Well, installing VI isn't an option since it gives a message that it will be incompatible with previous MTW saves. There is no other patch for MTW besides 1.1. Removing the patch by reinstalling MTW doesn't work because it crashes once I attempt to load the saved games. Reinstalling 1.1 brings me right back where I started. I have no earlier saved game files that don't include this error. I even destroyed the bowers guild then rebuilt the bowyer and bowyer workshop. By the time the workshop was complete I should have the ability to make at least crossbows, but they don't appear in the menu.

One theory I got is that the game may now be enforcing some sort of invention timeline. I installed 1.1 midway through my campaign. Perhaps 1.1 wont let me build units that in history may not have been invented yet? The year is 1181. Maybe Pavisse Crossbows and Caravels weren't available then. But then why even allow me to build those facilities? I don't know, I'm guessing. I didn't see any mention of such a timeline in the patch's readme file.

This really sucks.