Choranzanus said:
Otherwise I cannot agree that bows simply are better than crossbows. Crossbows are obviously more accurate and do more damage, but not in D&D.
This is just not true. (I'm a former champion archer, if an Appeal to Self-Authority won't annoy you too much.)
It's true that crossbows have a flatter trajectory, but that's reflected in crossbows being simple weapon (i.e., easier to learn). In the hands of proficient archers, crossbows are no more accurate than bows.
And only the heaviest of crossbows hits harder than a self bow with a respectable pull. (And heavy crossbows
do hit harder than bows in D&D.) Once you start dealing with a seriously powerful draw, a self bow hits significantly harder than a crossbow. (And composite bows with high Strength bonuses do so in D&D.)
You can't apply your strenght modifier to a crossbow
No, although it would make complete sense to allow it. Historically, crossbows varied some, although because the intent was to equip the Average Joe, the vast majority of them were, well, average. I'm pretty sure GURPS has nice rules for the interaction of extra damage and reloading time. You could take a look there.
and there are no feats, which makes it a bad choice for a fighter.
Agreed, which is why I suggested one.
If realism is concerned, choice between bow and crossbow isn't obvious, even if you are highly proficient.
This is simply incorrect. The
only advantage a crossbow has, if both archers are proficient, is the ability to fire while prone. In a non-ambush skirmish situation, that's not a selling point.
And as I said, things like manyshot have nothing to do with realism.
Agreed.
Again, if you want to reflect realism, your best best is to make bows exotic weapons. Becoming skirmish proficient with a bow could take
years, compared to weeks or months with a crossbow.