Savage Worlds and Flaming Arrows

It often comes up and in general, being a fan of GM just rule on the fly, I have not given much thought to it.   Because it comes up often enough, I thought that I'd codify a rule for my game because I prefer consistency in my rulings.



Arrows need to be prepped for fire, this is not something that can be done in the middle of combat, so they will need to be prepped/purchased.   Prepped arrows can be ignited with a ready source of fire, however, the flame won't survive the flight unless you dip the prepped arrow in lantern oil just before igniting.   Thus, you need prepped arrows, lantern oil, and a source of fire to use flaming arrows.   Flaming arrows can not be recovered.

Well, that's all well and good, but what's the game rule for shooting?  

Gear Entry

Fire Arrow, Weight: 1/5, Cost 1, Notes: 1 in 6 chance of setting target on fire, cannot be recovered.

Prepping for shooting

It would take an action to get your oil open, and ignite a torch set it in the the ground for ease of access.   This could also be done before combat begins.

Shooting

In the spirit of FFF, dipping, igniting, and shooting would be a single action, unless the arrow is protected from accidental ignition, see below.

Accidental Ignition

Sure, but what happens when that dang mage hits me with fire, or the fire trap goes off, or I catch on fire? If you're carrying prepped arrows, they would ignite and you'd need to spend an action to dispose of the flaming arrows or extinguish them (they'd be ruined).   Until you do that, you'd have a 1 in 6 chance of catching your cloths or other belongings on fire.  Ignited arrows are always ruined.

Protection From Accidental Ignition

Can I protect my arrows from the fire crazy mages?    You can take steps to protect the arrows form inadvertent ignition, however, it would add an action to the preparation round to undo that protection during the "Prepping For Shooting".     You could do it on the fly as part of your shooting, but it would be considered an extra action to remove the protection for each shot (i.e. you'd be firing every other round)

Crossbows?

What about crossbow bolts?   While it could be done, you have a 1 in 6 chance of setting your crossbow on fire for each round the arrow is in the crossbow, including the reload round.   In other words, not a great idea.


Thoughts?   Changes?   Is there already a rule somewhere I missed?

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