Composite vs regular longbow?

I'm trying to figure out what the differences are between composite and regular longbows. In the game manual the composite longbow has a slightly longer range, but this seems not to be the case according to the item's description. Also, what does the STR number in the item name mean?

Finally, who sells repeating crossbows? I haven't seen a single one yet.

-Mike

 

Composite longbows add STR to the damage roll. I haven't found a composite longbow yet, but in 3.5 RAW, you have to have a STR bonus high enough to use a composite longbow. The STR number probably refers to the bow's potential. A composite longbow with a +2 STR rating means you have to have at least a +2 STR bonus to use it, and it will add up to 2 points to your damage roll, even if your STR bonus is higher than +2. Without the minimum STR requirement I believe you take a -4 to attack rolls with the bow (watch out for ability drain effects!)

 

You can buy composite bows from the cabinet maker after you finish the deklo wood quest for the woodcutter. AFAIK no one sells repeating crossbows, but there are at least two you can pick up in the game: Wonnilon had one until Scorpp stole it, and you can get Iolo's Joy, a magic repeater from a random encounter (but that might be a DH only thing and not implemented in 5.5.)

 

Brother Smyth sells masterwork repeating crossbows. I bought one on my last run through from him.

I wouldn't bother looking for it unless you are at the very least, 17th+ level.

 

Iolo's Joy is Gwenno's weapon and is a DH encounter.

 

I really hope the new release will have the DH add on as an OPTION at least- the ultimate reward for that made travel so much better... and it was FUN- even with a Paladin.

 

What is an DH encounter?!?

 

DH refers to Shiningted's Desperate Housewives mod which is currently no longer available for the 5.5.x series.

 

Pretty sure the ultimate goal is to have Desperate Housewives as an optional Add-on Pack for the Co8 6.0 release.

 

Kewlness- I liked Desperate Housewives, the MOD very much.

 

The tailor will sometimes give you a repeating crossbow.
I think it depends how you solve his quest.
Or possibly your alignment.

 

Thanks guys! It's too late in the game to worry about repeating crossbows. Maybe in my next game.

-Mike

 

I actually don't know why it would require an add-on pack. It seemed to me that @ted had the right solution back in 5.0.0: the player may choose to talk to Elmo's mom or not. Plain and simple.

 

Is there any chance of this Desperate Housewives mod being reactivated? I assumed all mods were included in the NC Pack and spent a while trying to get Elmo's mom to talk, only to realise it was removed. Shame, a good Ultima reference is always appreciated.