Requirements - Please help!

Why can I wield a 13 marksmanshiep bow with only 5 marksmanship, same with shield swords, hammers, axes.... Do I not get the bonuses? Or the damage? Please any info is cool, thanks a lot.... Seth

Yes you can use it but the damage will not be the same as the one written in the bow.

And will I be able to use the stats? Like health +22 or something? And what about shields, with defense?

Yes, you get the bonuses. You just don't get the primary damage (weapon) or armor (shield). You get, I'd estimate, like 1/5th of the value of the primary.
You can easily check this yourself: note what your health is and equip the +22 item. You'll see your healt instantly jump 22 points.

What about +strength, for instance: Shield needs 8 strength, I have 7 and +1 from my helmet, does that count?

yes it does

1. You will do the same damage as with a starter bow since you do not fullfill the requirements.

2. Modifiers will work on the bow as long as they doesn't have a requirement. Let's say its a +25 health mod. Yes, you get that one. If it had said +25 health (healing prayers +9 req ), and you didn't satisfy this. You wouldn't get it.

You will make the same damage as with a starter bow. Do a search and read some of the guides and you will find this information.


Ratatass

Thanks a lot guys!