Arbalest

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 were abolished by the Pope since an inexperienced crossbowman could kill a knight with a lifetime of training.