The
arbalest was a late variation of the
crossbow. It was much larger and the actual "bow" part was made of
steel. A good crossbowman could shoot two bolts per minute. Since an arbalest was much larger than earlier crossbows, it had a greater force. Arbalests were nearly claimed inhumane and have been abolished by the
Pope since an inexperienced crossbowman could kill a
knight with a lifetime of training.
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