Invented in the late 14th century, and reaching the height of popularity by the late 1700s, the pellet crossbow, also known as a stonebow, was used primarily for hunting or target practice.It is a light crossbow, with a double string holding a pouch or pocket. The stonebow fires small stones, clay pellets or steel bullets, comparable to sling ammunition.
In D&D terms, it is an idea weapon to introduce to a campaign to add to the cleric's list of available weapons. With greater range than a simple sling, the pellet crossbow increases the cleric's effectiveness in missile combat situations. Below, I've statted out this fascinating weapon for OD&D/Swords & Wizardry and Classic D&D/Labyrinth Lord, as well as a more detailed work-up for the Weapons Mastery system of Rules Cyclopedia/Dark Dungeons.
OD&D, Swords & Wizardry: WhiteBox
Crossbow, Pellet Damage: 1d6-1 Rate of Fire: 1 Range: 50 ft. Weight: 5 lb. Cost: 20 gp
Pellets (20) Weight: 1 lb. Cost: 1 gp
B/X, BECMI, Labyrinth Lord
Crossbow, Pellet Damage: 1d4+1 Rate of Fire: 1 Range: 60/120/180 Weight: 5 lb. Cost: 20 gp
Pellets, Crossbow (10) Weight: 5 lbs. Cost: 1 gp
Rules Cyclopedia, Dark Dungeons
Crossbow, Pellet Damage: 1d4+1 Rate of Fire: 1 Range: 50/100/150 Encumbrance: 50 cn Cost: 40 gp Notes: a,c,m,s,2H,M
Pellets, Crossbow (30) Encumbrance: 5 cn Cost: 1 gp
Level Range Damage Defense Special
BS 50/100/150 1d4+1 -- --
SK 50/100/150 1d6+2 M:-1AC/1 Stun(s/m)
EX 70/120/160 1d6+4 M:-2AC/2 Stun(s/m)
MS 70/120/160 P=2d4+4 M:-2AC/3 Stun(s/m)
S=1d8+4
GM 80/130/160 P=2d6+4 M:-3AC/3 Stun(s/m)
(P=H) S=1d10+4
