Loading a light crossbow and movement

[Unkabear]

In the PHB the cost of loading a crossbow (sans rapid reload) is a move action. Now my question of the day is. Is this like drawing a weapon where you can move while drawing back the crossbow (light or hand) or do you have to stop and focus on the crossbow to load the thing? With a heavy crossbow I assume you have to stop as many heavy crossbows need use of a foot harness to draw against.

So is reloading a hand or light crossbow is a move action, but can you move while doing it? I guess is my question.

 

[Infiniti2000]

It is not equivalent to drawing your weapon, so you cannot combine it with a regular move as a free action. I also don't think it's trivial enough to even make it a house rule because it explicitly requires two hands to operate, even with Rapid Reload. Balance wise, I don't think such a house rule is broken, however.

 

[Ryngard]

I'd say RAW that no you can not. I have to keep reminding my x-bow users that they have to spend their move actions to reload. You do however have your 5' step if needed.

 

[Storyteller01]

Most light x-bows, if I'm not mistaken, had a stirrup in front to aid in reloading. That tends to make walking/running difficult.

 

[Dross]

I'd add that reloading a crossbow provokes AoOs, which drawing a weapon does not. That would indicate concentrating on the crossbow and not getting out of harm's way.

 

[Unkabear]

Thank you. I just needed the verify. Good reason to have rapid reload. and since phbII gave the crossbow a little love with the rogues and scouts I may end up down that path. Thanks everybody.