The ballista is a large crossbow-type weapon that uses torsional force to propel a variety of projectiles, including darts, arrows, and harpoons, much further 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 deploys barbs to prevent itself from pulling free.[1]
History
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (September 21, 2007). "The Awakening". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (November 30, 2007). "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 10. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ Chan, May (writer) & Dos Santos, Joaquim (director). (July 16, 2008). "The Boiling Rock, Part 1". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 14. Nickelodeon.