![Steppe Ballista](https://www.honga.net/totalwar/rome2/gen_images/unit_icon/rome2/emp_aorsoi/Ste_Ballista.png)
![Aorsoi (Imperator Augustus)](https://www.honga.net/totalwar/rome2/images/rome2/flags/aorsoi/mon_24.png)
Steppe Ballista
A wise horse-general knows that there are other ways to kill a foe.At close targets, a ballista could be aimed effectively but accuracy came at a cost in range; it could fire around 500 metres. The machine used two torsion springs with levers inserted into twisted ropes made from animal sinew, giving incredible power for its size. Firing either solid shot or bolts, it was equally effective against infantry or cavalry, but could also be deployed to destroy light fortifications during sieges. Originally developed by the Greeks around 400BC, and based on the oversized Oxybeles composite bow, ballistae were widely used by many cultures of the period, including the Romans. Later Roman versions included adjustable caps that enabled crews to quickly alter the tension of each sinew bundle to provide balance and therefore improve accuracy.
![]() |
Unit Name Steppe Ballista |
Main Unit Key Ste_Ballista |
Land Unit Key Ste_Ballista |
Naval Unit Key barbarian_transport_small |
Soldiers 40 |
Category Siege Engine |
Class Field Artillery |
Custom Battle Cost 1480 |
Recruitment Cost 530 |
Upkeep Cost 100 |
Missile Damage 180 |
├ Engine ballista_medium |
├ Missile Weapon rome_ballista_medium |
├ Projectile stone |
├ Missile Damage 90 |
├ Missile Ap Damage 90 |
└ Base Reload Time 23 |
Accuracy 5 |
Range 420 |
Reload 4 |
Shots Per Minute 3 |
Ammunition 15 |
Melee Attack 9 |
Weapon Damage 24 |
├ Melee Weapon rome_shortsword |
├ Melee Damage Base 20 |
├ Melee Damage Ap 4 |
├ Armour Piercing No |
├ Bonus vs. Large 0 |
├ Bonus vs Elephants 0 |
└ Bonus vs Infantry 0 |
Charge Bonus 6 |
Melee Defence 14 |
├ Base Defence 14 |
├ Shield none |
└ Shield Defence 0 |
Armour 10 |
├ Armour cloth |
├ Armour Defence 10 |
└ Shield Armour 0 |
Health 45 |
├ Man Entity rome_infantry_medium |
├ Man Health 40 |
└ Bonus Hit Points 5 |
Base Morale 35 |
Abilities
No Ability
Attributes
- Cannot Run
This unit cannot run and will only move at walking pace. - Resistant to Cold
This unit tires less quickly in snow.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Light Transport- Very poor hull strength
- Very slow speed
- Weak ramming
- Very accurate
- Very long range
- Average rate of fire
- Lower damage than other artillery
- Easily destroyed
Requires Buildings | |
---|---|
![]() |
![]()
Woodworker
(barb_craftsmen_wood_2) Level 1 ![]()
Carpenter
(barb_craftsmen_wood_3) Level 2 ![]()
Builder's Hall
(barb_craftsmen_wood_4) Level 3 |
Faction Availability | |
---|---|
Grand Campaign | |
Imperator Augustus |