Seems like more of an oversight than anything, since in PnP they are allowed to use them. That said I can't say what IWDEE will allow or not allow here
Right now, technically thieves cannot use crossbows in IWD (as you note) but since it will be built on the EE version this will change. Couple that with the potential for thieves to get Use Any Item and crossbows will be an option.
Seems like more of an oversight than anything, since in PnP they are allowed to use them. That said I can't say what IWDEE will allow or not allow here
They couldn't in BG1 either.
Either way, this would be a big buff for Light Crossbows, which have a decent number of viable options... but there's practically a Heavy version of every damn one! With thieves getting them, you'll find that they outdo shortbows by about... every possible way since there's only just Shortbow +1 for thieves, but there's a 3 APR Crossbow... but there's a heavy version of it as well.
Either way, this would be a big buff for Light Crossbows, which have a decent number of viable options... but there's practically a Heavy version of every damn one! With thieves getting them, you'll find that they outdo shortbows by about... every possible way since there's only just Shortbow +1 for thieves, but there's a 3 APR Crossbow... but there's a heavy version of it as well.
Yeah, but everyone did multi-class thieves in Icewind Dale anyway ... because of how many skill points went to four skills was just ridiculous/overkill. So... It won't make that big of a difference for vanilla thieves to be able to use them.
Between the BG2 thief skills and the kits, I suspect single-classed thieves will be a thing again. I, for one, am planning to run a bounty hunter, because I think that'd play really well in IWD. Now, me theorizing it doesn't make it actually a good idea, but there's a lot more reason for them to not be awful.
In any case, glad to hear thieves will be able to use crossbows.
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Either way, this would be a big buff for Light Crossbows, which have a decent number of viable options... but there's practically a Heavy version of every damn one! With thieves getting them, you'll find that they outdo shortbows by about... every possible way since there's only just Shortbow +1 for thieves, but there's a 3 APR Crossbow... but there's a heavy version of it as well.
In any case, glad to hear thieves will be able to use crossbows.
Everyone and their (beam)dog had a Fighter/Thief in Icewind Dale.