What projectile weapon can replace a bow under the following circumstances?

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So, I have a race of elf-like humanoids that live in a forest. One of their best methods of travel is what you may call "forest running". They are attuned to the harmonic movement of the forest from a young age, they can predict the movement of branches in the wind and are agile enough to run and leap from tree to tree without crushing to the ground. Every able-bodied member of their society has been doing it since the moment one could climb a tree, and so it’s quite ingrained in their society.



Available Resources:

Since they live in a forest and don’t often trade with other races outside of the forest (at least not until recent years) they don’t really have metal. What they DO have is wood, resin and a strong rubberlike substance they produce from the cocoon of a creature that resembles a giant fuzzy caterpillar they keep as a pet. The same cocoon also produces a silk-like material. Leather exists but it is costly because they see the working of leather as a lowly occupation.



The Problem:

Now, the problem is that while a projectile weapon is a must for a race relying on agility and dexterity rather than bulk and brute force, I don’t see how they can carry a bow, especially a big enough bow to be lethal against light armor, while tumbling, leaping and flipping head over heels among the canopies of trees. Any unfortunate snag of a branch on a bowstring, any catch of the end of a bow in a vine or some leaves can send a person crushing to the ground in a limb-shattering disaster. The same goes for any normal arrow quiver.



So, what I'm looking for is essentially this:

1. It needs to be a projectile weapon

2. It needs to be small and light enough not to over-encumber a forest-runner, not to snag on branches or foliage and be easy to carry

3. It needs to be quick and easy to draw (so just unstringing a bow and carrying it won’t be enough of a solution. Stringing a bow takes time they don’t have.)

4. It needs to be powerful enough to be effective in battle, at least against light armor.

5. It needs to be achieved without metal, with only the resources they have.



Thank you!










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    So, I have a race of elf-like humanoids that live in a forest. One of their best methods of travel is what you may call "forest running". They are attuned to the harmonic movement of the forest from a young age, they can predict the movement of branches in the wind and are agile enough to run and leap from tree to tree without crushing to the ground. Every able-bodied member of their society has been doing it since the moment one could climb a tree, and so it’s quite ingrained in their society.



    Available Resources:

    Since they live in a forest and don’t often trade with other races outside of the forest (at least not until recent years) they don’t really have metal. What they DO have is wood, resin and a strong rubberlike substance they produce from the cocoon of a creature that resembles a giant fuzzy caterpillar they keep as a pet. The same cocoon also produces a silk-like material. Leather exists but it is costly because they see the working of leather as a lowly occupation.



    The Problem:

    Now, the problem is that while a projectile weapon is a must for a race relying on agility and dexterity rather than bulk and brute force, I don’t see how they can carry a bow, especially a big enough bow to be lethal against light armor, while tumbling, leaping and flipping head over heels among the canopies of trees. Any unfortunate snag of a branch on a bowstring, any catch of the end of a bow in a vine or some leaves can send a person crushing to the ground in a limb-shattering disaster. The same goes for any normal arrow quiver.



    So, what I'm looking for is essentially this:

    1. It needs to be a projectile weapon

    2. It needs to be small and light enough not to over-encumber a forest-runner, not to snag on branches or foliage and be easy to carry

    3. It needs to be quick and easy to draw (so just unstringing a bow and carrying it won’t be enough of a solution. Stringing a bow takes time they don’t have.)

    4. It needs to be powerful enough to be effective in battle, at least against light armor.

    5. It needs to be achieved without metal, with only the resources they have.



    Thank you!










    share|improve this question























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      So, I have a race of elf-like humanoids that live in a forest. One of their best methods of travel is what you may call "forest running". They are attuned to the harmonic movement of the forest from a young age, they can predict the movement of branches in the wind and are agile enough to run and leap from tree to tree without crushing to the ground. Every able-bodied member of their society has been doing it since the moment one could climb a tree, and so it’s quite ingrained in their society.



      Available Resources:

      Since they live in a forest and don’t often trade with other races outside of the forest (at least not until recent years) they don’t really have metal. What they DO have is wood, resin and a strong rubberlike substance they produce from the cocoon of a creature that resembles a giant fuzzy caterpillar they keep as a pet. The same cocoon also produces a silk-like material. Leather exists but it is costly because they see the working of leather as a lowly occupation.



      The Problem:

      Now, the problem is that while a projectile weapon is a must for a race relying on agility and dexterity rather than bulk and brute force, I don’t see how they can carry a bow, especially a big enough bow to be lethal against light armor, while tumbling, leaping and flipping head over heels among the canopies of trees. Any unfortunate snag of a branch on a bowstring, any catch of the end of a bow in a vine or some leaves can send a person crushing to the ground in a limb-shattering disaster. The same goes for any normal arrow quiver.



      So, what I'm looking for is essentially this:

      1. It needs to be a projectile weapon

      2. It needs to be small and light enough not to over-encumber a forest-runner, not to snag on branches or foliage and be easy to carry

      3. It needs to be quick and easy to draw (so just unstringing a bow and carrying it won’t be enough of a solution. Stringing a bow takes time they don’t have.)

      4. It needs to be powerful enough to be effective in battle, at least against light armor.

      5. It needs to be achieved without metal, with only the resources they have.



      Thank you!










      share|improve this question













      So, I have a race of elf-like humanoids that live in a forest. One of their best methods of travel is what you may call "forest running". They are attuned to the harmonic movement of the forest from a young age, they can predict the movement of branches in the wind and are agile enough to run and leap from tree to tree without crushing to the ground. Every able-bodied member of their society has been doing it since the moment one could climb a tree, and so it’s quite ingrained in their society.



      Available Resources:

      Since they live in a forest and don’t often trade with other races outside of the forest (at least not until recent years) they don’t really have metal. What they DO have is wood, resin and a strong rubberlike substance they produce from the cocoon of a creature that resembles a giant fuzzy caterpillar they keep as a pet. The same cocoon also produces a silk-like material. Leather exists but it is costly because they see the working of leather as a lowly occupation.



      The Problem:

      Now, the problem is that while a projectile weapon is a must for a race relying on agility and dexterity rather than bulk and brute force, I don’t see how they can carry a bow, especially a big enough bow to be lethal against light armor, while tumbling, leaping and flipping head over heels among the canopies of trees. Any unfortunate snag of a branch on a bowstring, any catch of the end of a bow in a vine or some leaves can send a person crushing to the ground in a limb-shattering disaster. The same goes for any normal arrow quiver.



      So, what I'm looking for is essentially this:

      1. It needs to be a projectile weapon

      2. It needs to be small and light enough not to over-encumber a forest-runner, not to snag on branches or foliage and be easy to carry

      3. It needs to be quick and easy to draw (so just unstringing a bow and carrying it won’t be enough of a solution. Stringing a bow takes time they don’t have.)

      4. It needs to be powerful enough to be effective in battle, at least against light armor.

      5. It needs to be achieved without metal, with only the resources they have.



      Thank you!







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      Kaiannae

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          Consider the lowly sling. A couple of lengths of string or leather lace and a pouch, from which one hurls stones or cast shot.



          The sling was one of the earliest weapons created by man, and it was used by regular soldiers in warfare as recently as the Spanish revolution. In warfare, the Aztec slings were considered to be as effective as the Spanish muskets.



          The world record for distance with a sling is over 700 yards. In medieval and earlier warfare, archers were considered lethal to 200 yards, but slingers were considered lethal to 230 yards. Unlike archers, slingers were effective against armored troops, capable of inflicting internal injuries to the head and torso from sheer energy of impact.



          Using the sling is quick ... Load, whip whip whip release.



          To a student of the sling, the biblical account of David and Goliath is a classical case of never try to fight a ranged battle with melee weapons.



          Slings are easy and cheap to manufacture, typically requiring about 6 to 8 square inches of leather or cloth. Old tongues of shoes are perfect.






          share|improve this answer





























            up vote
            3
            down vote













            First of all, since you are dealing with forest fighters, you do not need the range of a bow, if your enemies are that far away the vegetation will cover you and you will probably will not see them.



            So, there are two readily available options:



            Spear & spear-throwers



            The basic spear is limited by how fast the thrower can move its arm. But, with a little help from a spear-thrower, he can exchange a little more strength for a lot of speed for the spear.



            Image of use of a spear-thrower



            Image courtesy of Wikipedia



            Here you have a video of a guy making and using one of those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlr02YDr5A



            Slings



            Another classical options, slings typically are made of vegetal fibers. You can even "wear" them wrapped around your body when not in use.



            For the best effect, the slinger would have selected the best ammo (natural rocks, polished rocks or even ceramic projectiles) way before the battle, but if the need arises he could try to use the rocks available at the place of the combat.



            Image of a Balearic slinger



            Image courtesy of Wikipedia



            Here you have the same guy from before making and using a sling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzDMCVdPwnE



            A small disavantage is that the slinger can be uneffective if there is not a clearing wide enough to propel it, and that while the spear can be used in close quarters combat, the sling is totally unsuited for that. The sling main advantage is that its range is far longer, and can be very effective against armor (with good ammo).



            An advantage of both of those weapons is that they are classical inventions that have been tested time after time all around the world. They do work.



            Plumbata



            As a curiosity (since, as its name implies, it breaks the "no metals" rule), the plumbata is a dart weighted with lead. The extra weight meant that at the same speed (which was limited by the speed of the throwers arm) it could get more penetration power.



            I have read some stories of those being used to stop armoured knights in the Middle Ages; here you have to take into account that the impact depends both of the speed of the projectile and the speed of the target (if the target is in full charge towards the thrower, the dart will penetrate deeper).



            For the other requirements of your question, it has some advantages: it would work well against armour at short ranges and would be deployed very fast (just take one and throw it).



            There is way less info about the plumbata, but I found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQGBsQAcb0






            share|improve this answer





























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              A Miniaturized Ballista



              The ballista is a weapon somewhat resembling a large crossbow that operates with a torsion spring instead of a leaf spring. As a result they could be drawn so that the limbs were parallel to the stock. While they were designed as siege engines, a scaled down ballista would allow a smaller size than a bow once drawn. Have them carry the ballista pre drawn and you allow for a smaller size and quick usage. For the quiver, you could strap it close to the leg and put a flap over the top so the bolts don't get caught on anything.



              Note you biggest problem is going to be making projectile heads capable of piercing armour without access to metal yourself. Wood will likely splinter and stone will shatter.






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              • 2




                Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                – pojo-guy
                1 hour ago










              • @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                – Shadowzee
                54 mins ago

















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              A Slingshot



              You have wood, rubber and resin. A sling shot would be pretty easy to make and you could throw an initiation ritual for the children where they need to find the materials and craft their own slingshot.



              Its small enough so you can carry it close to your body and not get it caught, and you can use a variety of different ammunition, ranging from rocks to pieces of fruits or seeds.



              It will require less room than a sling and you probably won't get the range of a sling, but its much easier than trying to swing a piece of cloth while your on the move.






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                You could look into darts (blow and hand), yoyos as light blunt force weapons (they were supposedly used as hunting weapons in China and parts of South East Asia as well as Greece), slings or kunai's which are all light, lends itself to the dexterity and speed of your race and small enough to be carried without encumbering them. They would have to strike exposed flesh though this shouldn't be an issue since you mentioned their opponents would be wearing light armor (heavy armor in the forest would be difficult to move in). Coating the blades, stingers, bullets in sticky poison, slow acting acid or anything that they can use to add extra damaging effects would also be good.






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                  5 Answers
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                  up vote
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                  down vote













                  Consider the lowly sling. A couple of lengths of string or leather lace and a pouch, from which one hurls stones or cast shot.



                  The sling was one of the earliest weapons created by man, and it was used by regular soldiers in warfare as recently as the Spanish revolution. In warfare, the Aztec slings were considered to be as effective as the Spanish muskets.



                  The world record for distance with a sling is over 700 yards. In medieval and earlier warfare, archers were considered lethal to 200 yards, but slingers were considered lethal to 230 yards. Unlike archers, slingers were effective against armored troops, capable of inflicting internal injuries to the head and torso from sheer energy of impact.



                  Using the sling is quick ... Load, whip whip whip release.



                  To a student of the sling, the biblical account of David and Goliath is a classical case of never try to fight a ranged battle with melee weapons.



                  Slings are easy and cheap to manufacture, typically requiring about 6 to 8 square inches of leather or cloth. Old tongues of shoes are perfect.






                  share|improve this answer


























                    up vote
                    3
                    down vote













                    Consider the lowly sling. A couple of lengths of string or leather lace and a pouch, from which one hurls stones or cast shot.



                    The sling was one of the earliest weapons created by man, and it was used by regular soldiers in warfare as recently as the Spanish revolution. In warfare, the Aztec slings were considered to be as effective as the Spanish muskets.



                    The world record for distance with a sling is over 700 yards. In medieval and earlier warfare, archers were considered lethal to 200 yards, but slingers were considered lethal to 230 yards. Unlike archers, slingers were effective against armored troops, capable of inflicting internal injuries to the head and torso from sheer energy of impact.



                    Using the sling is quick ... Load, whip whip whip release.



                    To a student of the sling, the biblical account of David and Goliath is a classical case of never try to fight a ranged battle with melee weapons.



                    Slings are easy and cheap to manufacture, typically requiring about 6 to 8 square inches of leather or cloth. Old tongues of shoes are perfect.






                    share|improve this answer
























                      up vote
                      3
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      3
                      down vote









                      Consider the lowly sling. A couple of lengths of string or leather lace and a pouch, from which one hurls stones or cast shot.



                      The sling was one of the earliest weapons created by man, and it was used by regular soldiers in warfare as recently as the Spanish revolution. In warfare, the Aztec slings were considered to be as effective as the Spanish muskets.



                      The world record for distance with a sling is over 700 yards. In medieval and earlier warfare, archers were considered lethal to 200 yards, but slingers were considered lethal to 230 yards. Unlike archers, slingers were effective against armored troops, capable of inflicting internal injuries to the head and torso from sheer energy of impact.



                      Using the sling is quick ... Load, whip whip whip release.



                      To a student of the sling, the biblical account of David and Goliath is a classical case of never try to fight a ranged battle with melee weapons.



                      Slings are easy and cheap to manufacture, typically requiring about 6 to 8 square inches of leather or cloth. Old tongues of shoes are perfect.






                      share|improve this answer














                      Consider the lowly sling. A couple of lengths of string or leather lace and a pouch, from which one hurls stones or cast shot.



                      The sling was one of the earliest weapons created by man, and it was used by regular soldiers in warfare as recently as the Spanish revolution. In warfare, the Aztec slings were considered to be as effective as the Spanish muskets.



                      The world record for distance with a sling is over 700 yards. In medieval and earlier warfare, archers were considered lethal to 200 yards, but slingers were considered lethal to 230 yards. Unlike archers, slingers were effective against armored troops, capable of inflicting internal injuries to the head and torso from sheer energy of impact.



                      Using the sling is quick ... Load, whip whip whip release.



                      To a student of the sling, the biblical account of David and Goliath is a classical case of never try to fight a ranged battle with melee weapons.



                      Slings are easy and cheap to manufacture, typically requiring about 6 to 8 square inches of leather or cloth. Old tongues of shoes are perfect.







                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited 55 mins ago

























                      answered 1 hour ago









                      pojo-guy

                      5,5471019




                      5,5471019




















                          up vote
                          3
                          down vote













                          First of all, since you are dealing with forest fighters, you do not need the range of a bow, if your enemies are that far away the vegetation will cover you and you will probably will not see them.



                          So, there are two readily available options:



                          Spear & spear-throwers



                          The basic spear is limited by how fast the thrower can move its arm. But, with a little help from a spear-thrower, he can exchange a little more strength for a lot of speed for the spear.



                          Image of use of a spear-thrower



                          Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                          Here you have a video of a guy making and using one of those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlr02YDr5A



                          Slings



                          Another classical options, slings typically are made of vegetal fibers. You can even "wear" them wrapped around your body when not in use.



                          For the best effect, the slinger would have selected the best ammo (natural rocks, polished rocks or even ceramic projectiles) way before the battle, but if the need arises he could try to use the rocks available at the place of the combat.



                          Image of a Balearic slinger



                          Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                          Here you have the same guy from before making and using a sling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzDMCVdPwnE



                          A small disavantage is that the slinger can be uneffective if there is not a clearing wide enough to propel it, and that while the spear can be used in close quarters combat, the sling is totally unsuited for that. The sling main advantage is that its range is far longer, and can be very effective against armor (with good ammo).



                          An advantage of both of those weapons is that they are classical inventions that have been tested time after time all around the world. They do work.



                          Plumbata



                          As a curiosity (since, as its name implies, it breaks the "no metals" rule), the plumbata is a dart weighted with lead. The extra weight meant that at the same speed (which was limited by the speed of the throwers arm) it could get more penetration power.



                          I have read some stories of those being used to stop armoured knights in the Middle Ages; here you have to take into account that the impact depends both of the speed of the projectile and the speed of the target (if the target is in full charge towards the thrower, the dart will penetrate deeper).



                          For the other requirements of your question, it has some advantages: it would work well against armour at short ranges and would be deployed very fast (just take one and throw it).



                          There is way less info about the plumbata, but I found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQGBsQAcb0






                          share|improve this answer


























                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote













                            First of all, since you are dealing with forest fighters, you do not need the range of a bow, if your enemies are that far away the vegetation will cover you and you will probably will not see them.



                            So, there are two readily available options:



                            Spear & spear-throwers



                            The basic spear is limited by how fast the thrower can move its arm. But, with a little help from a spear-thrower, he can exchange a little more strength for a lot of speed for the spear.



                            Image of use of a spear-thrower



                            Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                            Here you have a video of a guy making and using one of those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlr02YDr5A



                            Slings



                            Another classical options, slings typically are made of vegetal fibers. You can even "wear" them wrapped around your body when not in use.



                            For the best effect, the slinger would have selected the best ammo (natural rocks, polished rocks or even ceramic projectiles) way before the battle, but if the need arises he could try to use the rocks available at the place of the combat.



                            Image of a Balearic slinger



                            Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                            Here you have the same guy from before making and using a sling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzDMCVdPwnE



                            A small disavantage is that the slinger can be uneffective if there is not a clearing wide enough to propel it, and that while the spear can be used in close quarters combat, the sling is totally unsuited for that. The sling main advantage is that its range is far longer, and can be very effective against armor (with good ammo).



                            An advantage of both of those weapons is that they are classical inventions that have been tested time after time all around the world. They do work.



                            Plumbata



                            As a curiosity (since, as its name implies, it breaks the "no metals" rule), the plumbata is a dart weighted with lead. The extra weight meant that at the same speed (which was limited by the speed of the throwers arm) it could get more penetration power.



                            I have read some stories of those being used to stop armoured knights in the Middle Ages; here you have to take into account that the impact depends both of the speed of the projectile and the speed of the target (if the target is in full charge towards the thrower, the dart will penetrate deeper).



                            For the other requirements of your question, it has some advantages: it would work well against armour at short ranges and would be deployed very fast (just take one and throw it).



                            There is way less info about the plumbata, but I found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQGBsQAcb0






                            share|improve this answer
























                              up vote
                              3
                              down vote










                              up vote
                              3
                              down vote









                              First of all, since you are dealing with forest fighters, you do not need the range of a bow, if your enemies are that far away the vegetation will cover you and you will probably will not see them.



                              So, there are two readily available options:



                              Spear & spear-throwers



                              The basic spear is limited by how fast the thrower can move its arm. But, with a little help from a spear-thrower, he can exchange a little more strength for a lot of speed for the spear.



                              Image of use of a spear-thrower



                              Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                              Here you have a video of a guy making and using one of those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlr02YDr5A



                              Slings



                              Another classical options, slings typically are made of vegetal fibers. You can even "wear" them wrapped around your body when not in use.



                              For the best effect, the slinger would have selected the best ammo (natural rocks, polished rocks or even ceramic projectiles) way before the battle, but if the need arises he could try to use the rocks available at the place of the combat.



                              Image of a Balearic slinger



                              Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                              Here you have the same guy from before making and using a sling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzDMCVdPwnE



                              A small disavantage is that the slinger can be uneffective if there is not a clearing wide enough to propel it, and that while the spear can be used in close quarters combat, the sling is totally unsuited for that. The sling main advantage is that its range is far longer, and can be very effective against armor (with good ammo).



                              An advantage of both of those weapons is that they are classical inventions that have been tested time after time all around the world. They do work.



                              Plumbata



                              As a curiosity (since, as its name implies, it breaks the "no metals" rule), the plumbata is a dart weighted with lead. The extra weight meant that at the same speed (which was limited by the speed of the throwers arm) it could get more penetration power.



                              I have read some stories of those being used to stop armoured knights in the Middle Ages; here you have to take into account that the impact depends both of the speed of the projectile and the speed of the target (if the target is in full charge towards the thrower, the dart will penetrate deeper).



                              For the other requirements of your question, it has some advantages: it would work well against armour at short ranges and would be deployed very fast (just take one and throw it).



                              There is way less info about the plumbata, but I found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQGBsQAcb0






                              share|improve this answer














                              First of all, since you are dealing with forest fighters, you do not need the range of a bow, if your enemies are that far away the vegetation will cover you and you will probably will not see them.



                              So, there are two readily available options:



                              Spear & spear-throwers



                              The basic spear is limited by how fast the thrower can move its arm. But, with a little help from a spear-thrower, he can exchange a little more strength for a lot of speed for the spear.



                              Image of use of a spear-thrower



                              Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                              Here you have a video of a guy making and using one of those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlr02YDr5A



                              Slings



                              Another classical options, slings typically are made of vegetal fibers. You can even "wear" them wrapped around your body when not in use.



                              For the best effect, the slinger would have selected the best ammo (natural rocks, polished rocks or even ceramic projectiles) way before the battle, but if the need arises he could try to use the rocks available at the place of the combat.



                              Image of a Balearic slinger



                              Image courtesy of Wikipedia



                              Here you have the same guy from before making and using a sling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzDMCVdPwnE



                              A small disavantage is that the slinger can be uneffective if there is not a clearing wide enough to propel it, and that while the spear can be used in close quarters combat, the sling is totally unsuited for that. The sling main advantage is that its range is far longer, and can be very effective against armor (with good ammo).



                              An advantage of both of those weapons is that they are classical inventions that have been tested time after time all around the world. They do work.



                              Plumbata



                              As a curiosity (since, as its name implies, it breaks the "no metals" rule), the plumbata is a dart weighted with lead. The extra weight meant that at the same speed (which was limited by the speed of the throwers arm) it could get more penetration power.



                              I have read some stories of those being used to stop armoured knights in the Middle Ages; here you have to take into account that the impact depends both of the speed of the projectile and the speed of the target (if the target is in full charge towards the thrower, the dart will penetrate deeper).



                              For the other requirements of your question, it has some advantages: it would work well against armour at short ranges and would be deployed very fast (just take one and throw it).



                              There is way less info about the plumbata, but I found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPQGBsQAcb0







                              share|improve this answer














                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer








                              edited 55 mins ago

























                              answered 1 hour ago









                              SJuan76

                              10.9k12144




                              10.9k12144




















                                  up vote
                                  0
                                  down vote













                                  A Miniaturized Ballista



                                  The ballista is a weapon somewhat resembling a large crossbow that operates with a torsion spring instead of a leaf spring. As a result they could be drawn so that the limbs were parallel to the stock. While they were designed as siege engines, a scaled down ballista would allow a smaller size than a bow once drawn. Have them carry the ballista pre drawn and you allow for a smaller size and quick usage. For the quiver, you could strap it close to the leg and put a flap over the top so the bolts don't get caught on anything.



                                  Note you biggest problem is going to be making projectile heads capable of piercing armour without access to metal yourself. Wood will likely splinter and stone will shatter.






                                  share|improve this answer
















                                  • 2




                                    Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                    – pojo-guy
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                    – Shadowzee
                                    54 mins ago














                                  up vote
                                  0
                                  down vote













                                  A Miniaturized Ballista



                                  The ballista is a weapon somewhat resembling a large crossbow that operates with a torsion spring instead of a leaf spring. As a result they could be drawn so that the limbs were parallel to the stock. While they were designed as siege engines, a scaled down ballista would allow a smaller size than a bow once drawn. Have them carry the ballista pre drawn and you allow for a smaller size and quick usage. For the quiver, you could strap it close to the leg and put a flap over the top so the bolts don't get caught on anything.



                                  Note you biggest problem is going to be making projectile heads capable of piercing armour without access to metal yourself. Wood will likely splinter and stone will shatter.






                                  share|improve this answer
















                                  • 2




                                    Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                    – pojo-guy
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                    – Shadowzee
                                    54 mins ago












                                  up vote
                                  0
                                  down vote










                                  up vote
                                  0
                                  down vote









                                  A Miniaturized Ballista



                                  The ballista is a weapon somewhat resembling a large crossbow that operates with a torsion spring instead of a leaf spring. As a result they could be drawn so that the limbs were parallel to the stock. While they were designed as siege engines, a scaled down ballista would allow a smaller size than a bow once drawn. Have them carry the ballista pre drawn and you allow for a smaller size and quick usage. For the quiver, you could strap it close to the leg and put a flap over the top so the bolts don't get caught on anything.



                                  Note you biggest problem is going to be making projectile heads capable of piercing armour without access to metal yourself. Wood will likely splinter and stone will shatter.






                                  share|improve this answer












                                  A Miniaturized Ballista



                                  The ballista is a weapon somewhat resembling a large crossbow that operates with a torsion spring instead of a leaf spring. As a result they could be drawn so that the limbs were parallel to the stock. While they were designed as siege engines, a scaled down ballista would allow a smaller size than a bow once drawn. Have them carry the ballista pre drawn and you allow for a smaller size and quick usage. For the quiver, you could strap it close to the leg and put a flap over the top so the bolts don't get caught on anything.



                                  Note you biggest problem is going to be making projectile heads capable of piercing armour without access to metal yourself. Wood will likely splinter and stone will shatter.







                                  share|improve this answer












                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer










                                  answered 1 hour ago









                                  XRF

                                  1753




                                  1753







                                  • 2




                                    Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                    – pojo-guy
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                    – Shadowzee
                                    54 mins ago












                                  • 2




                                    Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                    – pojo-guy
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                    – Shadowzee
                                    54 mins ago







                                  2




                                  2




                                  Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                  – pojo-guy
                                  1 hour ago




                                  Isn't this also called a crossbow?
                                  – pojo-guy
                                  1 hour ago












                                  @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                  – Shadowzee
                                  54 mins ago




                                  @pojo-guy Yes... I believe this is a crossbow...
                                  – Shadowzee
                                  54 mins ago










                                  up vote
                                  0
                                  down vote













                                  A Slingshot



                                  You have wood, rubber and resin. A sling shot would be pretty easy to make and you could throw an initiation ritual for the children where they need to find the materials and craft their own slingshot.



                                  Its small enough so you can carry it close to your body and not get it caught, and you can use a variety of different ammunition, ranging from rocks to pieces of fruits or seeds.



                                  It will require less room than a sling and you probably won't get the range of a sling, but its much easier than trying to swing a piece of cloth while your on the move.






                                  share|improve this answer
























                                    up vote
                                    0
                                    down vote













                                    A Slingshot



                                    You have wood, rubber and resin. A sling shot would be pretty easy to make and you could throw an initiation ritual for the children where they need to find the materials and craft their own slingshot.



                                    Its small enough so you can carry it close to your body and not get it caught, and you can use a variety of different ammunition, ranging from rocks to pieces of fruits or seeds.



                                    It will require less room than a sling and you probably won't get the range of a sling, but its much easier than trying to swing a piece of cloth while your on the move.






                                    share|improve this answer






















                                      up vote
                                      0
                                      down vote










                                      up vote
                                      0
                                      down vote









                                      A Slingshot



                                      You have wood, rubber and resin. A sling shot would be pretty easy to make and you could throw an initiation ritual for the children where they need to find the materials and craft their own slingshot.



                                      Its small enough so you can carry it close to your body and not get it caught, and you can use a variety of different ammunition, ranging from rocks to pieces of fruits or seeds.



                                      It will require less room than a sling and you probably won't get the range of a sling, but its much easier than trying to swing a piece of cloth while your on the move.






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      A Slingshot



                                      You have wood, rubber and resin. A sling shot would be pretty easy to make and you could throw an initiation ritual for the children where they need to find the materials and craft their own slingshot.



                                      Its small enough so you can carry it close to your body and not get it caught, and you can use a variety of different ammunition, ranging from rocks to pieces of fruits or seeds.



                                      It will require less room than a sling and you probably won't get the range of a sling, but its much easier than trying to swing a piece of cloth while your on the move.







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered 48 mins ago









                                      Shadowzee

                                      4,552720




                                      4,552720




















                                          up vote
                                          0
                                          down vote













                                          You could look into darts (blow and hand), yoyos as light blunt force weapons (they were supposedly used as hunting weapons in China and parts of South East Asia as well as Greece), slings or kunai's which are all light, lends itself to the dexterity and speed of your race and small enough to be carried without encumbering them. They would have to strike exposed flesh though this shouldn't be an issue since you mentioned their opponents would be wearing light armor (heavy armor in the forest would be difficult to move in). Coating the blades, stingers, bullets in sticky poison, slow acting acid or anything that they can use to add extra damaging effects would also be good.






                                          share|improve this answer
























                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            You could look into darts (blow and hand), yoyos as light blunt force weapons (they were supposedly used as hunting weapons in China and parts of South East Asia as well as Greece), slings or kunai's which are all light, lends itself to the dexterity and speed of your race and small enough to be carried without encumbering them. They would have to strike exposed flesh though this shouldn't be an issue since you mentioned their opponents would be wearing light armor (heavy armor in the forest would be difficult to move in). Coating the blades, stingers, bullets in sticky poison, slow acting acid or anything that they can use to add extra damaging effects would also be good.






                                            share|improve this answer






















                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote










                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote









                                              You could look into darts (blow and hand), yoyos as light blunt force weapons (they were supposedly used as hunting weapons in China and parts of South East Asia as well as Greece), slings or kunai's which are all light, lends itself to the dexterity and speed of your race and small enough to be carried without encumbering them. They would have to strike exposed flesh though this shouldn't be an issue since you mentioned their opponents would be wearing light armor (heavy armor in the forest would be difficult to move in). Coating the blades, stingers, bullets in sticky poison, slow acting acid or anything that they can use to add extra damaging effects would also be good.






                                              share|improve this answer












                                              You could look into darts (blow and hand), yoyos as light blunt force weapons (they were supposedly used as hunting weapons in China and parts of South East Asia as well as Greece), slings or kunai's which are all light, lends itself to the dexterity and speed of your race and small enough to be carried without encumbering them. They would have to strike exposed flesh though this shouldn't be an issue since you mentioned their opponents would be wearing light armor (heavy armor in the forest would be difficult to move in). Coating the blades, stingers, bullets in sticky poison, slow acting acid or anything that they can use to add extra damaging effects would also be good.







                                              share|improve this answer












                                              share|improve this answer



                                              share|improve this answer










                                              answered 36 mins ago









                                              Arkhaine

                                              677212




                                              677212



























                                                   

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