V9: Bows & Crossbows

This page is part of the Official Amtgard V9 Alpha-Playtest Rulebook.

• The Amtwiki is the official home and primary source for Amtgard V9 Rules as of February 25, 2023.
• These rules are currently in Open Alpha Playtest. See the Playtest Disclaimer for more details.
• To learn more about Amtgard V9 Development, please visit Amtgard.com.
• To view the current Amtgard V8 ruleset, please see the Amtgard V8 Rulebook.

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Bows & Crossbows

Archer with a Bow

Bows and Crossbows are used to fire arrows or bolts respectively. Only actual bows and crossbows may be used for this purpose. Other forms of projectile launchers cannot be used to represent a bow or crossbow.

1. Compound bows are prohibited.
   
   
2. Regular Bows must have a draw weight of 35lbs or less at a 28” draw.
   
   
3. Crossbows are limited to no more than 450 inch-pounds.
   
   

Bow & Crossbow Gameplay Rules

1. Bows and Crossbows cannot be destroyed.
   
   
2. Cannot be used to directly strike another player. They must be exclusively used to launch Arrows & Bolts.
   
   
3. Cannot be intentionally struck nor used to block, deflect or otherwise defend against incoming strikes.
   • If accidentally struck, it is treated as an Illegal Obstruction. A certain amount of incidental contact during the chaos of live combat should be expected, however repeated or egregious disregard for this rule can result in suspension from play or loss of archery privileges.
     
     
4. Bows and Crossbows cannot be wielded with any other equipment in the same hand (besides arrows and bolts), nor can they be held in a hand that is actively wielding another piece of equipment.
   • A shield may be strapped to the arm as long as there is no risk of it interfering with the safe use of the bow.
     
     
5. Bows may not be drawn beyond 28” at any time and must be half-drawn at ranges closer than 20’. Crossbows are not required to half draw.

Competency Assessment Required
Archery is the most potentially dangerous aspect of our game. Anyone wishing to use a bow or crossbow on an Amtgard battlefield must first demonstrate to the equipment inspector that they are able to do so safely. This is only required once. Players who demonstrate unsafe bow use during inspection or at any point thereafter may have their archery privileges revoked by the inspector or a safety authority for that day/event.

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• Image Gallery
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  Example 1

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  Example 2

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  Example 3

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  Example 4

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  Example 5