Slings while in 3ed have a faster initiative modifier than bows do not have a faster rate of fire. This only makes sense, since you have to start twirling the stupid rock, get it going fast, aim and let go. Then find a pebble and do it all again. Their base ROF is 1, and will generally remain so b/c of the characters ppl have using them.
X-bows have always had a 1 rof b/c you have to set the strings on the suckers which is difficult at best and used to require a str check for certain xbows in 2nd ed., which has a very detrimental effect on reloading them. Sometime in the middle ages some guy came up with a crank, but that still didn't speed it up just made it so a wimp could shoot a hvy xbow, and then someone came up with the idea of the magazine for the bolts, which speed it up, albeit not by much since you still had to crank it.
There is 1 xbow in IWD which has a rof of 3, and rapid shot does work with these magical xbows IF you don't already get 3 attacks a turn by the time you find it.
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Vae Victus!
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