How does 'reloading' relate to other actions?

[harlandski]

This question came up in a game today, where two orcs were using light crossbows. As with my other questions, I'm working from the "Two Complete Games in One Box" rules.

So it's clear that with a DX of less than 14, a light crossbow can only fire every other turn. What is less clear is what option(s) they can take on the turn in between firing. I spontaneously ruled that they couldn't do anything (they were reloading), but this doesn't seem to be covered in the written options, or where missile fire / missile weapons are explained. Maybe in line with other complex actions, they should be allowed to move one hex? Or maybe (less logically) they could take another action?

Is there an official rule about this (maybe from the advanced rules), or have I missed something?

[amenditman]

Just looking at the list of Options it is not clear.
Only mention of 'reload' is under engaged figures it says may not ready or reload a missile weapon.

Under options for disengaged figures 'Ready New Weapon' is the closest fit for reload but does not mention it.

[Chris Rice]

Melee p16. "Reloading a crossbow comes under Ready New Weapon for all purposes." That's option (e)

[harlandski]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

Melee p16. "Reloading a crossbow comes under Ready New Weapon for all purposes." That's option (e)

Thanks, I somehow managed to miss that. So they get to move up to two hexes too.

[KevinJ]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

Melee p16. "Reloading a crossbow comes under Ready New Weapon for all purposes." That's option (e)

This is where I put reloading.

[Brazen Hussey]

Not arguing about RAW, but realistically with a crossbow what is taking the time is not reloading but spanning, or cocking, it. Hard to imagine you'd be moving much while using a stirrup, or a goat's foot, or whatever to span your crossbow.

[Skarg]

That is a good point, although I think TFT imagines that people who can span a crossbow in 1 to 3 turns are strong enough to do it by hand. When using a cranequin, yeah the figure should probably not be able to move around.