Forever to reload doesn't always apply since the time it takes to reload depends on the crossbow's loading mechanism. See this video when a crossbow is compared to a longbow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HagCuGXJgUs As said, it's a crossbow which doesn't take that long to load, and the bow wins in the end, but it doesn't take as long to reload as some people seem to believe.

But I totally agree with most of the previous posters, why have crossbows in the game? And while we are at it, why have axes and daggers? After all, a dagger is just a weaker and smaller sword. If you want to hit faster with a blade then you can just dual-wield. And the axe is just a useless middle ground option for those who can't choose between swords and maces. We already have the fast swords for lightly armored opponents, and the slower maces for heavy armored ones. Why have a 3rd option that doesn't add anything to the game? The resources spent on axes could be spent on something better, like giving us chainmail bikinis and sixy plate armor panties for female characters.

So, we don't need 2h weapons? They're basically the same as 1h but with a bit more power. Hell, remove swords! They're just stronger daggers!

You know that variety is the spice of life?

A crossbow is like carrying a small siege weapon around because it's basically a scaled down ballista

It's because it's *ADDING* something instead of *REMOVING* something. It's nice to just get stuff added back into the game. I don't even really use bows or crossbows but I like the direction we are going... putting things into the game instead of removing things from Morrowind/Oblivion

*double*

its the other way around actually, ballistas are based off crossbows, they just made them bigger

I personally love the idea of crossbows, it gives the game more variation... it will probably be reloading very slow and maybe not as effective in combat. but the more they add the better, in my opinion.

I wish they actually had mechanics that helped justify variations of similar types of weaponry. Like for example, dividing armor rating into crush/pierce/slash resistance values that are independent from one another. As well as high armor types that require weapons that specifically pierce armor to deal reasonable damage.

The Romans used a scorpion which is a early form of the ballista before the crossbow was even invented in the middle ages

Personally feel a cross bow fits more with a warrior type character. Have a shorter range, but offer more power, slower reload and can be used one handed (with less accuracy obv).

More weapon choices the better IMO. Bring in staffs and spears as well, playing a monk is tricky without staffs.

The crossbow was around since before the birth of Christ. For example you'll find a crossbow trigger mechanism from somewhere between 475-221 BC on the wikipedia page about crossbows ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossbow one of the pictures on the right halfway down). Not sure if that's considered the middle ages.

Crossbows would be good for a character fighting the undead, nothing like the classic crossbow to a vampires heart.

it looks F****ing awesome that's why

http://www.toyanxietypixs.com/images/products/vanhelsing/vanhelsing/crossbow.jpg

http://images.wikia.com/deadliestwarrior/images/d/de/Europe_crossbow2-2-.jpg

http://www.needmoregifts.com/img/mzlo1623-2.jpg

honestly the pics speak for themselves

I think that they should include onehanded crossbows. Then you can duel-wield crossbows. I think that would be cool.

But from a realistic perspective, crossbows are deadlier and easier to use and maneuver in close-quarters. Bows are good at range. I think that is a good enough reason to use a crossbow to me.

Now where's my throwing spears???

I think this is really it for me, I mean, think of the options we used to have, just for ranged; bows, crossbows, throwing knives, and throwing stars. Now it's just bows. In my eyes more options is always better, as long as they're all integrated and balanced properly. I don't want any half-assed additions. I'm curious with this DLC to see if the crossbows will be integrated into the whole game, just the DLC area, or if there'll just be a couple of unique items and no more.

man can u imagine a spear in one hand and a round shield in the other

THIS IS SPARTA XD

or amazon (like diablo 2)

also 2H spears are a must as well ...well they are called lances then I think

Yeah. Id be happy with melee staffs or 2h spears, if they attacked like a martial artist using them, not just smacking and thrusting. Anyways, back to crossbows...

http://ui01.gamespot.com/2153/praetorian_2.jpg

http://ui01.gamespot.com/2318/crossbowmancommander_2.jpg

come one don't want to role play as those

(Speculation)
I bet they are going whole game. I myself would release a tidal wave of complaint if they were only in one area.

Just imagine the different battles that can play if bandits can flip out high damage crossbows- or if they miss you and they cannot reload, flavor for sure.

Crossbows might have free stagger, crossbows do not need RANGER perk- can move at full speed for free.

If crossbows have higher base damage- one hitters (us stealthers or illusion invisibile worshippers) may prefer them for one shots.

As said earlier, if you only get one shot - like when a barbarian is rushing you, a crossbow may be a better option.

I can't wait. I think it will help diverge ranged users. Pure range speciallsts will go more bow. Melee/Spellsword/Light fighters may go crossbow.

All speculation, will be eager to see if I am right about anything.

More weapon and armor flavor helps to mesh out builds to fit everyone exactly. This is one of the reasons Dark Souls has such a hardcoe base, so many build options centered on so many complex weapon/armor/spell systems. More is better.

Crossbow with slow poison on it? That sounds like a nice opener shot for my light swordsman.

Possible armor negation on crossbow shots?? That may make some of you daedric tanks start quivering

I just want my dragon hunter http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfzJgcfWF-Y/TluhHlro66I/AAAAAAAAA3U/d8myhdLgd_k/s1600/crossbow.jpg



only portable XD

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/Justin_Peddle/100_6273.jpg
King Leonidas is patiently waiting for spears to make an appearance in Skyrim

I think I would keep both on my person, while playing a FPS I like to keep a close quarters weapon and a ranged weapon. I will open with ranged and try to do as much damage as possible then move in with the close combat to finish off the stragglers . Or just to be able to fend off whomever manages to get in too close for comfort, I do tend to " camp out " more in Skyrim then I do in a FPS.

I think variety is the spice of life. No reason to get cranky though just because you don't value variety as much as some of us.

Also if they do it right, they can have light and heavy crossbows. Light crossbows would be one handed and shoot faster with less damage. Mostly as a stealth opener to poison a badboy enemy. But the heavier crossbows would be 2H and deal massive spike damage, but would essentially be a one-off in dungeons or close quarters. In an open area, the heavy crossbow could get two shots off or so before being swarmed.

Can't wait. Im psyching myself up.