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[]
- ↑ Jeff Grubb, AD&D Adventures in Space, Concordance of Arcane Space, 1989, (TSR Inc.), Armaments section, chapter 3: Ships of Wildspace, page 41
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Dale "Slade" Henson, SJR2 Realmspace, 1991, (TSR Inc.), Magical Armaments section, New Magical Items chapter, page 72