Heavy Crossbow

“No other crossbow has the killing power of a heavy crossbow. Take cover when you face them, and laugh if you carry one yourself.”
— Jorge Oakenfield, Andergastan mercenary, 1036 FB

The heavy crossbow can penetrate even plate armor at distances up to medium range, a fact that all veterans know well. The weapon’s one drawback is its reload time. Cocking the weapon requires standing it on the ground, placing one’s foot in a metal stirrup at the front for leverage, and winding the weapon’s bowstring into place with a built-in tool called a cranequin.

“A fine weapon. I know of entire battles that were decided merely by a banner’s worth of sharpshooters. However, always keep a melee weapon handy, as reloading takes a long time.”

— Arbosh son of Angrax, forge dwarf master smith

“My brothers and sisters from the Church of Rondra despise crossbows and would see them all destroyed. I think the reasoning is that crossbows require little to no skill to use.”

— Brother Hilbert of Auen, Blessed One of Peraine