|
I was compiling an equipment index for my players to use and noticed something for the first time. In the core rulebook when you look at the equipment tables, it lists "Crossbow, light" followed by "Bolts, crossbow (10)" and then immediately after that it says "Crossbow, heavy" followed by "Bolts, crossbow (10)". I've never paid any attention to this, but does this mean that crossbow bolts you use for a light crossbow are a different size than crossbow bolts you use for a heavy crossbow? A hand crossbow? If I found a heavy crossbow on an adventure do my bolts for my light crossbow work on it?
The same question can be applied to the arrows fired by a shortbow and a longbow.
Similarly, there is a difference between ammunition manufactured for a Small weapon over a Medium, correct? If my halfling friend fell in battle, I, a half-orc, couldn't pick up his arrows and fire them with my Medium sized bow, right?
Simulationist answer: Yes, the length of the arrow/bolt relates directly to the pull of the bow; it can't be too short, or too long.
Gamist answer: Don't worry about it. It won't hurt your game if arrows are fungible. You'll save bookkeeping and disappointment ("Sorry, the magic arrow doesn't fit you bow.").