Yeah up the damage on crossbow that is fine and acceptable/balanced, but the rate of fire and dex requirements are just not good, right or proper, yeah its a game but some things should have a hint of realism to them, otherwise lets just use assault rifles and grenades. Bows wouldnt be unbalanced because though each shot does less damage you will get more shots, so I like and agree with that.
I actually think Rgeo's idea about a low first shot ap cost, and a high reload cost is the right way to go, you can ( in real life) keep a crossbow spanned and loaded, and actually for an extended period of time and it can be shot with only one hand if the range is short anad the persons strength is sufficient to hold it with one hand, never gonna do that with a bow. Crossbows should also get a small (say +10-20%) accuracy bonus, this helps to offset its horrendously slow rate of fire, coupled with a high damage this makes crossbows attractive in a different way than bows.
AN 11 dex to use a crossbow is ridiculous, I am about as dextrous as a club footed yak but I can shoot one quite well.
I strongly disagree wtih forktong, Bows are way cooler looking than crossbows, but aesthetics is a matter of personal taste.
