Design specific to the conditions of the Crusades. See Arms & Armour of the Crusading Era, Nicolle, fig. 247A & 247B dated C.1220. The crossbow was particularly effective in attacking fortifications and siege situations which were common in the Crusades. The adversary was lightly protected and easily pierced by the sharply angled tip. The thick body provided the inertia for impact. As it was not designed to encounter armor, the slender tang was sufficient for mount and much easier to produce. It would have been seated in the sinew-wrapped shaft and enter cleanly with no consideration for deflection and the attendant deformation and energy loss experienced with armor. Just under 2” long.
