Model: Wookiee Bowcaster
Type: Energy/projectile weapon hybrid
Scale: Character
Skill: Bowcaster
Ammo: 6 (quarrels; power packs can make 50 shots before being replaced)
Cost: 900 (not sold to non-Wookiees)
Availability: 3, R
Fire Rate: 1
Range: 3-10/30/50
Damage: 4D
Game Notes: If a character wants to fire the weapon more than once in a round, he must make an Easy Strength roll to be able to aim the weapon (this is a “free action”). Reloading the weapon with new quarrels requires a Moderate Strength roll.
Background: Through the use of magnetic acceleration, bowcasters were more powerful and accurate than the average blaster. Designs differed through the materials used and the creator’s artistic approach, although the end result was visually similar to a crossbow-like weapon.
The weapon used metal quarrels enveloped with plasma energy as ammunition. Two polarizing orbs, balanced on each end of the bow, created a magnetic field that boosted the quarrel’s momentum. Once the cocking spring was pulled back, the trigger fired the quarrel, which was enveloped in plasma energy.
Bowcasters were much more powerful than standard blaster rifles, but also much heavier, meaning few humans were capable of carrying one around, let alone hold it level and steady for a precise shot. To fire comfortably, the strength of a Wookiee was required. However, this statistic was challenged by Han Solo on numerous occasions during the cold war, in which he became fond of the weapon declaring, “I like this thing.” after using it in a skirmish on board the Eravana and later in a battle on Takodana.