Bowcaster

A bowcaster, also known as a laser crossbow, was a type of traditional, handcrafted projectile weapon commonly used by Wookiees.

Description
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.

The latest known bowcaster that Wookiee warrior and Rebel hero Chewbacca created was during the era of the Galactic Empire. It was an unconventional design, as Chewbacca had used the frame and power pack of a stormtrooper blaster. Additionally, Chewbacca's weapon was also fitted with an automatic cocking system, which traditional models lacked.

Bowcasters were much more powerful than standard blaster rifles, 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 First Order–Resistance conflict, in which he became fond of the weapon after using it in a skirmish on board the Eravana and later in a battle on Takodana.

History
Bowcasters were based on ancient weapons from Wookiee history that fired poisoned darts and arrows.

During the Clone Wars, the bounty hunter Embo used a bowcaster as his favored weapon. At the end of the war, bowcasters were also used in the Battle of Kashyyyk. Chewbacca crafted several of them over time.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Galactic Defense
 * Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
 * Adventures in Wild Space: The Nest
 * The Rebellion Begins
 * Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
 * Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo & Chewbacca Adventure
 * Smuggler's Run animated comic
 * Star Wars 1: Skywalker Strikes
 * Star Wars 2: Skywalker Strikes, Part II
 * Star Wars: Darth Vader 1: Vader
 * Star Wars: Darth Vader 16: The Shu-torun War, Part I
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
 * Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side!
 * Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part I
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part III
 * Star Wars: Uprising
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens novelization
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens junior novelization
 * Han & Chewie Return!
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part III
 * Star Wars: Uprising
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens novelization
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens junior novelization
 * Han & Chewie Return!