D&D 5E (2014) RAW are crossbow bolts interchangable for different crossbows?

[Stormonu]

Generally speaking, arrows shouldn't work between short and long bows either; the different draw lengths use different arrow lengths and weight.

 

[AtomicPope]

One of the things I love about 5e, and the trend of D&D in general, is it got away from book keeping. Realistically speaking, different crossbows and different bows use different ammunition. In classic D&D it was a pain to keep track of the various ammunition. I also remember if I used a longbow I was constantly fighting against enemies with shortbows. My longbow arrows would be getting scarce but I'd have 200 shortbow arrows. Eventually, I'd use the short bow just to save the other arrows. Fifth edition did away with all of that. No reason you can't reintroduce it.

 

[Vaalingrade]

If you make them track bolt types, go for maximum sadness and make them track the strings too. And the mechanical parts.

 

[Helldritch]

I do enforce the tracking of ammunition types. But with mending, it is a moot point anyway.

 

[ECMO3]

I do enforce the tracking of ammunition types. But with mending, it is a moot point anyway.

Mending takes a full minute to cast unless you are a bladesinger. That is a lot of time spent mending bolts, especially if they beak in more than one area.

 

[Shiroiken]

I can handwave found armor fitting perfectly, so crossbow bolts don't even merit notice.

This bugs me far more than interchangeable arrows & quarrels.

 

[aco175]

This bugs me far more than interchangeable arrows & quarrels.

I tend to deal with adjustable armor with the other small things the PCs do in town. My group tends to cross off several GP each time in a town to handle things like food, lodging, brushing the horse, new horseshoes, weapon sharpening and polishing, armor fitting and minding, a new pair of shoes, etc...

 

[Helldritch]

Mending takes a full minute to cast unless you are a bladesinger. That is a lot of time spent mending bolts, especially if they beak in more than one area.

Sure, but after combat, who cares? 40 arrows and xbow bolts are more than enough for one combat or even two. A few cantrips later during short/long rests and the deed is done.