Archer's Arm
Archer's Arms are weapons used by 
archers and 
bards. They consist of 2-handed bows.
| Item | Icon | Level | Item Level | Requirement | Damage (Type) | Materia Slots | Stats and Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augmented Hellhound Longbow | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 9 
|
0 | |
| Figment of the Forest | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 9
|
0 | |
| Hellhound Longbow | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 9
|
0 | |
| Nue Greatbow | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 9
|
0 | |
| Tarnished Makai Bow | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 9
|
0 | |
| Tropaios Bow | 
|
1 | 1 | BRD | 9
|
0 | |
| Weathered Shortbow | 
|
1 | 1 | ARC BRD | 8
|
0 | |
| Maple Shortbow | 
|
5 | 5 | ARC BRD | 11 12
|
0 | Dexterity +1 1 |
| Maple Longbow | 
|
8 | 8 | ARC BRD | 13 14
|
0 | Dexterity +2 2 |
| Plumed Maple Shortbow | 
|
10 | 10 | ARC BRD | 14 16
|
0 | Dexterity +2 2 Vitality +1 1 Direct Hit Rate +2 2 |
| Item | Icon | Level | Item Level | Requirement | Damage (Type) | Materia Slots | Stats and Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starseeker | 
|
13 | 13 | ARC BRD | 20
|
0 | Dexterity +2 Vitality +2 Critical Hit +3 Determination +3 |
| Wrapped Maple Longbow | 
|
13 | 13 | ARC BRD | 18 20
|
0 | Dexterity +2 2 Vitality +2 2 Determination +3 3 |
| Aetherial Ash Shortbow | 
|
15 | 15 | ARC BRD | 22
|
0 | Dexterity +3 Vitality +2 Random secondary attributes |
| Ash Shortbow | 
|
15 | 15 | ARC BRD | 20 22
|
2 (5) | Dexterity +3 3 Vitality +2 2 Skill Speed +3 3 |
| Plundered Shortbow | 
|
15 | 17 | ARC BRD | 24
|
0 | Dexterity +3 Vitality +3 Critical Hit +4 Determination +3 |
| Aetherial Elm Longbow | 
|
17 | 18 | ARC BRD | 26
|
0 | Dexterity +3 Vitality +3 Random secondary attributes |
| Elm Longbow | 
|
18 | 18 | ARC BRD | 23 26
|
2 (5) | Dexterity +3 3 Vitality +3 3 Determination +4 4 |
| Aetherial Elm Velocity Bow | 
|
20 | 21 | ARC BRD | 29
|
0 | Dexterity +4 Vitality +4 Random secondary attributes |
| Doctore's Armored Bow | 
|
20 | 22 | ARC BRD | 30
|
0 | Dexterity +4 Vitality +4 Critical Hit +4 Direct Hit Rate +5 |
Lore
While we cannot be certain when the first bows came into use, scholars of archaeology have discovered cave paintings they believe to date back to the First Astral Era showing parties of hunters firing arrow-like projectiles into packs of aurochs and elk. Though no examples of these weapons remain extant, clues as to their composition can be found in Allagan transcriptions of Second Astral Era holy texts, which reveal early bows were simple constructs of pliant wood such as yew or bamboo and a bowstring of hemp, silk, or sinew drawn taut from the notched tips of joined limbs.
As craftsmen became more skilled, however, the bow’s design grew more complex. Materials were combined to reinforce the limbs, grips expanded to improve stability and aim, and cam mechanisms added to increase string tension.
The bow underwent its most notable reshaping when, in the early Sixth Astral Era, bards began using their weapons to pluck out inspiring hymns on the battlefield, rousing spirits and restoring troop morale. To better accommodate this practice, bows were given extra strings, and soon, elaborate creations more harp than bow were common sights in armies across Eorzea.
Prominent Designs
Shortbow
Though lacking in range, the shortbow is well suited for hunting within a forest's tangle of roots and boughs. It has long been prized by Miqo'te tribes for its speed and versatility, allowing for precision whether it be while in pursuit of fleeing quarry, or perched atop unstable limbs waiting for a target.
Longbow
A traditional weapon of the Elezen, the longbow asks much of its wielder in the way of strength and skill. Those who have mastered the weapon, however, can deal accurate killing blows from hundreds of paces or even pierce the very scales of a dragon in flight.
Composite Bow
As the name suggests, the limbs of these bows are composed of several different materials in an effort to improve strength and pliability. The shaping of such complex creations, however, is reserved for the most adept of craftsmen, for even a slight deviance in measurement can result in the bow's collapse with the mere nock of an arrow.
Halonic Auditor's Bow
Standard-issue ranged ordnance for the Holy See’s order of monastic knights. While its limbs are carved from fine-grain wood, the bow is reinforced with Ishgardian steel to improve durability, and outfitted with a detachable lance head that can be used for defense when the enemy has closed.
Astrild
Though its artful design suggests it to be a product of modern Ishgardian boweraft, the bow exhibits a powerful aetherial charge that could only have been applied via a wyrm’s elemental breath, meaning that it was most likely crafted during an age when dragon and man were at peace—at least a thousand winters past.
Jlayodo
Once the weapon of a bowman who honored King Ganen with his service for two score summers, Raijodo has remained with Clan Rijin ever since, and is regularly awarded to the finest archer in the family’s standing army. It is said that with this very bow was the auspice Nue first slain some several centuries ago.
Cavalry Bow
Designed for use in the saddle, composite cavalry bows must be short and light to not prove a burden to riders who must accurately target their foes while maintaining precarious balance upon a speeding chocobo or horse.
Compound Bow
The partially mechanized compound bow employs a complex array of cables and pulleys to increase power and stability, while reducing the amount of strength required to draw its string.
Harp Bow
In addition to its main bowstring, this greatbow features several supplementary strings attached to the upper and lower limbs. These highly tensile ligatures, while not suited for nocking arrows, can be tuned to specific notes and played by the wielder in-between shots—common practice for the martial bards of Eorzea and beyond.
Halonic Auditor's Bow
Standard-issue ranged ordnance for the Holy See's order of monastic knights. While its limbs are carved from fine-grain wood, the bow is reinforced with Ishgardian steel to improve durability, and outfitted with a detachable lance head that can be used for defense when the enemy has closed.
Astrild
Though its artful design suggests it to be a product of modern Ishgardian bowcraft, the bow exhibits a powerful aetherial charge that could only have been applied via a wyrm's elemental breath, meaning that it was most likely crafted during an age when dragon and man were at peace—at least a thousand winters past.
Raijodo
Once the weapon of a bowman who honored King Ganen with his service for two score summers, Raijodo has remained with Clan Rijin ever since, and is regularly awarded to the finest archer in the family's standing army. It is said that with this very bow was the auspice Nue first slain some several centuries past.
Failnaught
Upon learning that battlesongs had returned to fashion, Carpenters’ Guild guildmaster Beatin Mainrocquat retreated to his workshop to create Failnaught—a longbow hybrid combining the modern convenience and functionality of a compound bow with a traditional harp bow design; a weapon that would literally ring in a new era of choral combat.
Sarnga
Geopolitical turmoil at the end of the Sixth Astral Era would eventually lead to the reestablishment of Eorzea’s Grand Companies—localized armies which saw to both the defense of their respective city-states and the realm as a whole. To outfit these men and women, weaponsmiths from across Aldenard toiled in their workshops creating light, compact weapons that soldiers of all shapes and sizes could carry into battle without being cumbered. Sarnga—a collapsible compound designed by a veteran of the Carpenters’ Guild—was one such creation.
Yoichi Bow
This colorful longbow was crafted to resemble that wielded by celebrated Far Eastern marksman and Zodiac Brave, Yoichi. Legend has it that so keen of sight was Yoichi, he transfixed the eye of a sea serpent from half a league, in a storm, on his first arrow. As with most bows of the Far East, its grip is located slightly beneath center.
Elfin Bow
Discovered by the Sons of Saint Coinach amongst a cache of weapons apparently seized by the Allagan Empire during their conquest of the Three Great Continents, this particular bow is documented as having, belonged to a lost race of tall, slender beings known as “Elves.” Some speculation has been made as to the Elves’ relationship to modern-day Elezen, yet evidence proving a definitive connection has yet to be found.
Kaman
It was at the coronation ceremony following Anshelm Cotter’s unification of the independent Gyr Abanian clans that an emissary from a distant Near Eastern nation presented the new king with this ornate bow of rare ivory. So beautiful was the gift that, according to popular belief, Anshelm was left speechless—a first for the outspoken conqueror of men.
Rosenbogen
With locks a-flowing like the tail of a fiery comet, and skin the crimson of an autumn eve, it is no wonder renowned Hellsguard archer Early Harvest is oft called the “Rose.” To celebrate both her skill and beauty, master Weaponsmith Gerolt Blackthorn crafted Rosenbogen, mayhap with a foolish longing that in return she might permit him “fill her quiver” as well.
Terpander
Another collaborative effort of Gerolt Blackthorn and Hannish alchemist Ardashir Balyk, the crystal alloy used in both limb and twine was specially conceived to provide a stable environment for the elemental anima to be housed within. As a result, the twang following a loosed arrow is said to exhibit a somewhat metallic resonance similar to that of a Far Eastern koto. [1]
References
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Volume II, page 205-206
