Hand crossbow

A hand crossbow was a smaller version of a crossbow that could be held in one hand.

Description
Hand crossbows could be operated with a single hand. The loaded bolts had a range of purposes, but most often to contain drow knockout poison, especially when wielded by the drow. . They were easily concealed, and favored by rogues and those who would prefer to use stealth, rather than power.

History
Cadderly Bonaduce owned a special hand crossbow that was crafted by Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder, at the Edificant Library. The young scholar mainly used this projectile weapon in combination with oil of impact to deal explosion damage to his enemies. He used the weapon to score his first ever kill on the evil cleric, Barjin.

Dorigen Kel Lamond acquired this crossbow while Cadderly's group escaped from Ragnor's imprisonment. He feared that she would replicate the weapon, and distribute it to her peers. Later, in Shilmista forest, the scholar spared Dorigen, but crushed her hands, severely damaging them. After this, Dorigen had mixed feelings towards Cadderly, and did not distribute the unique weapon. Cadderly kept the weapon with him at most times, and used it in a fight with giant toad in Fyrentennimar's lair. The toad first of all consumed the crossbow's bolt, but some time later, exploded in a giant mess.

Individuals

 * Cadderly Bonaduce
 * Dorigen Kel Lamond
 * Jarg

Groups

 * In the Underdark, drow and derro were well known for using hand crossbows.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * The Cleric Quintet • Streams of Silver
 * Video Games
 * Baldur's Gate III