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Spoilers for Books 1–8
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Weapon · Introduced in Book 3
Crossbow of the Scavenger Mother of Mothers
The Enchanted Repeating Crossbow of the Scavenger Mother of Mothers is a Unique weapon that only women can wield. It becomes faster and more powerful for every woman in the wielder’s party.[1]
Choose Book 3 or later above to read this section.
Weapon bonuses
The crossbow deals one and a half times normal crossbow damage and adds fifteen Dexterity and ten Strength while wielded. Each female party member, including the wielder, adds twenty-five percent to its damage and firing speed. The party bonus does not multiply the stat bonuses.
The buffet enchantment provides unlimited ordinary bolts. The wielder can load special ammunition, but must supply those bolts herself. The crossbow also grants Birth Defect, a spell aimed at monsters that produce other monsters. Carl does not see it used during his first inspection.[2]
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History
Book 3
The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook
Katia takes the crossbow after Hekla dies. Carl can inspect it but cannot wield it. Its party bonus helps explain why Hekla recruited so many women. Katia’s shots are weaker and slower than Hekla’s, and lack some of their elemental effects, because she does not have Hekla’s other equipment.[2]
Choose Book 3 or later above to read this section.
Book 6
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride
The crossbow’s origin becomes relevant to the murder quest, bringing its links to Nekhebit and Apito back into focus.[3]
Choose Book 6 or later above to read this section.
Book 7
This Inevitable Ruin
Donut later mounts the crossbow with Scorpion’s Bite. Mordecai prepares a special bolt using his mother’s remains. It kills Huanxin after she has been separated from Eileithyia; the goddess survives.[4]
Choose Book 7 or later above to read this section.
Sources
References are to Matt Dinniman’s novels. Book links open our recap guides.
- The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, Chapter 24.
- The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, Chapters 24, 27.
- The Eye of the Bedlam Bride, Chapter 18.
- This Inevitable Ruin, Chapter 86.