Knucklebow

Knucklebow refers to a compact, wrist-mounted bow designed for rapid-fire use in close-quarters. In many fantasy settings, it is worn across the back of the hand or secured with a leather bracer, with a short, curved limb that tenses the string when the fingers draw back. The archer fires projectiles from a small quiver attached to the forearm, allowing a swift sequence of shots without lowering a shield or changing stance.

Design and operation vary by model, but common features include a lightweight limb made of wood, horn, or composite materials, reinforced with metal fittings for durability. Some knucklebows employ a simple fingertip release mechanism or a small trigger integrated into the glove, enabling one-handed operation. The string is shorter than that of a conventional bow, producing a higher rate of fire at short range and a limited, but practical, maximum range. Ammunition typically consists of short arrows or darts, sometimes with broadheads or barbed tips for versatility.

Variants and adaptations range from plain utility versions favored by scouts to elaborately carved, ceremonially decorated examples used by elite detachments. Some designs incorporate additional tools into the bracer, such as a secondary blade or a compact scouting blade, though these integrations can trade off balance and usability. In fiction and gaming, the knucklebow is often associated with cultures that prioritize speed, stealth, and defense in urban or rough terrain settings.

Historical authenticity in real-world weapon catalogs is limited; knucklebows exist primarily as a literary and gaming concept used to evoke particular aesthetic and tactical qualities.