The crossbow is usually more powerful than a normal bow, though much slower firing, but that is not its greatest strength. Instead, it is much easier to learn how to use, allowing a levy of citizen soldiers to rapidly become a force to be feared, proficient in loading and firing in unison, blackening the skies with the bolts they fire. Even cruder, more primitive races can build and use them, so watch out for orcs with their own versions of these intimidating weapons!