There was once a time and world where birds were considered mystical creatures. At times the deities of this world used birds to deliver messages, omens, prophecies, and other information to prophets or priests. The 'civilized' people quickly realized that the presence of a bird itself was an omen of different sorts. Some cultures of this old world had strict laws against those who would kill any bird with the usual penalty being death. Others only enforced such an extreme penalty against those who killed birds who could fly, as flight shows a close tie to the heavens. Other 'heathen' peoples ignored those rules completely as several deities did not use birds to deliver messages. Feathers themselves were considered a gift from the gods and were often treasured. A magic system was developed, based entirely on the latent magical energies of birds.

Whether the legends of birds being messengers between the gods and mortals is true or not in the present world makes no difference.

This crossbow was created in this old time with powerful avian magic. The weapon was created to use the latent magical energies left in the feathers of whichever kind of birds would grant feathers to the priests and peoples of that world. These feathers were used to make the crossbow bolts. The crossbow is much like any other only it has no string or cord. So on it's own it operates faster than a normal crossbow. The bolt only needs to be placed in position, aim the crossbow, and squeeze the trigger. A magical force launches the bolt. This improved efficiency may assist the user of the crossbow in a combat situation. (basically depending on the rules of your gaming system, the user may get a bonus action or not face penalties imposed on crossbow users compared to bow users, your call)

Here is some examples of birds that you may or may not have in your fantasy world, and how a bolt made from their feathers would behave.

Chicken Feathers – When this bolt flies true, it's target is struck with a fear spell. Sometimes the fear is so strong the target becomes paralysed and cannot act for a time. Other times the target will flee, soiling their undergarments, and be incapable of rational thought until the spells duration ends.

Cuckoo Feathers – When this bolt strikes it's target. The target in filled with intense confusion. Sometimes this confusion is so intense that the target gains an insanity, usually a phobia, but any other type is also possible.

Woodpecker Feathers – This bolt really shines when used against things made of wood. When striking a wood item, such as a door or a shield, the usual result is that the item shatters. The bolt does extra damage to creatures made of wood, such examples would include wood golems, carnivorous plants, dryads, and treants. There is also a very small chance that the bolt would kill such a creature outright.

Vulture Feathers – This bolt is obviously most useful against the undead. Skeletons, liches, and mummies and other dry undead often shatter or crumble under the power of this bolt. Zombies usually explode in a disgusting shower of putrification. Vampires are not immediately killed upon being struck, unless hit in the heart. Most lesser vampires become paralysed by the vulture feather bolt lodged in their bodies. Only the most powerful vampires shrug it off and are able to carry on albeit seriously wounded. Ghosts flee as though hit with a chicken feather arrow (above). Vulture feather arrows also have a small chance of instantly killing anyone who has cheated death with either longevity potions, resurrection, breath of life, raise dead, reincarnation, or other death defying magic.

Owl Feathers – This bolt is an intelligence gathering weapon. When the bolt hits it's target, the target always survives the hit and remains conscious. The bolt quickly runs a mini telepathy, empathy, danger sense, on the target. In a quick wave of intelligence, the user of the bolt becomes aware of the target's general battle plan, including possibly an ambush, a secret weapon, and the target's strengths and weaknesses in combat. This can change as the bolt user reacts in anticipation of the targets original plan.

Phoenix Feathers – This bolt transforms into a fiery dart. The target takes additional fire damage and the bolt itself is consumed in it's own fire. There is a good chance, but not always, a new phoenix feather bolt is created in the same location as where the old one hit.

Ostrich Feathers – This bolt strikes it's target like a catapult shot as opposed to a bolt. The target is hit with blunt force which also acts as a magical push. Targets that are normally immune to arrows and bolts (such as a stone or iron golem) take full damage from this bolt.

Hummingbird Feathers – This bolt hums as it flies. When the hummingbird arrow misses, it changes directions and takes another try at the target. This bolt continues to vibrate intensely when lodged in a target. This results in extra damage every round it is left in. (obviously very small damage)

Lovebird Feathers – This bolt deals no damage to the target and vanishes upon a successful hit. The target is then struck with a powerful love spell and will fall for the first person of their preferred gender that they see. Priests and priestesses of Aphrodite would really appreciate this one.

Crow Feathers – This bolt is a death omen. The bolt itself has a small chance of instantly killing the target. If the instant death ability does not take the life of the target and they survive the battle or skirmish they were in when hit, the target will be plagued with a death type curse. Within the next 24 hours, the target will have the worst luck, which will attempt to slay the target. Henchmen who were considering betrayal will choose this time, the bartender will tap the one tainted keg in the bar, accidents will occur around the target almost constantly until either the target is killed or the twenty four hours pass. If the time passes the target is now rid of the curse and back to life as normal.

I would also love to hear your ideas about the different effects of different feathers.  Also I could use some help fleshing out the world and time of bird worship and avian magic.  Thanks.

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