Crossbow

From the Redwall Wiki, your Redwall news and information resource.

A crossbow is a mechanical weapon used for firing bolts or arrows. It usually consists of a groove in which a projectile is inserted, and a string which is drawn tight and held by a trigger. When the trigger is released, the projectile fires.

In Redwall, Constance and the Beaver built a giant crossbow for slaying Cluny the Scourge. As a base, they used a large table, and instead of yew wood, they used a sapling from the orchard. Instead of an arrow, the two used an old candle snuffer with the end flattened to a point. Their plan was to fire their weapon into a tent occupied by Cluny.

However, their plans went awry when Cheesethief was promoted to second-in-command of the horde following Redtooth's demise. While Cluny was away overseeing the construction of a siege tower in a ditch, Cheesethief began parading in the Scourge's armor. The Redwallers killed Cheesethief instead of Cluny, but the Scourge used it to his own advantage.

Redwall is the only book in which a crossbow appears.