I don't understand this mod. Stalhrim is enchanted ice, and ice doesn't bend. The first time you pulled back on the lever, this weapon would shatter...
The crystalline structure of ice is formed through hydrogen bonding which are of intermolecular type and therefore not malleable or ductile like the intramolecular bonds in metals or alloys. The physical and chemical laws simply can not allow for 'ice' to 'bend' and it is impossible for any fantasy world or magic to overrule this.
For immersion and realism, the flight groove and bolt retainer could be carved from Stalhrim while the other moving parts crafted from metals and timber. As it is enchanted 'ice' in the fantasy sense, a low power heat source enchantment along the flight groove and in the bolt retainer would promote slight melting at the ice surfaces. As the bolt is released, the film layer of melted Stalhrim reduces friction between the bolt and crossbow (think of an ice skaters blades on ice, the water film between metal and ice makes it almost frictionless). This can translate to increased initial velocity and final penetration force.
Furthermore, melted Stalhrim may wet the departing bolt and re-freeze to become a part of the projectile and hence, logically giving the Stalhrim crossbow its 'cold' damage property.
Very nice! I'm glad you took the initiative. I'm not a modder myself, but I appreciate it when modders like you see something that isn't there and make it exist so that the rest of us can enjoy it. Thank you so much!
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For immersion and realism, the flight groove and bolt retainer could be carved from Stalhrim while the other moving parts crafted from metals and timber. As it is enchanted 'ice' in the fantasy sense, a low power heat source enchantment along the flight groove and in the bolt retainer would promote slight melting at the ice surfaces. As the bolt is released, the film layer of melted Stalhrim reduces friction between the bolt and crossbow (think of an ice skaters blades on ice, the water film between metal and ice makes it almost frictionless). This can translate to increased initial velocity and final penetration force.
Furthermore, melted Stalhrim may wet the departing bolt and re-freeze to become a part of the projectile and hence, logically giving the Stalhrim crossbow its 'cold' damage property.