SamBell wrote:Question 1: Do you add in PP bonuses to strike with a longbow? If so, please source; I have some rule nazi's in my group
Yes. The strike bonus applies unless it specifically states otherwise (it does not apply to modern firearms).
SamBell wrote:2: Best race for longbow-man? preferably those native to Palladium. Curious to see those that may get some sort of racial bonus with bow?
+Elves from the Vequerrel Woodlands of the Western Empire (p90) get a nice bonus (+1 to strike and +1 attack per melee with bows and arrows).
+Human females from the founding family of the Seven Sisters Shadow Colony (Northern Hinterlands, p162) automatically get W.P. Longbow, an initiative bonus, and +1d4 P.P., and can choose any Wilderness skill. If you already have an awesome P.P. as a human, it's a book-legal way to bump it higher (in theory, you could have a P.P. of 34 this way).
I'd actually shy away from Cyclops and Centaur characters; they stick out too much for my tastes. If you really want to take your character to the next level in ranged combat, I'd encourage you to explore the following options:
1. Create/use poisons or toxins with your arrows. Non-lethal toxin effects (blind, paralysis, et cetera) are especially useful.
2. Get yourself a Millennium Tree Bow (Eastern Territories).
3. Failing that, go see the bowyer in the regional capital of the Vequerrel Woodlands for a custom-made bow that adds a nice bonus to your archery.
4. Get some of those fancy arrowheads that the mounted mercenary unit in the Western Empire uses for extra damage.
5. Obtain some exotic woods/metals for your fletcher to work with, like Yellow Wood (Eastern Territories) or Stonewood (Northern Hinterlands) and Black Iron (Hinterlands) or Black Metal (Dragons/Gods).
SamBell wrote:3. Is there any sort of book that outlines weapons for PFRPG like the GM's guide for Rifts?
Compendium of Weapons, Armor, and Castles is a pretty great resource.