Loaded Crossbows

[Dax Doomslayer]

Hi Folks,
I realize that loading a crossbow is a move equivlent action. My question is: can a crossbow be loaded while not in use so that it may be "drawn" and fired in the same round? Or does it have to be "stored" empty and loaded at the time that it is needed? Any opinions on this is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Darklone]

I don't allow stored and loaded crossbows for reality reasons. Poor argument, I know, but I feel that way.

 

[trentonjoe]

I don't allow stored and loaded crossbows for reality reasons. Poor argument, I know, but I feel that way.

I don't allowed people to "sheath" loaded croosbow but if they are willing to carry it it can be pre-loaded.

I have no real compelling argument for why. It just kinda seemed right.

 

[jgsugden]

Rules: The rules do not cover this issue specifically.

Reality: A loaded crossbow will suffer from the strain. It will break rather quickly if you leave it 'cocked' all the time.

House rule: Magical crossbows can be cocked and held as cocked without damaging the crossbow. Nonmagical normal crossbows will give out after 2d12 hours of being cocked and will require repairs before use (1/2 the cost of the weapon).

A cocked crossbow has a misfire chance whenever the bow is jostled significantly. Some things that jostle a bow: Anything that causes a reflex save, being hit by an opponent for damage, running, riding, etc ...

To avoid a misfire, the character must roll an attack roll versus AC20 (sometimes with DM imposed penalties or bonuses).

 

[DonaldRumsfeldsTofu]

jgsugden pretty much hit the nail on the head. Storing a loaded crossbow will damage it, and it is a safety risk.

 

[MichaelH]

My players do not store their crossbows "locked and loaded." They ready them when they expect combat. If they are surprised or ambushed, then they either draw and load or charge into battle.

 

[Unseelie]

The exception being repeating crossbows, I believe...

 

[daTim]

do you also make your characters carry around unstrung bows?

Just seems like another unnecessary thing to worry about like rations. Not to mention crossbows are so inferior to bows already.

 

[thalmin]

I know it's a poor argument, but IRL there is nothing to keep the bolt in a loaded crossbow, the bolt just rests in a shallow groove. Further the trigger is fully exposed, making it nearly a sure thing that it will go off if you are not extremely careful AND lucky.
And, no, bows do not have to be kept unstrung all the time, weapons don't need perpetual sharpenning, and armor does not need constant repairs in my campaign, altho all do require some down-time mantainance.

 

[Darklone]

do you also make your characters carry around unstrung bows?

Sure I do. Xbows are not inferior to bows in my low level games.

There have been Xbows with a "holder" for the bolts, a metal spring that presses the bolt into the ... groove?

Groovy.