Editing 23a:Crossbow

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''(This article also covers '''bolts''', '''arrows''' and '''quivers''' for completeness' sake.)''

'''Crossbows''' are the only ranged {{L|weapon}} that {{L|dwarves}} can carry.  A dwarf will open fire at a range of about 20 tiles, but the bolts may travel further and hit something by accident.

A {{L|bolt}} does a fine job at {{L|piercing}} the internal organs of a {{L|creature}} while also doing some damage to outside parts. This is of limited use against creatures without organs, such as {{L|Magma man|magma men}} or {{L|undead}}, but excellent against creatures with more "normal" internal anatomy.  Occasionally a bolt will get stuck in a target; the only known use for this is that a {{L|wrestling}} dwarf may grab the bolt and twist it in the {{L|wound}}.

==Crossbow usage==
Once you tell a dwarf to use a crossbow (either from the {{k|m}}ilitary/{{k|w}}eapons sub-menu, or by {{k|v}}iewing the dwarf and accessing the {{k|s}}oldiering sub-menu), he will pick it up if he has either the {{L|ambusher|hunting}} {{L|skill}} enabled or if he is in the {{L|military}}. He will then pick up a {{L|quiver}} and {{L|bolt}}s, preferring {{L|metal}} bolts if available. A dwarf can carry one stack of bolts in his hands, and one in his quiver.

When in range {{L|dwarves}} use crossbows to fire {{L|bolt}}s. If they are engaged in melee they will use the crossbow as a club, using their {{L|hammerdwarf}} skill.

Dwarves often do not return to base and pick up more bolts if they run out if there are enemies nearby; instead, they will enter melee.

==Construction and quality==
Crossbows can be constructed from {{L|wood}}, {{L|bone}} or {{L|metal}}. Wooden and bone crossbows are created at a {{L|bowyer's workshop}} and metal ones at a {{L|metalsmith's forge}}, both using the {{L|crossbow-making}} labor and {{L|bowyer}} skill.

The {{L|quality}} of a crossbow is added to the {{L|marksdwarf}} and {{L|hammerdwarf}} skills.  The {{L|material}} used in construction of a crossbow does not affect the damage done when firing, but does affect the damage done when it is used as a melee weapon.

Using {{L|masterpiece}} ammunition will not result in a bad {{L|thought}} for the maker, whether or not it breaks, nor will trading it away.  However, losing even one masterpiece bolt out of an original stack of 25 will. If a single masterwork bolt left outside is stolen, or if a wounded enemy escapes with a masterpiece bolt stuck in them, it's possible to cause a {{L|tantrum}}. For this reason it may be wise to, as policy, just {{L|trade}} them away.

==Related information==
===Off-Hand Items===
According to [http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=47004.msg940332#msg940332 this forum discussion], marksdwarves are able to wield their crossbows one-handed, and so can use another item in their second hand. If they use a {{L|buckler}}, they may carry it plus an extra set of bolts in the off hand; if they use a {{L|shield}}, they still suffer no penalty to the crossbow usage but cannot carry the extra set of bolts. 

===Bolt===
'''Bolts''' are used by crossbows and {{L|Trap#Weapon_Trap|crossbow traps}}. Making bolts from {{L|wood}} or {{L|metal}} gives a {{L|stack}} of 25 bolts, whilst making them from a stack of {{L|bone}}s gives a stack of {5 x number of bones}.

Metal bolts are created at the {{L|metalsmith's forge}} and require the {{L|metalsmithing}} labor enabled.  Wood and bone bolts are created at the {{L|craftsdwarf's workshop}} and require {{L|craftsworking}}. Higher levels of {{L|skill}} will tend to produce higher {{L|quality}} bolts.  The {{L|material}} and quality{{verify}} of the bolts (not the crossbow) affects the amount of {{L|Weapon#Material damage modifiers|damage}} done.

In {{L|adventure mode}}, bolts can also be thrown for about the same results as firing them, except that it uses the {{L|thrower}} skill and doesn't destroy the bolts.

===Quiver===
A '''Quiver''' is an item used to store {{L|bolt}}s or {{L|arrow}}s. It is worn on the body, like a {{L|backpack}}.

Quivers are made of {{L|leather}} at a {{L|leatherworks}}. Dwarves equipped with a crossbow will automatically wear quivers if they are available, and carry a stack of bolts in it. This allows a dwarf to carry one extra stack of bolts, typically {{L|bone}} or {{L|wood}} training bolts in the hand, and {{L|metal}} ones in the quiver. 

Invaders, merchants, and migrants often have {{L|silk}} and {{L|cloth}} quivers, even though you can't make them yourself. 

In adventure mode, a quiver can hold any number of arrows and bolts.

==See also==
*{{L|Marksdwarf}}
*{{L|Ambusher}}
*{{L|Archery target}}
*{{L|Bowyer}}
*{{L|Crossbow-making}}
*{{L|Bow}}
*{{L|Equipment and encumbrance}}

{{Category|Weapons}}{{Category|Military}}