A bowcaster, alternatively referred to as a laser crossbow, represented a form of age-old, handcrafted projectile weaponry frequently employed by members of the Wookiees.
Leveraging magnetic acceleration, bowcasters exhibited greater power and precision compared to standard blasters. While designs varied based on materials and the creator's artistic flair, the ultimate form resembled a crossbow-like weapon. Typically, bowcasters were handcrafted, yet certain well-known versions underwent mass production in workshops across Kashyyyk.
The weapon utilized metal quarrels encased in plasma energy as its ammunition. Two polarizing orbs, positioned at opposite ends of the bow, generated a magnetic field that amplified the quarrel's velocity. Upon retracting the cocking spring, the trigger released the quarrel, enveloped in plasma energy.
The most recent (known) bowcaster crafted by Chewbacca, a Wookiee warrior and a Rebel hero, was produced during the Galactic Empire period. Unconventionally, Chewbacca constructed the weapon utilizing the frame and power pack sourced from a standard stormtrooper blaster; furthermore, Chewbacca incorporated an automatic cocking mechanism, a feature absent in traditional models of that era.
Bowcasters possessed significantly greater power than typical blaster rifles, but were also considerably heavier, rendering them difficult for most humans to carry, much less maintain a steady aim for accurate shots. The strength of a Wookiee was generally necessary for comfortable operation. However, Han Solo defied this notion on multiple occasions during the [cold war], despite being in his sixties, developing a fondness for the weapon and seemingly acquiring the strength to wield it despite his age.
Bowcasters had their origins in ancient Wookiee weapons that launched poisoned darts and arrows. During the Clone Wars, the bounty hunter Embo favored a bowcaster as his weapon of choice, one that could be easily folded for transport. Bowcasters saw action in the Battle of Kashyyyk towards the war's conclusion. Chewbacca himself fashioned several bowcasters throughout his life.
During a skirmish aboard the Eravana, and later during a battle on Takodana, Han Solo utilized Chewbacca's current bowcaster, quickly developing an appreciation for its formidable firepower. Following Solo's death at the hands of his son, Kylo Ren, during the Battle of Starkiller Base, Chewbacca, in a fit of rage, fired his bowcaster at Ren, intending to kill the dark side adept. Despite this assault, Ren survived the impact.