Bows and the elven paladin

[Penryn]

Now i know most Paladin and Knight orders do not fondly look upon ranged combat. But, what about for an elven paladin of Corellon? The bow is a major part of the society and structure. From historical importance onwards to standard. Just curious would this be something a paladin/hopeful paladin of Corellon would use or no.

sincerely,
jeffery

[Timaeus]

Unless the specific order has something against bows, paladins in 3rd edition are not prohibited from using bows. They can learn bows just as any other weapon. I can't think of any specific order that holds a bow or crossbow as a disallowed weapon. Some Paladin kits such a cavaliers are prohibited from using bows but an Elven Paladin would certainly be allowed their use, perhaps even expected to use one.

Timaeus Valierius,
Warrior of Kelemvor.

[Isaldur]

Even in 2e the Paladin could learn how to use a crossbow or bow. In fact I remember the 2e Player's Handbook stating something about how magical arrows don't count towards the limit or some such unless there are a certain amount etc.

[Rhelian]

If I remember right, it was about 20 magical arrows = 1 magic item

[Stayne]

I remember reading - I think - in the 3ed rules that elves, regardless of class automatically get a proficiency in bow and longsword as the use of these weapons was part of their cultural training/upbringing. I do remember having a elf wizard in table top that could use a short bow.

That aside, I can't see any reason why an elf, or any fighter or paladin could not use a ranged weapon unless specifically denied by that order.
(for eg. While elves can use bows, I don't see a Tempurian elf ever using one

Hope that helps
Stayne

[Paxos]

I think that a bow, although not the weapon of choice for Paladins, would no doubt still be something they would have to know how to use, much like any warrior in this time period.

An example would be a Paladin who is helping defend a castle... if they are under siege and being held in, he would need something like a bow to help out with defense until people started to storm the actual fortification itself.

Or other situations... like a Paladin trying to fight something that it would just be extremely stupid to stand right next to and fight. <Insert Monster Here>

Paxos

[Granel]

Alright this might be out of date or inacurrate but is'nt there a class of paladin called the Cavalier that could not use ranged weapons?

[Timaeus]

Cavalier was a kit allowed to Paladins. And yes they could not use missile weapons of any sort. At one time they were a full sub-class of Paladins with the first release of Unearthed Arcana before they made kits and new editions of the game.

Timaeus Valierius,
Warrior of Kelemvor.