A magic bow is a bow that has undergone enchantments to strengthen the force and hone the accuracy of any arrows fired from it, giving the archer who employs it a magical edge against his enemies. Such weapons can be found in Ultima III, Ultima IV, Ultima V, Ultima VI, Ultima VII, Ultima VII Part Two, Ultima VIII, and Ultima IX.
History[edit]
A standard variety of magical bow could be found in Britannia from the time of Ultima IV through Ultima VIII. This weapon glows blue from the magics worked upon its frame.
Effectiveness of the Weapon[edit]
- The magic bow is rated by Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour in Ultima VII as having an effectiveness rating of "12".
- The Ultima VII Part Two clue book lists them as having a damage of "12" and a reach of "16".[1]
Locations[edit]
- Sub article: Locations
Variants[edit]
+2 and +4 Bows[edit]
In archaic Sosaria, during Ultima III, specially enhanced bows could be procured from the mystic city of Dawn, where the weaponsmith offered a "+2 bow" and "+4 bow".[2]
Infinity Bow[edit]
- Main article: Infinity Bow
On far-flung Serpent Isle, during Ultima VII Part Two, a magical weapon known as the Infinity Bow could be found, which had been enchanted such that it produced its own ammunition. While the fiery bolts it fired were far less damaging than normal arrows, the unending supply of projectiles made it a good option for those running low on supplies. These rare artifacts could be identified by the iconic lemniscate embossed on its upper and lower limbs, as well as its fiery red bowstring.
The War Bow of Blood[edit]
- Main article: War Bow of Blood
In Ultima IX, an artifact known as the War Bow of Blood could be found of the coast of Valoria. This red laminate weapon enacted a strange geas upon its wielder. Those who used the War Bow would find their own life essences drained as they employed it, such as that it might fuel the weapons' destructive power.
Magical Ammunition[edit]
In addition to enchanted bows, a number of enchanted arrows have existed throughout the various ages of Britannia, which may add their effects to any weapon which employs them. These include:
- Magic Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two, these arrows have been enchanted for general accuracy and enhanced damage, adding +4 to the effectiveness rating of the bow into which they are loaded.
- Burst Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two, these specially prepared arrows burst on contact, sending shards of material into whatever they strike, to the effect of +2 damage per hit.
- Fire Arrows: Appearing in Ultima IX, these oil soaked projectiles may be lit, allowing them to deal additional damage when they strike.
- Love Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII only, these rare arrows have no effects which distinguish them from regular ammunition.
- Lucky Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two, these magically prepared arrows appear to strike their targets with greater accuracy.
- Mana Arrows: Appearing in Ultima IX, these magical arrows siphon some of the archers mana, allowing them to always hit their targets in their most vulnerable spots.
- Serpent Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII Part Two, these arrows appear to have been crafted using Ophidian technology, such as that their aim is virtually always true and their hit-strength is similar to that of a typical enchanted arrow.
- Sleep Arrows: Appearing in Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two, these arrows may be manufactured using the stringers of a Giant Bee or the narcotic herb King's Savior, such that they will induce sleep in whatever creature they hit.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
