Ballista

The ballista is a large crossbow-type weapon that uses torsional force to propel a variety of projectiles, including darts, arrows, and harpoons, much further and faster than a catapult or similar device. It is mounted on a rotating platform aboard a Fire Navy ship, similar to the catapults and trebuchets also seen on those ships. The weapon is mainly used to fire a metal projectile into the hull of an enemy's vessel at a point below the water line. Once the hull is breached, the projectile deploys barbs to prevent itself from pulling free.
== History ==
This weapon was used by a Fire Navy officer's ship when its crew tried to destroy a Fire Nation ship that was captured by Team Avatar. Several ballistae were utilized during the invasion to hinder the advance of the waterbending-powered submarines toward the Royal Plaza. One managed to puncture one of the submarines before Katara sliced the chain of the projectile. It was later used at the Boiling Rock to pull in a cooler that Chit Sang, his girlfriend, and another inmate had attempted to escape in.
== References ==
== See also ==
* Weaponry in the World of Avatar
* Technology in the World of Avatar
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Category:A to Z
Category:Equipment
Category:Fire Nation
Category:Military
Category:Objects
Category:Weapons