The ballista is a large crossbow-type weapon that uses torsional force to propel a variety of projectiles, including darts, arrows, and harpoons, much farther 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 opens up to prevent itself from pulling free.^[1]

History Edit

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.^[1] 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.^[2] 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.^[3]

References Edit

See also Edit

• Weaponry in the World of Avatar
• Technology in the World of Avatar