Bowcaster

A bowcaster was a type of traditional, hand-crafted 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 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 charged with 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.

History
Bowcasters were based on ancient weapons from Wookiee history, ones that used 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: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
 * The Rebellion Begins
 * Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
 * Star Wars 1: Skywalker Strikes
 * Star Wars 2: Skywalker Strikes, Part II
 * Star Wars: Darth Vader 1: Vader
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens
 * Star Wars 2: Skywalker Strikes, Part II
 * Star Wars: Darth Vader 1: Vader
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens