[UT] Bows and Crossbows

[DouglasCole]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

That sounds like a pretty big reduction. 1000-fold, right? (Each ±1B is a tenfold increase/reduction, right?)

I'm pretty sure it's 10 dB per 10-fold change in energy, which from a "how loud is it?" standpoint is "twice as loud."

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

That sounds like a pretty big reduction. 1000-fold, right? (Each ±1B is a tenfold increase/reduction, right?)

It is a huge reduction, yes. No one is saying that suppressors are a useless technology and, indeed, it is incredible how much of the noise we can get rid off.

The main point is that the quietest we can go is still pretty damn loud. We are, after all, starting with something that can shatter eardrums.

[Kale]

Originally Posted by DouglasCole

Compound bows and crossbows are really good that way. Combine these with fictionally awesome materials and you can approach perfect efficiency with heavy arrows. THEN boost the energy with a power cell, using shape-memory concepts or other technobabble.

They can also be handy for delivering chemical payloads at short ranges. In a post apoc game I came up with a crossbow that fired enlarged bolts (at reduced range and accuracy, like overloading a Sling) containing ultra-tech versions of napalm. Being set on fire can be a nasty surprise for PCs who are used to being well protected from most dangers by their scrounged kevlar vests.

[Peter Knutsen]

Some characters in Shadowrun-type settings may have Chi-like abilities that only work with muscle-powered weapons. Some sort of PM on Striking ST, on a Weapon Precision Talent, Extra Attack, and so forth. It is therefore quite useful for GURPS GMs and players to know what TL9+ bows and crossbows and so forth are like.

[Anthony]

TL 9+ crossbows aren't going to be a lot different from TL 8; maybe lighter weight for the same draw strength, and possibly improved ammunition, but really not a lot of difference in damage, we're already close to theoretical limits.

Most of the benefits of bows come from them being fairly low power with a heavy sharp projectile. The high tech equivalent to a bow is a dart gun, typically powered by compressed air.

[Hugin]

Originally Posted by Peter Knutsen

Some characters in Shadowrun-type settings may have Chi-like abilities that only work with muscle-powered weapons. Some sort of PM on Striking ST, on a Weapon Precision Talent, Extra Attack, and so forth. It is therefore quite useful for GURPS GMs and players to know what TL9+ bows and crossbows and so forth are like.

Or hunting Vampires!

[Peter Knutsen]

Originally Posted by Hugin

Or hunting Vampires!

Vampyric metaphysics usually don't care if the wooden stake is launched by a highly technological device, whereas some Chi powes, and some of the abilities available to Shadowrun's "physical adepts", do care.