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A Ballista (plural ballistae) is a type of heavy weapon mounted on various spelljamming ships in the Spelljammer campaign setting.[1]

Description[]

A ballista is typically a device that launches a large bolt, javelin, spear or harpoon with greater force than is achievable by human (or inhuman) strength. Most resemble a large crossbow, and are mounted on pivot's on a ship's deck, allowing them to be fired on any target.

Ballistae are available for purchase in three size categories: light ballistae, medium ballistae and heavy ballistae. If a heavy ballista is mounted on a ship, it takes up the equivalent cargo space as two large weapons when it is installed.

Magical Ballistae[]

As with standard weapons, a ballista may be enchanted with an enhancement bonus, ranging from +1 to +3. For most enchanted ballistae, the enhancement affects both accuracy and damage, but in about a third, the enchantment enhances the weapon's range.[2]

Below is a list of enchanted ballistae and their relative costs.

Ballista[3][2] +1 +2 +3
Light 4,000 gp 8,000 gp 16,000 gp
Medium 6,000 gp 12,000 gp 24,000 gp
Heavy 8,000 gp 16,000 gp 32,000 gp

Appendix[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Concordance of Arcane Space, 1989, (TSR Inc.), Armaments section, chapter 3: Ships of Wildspace, page 41
  2. 2.0 2.1 Dale "Slade" Henson, War Captain's Companion, War Captain's Guide, 1992, (TSR Inc.), chapter 7: New Magical Items, page 77
  3. Dale "Slade" Henson, SJR2 Realmspace, 1991, (TSR Inc.), Magical Armaments section, New Magical Items chapter, page 72