Ballista

A ballista (, ) was a large ranged weapon typically used to lay siege to a fortified structure, but it was also used to defend such redoubts. They were also mounted on ships for naval combat as well as on spelljammers for battles in space.
==Description==
Ballistae were essentially large, heavy crossbows that were mounted on something sturdy that could withstand the force needed to load and shoot the weapon. They could be mounted on heavy carts or wagons, sturdy walls, buildings, or on the decks of ships, for example. Ballistae fired heavy bolts similar to a crossbow but on a large scale.
The rate of fire of a ballista was relatively slow because it took considerable effort to load and aim the weapon. People of medium and smaller stature were at a particular disadvantage. Large creatures could usually operate a ballista more proficiently. It took a crew of four to man the largest ballistae.
==Variants==
For the outfitting of spelljamming ships, light, medium and heavy ballistae were available. They were successively bigger and did greater harm, but also slower and lesser in range.
==Appendix==
===Gallery===
Borka orcs-2e.jpg|A group of orcs prepare to fire a ballista at an elven man-o-war on the remains of the destroyed planet Borka.
ME-Ballista.png|A small ballista.
SBG-Ballista.png|A castle ballista shooting a magical missile.
===Appearances===
===References===
Category:Ranged weapons
Category:Projectile weapons
Category:Siege weapons
Category:Weapons
Category:400-499 gold pieces
Category:500-599 gold pieces
Category:600-799 gold pieces
Category:800-999 gold pieces