Aka Crossbows.
Whilst muskets or guns are out of the question... Crossbows could add more dynamic variation between ranged fighters...
Obviously they would have their own draw back such as a slower rate of fire and higher strength requirements, and heavier weight.
But their bonuses would include being able to ready an arrow to fire later on.
Better range.
There could be three variations of crossbows...
Styles:
Balista Crossbows-
They have a small shield mounted at the barrel which protects the wilder but take a while to pull and have lower durability and can't be used while mounted but deliver a massive punch and can use harpoon bolts effectively.
Light Crossbows-
They work similarly to short bows as they fire at a faster rate with less damage but they can be used while mounted.
Crank Crossbows-
They pull back really fast with a crank wheel but they only deal slightly better damage than a light crossbow and aren't very accurate at long range making them better for close to mid ranged combat.
Shapes:
Straight-
They are essentially the basic shape, they have higher dura and mid strength req but deal average damage.
Heavy-
They are heavier with a high strength req and low dura but pack a punch.
Fitted-
They are more comfortable with lower strength req and high dura with lower damage.
Bolts:
There are three types of bolts.
Ball Points:
They deal blunt damage instead of piercing and deal the lowest damage of all the bolts but can stagger enemies.
Broadheads:
Basically the same as the broadhead arrows.
Harpoon:
Can only be used with a Balista crossbow they deal massive damage with lower weakspot damage.
Whilst muskets or guns are out of the question... Crossbows could add more dynamic variation between ranged fighters...
Obviously they would have their own draw back such as a slower rate of fire and higher strength requirements, and heavier weight.
But their bonuses would include being able to ready an arrow to fire later on.
Better range.
There could be three variations of crossbows...
Styles:
Balista Crossbows-
They have a small shield mounted at the barrel which protects the wilder but take a while to pull and have lower durability and can't be used while mounted but deliver a massive punch and can use harpoon bolts effectively.
Light Crossbows-
They work similarly to short bows as they fire at a faster rate with less damage but they can be used while mounted.
Crank Crossbows-
They pull back really fast with a crank wheel but they only deal slightly better damage than a light crossbow and aren't very accurate at long range making them better for close to mid ranged combat.
Shapes:
Straight-
They are essentially the basic shape, they have higher dura and mid strength req but deal average damage.
Heavy-
They are heavier with a high strength req and low dura but pack a punch.
Fitted-
They are more comfortable with lower strength req and high dura with lower damage.
Bolts:
There are three types of bolts.
Ball Points:
They deal blunt damage instead of piercing and deal the lowest damage of all the bolts but can stagger enemies.
Broadheads:
Basically the same as the broadhead arrows.
Harpoon:
Can only be used with a Balista crossbow they deal massive damage with lower weakspot damage.