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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gothmog" data-source="post: 862679" data-attributes="member: 317">Crossbows under the core rules absolutely stink- there is no way anyone other than a low-level character would ever use one.  What I did was to house-rule crossbows so that they are worthwhile for a character of ANY level.First, crossbows get a +2 circumstance bonus to hit vs anyone in armor.  This does not include natural armor however.  This reflects the fact that crossbows can punch through layers of armor pretty easily.Second, light crossbows inflict 1d8 damage, heavy 1d10.  In addition, while iterative attacks are not possible with crossbows, I do allow a character to make multiple attack rolls if he would normally be allowed them.  In order for the bolt to strike, the first attack roll must hit- if it doesn't hit, then the bolt misses completely.  For each attack that "hits", the bolt inflicts its base damage.  Only the first attack can cause a critical hit, and if it does, the damage for ONLY the first bolt is multiplied.  This reflects that the experienced crossbow sniper is able to precisely place his bolt, thus causing more damage.For example- a fighter with +14/+9+/+4 with his light crossbow would roll his first attack (+14) to determine if he struck the target.  If so, then he rolls his second and third attacks against the target's same AC.  For each attack that "hits", he inflicts 1d8 damage.  So if only the first attack hits, he does 1d8; two attacks=2d8; and 3 attacks that hit=3d8.  So far, this has worked well for our group, and makes crossbowmen something to be feared, rather than scoffed at.  There is no reason why a crossbowman should be penalized when a bowman has no restrictions on him.  Sure, the crossbow guy can potentially do more damage in a single hit, but he can't spread his fire out amongst enemies, or use rapid shot.</blockquote>

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