Venomstrike Bow

From: Bloodmarked Scions

Values:

• Level: Tier 1
• Attack Roll Bonus: +1
• Damage: 1d8 piercing damage
• Skills: No specific skill bonuses conferred by the bow.
• Cost: 400 gold pieces (or the equivalent value)
• Tags:
  • Two-handed: This indicates that the Venomstrike Bow requires the use of both hands to wield effectively.
  • Ranged: This indicates that the Venomstrike Bow is a ranged weapon, allowing the wielder to attack from a distance.
  • Magical: This indicates that the bow is crafted from enchanted wood and possesses magical properties that enhance its effectiveness.
  • Additional: Precision, Piercing, Wildcraft, Toxicity, Archery, Lethality, Craftsmanship, Ethereal, Essence

Lore and Use: The Venomstrike Bow is a sleek and elegant longbow crafted from enchanted wood, its craftsmanship honed to perfection. The arrows it launches are specially designed and tipped with deadly venom, making it a formidable weapon for precise and deadly ranged attacks.

The origins of the Venomstrike Bow are often tied to mystical realms or ancient forests, where skilled artisans infuse the essence of nature into the enchanted wood. It is said that the bow is a gift from the spirits of the wild, granting its wielder the power to strike swiftly and with deadly accuracy.

In combat, the Venomstrike Bow provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls, enhancing the wielder’s accuracy and increasing their chances of hitting their targets with lethal precision. Its arrows deal 1d8 piercing damage, capable of piercing through armor and inflicting significant harm upon enemies.

The magical properties of the Venomstrike Bow contribute to its effectiveness in combat. The enchanted wood enhances the bow’s overall durability and ensures its smooth and flawless performance. It may also grant additional benefits, such as increased accuracy, improved range, or even the ability to bypass certain types of damage resistance or immunity.

The Venomstrike Bow is favored by those who value ranged combat and seek to maintain distance from their foes. Archers, rangers, and characters specializing in stealthy, precise strikes often find this bow to be a valuable asset in their arsenal. Its deadly venom-tipped arrows can cripple enemies or deliver lethal blows, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer to strike swiftly and from a distance.

However, the venomous nature of the bow’s arrows may also have practical considerations. Acquiring or crafting the venom can be a challenge, and the ongoing maintenance of the bow and its arrows may require specialized knowledge or resources. Additionally, the use of venomous weapons may attract attention from those who seek to exploit or control such powerful and potentially dangerous tools.

The Venomstrike Bow is a prized weapon that combines elegance, precision, and deadly force. Its +1 bonus to attack rolls and 1d8 piercing damage make it a reliable choice for characters who prefer ranged combat. The enchanted wood and venomous arrows add a touch of magic and danger, making the bow a sought-after treasure for those who appreciate its lethal beauty.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Venomstrike Bow is considered a rare and prized weapon, often sold only in specific, high-end or specialized shops due to its powerful enchantments, connection to mystical forces, and venomous nature. The following shop types would be known for carrying it:

• Mystical Arms Emporiums
  • Description: Found primarily in bustling metropolises or sacred cities, mystical arms emporiums are prestigious establishments specializing in magical and exotic weaponry. Their storefronts often feature enchanted signage, illusions, and protective wards.
  • Cost: 400 gold pieces in affluent areas or up to 500 gold in exclusive, high-end emporiums due to prestige markups and reputation.
  • Acquisition: Prospective buyers typically need references or proof of their expertise in ranged or magical combat. Such shops may only display the bow after gaining the shopkeeper’s trust or completing a quest to prove worthy of owning such a powerful item.
• Elven Outposts or Forest Sanctuaries
  • Description: These secluded, woodsy shops are run by elves or other nature-attuned beings who value the balance of life and death. Found deep in forests, these outposts stock rare, nature-infused items for travelers who share a respect for the wilds.
  • Cost: Around 350 gold pieces, as these shops are less concerned with profit and more with the bow finding a respectful and skillful wielder.
  • Acquisition: Buyers might have to perform a favor for the sanctuary, such as restoring balance in the forest or retrieving a rare herb or item.
• Black Markets and Underground Dealers
  • Description: Hidden within city sewers, slums, or secret locations, black markets thrive on demand for rare and dangerous items, including weapons like the Venomstrike Bow. These shops cater to rogues, assassins, and those who operate on society’s edge.
  • Cost: Between 300 and 600 gold pieces, depending on demand and how discreet the sale needs to be.
  • Acquisition: Buyers typically pay an entry fee and sometimes need a contact or passphrase to locate the bow. Negotiating here involves risks, but it’s a viable option for those who operate outside the law.
• Guild Weaponry Workshops
  • Description: Weaponsmiths connected to warrior or ranger guilds sometimes obtain rare bows like the Venomstrike for guild members. These shops focus on specialized, high-quality items and are selective about whom they sell to.
  • Cost: 400 gold pieces for non-guild members, but guild members may receive a discount (350 gold) or earn the bow through service.
  • Acquisition: Non-guild buyers must either have guild sponsorship or win favor by demonstrating exceptional skill, often through a competitive trial or a recommendation from a respected guild member.
• Alchemist-Enchanter Partnerships
  • Description: These shops are a collaboration between alchemists and enchanters who specialize in weapon customization and maintenance, especially venom-related items. They are often found in areas where adventurers gather to stock up on supplies.
  • Cost: 450 gold pieces, reflecting the additional craftsmanship and expertise.
  • Acquisition: Customers can discuss special venom requests or upgrades, allowing the shop to create or customize a Venomstrike Bow for specific needs. Buyers may also commission custom venom types suited to particular creatures or environments, requiring additional costs.
• Nomadic Traders or Traveling Merchants
  • Description: Nomadic merchants skilled in rare, magical, and nature-infused items travel from city to city, setting up small, mystical bazaars for short periods. They often procure enchanted items from forgotten forests or magical realms.
  • Cost: Approximately 400 gold pieces, but the price could vary based on the merchant’s desire to barter or trade for exotic items instead.
  • Acquisition: Buyers must happen upon these traders during their brief stops. Relationships or favorable trades might open doors for negotiations, while curious bystanders might learn a tale or two about the bow’s origins.

Each shop type in Saṃsāra provides distinct advantages and challenges in acquiring the Venomstrike Bow, making the item’s journey as storied as the weapon itself.

The Venomstrike Bow offers versatility in both offense and defense, allowing wielders to adapt their tactics based on the environment. Below are scenarios across varied settings, exploring how its unique attributes make it a powerful tool for survival and combat in Saṃsāra.

• Dense Forests and Jungles
  • Offense: In the shadowy depths of a dense forest, the Venomstrike Bow shines in its ability to strike from cover. The wielder can use high vantage points, climb trees, or hide within thick underbrush to ambush enemies with venom-tipped arrows. The bow’s silence and precision allow the archer to strike swiftly and retreat, inflicting poison that weakens enemies over time.
  • Defense: When defending, the wielder can use natural cover and fire venom-tipped arrows to create a no-go zone. Poisoned arrows can force attackers to pause and reconsider advancing. Wounded enemies will struggle through the dense foliage, often succumbing to the effects of the venom before they reach the bow’s wielder.
• Urban Alleyways and Rooftops
  • Offense: In close-quarter alleyways, the archer can strategically take position on rooftops to snipe targets below, gaining a tactical advantage over ground-level foes. From this position, the Venomstrike Bow lets them launch arrows with high accuracy, striking from unexpected angles and then quickly shifting positions.
  • Defense: The bow’s venomous arrows act as a powerful deterrent, creating a defensive perimeter. If enemies approach too closely, the wielder can shoot at walls, crates, or barrels, using the venom as a warning sign. The archer may also feint by firing into dark, narrow spaces, causing enemies to assume a threat lies within, allowing the wielder to escape.
• Mountain Cliffs and High Altitudes
  • Offense: From cliffside perches, the Venomstrike Bow gives the wielder the advantage of height and distance, allowing for deadly, precise shots down on unsuspecting enemies. At these elevations, the archer can use the wind to increase their range, while the venom’s effects wear down enemies’ resolve and stamina, making it easier to pick them off.
  • Defense: When scaling cliffs or narrow paths, the wielder can shoot downward to deter pursuers. By hitting rocks or ledges with venom-tipped arrows, they can release venom in the air, creating hesitation among enemies who fear exposure. The bow can also be used to target distant foes who might otherwise hold the high ground, forcing them into defensive positions.
• Underground Tunnels and Caverns
  • Offense: In narrow and winding tunnels, the Venomstrike Bow excels as a silent weapon, allowing its wielder to attack without alerting nearby threats. The bow’s piercing arrows can incapacitate or kill creatures quickly, reducing the risk of discovery. Here, venom also aids in taking down larger foes who might not immediately feel the arrow’s impact but will soon suffer its effects.
  • Defense: The bow can be used to create barriers in tight spaces, keeping enemies at bay while the wielder retreats through labyrinthine tunnels. Arrows shot into the walls or floors release venom that lingers in the air, discouraging any pursuers from pressing forward. The wielder may also shoot at unstable rock formations, causing mini-cave-ins to separate themselves from attackers.
• Swamps and Marshlands
  • Offense: Swamps are ideal for using the bow’s poisonous properties to maximum effect. The archer can take advantage of the landscape’s shadows and concealment, launching venom-tipped arrows that weaken enemies with each strike. Marshland creatures that suffer from poison are more likely to retreat or avoid the wielder altogether.
  • Defense: In defense, the Venomstrike Bow allows the wielder to control enemy movement through these waterlogged areas. Venomous arrows can be fired at key spots to deny access, and the venom mixes well with swamp gases to create a toxic atmosphere. As many swamp creatures have low resistance to poison, even a warning shot can prove a formidable deterrent.
• Desert and Open Plains
  • Offense: In the open plains or deserts where cover is limited, the Venomstrike Bow serves as an excellent tool for picking off enemies at long range. From an elevated dune or ridge, the archer can carefully aim at distant foes, allowing the venom to slowly take effect as the enemy struggles to reach them across vast, open ground.
  • Defense: For defense, the archer can use the venom-tipped arrows to create a perimeter around their camp or resting area. Venomous warnings can deter desert predators or wandering creatures from coming too close. In times of danger, the wielder can fire strategically to create paths of poisoned ground, effectively slowing down or discouraging pursuers.
• Frozen Tundras and Snowfields
  • Offense: In the stark white of snowfields, the Venomstrike Bow proves useful in hitting distant targets. The venom causes significant difficulty for foes already weakened by the cold, as their bodies struggle to fend off both poison and freezing temperatures.
  • Defense: The archer can use the venom to scare off tundra creatures or raiders, who may be wary of confronting someone armed with such a deadly weapon. If cornered, the wielder can launch arrows into the snow or ice at their feet, causing terrain around them to become toxic and slowing enemies’ advance.
• Wetlands and Riversides
  • Offense: With rivers and wetlands providing natural barriers, the wielder can use the bow’s range to target opponents from across water channels, making approach difficult. The venom is particularly effective here, as water contamination can spread the poison and cause confusion among nearby foes.
  • Defense: In defense, the wielder can use the bow to fire into riverbanks or water pools, contaminating them with venom. Any attempt by enemies to drink or cross is met with risk, granting the wielder a safe escape route.

In each of these settings, the Venomstrike Bow becomes a natural extension of its wielder’s abilities, leveraging the environment to provide tactical advantages that make for a dynamic combination of offense and defense. Its venomous arrows create an invisible barrier against enemies, while its ranged power makes it a versatile asset across Saṃsāra’s diverse landscapes.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective
  • Sight: The bow emits a faint, pulsing green light that runs along the veins of the enchanted wood and along the bowstring, signaling activation. As the user draws back, the venom-tipped arrowhead glows brighter, and subtle, ethereal wisps of green energy form, twisting around the shaft.
  • Touch: The bow feels slightly cooler and lighter than usual, almost as if it’s pulling the user’s hands toward their target. There’s a faint tingling at their fingertips, as if the bow is actively drawing upon a latent energy source.
  • Sound: A low hum, barely noticeable, emanates from the bow as it’s drawn, intensifying to a sharper, almost resonant whistle when fully drawn. This sound, only perceptible to the user, provides subtle auditory feedback.
  • Smell: A sharp, almost herbaceous scent, similar to crushed nettles or mint, fills the air around the bow, suggesting the presence of potent venom.
  • Taste: The user may notice a faint metallic taste if the bow remains activated for extended periods, which intensifies if venomous arrows are used frequently.
  • Extra-Sensory (Mind’s Eye): The user perceives an image of their target overlaid in green within their field of view, feeling as if the bow is guiding their aim. They sense a hunger within the bow for precise, lethal strikes.
  • Positives: The bow enhances the user’s precision and awareness, feeling like an extension of their own senses. It imbues confidence as the weapon feels alive, responsive to the wielder’s intention.
  • Negatives: Extended activation or repeated use can lead to a sense of strain or fatigue, particularly in the user’s vision and mind. The bow’s ‘hunger’ for accuracy may also cause the wielder to experience a slight obsession with their target until the strike is complete.
• Observer’s Perspective
  • Sight: Onlookers see the bow subtly pulsing, its green glow growing as the user draws it back, as if channeling a hidden energy source. Small tendrils of green mist occasionally curl off the arrowhead, giving the weapon a mystical and slightly menacing aura.
  • Sound: Observers within a few feet may hear a soft hum that shifts into a faint whistle as the bow is fully drawn, adding an eerie element to the bow’s activation.
  • Extra-Sensory (Arcane Perception): Those sensitive to magic feel an instinctive sense of unease or respect for the bow, perceiving a cold, predatory aura around it. Some may sense a faint, almost heartbeat-like rhythm in the bow’s activation, pulsing with venomous intent.
  • Positives: Observers sense the weapon’s power, which may be intimidating or awe-inspiring. Those sensitive to magic recognize its ancient, wild energy and its connection to natural forces, enhancing the bow’s reputation.
  • Negatives: Observers, especially those attuned to mystical energies, might feel an instinctual repulsion or even nausea due to the venomous aura, suggesting a warning of the bow’s deadly nature. Those too close may feel a slight chill or discomfort as if standing near a coiled serpent.
• Positives
  • Enhanced Aim and Accuracy: The bow’s guidance aligns the wielder’s focus, refining their shot.
  • Increased Stealth and Intimidation: The venomous glow and predatory aura deter foes and lend an air of mystery, bolstering the wielder’s reputation.
  • Arcane Feedback: Magical senses are heightened, alerting the wielder to any environmental or mystical factors that might affect their shot or provide tactical insight.
• Negatives
  • Aura of Malevolence: The aura may unsettle allies or attract unwanted attention from creatures sensitive to magic.
  • Mental Fatigue: Extended use may cause mental weariness, a side effect of the weapon’s demanding nature.
  • Slight Physical Discomfort: The tingling sensation can, over time, develop into mild soreness in the hands and arms, particularly for inexperienced wielders.

Crafting the Venomstrike Bow

• Materials Needed
  • Enchanted Wood (1 branch) Sourced from trees blessed or infused with arcane energy (often harvested from ancient or mystical forests).
  • Venomous Essence (1 vial) Distilled from the venom of a potent predator, such as a jungle viper or swamp serpent.
  • Mystic Fibers (6 feet) Thread spun from magical silk or fibers, required to make the bowstring strong enough to channel enchantments.
  • Binding Resin (2 ounces) A resin derived from trees or magical plants, with minor alchemical properties to bind materials and enchantments together.
  • Charged Crystal Shards (3 pieces) Crystals infused with arcane energy, placed along the bow’s limbs to facilitate energy flow.
  • Special Arrowheads (3 or more) Crafted from enchanted steel and treated with venomous essence. These are essential for delivering the bow’s poison effect.
  • Arcane Ink (small vial) Used to inscribe runes along the bow for channeling its magical properties.
• Tools Required
  • Carving Knife – For precise detailing and shaping of the wood.
  • Alchemy Set – To distill venom and infuse it into arrowheads and the bow itself.
  • Enchanter’s Chisel and Mallet – Required for etching runes.
  • Bowstring Spinner – To combine mystic fibers into a durable and enchanted bowstring.
  • Mortar and Pestle – For grinding materials into usable forms.
• Skill Requirements
  • Woodcrafting Skill (Moderate) – Needed to shape and carve the enchanted wood properly.
  • Alchemy Skill (Advanced) – Essential for safely handling and distilling venomous essence.
  • Enchanting Skill (Advanced) – For inscribing runes and binding enchantments.
  • Runic Knowledge (Basic) – Required to inscribe the appropriate protective and venomous runes.
  • Archery Knowledge (Basic) – Useful to understand balance, tension, and proper crafting techniques for a functional longbow.
• Crafting Steps
  • Prepare the Wood: Trim and shape the enchanted wood to form the limbs of the bow. Use a carving knife for precision. Leave grooves along the wood’s natural veins, which will later house the crystal shards. Ensure the wood’s tension aligns with the wielder’s strength.
  • Infuse the Venomous Essence: Carefully use the alchemy set to distill the venomous essence into a more potent form. Coat the internal sides of the bow’s limbs with this essence, allowing the wood to absorb it. Leave to cure for several hours until the wood’s natural grain pattern adopts a greenish hue, indicating venom infusion.
  • Forge the Bowstring: Use mystic fibers and the bowstring spinner to create a taut, enchanted bowstring. The string should feel slightly cool to the touch, indicating its arcane properties are intact. Secure both ends onto the bow, ensuring the proper amount of tension for draw strength.
  • Affix the Crystal Shards: Place the charged crystal shards into the grooves along the limbs of the bow. Bind them in place with binding resin, which will harden and seal the crystals into the bow while allowing energy flow. Allow the resin to set overnight.
  • Inscribe Runes: Using arcane ink, carefully inscribe venomous and channeling runes along the limbs of the bow. These runes will direct the venomous energy and enhance the bow’s offensive capabilities. Follow with protective runes to stabilize the bow’s aura, preventing the venomous magic from harming the wielder.
  • Treat the Arrowheads: Dip the enchanted steel arrowheads in the distilled venomous essence. Using a mortar and pestle, grind any leftover crystals into a fine powder and sprinkle this over the venom-coated arrowheads. Set the arrowheads aside to dry until the venom forms a light, iridescent sheen on the metal.
  • Final Binding: Recite a short incantation over the bow, activating its enchantments. Pull the string fully to “prime” the magical connections. The crystal shards should pulse faintly, confirming the bow’s enchantments are intact and the venomous aura is ready.
  • Test and Adjust: Perform a trial shot, using one of the venom-tipped arrows to ensure the bow’s accuracy and venomous potency. Adjust any runes if the effect does not meet expectations. Repeat this step until the bow performs as intended.

The Venomstrike Bow is now ready, infused with both venomous and arcane energies, making it a formidable weapon for those trained in archery.

Tale of the Hunter and the Serpent’s Gift

In days long passed, even before days were counted, the world was as wild as beasts, and the earth’s breath was thick with magic. In these times, there lived a hunter named Aly’ran, a wanderer of forest shadows and drinker of cool river streams, who held pride in his arrows’ swiftness. Aly’ran was known across villages, his name whispered with reverence and perhaps some fear, for he knew not only how to aim but how to make each strike true.

Yet in his wandering, Aly’ran grew proud, and his heart, strong as it was, became hard as stones underfoot. He hunted the stag, the fox, the bear—taking not for need but to conquer all that walked. Until one fated day, as mist lay thick upon the world, Aly’ran came upon a deep forest glade he had never known. He ventured into its heart, and there upon the dark earth coiled a great serpent, its scales green as emerald, glinting faintly with a strange, cold fire.

The serpent lifted its head and spoke in a voice that rolled like thunder yet whispered like wind: “O hunter, wanderer of shadows, know you the way of the serpent?”

Aly’ran, never having feared beasts nor spirits, replied boldly, “I know well how to track and strike, but speak no riddles to me, serpent, for I seek no words.”

The serpent’s eyes glinted, sharp as blades, and it whispered, “A true hunter knows not only how to strike but why.” And with that, the serpent stretched its coiled length forward, offering a single branch, gnarled and ancient, yet warm as if alive. Around this wood the serpent wove itself, hissing softly as green light seeped from its scales into the branch. With each breath, the branch darkened, transformed, until it was a bow, sleek and deadly.

“A bow born of shadow, bound by venom,” the serpent hissed. “Yet beware, for it will hunger as you hunger. Use it not for pride or power, for as you hunt, so too may it hunt you.”

Aly’ran grasped the bow, his pride blinding him to the serpent’s warning. And as he lifted the bow, he felt a strange power, a thrill sharper than any he had ever known. The bow felt alive in his hands, the arrows striking swift as lightning. His fame grew across the land, yet so did his need to hunt, for the bow’s hunger only grew with his. He hunted creatures beyond his need, beyond measure, until even the forest spirits turned their backs on him, whispering of a hunter who had lost himself to shadows.

At last, Aly’ran found himself in the depths of the glade once more, the serpent nowhere to be seen. Only his reflection stared back at him, empty-eyed, in the dark waters. And as he looked upon himself, the bow slipped from his hands, falling to the earth with a sound like a final breath, its glow fading until it was no more than wood and shadow.

It is said the Venomstrike Bow still wanders, seeking hands both worthy and unworthy, to carry it into the hunt. And those who wield it remember the serpent’s warning, for the bow still hungers, bound to those who would claim it, to seek the balance of life or be consumed by it.

Moral: The hunter who knows not why he hunts may find himself the hunted. True strength is not in the strike but in understanding when not to strike.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• Type: Longbow
• Skill Requirement: Archery (60% skill recommended for reliable use)
• Range: 40 yards
• Damage: 1d8+1 piercing damage
• Special Effect: Venomous Strike
  • When the bow is fired successfully, the wielder may invoke the Venomous Strike. Upon a successful shot, the target must make a successful CON roll or suffer an additional 1d6 poison damage. If the poison damage is not resisted, the target suffers a -10 penalty to all actions on their next turn.
• Sanity Cost: Using the Venomous Strike ability with intent may incur a 0/1 SAN loss, reflecting the bow’s dark influence.
• Mythos Connection: This bow is rumored to be tied to serpent deities from forgotten mythos, often leading wielders to become obsessed with proving their prowess, risking their sanity as they hunger for more lethal hunts.

Blades in the Dark

Venomstrike Bow

• Item Load: 2 (Counts as Fine Bow when in inventory)
• Description: A finely-crafted bow with faint green lines, and venom-tipped arrows suited for stealthy or long-range kills.
• Effect:
  • Fine Quality: +1d to Hunt rolls when used for ranged attacks.
  • Venomous Arrows: Once per score, the wielder may declare the Venomous Strike, inflicting an additional 2 Harm (Poisoned condition) to the target on a successful hit. Poisoned targets suffer penalties on actions that require precision.
• Usage Cost: Each Venomous Strike requires either a special alchemical arrow or a flashback scene costing 1 stress point to prepare additional venom, reflecting the bow’s taxing nature on the user.
• Overindulgence Effect: Continued use may increase the wielder’s vice rolls after each score, reflecting the bow’s insidious hunger for perfection.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• (Magic Weapon, Rare)
• Weapon Type: Longbow (requires attunement)
• Attack Roll Bonus: +1
• Damage: 1d8+1 piercing damage, plus an additional 1d6 poison damage on a hit.
• Special Feature: Venomous Strike (3/Day)
  • When the wielder hits a target with this bow, they may choose to activate Venomous Strike. The target takes an extra 1d6 poison damage and must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or become Poisoned until the end of their next turn.
• Cursed: While attuned, the wielder has disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks, as the bow subtly influences them toward obsessive behavior in pursuit of ever-deadlier hunts.
• Lore Connection: Said to be gifted by a serpent spirit of the forest, the bow’s poison grows stronger over time, but so does its dark hold over the wielder’s mind.

Knave

Venomstrike Bow

• Description: A finely crafted longbow, dark wood veined with green, with arrows dipped in serpent venom.
• Damage: d8 (standard ranged weapon damage)
• Effect:
  • Venomous Arrows: Up to 3 times per day, the wielder may declare an attack to be a Venomous Strike, dealing an additional d6 poison damage. Targets hit by Venomous Strike must succeed on a WIL save or be incapacitated from pain for their next turn.
• Usage Consideration: Each time a Venomous Strike is used, the wielder must make a CHA save or risk becoming enthralled by the bow’s hunger for lethal strikes, making their next attack reckless and imposing disadvantage if the save is failed.
• Notes: Crafting or obtaining venom for the arrows requires materials from dangerous serpents or alchemical sources, adding difficulty or requiring specific resources to maintain.

Fate Core

Venomstrike Bow

• Aspect: “Gift of the Serpent”
• Weapon Rating: +2 (counts as a weapon with a +2 bonus when attacking with Shoot)
• Invoke Effect: Venomous Strike
  • Invokes: The wielder can spend a Fate Point to add an additional 2 stress or impose the Poisoned condition on their target. The Poisoned condition can be compelled to inflict further difficulty, such as impaired actions or health deterioration.
  • Compel: The bow’s hunger for lethal strikes may cause it to compel the wielder toward reckless or dangerous hunts, adding a challenging aspect to control.
• Lore: Tales say the bow was crafted by an ancient serpent deity’s disciple. Over time, it may take on its wielder’s qualities or shape them into a more ruthless hunter.

Numenera & Cypher System

Venomstrike Bow

• (Artifact)
• Level: 5
• Form: Longbow with venom-tipped arrows and mystical markings on the wood
• Effect: When a successful attack is made, the wielder can activate Venomous Strike, causing an additional 3 points of Speed damage if the target fails a Might defense roll. This effect can be used 3 times per day before the bow needs to recharge.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d10 (check each time a venomous effect is used; if depleted, the venom effect ceases until it’s recharged by a venom infusion or rest in a mystic grove)
• Special Trait: If the bow is used repeatedly, the wielder may become fixated on their target, developing an “Obsessed Hunter” descriptor that temporarily adds a +1 to ranged attacks but imposes a penalty to resist mental effects.

Pathfinder 2E

Venomstrike Bow

• (Magic Weapon, Rare)
• Weapon Type: +1 Striking Longbow (requires attunement)
• Damage: 1d8 piercing damage plus 1d6 poison damage on a successful hit
• Activation (3 actions): Venomous Strike
  • Effect: When activated, the Venomstrike Bow inflicts an additional 1d6 poison damage. The target must succeed at a DC 17 Fortitude save or be Poisoned 1 for one round.
  • Usage Limit: 3 times per day
• Curse: While attuned, the wielder becomes increasingly obsessed with hunting. They take a -1 penalty to Perception checks not related to locating creatures and must succeed on a DC 17 Will save to willingly cease pursuit of a marked target.
• Lore Connection: Some believe this bow was crafted by a serpent deity’s disciple. Repeated use may lead the wielder toward a merciless hunting mindset, enhancing prowess but impairing restraint.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• Weapon Type: Longbow
• Range: 12/24/48
• Damage: 2d6+1 piercing
• Special Ability: Venomous Strike
  • Effect: The wielder may invoke Venomous Strike up to 3 times per encounter. Each time it’s used, the arrow deals an additional 1d6 poison damage on a successful hit. The target must make a Vigor roll at -2; failure results in the Poisoned condition, imposing a -1 penalty on Agility and Strength rolls.
• Cost: Each Venomous Strike requires a special alchemical arrow, costing 10 silver pieces each and needing time to prepare.
• Drawback: Frequent use of the bow may lead to a -1 penalty on Spirit checks, reflecting the weapon’s corrupting influence on the wielder’s mind over time.
• Lore: Rumored to have been crafted in a distant jungle, this bow’s poison-laced design has made it both a valuable tool and a feared relic among rangers and assassins.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• Weapon Type: Longbow (Exotic Ranged Weapon)
• Accuracy: 6
• Damage: 7P
• AP: -1
• Special Effect: Venomous Strike (Requires Enchantment or BioWare Knowledge to use)
  • Effect: Once per encounter, the wielder may activate Venomous Strike, adding 1d6 toxin damage and causing the Nauseated status for 1 Combat Round if the target fails a Body + Willpower test (threshold 3).
• Availability: 9R
• Cost: 8,000 nuyen (plus 500 nuyen per dose of venom)
• Drawback: Repeated use without a cooldown can cause a -1 penalty to Agility due to the bow’s drain on the user’s physical endurance.
• Fluff: Rumored to be forged by a shadowy organization that specializes in biological warfare, this bow is both a weapon and an obsession, requiring a steady hand and unwavering resolve to wield effectively.

Starfinder

Venomstrike Bow

• (Level 4, Magic Item)
• Weapon Type: Longbow (Advanced Melee Weapon)
• Level: 4
• Damage: 1d8 piercing + 1d4 poison
• Critical Effect: Poisoned (Fortitude save DC 14; on failure, target takes an additional 1d6 poison damage for 2 rounds, or until cured)
• Special Property: Venomous Strike
  • Effect: 3/day, the wielder may activate Venomous Strike to add an additional 1d6 poison damage. A successful attack forces the target to make a DC 15 Fortitude save or gain the Sickened condition.
• Price: 2,500 credits
• Bulk: 1
• Fluff: This weapon, of elven or possibly druidic design, is said to be infused with venomous energy by the jungles of a long-lost planet. Users often feel a connection to the wild with each draw of the bow, though it seems to demand great focus to control.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• Weapon Type: TL3 Bow (Artifact)
• Range: 50 meters
• Damage: 2D piercing + poison effect
• Traits: Toxic (on a successful hit, the target must succeed at an END 8+ check or suffer 1D poison damage per round for 1D6 rounds)
• Cost: Cr10,000 (plus Cr500 for each venom arrow)
• Drawback: After each use, the wielder must succeed on an END 10+ check to avoid Fatigued status, reflecting the bow’s exacting drain on the user’s stamina.
• Fluff: Ancient and possibly of xeno origin, the Venomstrike Bow is prized for its lethality but feared for its exacting toll on the mind. Myths say it was a weapon from a forgotten society that valued survival through predation and sacrifice.

Warhammer (4th Edition)

Venomstrike Bow

• (Rare Weapon)
• Weapon Type: Longbow
• Range: 60 yards
• Damage: 9 (plus 1d6 poison on successful hit)
• Encumbrance: 1
• Special Qualities:
  • Venomous Strike: 3 times per day, the wielder may add 1d6 poison damage to a successful attack. The target must pass a Toughness Test (Challenging -10) or become Poisoned (incurring a -10 penalty to all rolls for the next 1d10 rounds).
  • Curse of Obsession: Wielders using this bow repeatedly may develop an Obsession disorder over time, feeling a compulsion to seek new and challenging prey.
• Availability: Very Rare
• Value: 150 gold crowns
• Fluff: Known among beastmen and dark rangers, the Venomstrike Bow is both feared and respected for its unique poison-inflicting power. Legends claim that dark magic entwined this weapon with serpentine spirits, granting its poison a relentless hunger for flesh.