Simple question about crossbows and Missile Weapons skill

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by phiwum

I think the interpretation is: "Sorry you can't reload and get a second shot off because it takes more time to aim at a difficult target."

But I'm not sure I buy it, since the difficulty is already baked into the negative DX modifier.

I don't buy it either. If anything allows faster shooting of bows and crossbows, it should be high ST.

[phiwum]

Originally Posted by Shostak

I don't buy it either. If anything allows faster shooting of bows and crossbows, it should be high ST.

Not sure about crossbows, but I don't think that a lower ST character would pull back a bowstring much slower than a high.

[Helborn]

Originally Posted by Shostak

I don't buy it either. If anything allows faster shooting of bows and crossbows, it should be high ST.

reloading of crossbows - I agree.
faster bow shooting - I don't.

The bow should be matched to the shooters strength already, so faster shooting becomes a matter of DX not ST.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by Helborn

reloading of crossbows - I agree.
faster bow shooting - I don't.

The bow should be matched to the shooters strength already, so faster shooting becomes a matter of DX not ST.

Just because one is strong enough to pull a weight does not imply that one can do so as quickly as someone much stronger. And, unless I'm misunderstanding the ST requirement listed for crossbows, they are also rated to ST.

[hcobb]

What does the ST requirement for a crossbow indicate?

Is it hand cocking or is it goats foot or belt cocking?

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by hcobb

What does the ST requirement for a crossbow indicate?

Is it hand cocking or is it goats foot or belt cocking?

More than that--it is shooting it, too. You can read all about it on ITL 115.

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by Shostak

More than that--it is shooting it, too. You can read all about it on ITL 115.

Thanks Shostak. I had not noticed this before other than the cranequin rules.

Just to be clear. Pg 115 states:
. any figure can fire a crossbow
. DX -1 per ST below the require ST
. Required ST is needed to cock and load the crossbow
. or cock and load with a cranequin only requires ST 8

[larsdangly]

I don't know how other people handle this, but I set the required ST for firing a BRACED crossbow at 8 as well, so you don't have the absurd situation of only freakishly strong characters using a weapon that was very common in seige warfare.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

I don't know how other people handle this, but I set the required ST for firing a BRACED crossbow at 8 as well, so you don't have the absurd situation of only freakishly strong characters using a weapon that was very common in seige warfare.

I'd give them the braced crossbow DX adjustment from ITL 122.

[hcobb]

Originally Posted by Shostak

I'd give them the braced crossbow DX adjustment from ITL 122.

So this adds to DX and ST? So a ST 8 Light Crossbow shot is even DX with a +2 for braced?