Another type of Conscript of the First Celestial Empire, this one armed with a crossbow. The First Celestial Empire did not invent crossbows, but they did take them from novelties and wall defense weapons to offensive weapons. Specifically they were useful in equipping large numbers of archers. While on the pricey side compared to bows due to their mechanical complexity and lacking in the rate of fire department when compared to a composite bow or sling , they were powerful and a common farmer or laborer could become proficient in their use fairly quickly, thus allowing for devastating long range volleys. Legions would usually contain one century of crossbow conscripts for every two phalanx centuries.