeed
Yes, bless DW's soul !
I need to bless alot of peoples souls = so many great ideas ... without the help/tips, I know my character's name would be "ToeTag"

Smart nephew.
I may try it.
Never use Conjuration, but I need to spin days to sell goods for $ ... since all my Spell categories are in use(...Minor), and I don't want to level up too quickly(... did that last character), I kept Conjuration in MISC to cast, drain magicka, then rest ... see if Creeper has another $5,000

Time to remodel
Plus take my bows out for "target practice".

Bought Summon Skeleton this morning = you must be psychic

Legend - ok.
Worth a "shot" = pun intended
Better not blow up Witchgirl.
If not, how much is the Daedric Bow in that mod ... guess I could cheat it into my game
I'll just drop $ on the ground.

Wonder if it shoots straight ... these Big Longbows, like Dragonslayer seems to shoot slower + "pull right" more(... maybe just my imagination OR I need to get my Marksmanship higher)
Did notice the Dragonslayer(...Suran Archery mod) is a "bit" longer than the Bonemold bow.

Probably what I'll do since there is no Master Armorer.
Seems like Wayn charges 10X skill level to up Armorer ... figure to reduce it(... via console), train it up, then correct the skill level(...via console)
Drop $ at Wayn's feet.
I could just hammer away = bought a bunch in case I go that route ... luckily Saccus(sp?) replenishes his supply

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Oh, my "house for sale" issues are in relation to the Dave Humphrey's Furniture Mod.
If anyone knows why those houses(Hla Oad and Ald-ruhn) don't show, please explain ... I'm guessing they were put over existing cells ? ... I get no error message, so I believe I de-archived(...Fable's term) correctly
No biggie, 2 houses + I'm saving for my castle.

[BlueSky]

Fable doesn't shoot..he deletes well though....:laugh:

As for the mod, its called The Shrine of Mephala...going to save it till my next game. My weapon of choice for my assassin is an ebony short sword and the bonemold bow, I do have the area effects installed but only use a choice few of the arrows available. Also noticed the way arrows fly...try to keep it repaired as much as possible and there are certain spots for each enemy that are the "sweet" spots.
I don't use that much in the way of conjuring with this character, but a previous mage was very good..
ps I too have the witchgirl mod but not installed.
Let us know how it goes.

[Legend]

Joe, if i'm not mistaken the Daedric Longbow costs 50.000, but is fairly easy to steal if your sneak skills are somewhat improved. There's a guard in the shop, but he's all the way on the other end of the room, while the shopowner is standing behind the counter. The bow is hanging on the wall in the back of the shop. Jump on the counter and wait for the right moment, and the bow is yours for free.

[AmpaSand]

Even easier is this small quest to receive a dadric bow. [url="http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Morrowind:Vassir-Didanat_Ebony_Mine"]Link[/url] No actually skill needed just a bit of leg work. Plus you only need to enter the mine. Go to dram and choose bows.

[joe05]

Blue Sky - thanks.
Will download that mod.

Haven't got around to Withgirl; yet.
Though I think I know who she is.
I came across someone with a name that seems "Witchgirl-like"
Have not talked to many people, as I've spent two days remodeling/landscaping my two homes(...forget the castle = would take me a month)
Let's just say, I think I know why one house for sale isn't showing on my screen.

Trying to level up my character before starting in with Witchgirl = tnink she may steal my kills
Plus, no spinning days OR over leveling ... I'm taking this character on the "slow level up" route

Legend/Ampasand - I know of the mine and where Dram is located.
Will have to wait = not strong enough to fight through the mine
At $50G, I'm guessing repair will be costly = not sure how much more damage it does vs the Dragonslayer ... will have to locate a weapon FAQ
I'm doing well with the Bonemold bow = hate to give it up

Thanks for the help.
Done remodeling(... homes look cool; but it was a grind running back and forth with heavy loads ... plus, I thought the ring would help adjust stuff; nope ... I hate square objects = never aligned them perfectly) ... time to get my MW Family + "kill something"

[Legend]

You mean to tell me that you have your equipement repaired by others instead of buying a bunch of hammers and do it yourself? Hammers are free if you're in the fightersguild, not only do you save quite a few coins every time your gear needs repairing, you also keep improving one of your skills.

[AmpaSand]

As legend said just fix it yourself. But you mustn't have read the post properly. You only have to enter (load with you in) the mine just Going throught the door turning and exiting is enougth. You can do it at level 1 (althought it might be a ask to carry the weapons.....)

[dragon wench]

On repairs:
I rarely worry about the armorer's skill, I can think of others I'd rather develop. Those hammers are heavy to carry around and frankly, I've rarely been in a situation where I've really needed to do on the spot repairs. Besides.. as far as cost goes, it's not that expensive and accumulating cash in the game is hardly a challenge..

@Joe,
you don't have to worry about fighting your way through that mine. All you need to do is enter it and then step back out.. Bero only wants to know the location, he doesn't require you to clean out the beasties

What I would suggest though.. once you have the necessary items, create a constant effect bound bow on a belt or ring or something. It's basically weightless and you only have to re-equip it, rather than worrying about repairs.

[joe05]

Legend - yeah; we're not the brighest bulb in the socket"
Was using Armorer to up my STR via the multiplier ... will switch to Longblade to save some $
Tried hammering away(... skill level 25), but it took a bunch of hammers and my bow was still not completely repaired ... will carry more hammers tonight

Ampasand - just one of my many flaws
Will try and get to the mine then Dram tonight.

Have to find some toy weapons for my MW Family(... nice mod).
Can't remember where they were ... looked funny first time I saw them; thought I installed a mod incorrectly
May take hours running around ... hit so many spots via mage guild + slit rider trying to steal eveything, I can't really retrace my steps
Must keep the family happy

Then I have to get Witchgirl.
Worried she may steal my kills = like Diablo2 LoD ... race my companion to level up
Not sure of her abilities and attack method = so I'm waiting till I believe my character will dictate the battle ... don't want to rely on her to win a fight
Believe I can control her, but don't want her mad if I keep telling her to "not fight/stay put"

Great game = always something new to do
But, gets in the way of "me killing something" ... still haven't quested

I'm Hlaalu and Thieves.
Point noted on Fighters Guild ... next play-through

[joe05]

DW - thanks.
Will try the Bound Bow once I get the gem/soul + Enchant skill up.
Doing much better since I added the Bonemold Bow.

Added Witchgirl.
Now I have to figure out; "how to use her".

Your MW Family mod idea = excellent
Using Silver arrows !

Plus now I'm po'd ... I never looked for that uber robe in Solstheim mentioned by Mr_Sir or Galraen ?
I spent so much time in Vardenfell, poking in all holes, I decided to save Solstheim for this game = when it comes to "really" exploring
Figures, now I could really use that robe ... guess Witchgirl will have to wait till game 3

Everyone ... thanks for the help/tips
--------------
... thought it best to edit than create another post
Blue Sky wanted some info on the mod , so I'll give my cursory opionion after one night with Witchgirl.
Others can probably add/or correct me

1) She has high-max skills in her chosen build ... seems like a Breton, magic + weapon
2) Family quests included ... Family members included
3) Her own personal trainer ... train per category(Combat/Stealth/Magic) ... believe the trainer adds 1pt per skill in the category chosen(...$3,000 per training, as of now)
4) She can have "mood-swings"
5) Pathing problems ? ... make sure you see her right behind you when exiting a door .. lost her many times = "hey, wait for me" (... went back in and she was gone)
6) I don't see how to have her use magic or weapon ... inside, her magic will be "your own worst enemy" ... still looking over the dialogue options = don't see a choice on "how she should fight"
7) You have options on if "she fights" and/or "what to do if she gets injured" etc

Fable if you believe I gave too much away, just delete ... don't shoot me = I know you can use a bow

So Blue Sky, that's my take; so far.
Just basic info.
I'm sure your expertise will overcome any problems I have encountered
Excellent mod !
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I have to re-load ... some reason she is hunched over a bit with hands extended
Didn't tick her off = she talks to me nicely
I wanted her to dance while I was working on the house ... seems she won't leave that pose ... no idea why she's standing like that, as we just went through a few battles; nothing major happened