The bow is an important weapon. The heavier bows are associated with the yeomanry in particular.
Bows are important battlefield weapons. They can wreak havoc against unarmoured and lightly armoured troops and horses, but maille protects fairly well and plate armour cannot be penetrated save by sharpshooters (aiming for weak spots), as the arrow will shatter under its own force rather than break the armour.
Thrree kinds of arrows are used, broadhead, flight/bodkin arrows, and armour-piercing arrows.
Broadheads are used in war to injure and kill the enemy, and for hunting big game, they cut deadly wound channels through their targets but have limited range.
Flight or bodkin arrows are used in war to gall and injure the enemy, and they are used to hunt fowl and other small game. They far more narrow, and inflict piercing (not impaling!) damage. However, they fly twice as far as broadheads.
Even if fired by a powerful bow used by a powerful archer, an arrow will shatter rather than pierce plate armour.
The sole exception is the more robust armour-piercing arrow, which has a markedly decreased range. These are rarely used, as crossbows are superior for htis purpose.
A flight arrow inflicts medium piercing (Pi) damage.
A broadhead arrow inflicts Cutting (Cut) damage.
An armour-piercing arrow inflicts