Bows and Crossbows

Bows are instruments constructed of a narrow piece of elastic wood, bone or other material, the two ends of which are pulled into a curve by a piece of string or cord pulled taunt. Crossbows are weapons consisting a bow set at right angles to a rifle shaped stock having a mechanism for drawing back and holding the bow string and a trigger mechanism for the releasing it.

Bow, long- long bows are a type of bow that is nearly as long as a man because of its size it may not be used from a mount. The long bow has a considerable range, A long bow is made by bending a straight piece of wood or similar material with a piece of cord or string.

Bow, recurve- A recurve bow is made by bending a curved piece of wood or similar material backward to the curve with a piece of string or cord. A recurve is shorter than a long bow but is still to long to be used from a mount in addition a recurve bow has a stronger pull than a long bow and thus a greater range.

Bow, short- a short bow is as the name implies as short version of the long bow it is made the same manner. A short be can be used from a mount.

Crossbow, hand held- A hand held crossbow is a small one handed weapon of limited range and effect. The damage done by such a weapon is so minor that they are often poisoned.

Crossbow, heavy- A heavy crossbow is one of the most powerful of the ranged weapons not only does inflict a deep penetrating wound but in addition the force of the blow is often sufficient to dismount a riding man or to flatten a standing man also it has been known to break and shatter bones. A heavy crossbow requires a windlass or crank to draw the string back.

Crossbow, light- light crossbow is smaller version of the heavy crossbow and it does not require a windlass but can be drawn by hand a light crossbow has twice the firing rate of a heavy crossbow.

Blow Gun- The blow gun is a hollow tube 3 to 15 feet in length often made of bamboo. A small dart typically poisoned or drugged is shot from the tube by the users breath. It is a difficult weapon to learn but those proficient in its use and using a long blow gun can hit their target with extreme accuracy.