Rune crossbows can be made through the Fletching skill at level 69; a player must first cut a yew stock for the crossbow from yew logs, granting 50 Fletchingexperience. Then, a player must add rune crossbow limbs to the stock, granting 100 experience and making an unstrung rune crossbow. Finally, they must string the crossbow with crossbow string, granting 50 experience. The rune crossbow is faster than the magic shortbow and the Rune 2h crossbow, but does not offer a damage bonus, while the shortbow and 2h crossbow do. To compensate, it can be wielded with a shield, for significant defensive bonuses. This allows for players to range while still keeping defensive abilities of shields such as an anti-dragon or dragonfire shield when fighting dragons. Alternatively, it can be combined with an off-hand rune crossbow to dramatically increase one's attacking power. They can also be obtained through completing Hard Treasure Trails.