Okay, first of all: bows and crossbows are completely different things.
Yes, crossbows are far more complex bows- yet there are no bows.
Now: Is it really that hard to comprehend when you're surrounded by a group of guards, no one will stand out due to the fear of facing certain death?
The problem is, anyone in hyldaa plaza IS NOT completely surrounded by guards. There is one tower, and one guard over by the winch- and that's it.
It doesn't matter how many bolts they can shoot. Crossbow is a weapon that any peasant can use and at the same time weapon that can easily pierce plate mail.
Sure, if you dont miss. And if youre the one in 50 thats unlucky enough to be targetted by the few gaurds.
That's why the weapon was despised so much. When you're surrounded by a group of people, each of whom can kill you with but a trigger of their finger, it's downright stupid to attack.
A) Youre not surrounded, B) you have far more firepower than a guy with a crossbow if youre a mage. Arrow spell goes through walls. And then there's meteors...
And fight between 50 people will give enough time for the guards to gather and stop whoever remains. Especially that there's a sentry tower right next to the plaza (place they can easily shoot people from too).
That's why everyone that gets into bar fights or fights at the sporting arena is caught...cause that many people fighting always get caught. Except they dont....not even today, with radios and cops and cameras and dogs, and etc, etc.
And looking at your recent arguments, I really have to underline it... Apparently it's extremely hard to understand.
There's a huge sentry tower right next to the plaza. If someone duels there, the guards will see it well enough.
Even if you somehow manage to run away, they will know who you are.
Yes, cause one could never wear a disguise or hide out in the countryside or an uncle's house in Oja until the heat settled down. People- look around you at our world today- even with our modern tech we still have prolific crime.
Again...you wish for a utopia that is unrealistic in almost every possible way to achieve.
And then you wouldn't log on with them because as far as everyone else is concerned you are in jail. Now as far as the large attack Drah mentioned goes, that could very reasonably be done within the realms of good RP because there is no reason to assume that our characters know the level of protection in the Hydlaa so they might well think they can pull it off.
Again, this is EXACTLY the sort of thing a guild would very carefully study and monitor not just to prepare for war, but at all times. Seriously, the absolute and total lack of basic knowledge with regards to operational neccesities and basic military planning is overwhelming.
You simply wouldnt war in a city without knowing the guards response times and capabilities.
Who said anything about a guild war?
This thread is posted in direct response to events surrounding a guild war this weekend.
My various observations in this thread are based on my military MOUT/COIN training and experience as a former infantryman in the US Army(which all grunts get). I am sorry they do not reconcile with your notions of what's actually attainable or even realistic for security forces. (let alone in the dark ages).
I've said my piece.