Crossbow

• Names: N/A
• In Redwall: N/A
• Origin: Europe
• Time Period: 14th century
• Description: A crossbow is a form of bow in which the bow-stave (prod) is fixed crosswise to a stock. The bow can then be spanned back by hand or by means of a lever or windlass, and the string held in place by a catch that is released by a trigger to shoot an arrow, bolt or quarrel.
• Use: The crossbow would be cocked very carefully, as it has over 100 pounds of draw which means the crossbow bolt (or quarrel) will fly through the air at extremely high speeds.  It is easy to draw, however, unlike the longbow.  The user cocks the crossbow, aims, and then squeezes the usually stiff trigger, continuing to hold it until the quarrel has completely left the crossbow.  Accuracy with the crossbow takes considerable skill.  It's slower to reload than a normal bow but easier to draw.
• Sites for Further Research
  • The Medieval Crossbow
  • Crossbow Archery - Ancient and Modern
  • The Beckoning - The Crossbow in the Medieval Period
  • The Crossbow