Catapult (weapon)

Also called an onager, a ballistic device used to launch a projectile consisting of a large frame with a lifted crossbar. A vertical spoke, or arm, passes one end through a rope or sinew bundle that, once under tension, produces a springing effect that hurls the projectile. The arm is pulled down by winches until it locks, so that it can be loaded. When the lock is released, the arm springs forward, strikes the lifted crossbar and the projectile continues outward. The crossbar was usually padded with unshorn sheepskin.

The arm generally includes a cup for loading stones or other projectiles, including the heads of caught spies, dung or small diseased animals. Catapults do not have the strength to throw even a child; if the projectile is too heavy, the arm will not swing forward.

Catapults can be mounted atop walls and on ships.

Stone and iron projectiles fired by catapults will “skip” when they hit a flat hard surface without penetrating, so that they may cause damage to more than one combatant when fired into a group of creatures. Catapult shots comprised of broken stone and low-grade masonry will shatter when hitting a hard object, creating shrapnel.

Construction

As a rough estimate, building a catapult will require 1 man hour per 13 lbs. of constructed material. By this reckoning, a standard heavy catapult would require about 115 hours, so that a four-man crew could build one from existing raw materials in about four days. Obtaining those raw materials could take longer. The principle construction is of hardwood, with approximately 100 ft. of rope to provide the necessary torsion. No metal is used, as the engine is constructed with wooden pegs.

Heavy Catapult

Aspect	Detail
Weight (lbs)	1,500
Minimum crew	3
Range	320 ft.
Range Adj.	short (9-16); medium (17-30); long (31-64)
Projectile weight (lbs)	14
Damage (hit points)	3-36
Rate of Fire (rounds)	5
Hardpoint cost (tons)	40

Light Catapult

Aspect	Detail
Weight (lbs)	600
Minimum crew	2
Range	260 ft.
Range Adj.	short (6-13); medium (14-24); long (25-52)
Projectile weight (lbs)	10
Damage (hit points)	3-30
Rate of Fire (rounds)	4
Hardpoint cost (tons)	20

See Also,
Combat
Hardpoints
Naval Combat
Siege Weapon-making I