Crossbow

A crossbow is a mechanical weapon used for firing bolts or arrows. It usually consists of a groove in which a projectile is inserted, and a string which is drawn tight and held by a trigger. When the trigger is released, the projectile fires.

In Redwall, Constance and the Beaver built a giant crossbow for slaying Cluny the Scourge. As a base, they used a large table, and instead of yew wood, they used the remainder of an old barrel stave. Instead of an arrow, the two used an old candle snuffer with the end sharpened to a point. Their plan was to fire their weapon into a tent occupied by Cluny.

However, their plans went awry when Cheesethief was promoted to second-in-command of the horde following Redtooth's demise. While Cluny was away overseeing the construction of a siege tower in a ditch, Cheesethief began parading in the Scourge's armor. The Redwallers killed Cheesethif instead of Cluny, but the Scourge used it to his own advantage.

The crossbow was also subject to perhaps the only pun in the entire Redwall series. When describing Cheesethief's death, the book states, "Cheesethief never knew what snuffed his life out!"