Skip to main content

Crossbow Bolts

Crossbow Bolts

Weight: 1.5 lb. (20 bolts)
Cost: 1 GP (20 bolts)
Category: Ammunition
Function: Light and heavy crossbow ammunition

Description​

Short, thick projectiles designed specifically for crossbow use. These sturdy bolts feature heavy construction and broad fletching for stability when fired from the mechanical tension of crossbow mechanisms, providing devastating impact force.

Usage Instructions​

Loading: Place bolt in crossbow groove with fletching toward the stock.

Cocking: Draw crossbow string back to full tension using appropriate mechanism.

Firing: Pull trigger to release string and propel bolt toward target.

Combat Applications​

  • Siege Warfare: Powerful projectiles for defensive positions
  • Assassination: High-impact silent elimination
  • Armor Penetration: Effective against medium armor
  • Guard Duty: Reliable defensive ammunition
  • Hunting: Taking large game with crossbows

Bolt Construction​

Shaft: Thick wooden or metal body for durability Point: Heavy metal tip designed for penetration Fletching: Broad vanes for stability at high velocity Nock: Reinforced end to withstand crossbow string impact

Quality Variations​

Standard Bolts (1 GP/20): Basic construction, iron points Military Bolts (3 GP/20): Reinforced shafts, steel points Siege Bolts (5 GP/20): Heavy construction, armor-piercing Masterwork Bolts (15 GP/20): Perfect balance, superior penetration

Tactical Considerations​

Advantages:

  • High penetration power
  • Consistent accuracy from crossbow mechanics
  • Effective against armored targets
  • Reliable in adverse weather
  • Can be mass-produced for armies

Limitations:

  • Heavier than arrows
  • Slower reload time
  • More expensive than arrows
  • Requires crossbow for use
  • Difficult to recover intact

Specialized Bolt Types​

Bodkin Bolts: Narrow points for maximum armor penetration Broadhead Bolts: Wide cutting heads for hunting applications Incendiary Bolts: Fire-starting tips for siege warfare Grappling Bolts: Attached lines for climbing or retrieval Explosive Bolts: Alchemical charges for special operations

Crossbow Compatibility​

Light Crossbows: Standard bolts work with all light crossbow types Heavy Crossbows: Require heavier bolts for optimal performance Hand Crossbows: May use shorter, lighter bolt variants Repeating Crossbows: Specialized bolts for multi-shot mechanisms

Storage and Transport​

Bolt Cases: Protective containers for organized storage Quivers: Modified arrow quivers adapted for bolt storage Belt Loops: Individual bolt carriers for quick access Bulk Containers: Large storage for military supplies

Maintenance Requirements​

Point Maintenance: Keep tips sharp for maximum penetration Shaft Inspection: Check for stress fractures from crossbow impact Fletching Care: Maintain vane integrity for flight stability String Groove: Ensure nock fits crossbow string properly

Recovery Considerations​

Impact Damage: Bolts often break on impact due to high velocity Penetration Depth: May be difficult to extract from targets Bent Shafts: High-stress impacts frequently bend bolt shafts Lost Bolts: Missed shots may bury deeply in terrain

Alternative Uses​

  • Improvised Weapons: Can serve as short spears or daggers
  • Construction Tools: Heavy shafts useful for leverage
  • Trap Components: Mechanical trap projectiles
  • Measuring Tools: Consistent length for distance measurement
  • Crafting Materials: Points and shafts for other projects