Post/Author/DateTime	Post
NeueRegel 04-25-05, 08:57 PM	Heyas, peeps. Ya know the crossbow from the movie "LadyHawke"? The crossbow carried by the character "Waylander" (I read the books too long ago to remember the author right now...). Basically, a light crossbow, but double-manufactured; two bows, for two bolts, but built on one stock, and one dual-action trigger, like a modern day double barrelled shotgun- half depression fires one bolt, full depression fires either both bolts, or the remaining bolt. In the case of firing both, I suppose we'd be looking at something like "manyshot". [I'd wanna say without the -4 to hit penalty, since the "feat" is kinda built into the bow itself, and offset by a terrible reload factor, making it a "once-per-encounter" kinda deal]. In the case of one-at-a-time, I suppose the same as a repeating x-bow. Reloading would have to be longer, I suppose, for both arms, but mayhaps the same as a light crossbow if only using the "top" bow assembly, after the first double-volley? I wouldn't allow rapid-reload with it, just like rapid-reload doesn't seem to be applicable to repeating x-bows now (or so I believe). The dual x-bow might fill a niche; It would never be a great asset except for the initial intimidation factor, or flat-footed response, etc. And, of course, the sheer coolness factor. Any takers? NeueRegel.
reese 04-25-05, 10:21 PM	yes, a light and heavy version from various Mongoose Publishing books. Light: a light crossbow with two seperate firing mechanisms one stacked on top of the other, seperated by a thin reinforced peice of wood. Can be used in two fashions, the wielder can fire each bolt seperately, removing the need to reload before his next shot, or fire both bolts simultaneously at the same target for a -2 penalty to his attack roll. (double recoil and grip to press both triggers) Reloading the top string is normal for a light crossbow, the bottom is a full-round action as you need to split the crossbow. Stats: 55gp 1d6/1d6(S) 1d8/1d8(M) 19-20 x2 80ft 6lbs Heavy: see light above. Reloading the top and bottom strings are full round actions each, as per normal heavy crossbow. Stats: 80gp 1d8/1d8(S) 1d10/1d10(M) 19-20 x2 120ft 10lbs Now that thats out of the way and I have the book out, time for the UBER CROSSBOW OF DOOM!!!! I present the Elephant Crossbow!! A monstrosity of wood and steel this enormous crossbow stands nearly 5 ft high, has a bow the size of normal shortbow, a string actually made of steel and fires bolts closer to javelins in size. This crossbow is so large you need two hands to hold it, let alone fire. Reloading is a full round action that provokes AoO. Rapid Reload will reduce time as normal to a move action. Stats: 250gp 3d4(S) 4d4(M) 19-20 x2 130ft 20lbs Anyone else want a portable seige weapon? Anyone?
NeueRegel 04-25-05, 10:26 PM	Fantastic answer there Reese, and thanx! But one more question, which I forgot to address in my own post as well: Is the Dual Crossbow statted as a simple or an exotic weapon? Neue
NeueRegel 04-25-05, 10:33 PM	Oh, yeah, and yet one more question: If fired together, is there a range restriction such as "manyshot" has (within 30', I believe), or is it both bolts out to all 10 increments? Neue
Rechan 04-25-05, 11:13 PM	I could see building a repeating crossbow onto a double crossbow. Now, by that I do not mean two clips, two repeating bows. Merely a repeating crossbow with a second bow built under the first. It came to mind for a dwarven crossbow commando I am tinkering with. The second shot is for the 'something is trying to eat me while I reload'. Or 'Crap, I'm out of arrows, and I need to make another shot'. This would likely have a magical bolt in it as the backup bolt.
primemover003 04-25-05, 11:30 PM	If you can get a hold of Dungeon issue #100 you can find the Githyanki Triple Crossbow.
Rechan 04-25-05, 11:42 PM	Here's a long shot question. Is there a way to make a ranged weapon a *threat*? Meaning, you don't incur AoOs when using it, and use it against AoOs. I don't know if this works for guns in d20 Modern, but my thinking here is mainly on crossbows: you have it loaded, in your hand, and the guy is right there. What is stopping you from putting a bolt into him? You could use it to essentially Parry his blow, too. I think somewhere there's mention of using bows and crossbows as weapons (for like clubbing someone).
mvincent 04-26-05, 02:34 PM	In Mongoose's "Ultimate Equipment Guide", there is a rather clever Quad (4-way) crossbow that is basically two double crossbows, with the 2nd one is mounted vertically (i.e. at a right angle to the first). It looks like the central (square) shaft rotates 90 degrees after each shot. Clever contraption
tarkin 04-26-05, 02:50 PM	Here's a long shot question. Is there a way to make a ranged weapon a *threat*? Meaning, you don't incur AoOs when using it, and use it against AoOs. I don't know if this works for guns in d20 Modern, but my thinking here is mainly on crossbows: you have it loaded, in your hand, and the guy is right there. What is stopping you from putting a bolt into him? You could use it to essentially Parry his blow, too. I think somewhere there's mention of using bows and crossbows as weapons (for like clubbing someone). 1) There is no simple way to make a bow or similar ranged attack "threaten", it goes against the entire d20 combat system. Threatening is caused by the fact that melee "attacks" are actually a series of jabs, followed by a single real blow. AoO's occure when you sense an opening and turn one of the fake jabs into a real blow. Ranged attacks are very different - they are an attempt to aim and fire arrow. It takes a Prestige Class ability to threaten with a bow/ranged attack. 2)Even if they DID threaten, it would not change the fact that they cause AoO's The ability to threaten is not connected to the fact that ranged attacks cause AoO's. If you have an ability from a Prestige Class to threaten,you STILL incure AoO's when firing with your bow. You need an entirely seperate ability to fire the bow without incuring an AoO (Which, you guessed it, is another Prestige Class ability.) 3) You can choose to threaten using natural weapons/unarmed strikes (if you have IUS), or armor spikes, if you accept the TWF penalties. Have the TWF feat, take -2 penalty to all your attacks and wear Armor Spikes, and boom, your armor spikes are threatening.