40d:Crossbow

Crossbows are the only hand-held ranged weapon usable by dwarves. In addition to the metals usually used to make weapons, crossbows can be made of bone or wood. Crossbows are created in the bowyer's workshop, and the metalsmith's forge.

Scoring a successful hit with a crossbow trains the marksdwarf skill, and a high skill in marksdwarf affects accuracy with the weapon. Practicing at an archery range also improves the marksdwarf skill.

Crossbows fire bolts, which can be made out of anything crossbows themselves can be made out of, meaning bone, wood, or the metals good for making weapons. When practicing at an archery range, it is advisable to use bone bolts, because they are less valuable and much easier to make than wooden or metal ones, which ideally should be conserved for live targets.

Quivers can be given to dwarves to hold bolts, although dwarves can hold bolts in their hands. Thus, a dwarf can effectively carry multiple stacks of bolts. Dwarves will place metal bolts in quivers in favor of wooden or bone bolts.