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'''War machine''' is a common term used for referring to either an Ammo Cart, Ballista, Cannon{{-wh}}, First Aid Tent or Catapult. Basically they are all special combat units which are available in most of the battles. The only exceptions are [[creature bank]]s and [[shipwreck]]s, where none of the war machines are used. Furthermore, Catapults are only used in siege combats. All war machines have a special [[Artifacts#Artifact_slots|slot]] reserved just for that particular war machine.
 
Typically, war machines except the Catapult are bought from [[Blacksmith]]s, which sell different war machine depending on the [[town]]. Additionally, war machines can be bought from an Adventure Map location called the [[War Machine Factory]], which sell all war machines (except Catapults and Cannons{{-wh}}). Cannons{{-wh}} can be purchased from a [[Cannon Yard]]{{-wh}}. [[Stronghold]] has the special building [[Ballista Yard]], where a visiting hero can buy a Ballista. All heroes have the Catapult with them, and if one is destroyed in the combat, a new one is automatically added to hero's catapult slot.
 
All war machines are immobile and unaffected by [[morale]] ([[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}} can have a [[luck]]y strike, and in the [[Horn of the Abyss]], they both can have bad luck). Additionally, war machines do not affect the hero's [[movement]]. On the battlefield AI considers [[Catapult]], [[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}} as ranged units, ignoring the moment they can not be blocked.
 
War machines can be traded between heroes, but can not be dismissed or put in the hero's backpack. In {{hota}}{{-wh}}, war machines (except the catapult) can be dismissed.
 
'''War machines are immune to:'''
{|
! style="text-align:left;"|Spells !! colspan=2 style="text-align:left;"|Abilities
|-
|-
| {{War machine
| • {{Sn|Implosion}}|| • [[Aging]]||{{cn|Ghost Dragon}}
| Image    = [[Image: Ammo cart.png]]
|-
| Name      = Ammo cart
| • {{Sn|Clone}}|| • [[Death cloud]]||{{cn|Lich|noname=}}{{cn|Power Lich|name=Liches}}
  | No_attack =  
|-
| • {{Sn|Bloodlust}}|| • [[Death stare]]||{{cn|Mighty Gorgon}}
|-
| style="padding-right:20px;|• [[Mind spell]]s - ([[Berserk]], [[Blind]], [[Forgetfulness]], [[Frenzy]], [[Hypnotize]], [[Mirth]], [[Sorrow]])|| • [[Disease]]||{{cn|Zombie}}
|-
| style="padding-left:20px;"|• ''{{Sn|Berserk}} can be cast without any effect.''|| • [[Fear]]||{{cn|Azure Dragon}}
|-
| style="padding-left:20px;"|• ''{{Sn|Frenzy}} can be cast by the {{an|Orb of Vulnerability}} owner.''|| • [[Life drain]]||{{cn|Vampire Lord}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Death Ripple}} and {{Sn|Destroy Undead}}|| • [[Paralyze]]||{{cn|Scorpicore}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Slow}} and {{Sn|Haste}}|| • [[Petrify]]||{{cn|Medusa|noname=}}{{cn|Medusa Queen|name=Medusas}} {{cn|Basilisk|noname=}}{{cn|Greater Basilisk|name=Basilisks}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Teleport}}|| • [[Poison]]||{{cn|Wyvern Monarch}} {{cn|Sea Serpent|noname=}}{{cn|Haspid|name=Sea Serpent and Haspid}}
|-{{cn|
| • {{Sn|Resurrection}} and {{Sn|Sacrifice}}|| style="padding-right:20px;"| • [[Summon demons]]||{{cn|Pit Lord}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Counterstrike}}|| • [[Accurate shot]]{{-wh}}||{{cn|Sea Dog}}
|-
|  {{-}}|| • [[Repair]]{{-wh}}||{{cn|Mechanic|noname=}}{{cn|Engineer|name=Mechanic and Engineer}}
|}
 
'''War machines are affected by these spells:'''<br>
<small>''Note that damage dealing related buffs are effective for [[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}} only:''</small>
{|
| • {{Sn|Cure}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Anti-Magic}} and {{Sn|Dispel}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Fortune}} and {{Sn|Misfortune}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Bless}} and {{Sn|Curse}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Slayer}}, {{Sn|Prayer}} and {{Sn|Precision}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Shield}} and {{Sn|Stone Skin}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Air Shield}} and {{Sn|Magic Mirror}}
|-
| • {{Sn|Protection from Air}} and [[Protection from Earth|ot]][[Protection from Fire|he]][[Protection from Water|rs]]
|-
| • {{Sn|Fire Shield}}
|}
 
=== Ammo Cart ===
{{War machine
  | Name      = Ammo Cart
  | Defense  = 5
  | Defense  = 5
| No_damage =
  | Health    = 100
  | Health    = 100
  | Cost      = 1000 {{G}}
  | Cost      = 1000 {{G}}
| No_shots  =
}}
}}
|-
Ammo Сart provides unlimited [[shots]] for creatures and War Machines with [[ranged attack]]s. The shots start to decrease right after the Ammo Cart is destroyed. Despite the fact that the Ammo Cart is not used during a creature bank or shipwreck battle, it still provides unlimited ammo. In damage calculations, Ammo Cart goes as level 1 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 400. For the Map-Editor, it is an [[artifact]] equipped in the War Machine 2 slot.
| {{War machine
 
| Image    = [[Image: Ballista.png]]
'''Ammo Cart can be purchased at:'''
| Align    = left
*{{town|Tower}} - [[Blacksmith]]
| Name      = Ballista
*{{town|Inferno}} - [[Blacksmith]]
| Attack    = 10
*{{town|Stronghold}} - [[Blacksmith]]
| Defense  = 10
*{{town|Factory}} - [[Blacksmith]]{{-wh}}
| Damage    = 2–3
*[[file:War Machine Factory.gif|War Machine Factory|50px]] [[War Machine Factory]]
| Health    = 250
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
| Cost      = 2500 {{G}}
 
| Shots    = 24
=== First Aid Tent ===
}}
{{War machine
|-
  | Name      = First Aid Tent
| {{War machine
| Image      = [[Image:First aid tent.png]]  
| Name      = First aid tent
| No_attack  =  
| No_defense =
  | No_damage  =  
  | Health    = 75
  | Health    = 75
  | Cost      = 750 {{G}}
  | Cost      = 750 {{G}}
| No_shots  =
}}
}}
|-
'''First Aid Tent''' heals 1-25{{-wr}} (20-25{{-wh}}) [[Health|hit points]] of the top creature in target allied stack. The amount of health restored is affected by [[First aid|First Aid secondary skill]], which also gives the player control over the tent rather than being chosen by computer. First Aid Tents act last at the combat round.  In damage calculations, First Aid Tent goes as level 1 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 300. For the Map-Editor, it is an [[artifact]] equipped in the War Machine 3 slot. Oddly enough, [[Necropolis]]' heroes cannot learn [[First Aid]], even though their blacksmith produces First Aid Tents.
| {{War machine
 
'''First Aid Tent can be purchased at:'''
*{{town|Rampart}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Necropolis}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Fortress}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*[[file:War Machine Factory.gif|War Machine Factory|50px]] [[War Machine Factory]]
 
'''Heroes with First Aid specialty:'''
 
(88% ''(100%{{-wh}})'' chance to start with a First Aid Tent)
* {{H2|Rion|Cleric}}
* {{H2|Gem|Druid}}
* {{H2|Verdish|Witch}}
 
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
 
=== Catapult ===
{{War machine
  | Name      = Catapult
  | Name      = Catapult
| float      = left
| Image      = [[Image: Catapult.png]]
| Align      = left
  | Attack    = 10
  | Attack    = 10
  | Defense    = 10
  | Defense    = 10
| No_damage  =
  | Health    = 1000
  | Health    = 1000
  | Cost      = N/A
  | Cost      = n/a
  | Shots      = 24  
  | Shots      = 24  
}}
}}
|}
The Catapult only appears on the battlefield when [[siege attack]]ing enemy towns with [[wall]]s, which requires the town to have a [[fort]], [[citadel]], or [[Castle (structure)|castle]]. Its main use is to attack and destroy the walls in order to enable ground troops to attack the defenders. The Catapult can also attack and destroy the [[arrow tower]]s of citadels and castles. The [[ballistics]] secondary skill enhances the performance of the Catapult. Basic ballistics gives the player control over the Catapult making it possible to aim at particular parts of the siege structures. During a siege, the Catapult shoots after the arrow towers, but before any other troop. In damage calculations, Catapult goes as level 1 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 500.


'''War machine''' is common term used for when referring either to The Ammo Cart, Ballista, First Aid Tent or Catapult. Basically they are all special combat units which are available in most of the battles. The only exceptions are [[creature bank]]s and [[shipwreck]]s, where none of the war machines are used. Furthermore, Catapults are only used in siege combats. All war machines have a special [[Artifacts#Artifact_slots|slot]] reserved just for that particular war machine.
<div style="clear:both;"></div>


Typically, war machines except the Catapult are bought from [[Blacksmith]]s, which sell different war machine depending on the [[town]]. Additionally, war machines can be bought from an Adventure Map location called the [[War Machine Factory]], which sell all war machines (except Catapults). [[Stronghold]] has the special building [[Ballista Yard]], where a visiting hero can buy a Ballista. All heroes have the Catapult with them, and if one is destroyed in the combat, a new one is automatically added to hero's catapult slot.
=== Ballista ===
{{War machine
| Name      = Ballista
| Attack    = 10
| Defense  = 10
| Damage    = 2–3
| Health    = 250
| Cost      = 2500 {{G}}
| Shots    = 24
}}
A ballista is a missile weapon that, like ranged units, shoots projectiles toward enemy troops, but is unable to [[retaliation|retaliate]] against attacks. It can shoot even if one or several enemy stacks are adjacent to it. It has a basic damage range (of 2–3) like creatures, but the damage calculation is different. The formula for the calculation of damage is (2–3)*(hero's attack + 1). The [[Artillery]] and [[Archery]] secondary skills increase this damage. The ballista acts at the end of every combat round, followed only by the [[First Aid Tent]], and can be controlled when a hero has learned any level of Artillery. Contrary to what its in-game statistics indicate, a ballista has unlimited shots (fixed in {{hota}}){{-wh}}.


All war machines are immobile and unaffected by [[luck]] and [[morale]] with the exception of the Ballista, which can have a lucky strike. Additionally, war machines do not affect the hero's [[movement]].
In damage calculations, Ballista goes as level 5 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 600. For the Map-Editor, it is an [[artifact]] equipped in the War Machine 1 slot. Sometime when AI calculate that you have less army to survive for next run in the battle, and before Ballista to shot, you'll get a message only once, for retreat your hero.  


=== Ammo Cart ===
'''Ballista can be purchased at:'''
Ammo cart provides unlimited [[Shots|ammuntion]] for creatures with [[ranged attack]]s. Despite the fact that The Ammo Cart is not used during a creature bank or shipwreck battle, it still provides unlimited ammo.
 
Sold by the blacksmith of Inferno, Stronghold, and Tower.
 
=== Ballista ===
A ballista is a missile weapon that, like ranged units, shoots projectiles toward enemy troops, but is unable to [[retaliation|retaliate]] against attacks. It has a basic damage range (of 2–3) like creatures, but the damage calculation is different. The formula for the calculation of damage is (2–3)*(hero's attack + 1). The [[Artillery]] and [[Archery]] secondary skills increase this damage. The ballista acts at the end of every combat round, followed only by the [[first aid tent]], and can be controlled when a hero has learned any level of Artillery. Contrary to what its in-game statistics indicate, a ballista has unlimited shots.


Ballistae can be bought from [[Blacksmith]]s in [[Castle]], [[Dungeon]] and [[Conflux]] towns, and from [[Ballista Yard]]s in [[Stronghold]] towns. They can also be purchased from [[war machine factory|war machine factories]] on the adventure map. Heroes who [[Hero specialty|specialize]] in ballistae do typically bring one with them when hired.
*{{town|Castle}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Dungeon}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Stronghold}} - [[Ballista Yard]]
*{{town|Conflux}} - [[Blacksmith]]{{-wa}}
*[[file:War Machine Factory.gif|War Machine Factory|50px]] [[War Machine Factory]]


'''Heroes with ballista specialty:'''
'''Heroes with Ballista specialty:'''
* {{H|Christian|Knight}}
* {{H|Torosar|Alchemist}}
* {{H|Pyre|Demoniac}}
* {{H|Arlach|Overlord}}
* {{H|Gurnisson|Barbarian}}
* {{H|Gerwulf|Beastmaster}}
* {{H|Ranloo|Death Knight}}{{-wh}}


=== First Aid Tent ===
(88% ''(100%{{-wh}})'' chance to start with a Ballista)
'''First Aid Tent''' heals 1-25 [[health|hit points]] of the top creature in target allied stack. The amount of health restored is affected by [[First aid|First Aid secondary skill]], which also gives the player control over the tent rather than being chosen by computer. First Aid Tents act last at the combat round. Tents can be bought from [[blacksmith]]s of [[Rampart]], [[Fortress]] and [[Necropolis town]]s, or from a [[War Machine Factory]] adventure map location. Typically, heroes with [[hero specialty|First Aid specialty]] start with a First Aid Tent.
* {{H2|Christian|Knight}}
* {{H2|Torosar|Alchemist}}
* {{H2|Pyre|Demoniac}}
* {{H2|Arlach|Overlord}}
* {{H2|Gurnisson|Barbarian}}
* {{H2|Gerwulf|Beastmaster}}
* {{H2|Ranloo|Death Knight}}{{-wh}}
* {{H2|Morton|Mercenary}}{{-wh}}


'''Heroes with first aid specialty:'''
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
* {{H|Rion|Cleric}}
* {{H|Gem|Druid}}
* {{H|Verdish|Witch}}
 
=== Catapult ===
The Catapult only appears on the battlefield when [[siege attack]]ing enemy towns with [[wall]]s, which requires the town to have a [[fort]], [[citadel]], or [[Castle (structure)|castle]]. Its main use is to attack and destroy the walls in order to enable ground troops to attack the defenders. The Catapult can also attack and destroy the [[arrow tower]]s of citadels and castles. The [[ballistics]] secondary skill enhances the performance of the Catapult. Basic ballistics gives the player control over the Catapult making it possible to aim at particular parts of the siege structures. During a siege, the Catapult shoots after the arrow towers, but before any other troop.


=={{hota}}==
=={{hota}}==
{|  border=0 style="float:right"
===Cannon===
|-
{{War machine
| {{War machine
  | Name      = Cannon
  | Name      = Cannon
| float      = left
| Image      = [[Image: Cannon.png]]
| Align      = left
  | Attack    = 20
  | Attack    = 20
  | Defense    = 10
  | Defense    = 10
  | Damage    = 4-7
  | Damage    = 4–7
  | Health    = 250
  | Health    = 250
  | Cost      = 4000 {{G}}
  | Cost      = 4000 {{G}}
  | Shots      = 8  
  | Shots      = 8  
}}
}}
|}
Cove War Machine. The formula for the calculation of damage is (4–7)*(hero's attack + 1). It costs 4000 gold.
===Cannon===
 
Cove War Machine. Bought in the blacksmith of [[Cove]] or in a [[Cannon Yard]]. Cost: 4000 gold.
* Is put in the Ballista (War Machine 1) slot of a hero. It cannot be put in a backpack.
* Is put in the Ballista slot of a hero. It cannot be put in a backpack.
* Assault battle machine. Only attacks by shooting. Is not blocked by standing next to an enemy unit. Can attack enemy troops and fortifications. One does not need to destroy the cannon to win the battle. No experience is given for its destruction.
* Assault battle machine. Only attacks by shooting. Is not blocked by standing next to an enemy unit. Can attack enemy troops and fortifications. One does not need to destroy the cannon to win the battle. No experience is given for its destruction.
* Is put in place of Ballista during battle. Does not participate in the battle on the side of the defender during the siege, as well as the battles in vaults and banks. Moves at the same time as Ballista (before the First Aid Tent). Controlled by the AI.
* Is put in place of Ballista during battle. Does not participate in the battle on the side of the defender during the siege, as well as the battles in vaults and banks. Moves at the same time as Ballista (before the First Aid Tent). Controlled by the AI.
* In damage calculations, Cannon goes as level 6 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 825.


'''Effect of Artillery skill'''
'''Effect of Artillery skill'''
Line 111: Line 169:
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Basic.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Basic.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Advanced.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Double damage on unit, aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Advanced.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Double damage on unit, aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Expert.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Triple damage on unit, aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Expert.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Triple damage on unit, aimed shot with maximum damage on the fortifications.
 
'''Cannon can be purchased at:'''
*{{town|Cove}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*[[file:Cannon Yard.gif|Cannon Yard|46px]] [[Cannon Yard]]
 
'''Heroes with Cannon specialty:'''
 
(always starts with a Cannon)
* {{H2|Jeremy|Captain}}
 
== Ballista vs. Cannon ==
Here a table showing the average damage of a Ballista and Cannon with and without Artillery skill. Note that the Cannon has 20 Attack and 8 shots while the Ballista has only 10 Attack but 24 shots:
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:bottom;"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
! rowspan="4" style="font-weight:normal;" | Hero  Attack
! colspan="8" | Average damage
! colspan="8" | Average damage against creature with 10 defense (including bonus from attack)
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Ballista (10 Attack)
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Cannon (20 Attack)
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Ballista (10 Attack)
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Cannon (20 Attack)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Artillery
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Artillery
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Artillery
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Artillery
|-
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Expert
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Expert
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Expert
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Expert
|-
| 0 || 2.5 || 3.75 || 8.75 || 10 || 5.5 || 5.5 || 11 || 16.5 || 2.5 || 3.75 || 8.75 || 10 || 8.25 || 8.25 || 13.75 || 19.25
|-
| 1 || 5 || 7.5 || 17.5 || 20 || 11 || 11 || 22 || 33 || 5.25 || 7.75 || 18 || 20.5 || 17.05 || 17.05 || 28.05 || 39.05
|-
| 2 || 7.5 || 11.25 || 26.25 || 30 || 16.5 || 16.5 || 33 || 49.5 || 8.25 || 12 || 27.75 || 31.5 || 26.4 || 26.4 || 42.9 || 59.4
|-
| 3 || 10 || 15 || 35 || 40 || 22 || 22 || 44 || 66 || 11.5 || 16.5 || 38 || 43 || 36.3 || 36.3 || 58.3 || 80.3
|-
| 4 || 12.5 || 18.75 || 43.75 || 50 || 27.5 || 27.5 || 55 || 82.5 || 15 || 21.25 || 48.75 || 55 || 46.75 || 46.75 || 74.25 || 101.75
|-
| 5 || 15 || 22.5 || 52.5 || 60 || 33 || 33 || 66 || 99 || 18.75 || 26.25 || 60 || 67.5 || 57.75 || 57.75 || 90.75 || 123.75
|-
| 10 || 27.5 || 41.25 || 96.25 || 110 || 60.5 || 60.5 || 121 || 181.5 || 41.25 || 55 || 123.75 || 137.5 || 121 || 121 || 181.5 || 242
|-
| 15 || 40 || 60 || 140 || 160 || 88 || 88 || 176 || 264 || 70 || 90 || 200 || 220 || 198 || 198 || 286 || 374
|-
| 20 || 52.5 || 78.75 || 183.75 || 210 || 115.5 || 115.5 || 231 || 346.5 || 105 || 131.25 || 288.75 || 315 || 288.75 || 288.75 || 404.25 || 519.75
|-
| 25 || 65 || 97.5 || 227.5 || 260 || 143 || 143 || 286 || 429 || 146.25 || 178.75 || 390 || 422.5 || 393.25 || 393.25 || 536.25 || 679.25
|-
| 30 || 77.5 || 116.25 || 271.25 || 310 || 170.5 || 170.5 || 341 || 511.5 || 193.75 || 232.5 || 503.75 || 542.5 || 511.5 || 511.5 || 682 || 852.5
|-
| 35 || 90 || 135 || 315 || 360 || 198 || 198 || 396 || 594 || 247.5 || 292.5 || 630 || 675 || 643.5 || 643.5 || 841.5 || 1039.5
|-
| 40 || 102.5 || 153.75 || 358.75 || 410 || 225.5 || 225.5 || 451 || 676.5 || 307.5 || 358.75 || 768.75 || 820 || 789.25 || 789.25 || 1014.75 || 1240.25
|-
| 50 || 127.5 || 191.25 || 446.25 || 510 || 280.5 || 280.5 || 561 || 841.5 || 446.25 || 510 || 1083.75 || 1147.5 || 1122 || 1122 || 1402.5 || 1683
|-
| 60 || 152.5 || 228.75 || 533.75 || 610 || 335.5 || 335.5 || 671 || 1006.5 || 610 || 686.25 || 1448.75 || 1525 || 1342 || 1342 || 1677.5 || 2013
|-
| 70 || 177.5 || 266.25 || 621.25 || 710 || 390.5 || 390.5 || 781 || 1171.5 || 710 || 798.75 || 1686.25 || 1775 || 1562 || 1562 || 1952.5 || 2343
|-
| 80 || 202.5 || 303.75 || 708.75 || 810 || 445.5 || 445.5 || 891 || 1336.5 || 810 || 911.25 || 1923.75 || 2025 || 1782 || 1782 || 2227.5 || 2673
|-
| 90 || 227.5 || 341.25 || 796.25 || 910 || 500.5 || 500.5 || 1001 || 1501.5 || 910 || 1023.75 || 2161.25 || 2275 || 2002 || 2002 || 2502.5 || 3003
|-
| 99 || 250 || 375 || 875 || 1000 || 550 || 550 || 1100 || 1650 || 1000 || 1125 || 2375 || 2500 || 2200 || 2200 || 2750 || 3300
|}
 
== Official Renders ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
Cannon render.png
</gallery>
 
{{user commentary|
In general, the importance of War Machines is decreasing throughout the game, as you have big army and powerful damage spells.
 
The Ballista is a war machine of some limited use, however it requires a high (25+) Attack skill before it starts dealing enough damage to justify its 2500 Gold cost. The [[Artillery]] skill can offset this somewhat, but comes with the high opportunity cost of omitting a potentially more useful [[secondary skill]] such as [[Offense]] or [[Armorer]]. The above restrictions generally limit the Ballista to might heroes with high Attack skill. Of the four towns that sell Ballistae, Barbarians from [[Stronghold]] are most likely to reach this skill - more defensive heroes such as those from [[Fortress]] will not be able to make use of the Ballista as efficiently. Note that if you don't have [[Artillery]] skill, Ballista can spoil the battle if you want to [[blind]] the only remaining enemy stack and [[Resurrection|resurrect]]/[[Animate Dead|animate]] your whole army. It will shoot and unblind the enemy. Most of this applies to the Cannon{{-wh}} as well.
 
The First Aid tent is most often useless, even with the (also nearly useless) [[First Aid]] skill at its top level. Its main limitation is that it cannot resurrect killed creatures, so it's useless for low-level creatures. The only case in which a First Aid Tent is useful is when a player obtains a high-level creature early in the game. Setting a hero up with 1-2 high level creatures and a first-aid tent ensures that the healing is not wasted and allows the player to clear wandering monsters from the map more easily. You may start with a hero with First Aid tent, even if your blacksmith doesn't produce it, and rush through the map using 1-2 sixth level creatures.
 
The Ammo Cart's unlimited ammunition is usually unnecessary besides a very long battle, but is extremely useful in the few situations when it is needed. Most shooters in the game have enough ammunition to attack 12 times, with many carrying more. The few exceptions are [[Master Gremlin]]s and [[Medusa Queen]]s (8 shots), and Medusas, [[Pirate]]s, and Corsairs (only 4 shots!). With good Morale, these creatures run the risk of quickly depleting their ammunition over the course of a battle. This can be the difference between defeat and victory, particularly in a bloody castle siege. If the enemy Catapult can be destroyed and their flying units killed, even a single shooter with an ammunition cart can eventually drive of the enemy if the walls are still intact.  


'''Heroes with cannon specialty:'''
As every hero gets a Catapult free of cost which is only deployed for siege warfare, there is little choice involved in catapult usage other than targeting with the [[Ballistics]] skill.
* {{H|Jeremy|Captain}}
}}{{end of user commentary}}


[[Category: Combat]]
[[Category: Combat]]
[[Category: Heroes]]
__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__

Revision as of 00:44, 22 August 2024

War machine is a common term used for referring to either an Ammo Cart, Ballista, Cannon Horn of the Abyss, First Aid Tent or Catapult. Basically they are all special combat units which are available in most of the battles. The only exceptions are creature banks and shipwrecks, where none of the war machines are used. Furthermore, Catapults are only used in siege combats. All war machines have a special slot reserved just for that particular war machine.

Typically, war machines except the Catapult are bought from Blacksmiths, which sell different war machine depending on the town. Additionally, war machines can be bought from an Adventure Map location called the War Machine Factory, which sell all war machines (except Catapults and Cannons Horn of the Abyss). Cannons Horn of the Abyss can be purchased from a Cannon Yard Horn of the Abyss. Stronghold has the special building Ballista Yard, where a visiting hero can buy a Ballista. All heroes have the Catapult with them, and if one is destroyed in the combat, a new one is automatically added to hero's catapult slot.

All war machines are immobile and unaffected by morale (Ballista and Cannon Horn of the Abyss can have a lucky strike, and in the Horn of the Abyss, they both can have bad luck). Additionally, war machines do not affect the hero's movement. On the battlefield AI considers Catapult, Ballista and Cannon Horn of the Abyss as ranged units, ignoring the moment they can not be blocked.

War machines can be traded between heroes, but can not be dismissed or put in the hero's backpack. In Horn of the Abyss Horn of the Abyss, war machines (except the catapult) can be dismissed.

War machines are immune to:

Spells Abilities
•  Implosion • Aging Ghost Dragon Ghost Dragon
•  Clone • Death cloud Lich Power Lich Liches
•  Bloodlust • Death stare Mighty Gorgon Mighty Gorgon
• Mind spells - (Berserk, Blind, Forgetfulness, Frenzy, Hypnotize, Mirth, Sorrow) • Disease Zombie Zombie
•  Berserk can be cast without any effect. • Fear Azure Dragon Azure Dragon
•  Frenzy can be cast by the Orb of VulnerabilityOrb of Vulnerability owner. • Life drain Vampire Lord Vampire Lord
•  Death Ripple and  Destroy Undead • Paralyze Scorpicore Scorpicore
•  Slow and  Haste • Petrify Medusa Medusa Queen Medusas Basilisk Greater Basilisk Basilisks
•  Teleport • Poison Wyvern Monarch Wyvern Monarch Sea Serpent Haspid Sea Serpent and Haspid
•  Resurrection and  Sacrifice • Summon demons Pit Lord Pit Lord
•  Counterstrike • Accurate shot Horn of the Abyss Sea Dog Sea Dog
  • Repair Horn of the Abyss Mechanic Engineer Mechanic and Engineer

War machines are affected by these spells:
Note that damage dealing related buffs are effective for Ballista and Cannon Horn of the Abyss only:

•  Cure
•  Anti-Magic and  Dispel
•  Fortune and  Misfortune
•  Bless and  Curse
•  Slayer,  Prayer and  Precision
•  Shield and  Stone Skin
•  Air Shield and  Magic Mirror
•  Protection from Air and others
•  Fire Shield

Ammo Cart

   Ammo Cart
   Attack
   Defense 5
   Damage
   Health 100
   Cost 1000 Gold
   Shots

Ammo Сart provides unlimited shots for creatures and War Machines with ranged attacks. The shots start to decrease right after the Ammo Cart is destroyed. Despite the fact that the Ammo Cart is not used during a creature bank or shipwreck battle, it still provides unlimited ammo. In damage calculations, Ammo Cart goes as level 1 unit, its AI Value is 400. For the Map-Editor, it is an artifact equipped in the War Machine 2 slot.

Ammo Cart can be purchased at:

First Aid Tent

   First Aid Tent
   Attack
   Defense
   Damage
   Health 75
   Cost 750 Gold
   Shots

First Aid Tent heals 1-25 Restoration of Erathia (20-25 Horn of the Abyss) hit points of the top creature in target allied stack. The amount of health restored is affected by First Aid secondary skill, which also gives the player control over the tent rather than being chosen by computer. First Aid Tents act last at the combat round. In damage calculations, First Aid Tent goes as level 1 unit, its AI Value is 300. For the Map-Editor, it is an artifact equipped in the War Machine 3 slot. Oddly enough, Necropolis' heroes cannot learn First Aid, even though their blacksmith produces First Aid Tents.

First Aid Tent can be purchased at:

Heroes with First Aid specialty:

(88% (100% Horn of the Abyss) chance to start with a First Aid Tent)

Catapult

   Catapult
   Attack 10
   Defense 10
   Damage
   Health 1000
   Cost n/a
   Shots 24

The Catapult only appears on the battlefield when siege attacking enemy towns with walls, which requires the town to have a fort, citadel, or castle. Its main use is to attack and destroy the walls in order to enable ground troops to attack the defenders. The Catapult can also attack and destroy the arrow towers of citadels and castles. The ballistics secondary skill enhances the performance of the Catapult. Basic ballistics gives the player control over the Catapult making it possible to aim at particular parts of the siege structures. During a siege, the Catapult shoots after the arrow towers, but before any other troop. In damage calculations, Catapult goes as level 1 unit, its AI Value is 500.

Ballista

   Ballista
   Attack 10
   Defense 10
   Damage 2–3
   Health 250
   Cost 2500 Gold
   Shots 24

A ballista is a missile weapon that, like ranged units, shoots projectiles toward enemy troops, but is unable to retaliate against attacks. It can shoot even if one or several enemy stacks are adjacent to it. It has a basic damage range (of 2–3) like creatures, but the damage calculation is different. The formula for the calculation of damage is (2–3)*(hero's attack + 1). The Artillery and Archery secondary skills increase this damage. The ballista acts at the end of every combat round, followed only by the First Aid Tent, and can be controlled when a hero has learned any level of Artillery. Contrary to what its in-game statistics indicate, a ballista has unlimited shots (fixed in Horn of the Abyss) Horn of the Abyss.

In damage calculations, Ballista goes as level 5 unit, its AI Value is 600. For the Map-Editor, it is an artifact equipped in the War Machine 1 slot. Sometime when AI calculate that you have less army to survive for next run in the battle, and before Ballista to shot, you'll get a message only once, for retreat your hero.

Ballista can be purchased at:

Heroes with Ballista specialty:

(88% (100% Horn of the Abyss) chance to start with a Ballista)

Horn of the Abyss

Cannon

   Cannon
   Attack 20
   Defense 10
   Damage 4–7
   Health 250
   Cost 4000 Gold
   Shots 8

Cove War Machine. The formula for the calculation of damage is (4–7)*(hero's attack + 1). It costs 4000 gold.

  • Is put in the Ballista (War Machine 1) slot of a hero. It cannot be put in a backpack.
  • Assault battle machine. Only attacks by shooting. Is not blocked by standing next to an enemy unit. Can attack enemy troops and fortifications. One does not need to destroy the cannon to win the battle. No experience is given for its destruction.
  • Is put in place of Ballista during battle. Does not participate in the battle on the side of the defender during the siege, as well as the battles in vaults and banks. Moves at the same time as Ballista (before the First Aid Tent). Controlled by the AI.
  • In damage calculations, Cannon goes as level 6 unit, its AI Value is 825.

Effect of Artillery skill

  • None. All features work as described above.
  • Basic. Gives you control of the cannon. Aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
  • Advanced. Gives you control of the cannon. Double damage on unit, aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
  • Expert. Gives you control of the cannon. Triple damage on unit, aimed shot with maximum damage on the fortifications.

Cannon can be purchased at:

Heroes with Cannon specialty:

(always starts with a Cannon)

Ballista vs. Cannon

Here a table showing the average damage of a Ballista and Cannon with and without Artillery skill. Note that the Cannon has 20 Attack and 8 shots while the Ballista has only 10 Attack but 24 shots:

Hero Attack Average damage Average damage against creature with 10 defense (including bonus from attack)
Ballista (10 Attack) Cannon (20 Attack) Ballista (10 Attack) Cannon (20 Attack)
Base Artillery Base Artillery Base Artillery Base Artillery
Basic Advanced Expert Basic Advanced Expert Basic Advanced Expert Basic Advanced Expert
0 2.5 3.75 8.75 10 5.5 5.5 11 16.5 2.5 3.75 8.75 10 8.25 8.25 13.75 19.25
1 5 7.5 17.5 20 11 11 22 33 5.25 7.75 18 20.5 17.05 17.05 28.05 39.05
2 7.5 11.25 26.25 30 16.5 16.5 33 49.5 8.25 12 27.75 31.5 26.4 26.4 42.9 59.4
3 10 15 35 40 22 22 44 66 11.5 16.5 38 43 36.3 36.3 58.3 80.3
4 12.5 18.75 43.75 50 27.5 27.5 55 82.5 15 21.25 48.75 55 46.75 46.75 74.25 101.75
5 15 22.5 52.5 60 33 33 66 99 18.75 26.25 60 67.5 57.75 57.75 90.75 123.75
10 27.5 41.25 96.25 110 60.5 60.5 121 181.5 41.25 55 123.75 137.5 121 121 181.5 242
15 40 60 140 160 88 88 176 264 70 90 200 220 198 198 286 374
20 52.5 78.75 183.75 210 115.5 115.5 231 346.5 105 131.25 288.75 315 288.75 288.75 404.25 519.75
25 65 97.5 227.5 260 143 143 286 429 146.25 178.75 390 422.5 393.25 393.25 536.25 679.25
30 77.5 116.25 271.25 310 170.5 170.5 341 511.5 193.75 232.5 503.75 542.5 511.5 511.5 682 852.5
35 90 135 315 360 198 198 396 594 247.5 292.5 630 675 643.5 643.5 841.5 1039.5
40 102.5 153.75 358.75 410 225.5 225.5 451 676.5 307.5 358.75 768.75 820 789.25 789.25 1014.75 1240.25
50 127.5 191.25 446.25 510 280.5 280.5 561 841.5 446.25 510 1083.75 1147.5 1122 1122 1402.5 1683
60 152.5 228.75 533.75 610 335.5 335.5 671 1006.5 610 686.25 1448.75 1525 1342 1342 1677.5 2013
70 177.5 266.25 621.25 710 390.5 390.5 781 1171.5 710 798.75 1686.25 1775 1562 1562 1952.5 2343
80 202.5 303.75 708.75 810 445.5 445.5 891 1336.5 810 911.25 1923.75 2025 1782 1782 2227.5 2673
90 227.5 341.25 796.25 910 500.5 500.5 1001 1501.5 910 1023.75 2161.25 2275 2002 2002 2502.5 3003
99 250 375 875 1000 550 550 1100 1650 1000 1125 2375 2500 2200 2200 2750 3300

Official Renders

User commentary

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Some may find the information in this section subjective or irrelevant.

In general, the importance of War Machines is decreasing throughout the game, as you have big army and powerful damage spells.

The Ballista is a war machine of some limited use, however it requires a high (25+) Attack skill before it starts dealing enough damage to justify its 2500 Gold cost. The Artillery skill can offset this somewhat, but comes with the high opportunity cost of omitting a potentially more useful secondary skill such as Offense or Armorer. The above restrictions generally limit the Ballista to might heroes with high Attack skill. Of the four towns that sell Ballistae, Barbarians from Stronghold are most likely to reach this skill - more defensive heroes such as those from Fortress will not be able to make use of the Ballista as efficiently. Note that if you don't have Artillery skill, Ballista can spoil the battle if you want to blind the only remaining enemy stack and resurrect/animate your whole army. It will shoot and unblind the enemy. Most of this applies to the Cannon Horn of the Abyss as well.

The First Aid tent is most often useless, even with the (also nearly useless) First Aid skill at its top level. Its main limitation is that it cannot resurrect killed creatures, so it's useless for low-level creatures. The only case in which a First Aid Tent is useful is when a player obtains a high-level creature early in the game. Setting a hero up with 1-2 high level creatures and a first-aid tent ensures that the healing is not wasted and allows the player to clear wandering monsters from the map more easily. You may start with a hero with First Aid tent, even if your blacksmith doesn't produce it, and rush through the map using 1-2 sixth level creatures.

The Ammo Cart's unlimited ammunition is usually unnecessary besides a very long battle, but is extremely useful in the few situations when it is needed. Most shooters in the game have enough ammunition to attack 12 times, with many carrying more. The few exceptions are Master Gremlins and Medusa Queens (8 shots), and Medusas, Pirates, and Corsairs (only 4 shots!). With good Morale, these creatures run the risk of quickly depleting their ammunition over the course of a battle. This can be the difference between defeat and victory, particularly in a bloody castle siege. If the enemy Catapult can be destroyed and their flying units killed, even a single shooter with an ammunition cart can eventually drive of the enemy if the walls are still intact.

As every hero gets a Catapult free of cost which is only deployed for siege warfare, there is little choice involved in catapult usage other than targeting with the Ballistics skill.

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