Loaded Crossbows

[Li Shenron]

I have to say that I don't worry too much about this issue. Normally the characters say what they are holding when for example they start exploring a dungeon, and I have let them assume their crossbows are loaded. After all, it just saves them a MEA in the first round, nothing more.

 

[Aaron2]

I have no problem with characters holding a xbow while its loaded but if they are holding something else the xbow is spanned but not loaded; loading in this case is a free action, just like bows. I don't worry about the xbow being damaged as the timescale of most adventures is too short for it to be a factor.

Of course, I have rules for windlass, cranequin, goatsfoot etc so IMC xbows take longer to span than normal.


Aaron

 

[jgsugden]

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.

Nonmagic bows? Yes. Magic bows? No. Heck, with nonmagical bows, I ask the players what they're doing to protect the bows when they use them in the rain. I also use ruls for damage to nonmagical melee weapons, armor and shields.

Do you need to worry about it? No. I'd only worry about it in games where the players enjoy high degrees of detail.

I worry about it in my games because I don't like to see people shrug when they find a magic weapon, even if it is a simple +1 bow. Having a weapon that resists the wear and tear of normal use is a nice boon that makes the difference between a +1 weapon and a nonmagical masterwork weapon a huge difference.

 

[Stalker0]

+1 weapon and a nonmagical masterwork weapon a huge difference.

Some might say... a 2000 gold difference?

(inserts pinkie into mouth)

 

[daTim]

oh I meant... two HUNDRED... uh THOUSAND copper! mwhahaha