I am sorry that this topic is getting off topic my point really wasn't to have a discussion about the crossbow my point was about inconsistantcies, the crossbow is an RPG standard, I haven't played any of the other TES games because they didnt seem to draw my intention like Skyrim did, but it also seems strange that you can't use a fishing rod to me, if it had been playable and no crossbow I would have issues, but its just strange they would add that kind of detail to a fishing rod you cant use and not give another weapon you can.
Crossbows are used in other RPGs, but their mechanics defy the laws of physics. There's a tiny emphasis on believability (as much as there can be in a game where you shout fire) in combat mechanics here. For example, firing a bow involves taking an arrow, nocking it, drawing back, then releasing. Loading a crossbow involves taking a bolt, setting the crossbow on the ground, forcing (or cranking) the string back into place (
right about now you're dead), setting the bolt in position, picking the crossbow up and firing.
As CCNA mentioned, they weren't made to be used more than once in any situation that involved an advancing enemy.