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'''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.
<span style="float:right">__TOC__</span>
'''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). [[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.
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 [[luck]] and [[morale]] with the exception of the [[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}}, which can have a lucky strike. 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.
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 are immune to:
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
|- valign=top
|-
|'''Spells'''
| • {{sn1|spell=Implosion}}|| • [[Aging]]||{{cn|Ghost Dragon}}
*{{Sn|Implosion}}
|-
*{{Sn|Clone}}
| • {{sn1|spell=Clone}}|| • [[Death cloud]]||{{cn|Lich|noname=}}{{cn|Power Lich|name=Liches}}
*{{Sn|Bloodlust}}
|-
*[[Mind spell]]s - ([[Berserk]], [[Blind]], [[Forgetfulness]], [[Frenzy]], [[Hypnotize]], [[Mirth]], [[Sorrow]])
| • {{sn1|spell=Bloodlust}}|| • [[Death stare]]||{{cn|Mighty Gorgon}}
**''{{Sn|Berserk}} can be cast without any effect.''
|-
**''{{Sn|Frenzy}} can be cast by the {{an|Orb of Vulnerability}} owner.''
| style="padding-right:20px;|• [[Mind spell]]s - ([[Berserk]], [[Blind]], [[Forgetfulness]], [[Frenzy]], [[Hypnotize]], [[Mirth]], [[Sorrow]])|| • [[Disease]]||{{cn|Zombie}}
*{{Sn|Death Ripple}} and {{Sn|Destroy Undead}}
|-
*{{Sn|Slow}} and {{Sn|Haste}}
| style="padding-left:20px;"|• ''{{sn1|spell=Berserk}} can be cast without any effect.''|| • [[Fear]]||{{cn|Azure Dragon}}
*{{Sn|Teleport}}
|-
*{{Sn|Resurrection}} and {{Sn|Sacrifice}}
| style="padding-left:20px;"|• ''{{sn1|spell=Frenzy}} can be cast by the {{an|Orb of Vulnerability}} owner.''|| • [[Life drain]]||{{cn|Vampire Lord}}
*{{Sn|Counterstrike}}
|-
| • {{sn1|spell=Death Ripple}} and {{sn1|spell=Destroy Undead}}|| • [[Paralyze]]||{{cn|Scorpicore}}
|-
| • {{sn1|spell=Slow}} and {{sn1|spell=Haste}}|| • [[Petrify]]||{{cn|Medusa|noname=}}{{cn|Medusa Queen|name=Medusas}} {{cn|Basilisk|noname=}}{{cn|Greater Basilisk|name=Basilisks}}
|-
| • {{sn1|spell=Teleport}}|| • [[Poison]]||{{cn|Wyvern Monarch}} {{cn|Sea Serpent|noname=}}{{cn|Haspid|name=Sea Serpent and Haspid}}
|-{{cn|
| • {{sn1|spell=Resurrection}} and {{sn1|spell=Sacrifice}}|| style="padding-right:20px;"| • [[Summon demons]]||{{cn|Pit Lord}}
|-
| • {{sn1|spell=Counterstrike}}|| • [[Accurate shot]]{{-wh}}||{{cn|Sea Dog}}
|}


Some spells are effective for [[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}} only:
|'''Abilities'''
{|
*[[Aging]]: {{cn|Ghost Dragon}}
| • {{sn1|spell=Fortune}} and {{sn1|spell=Misfortune}}
*[[Death cloud]]: {{cnu|Lich|Power Lich}}
|-
*[[Death stare]]: {{cn|Mighty Gorgon}}
| • {{sn1|spell=Bless}} and {{sn1|spell=Curse}}
*[[Disease]]: {{cn|Zombie}}
|-
*[[Fear]]: {{cn|Azure Dragon}}
| • {{sn1|spell=Slayer}}
*[[Life drain]]: {{cn|Vampire Lord}}
|-
*[[Paralyze]]: {{cn|Scorpicore}}
| • {{sn1|spell=Precision}} ''(can be cast on {{cn|Catapult}})''
*[[Petrify]]: {{cnu|Medusa|Medusa Queen|name=Medusas}}, {{cnu|Basilisk|Greater Basilisk|name=Basilisks}}
*[[Poison]]: {{cn|Wyvern Monarch}} {{cnu|Sea Serpent|Haspid}}
*[[Summon demons]]: {{cn|Pit Lord}}
*[[Accurate shot]]{{-wh}}: {{cn|Sea Dog}}
*[[Preemptive shot]]{{-wh}}: {{cnu|Gunslinger|Bounty Hunter}}
*[[Repair]]{{-wh}}: {{cnu|Mechanic|Engineer}}
|}
|}


=== Ammo Cart ===
'''War machines are affected by these spells:'''<br>
{|  border=0 style="float:right; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"
<small>''Note that damage dealing related buffs are effective for [[Ballista]] and [[Cannon]]{{-wh}} only:''</small>
|-
*{{Sn|Cure}}
| {{War machine
*{{Sn|Anti-Magic}} and {{Sn|Dispel}}
| Image    = [[Image: Ammo cart.png]]
*{{Sn|Fortune}} and {{Sn|Misfortune}}
| Name      = Ammo cart
*{{Sn|Bless}} and {{Sn|Curse}}
| No_attack =
*{{Sn|Slayer}}, {{Sn|Prayer}} and {{Sn|Precision}}
| Defense  = 5
*{{Sn|Shield}} and {{Sn|Stone Skin}}
| No_damage =
*{{Sn|Air Shield}} and {{Sn|Magic Mirror}}
| Health    = 100
*{{Sn|Protection from Air}}, {{Sn|Protection from Earth}}, {{Sn|Protection from Fire}} and {{Sn|Protection from Water}}
| Cost      = 1000 {{G}}
*{{Sn|Fire Shield}}
| No_shots  =
}}
|}
Ammo Сart provides unlimited [[Shots|ammuntion]] for creatures 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.


Sold by the blacksmith of
*{{town|Inferno}},
*{{town|Stronghold}},
*{{town|Tower}}.
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
=== Ballista ===
=== Ballista ===
{| border=0 style="float:right; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"
{{CreatureNew
|-
| name          = Ballista
| {{War machine
| faction        = Neutral
| Image    = [[Image: Ballista.png]]
| level          = 5
| Align    = left
| attack        = 10
| Name      = Ballista
| defense        = 10
| Attack    = 10
| shots          = 24
| Defense  = 10
| damage        = 2–3*
| Damage    = 2–3
| health        = 250
| Health    = 250
| speed          = 0
| Cost      = 2500 {{G}}
| move          =  
| Shots    = 24
| size          = 2
| growth        =  
| aivalue        = 650
| fightvalue    = 600
| goldcost      = {{swh|1500|2500}}
| resource      =
| rescost        =
| abilities      = War Machine. Shoots.
}}
}}
|}
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 (fixed in {{hota}}){{-wh}}.


Ballistae can be bought from [[Blacksmith]]s in {{town|Castle}}, {{town|Dungeon}} and {{town|Conflux}} towns, and from [[Ballista Yard]]s in {{town|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 (always in {{hota}}){{-wh}}. In damage calculations Ballista goes as level 5 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 600.
The Ballista is a missile weapon that shoots projectiles toward enemy troops and is unable to [[retaliation|retaliate]] against attacks. It can shoot even if enemies are adjacent to it. 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}})''. Occupies the War Machine A slot.
 
'''*Ballista Damage:''' Although the Ballista has a basic damage range (of 2–3) like creatures, its damage range scales with the controlling hero's attack value according to the formula: {{swh|(2–3)*(hero's attack + 5)|(2–3)*(hero's attack + 1)}}. This modified damage range is then used in the [[damage]] calculation as normal. Both the [[Artillery]] and [[Archery]] secondary skills increase the damage of the Ballista.


'''Heroes with ballista specialty:'''
Heroes with the Ballista specialty have a {{swh|100%|88%}} chance to start with a Ballista.
{|
|- valign=top
|'''Ballista can be purchased at:'''{{---}}
*{{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:'''
* {{H2|Christian|Knight}}
* {{H2|Christian|Knight}}
* {{H2|Torosar|Alchemist}}
* {{H2|Torosar|Alchemist}}
Line 91: Line 95:
* {{H2|Gerwulf|Beastmaster}}
* {{H2|Gerwulf|Beastmaster}}
* {{H2|Ranloo|Death Knight}}{{-wh}}
* {{H2|Ranloo|Death Knight}}{{-wh}}
* {{H2|Morton|Mercenary}}{{-wh}}
|}
{{clear|left}}
=== Ammo Cart ===
{{CreatureNew
| name          = Ammo Cart
| faction        = Neutral
| level          = 1
| attack        = 0
| defense        = 5
| shots          =
| damage        = 0
| health        = 100
| speed          = 0
| move          =
| size          = 1
| growth        =
| aivalue        = 5
| fightvalue    = 400
| goldcost      = 1000
| resource      =
| rescost        =
| abilities      = War Machine. Provides unlimited shots to creatures and War Machines.
}}
The Ammo Сart provides unlimited [[shots]] for creatures and War Machines with [[ranged attack]]s until the Ammo Cart is destroyed, after which their shots will deplete as normal. Although the Ammo Cart is not present on the battlefield during a creature bank or shipwreck battle, it still provides unlimited ammo. Occupies the War Machine B slot.


<div style="clear:both;"></div>
{|
|- valign=top
| '''Ammo Cart can be purchased at:'''
*{{town|Tower}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Inferno}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Stronghold}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*{{town|Factory}} - [[Blacksmith]]{{-wh}}
*[[file:War Machine Factory.gif|War Machine Factory|50px]] [[War Machine Factory]]
|}
 
{{clear|left}}
=== First Aid Tent ===
=== First Aid Tent ===
{| border=0 style="float:right; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"
{{CreatureNew
|-
| name          = First Aid Tent
| {{War machine
| faction        = Neutral
| Image      = [[Image:First aid tent.png]]
| level          = 1
| Name      = First aid tent
| attack        = 0
| No_attack  =  
| defense        = 0
| No_defense =  
| shots          =  
| No_damage  =  
| damage        = 0
| Health     = 75
| health        = 75
| Cost       = 750 {{G}}
| speed          = 0
| No_shots  =  
| move          =  
| size          = 2
| growth        =  
| aivalue        = 10
| fightvalue     = 300
| goldcost       = 750
| resource      =
| rescost        =  
| abilities      = War Machine. Heals Health.
}}
}}
|}
'''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 {{town|Rampart}}, {{town|Fortress}} and {{town|Necropolis}} towns, or from a [[War Machine Factory]] adventure map location. Typically, heroes with [[hero specialty|First Aid specialty]] start with a First Aid Tent (always in {{hota}}){{-wh}}. Oddly enough, [[Necropolis]]' heroes cannot learn [[First Aid]], even though their blacksmith produces first aid tents. In damage calculations First Aid Tent goes as level 1 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 300.


'''Heroes with first aid specialty:'''
The First Aid Tent heals {{swh|20-25|1-25}} [[Health|hit points]] of the top creature of an 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. Oddly enough, [[Necropolis]]' heroes cannot learn [[First Aid]], even though their blacksmith produces First Aid Tents. Occupies the War Machine C slot.
 
Heroes with First Aid specialty have a {{swh|100%|88%}} chance to start with a First Aid Tent.
{|
|- valign=top
| '''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:'''
* {{H2|Rion|Cleric}}
* {{H2|Rion|Cleric}}
* {{H2|Gem|Druid}}
* {{H2|Gem|Druid}}
* {{H2|Verdish|Witch}}
* {{H2|Verdish|Witch}}
|}


<div style="clear:both;"></div>
{{clear|left}}
=== Catapult ===
=== Catapult ===
{| border=0 style="float:right; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"
{{CreatureNew
|-
| name          = Catapult
| {{War machine
| faction        = Neutral
| Name      = Catapult
| level          = 1
| float      = left
| attack        = 10
| Image      = [[Image: Catapult.png]]
| defense        = 10
| Align      = left
| shots          = 24
| Attack    = 10
| damage        = 0
| Defense    = 10
| health        = 1000
| No_damage  =  
| speed          = 0
| Health     = 1000
| move          =  
| Cost       = N/A
| size          = 2
| Shots     = 24
| growth        =  
| aivalue        = 10
| fightvalue     = 500
| goldcost       = N/A
| resource      =
| rescost        =
| abilities     = War Machine. Attacks {{gl|wall|siege walls}}.
}}
}}
|}
The Catapult only appears on the battlefield when laying [[siege]] to an enemy town 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 its performance and gives the player control over the Catapult, making it possible to aim at particular parts of the [[fortifications]]. During a siege, the Catapult shoots after the arrow towers, but before any other troop. Occupies the War Machine D slot.
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.


<div style="clear:both;"></div>
{{clear|left}}
=={{hota}}==
=={{hota}}==
===Cannon===
===Cannon===
{| border=0 style="float:right; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px;"
{{CreatureNew
|-
| name          = Cannon
| {{War machine
| faction        = Neutral
| Name      = Cannon
| level          = 6
| float      = left
| attack        = 20
| Image      = [[Image: Cannon.png]]
| defense        = 10
| Align      = left
| shots          = 8
| Attack    = 20
| damage        = 4–7*
| Defense    = 10
| health        = 250
| Damage     = 4-7
| speed          = 0
| Health    = 250
| move          =  
| Cost       = 4000 {{G}}
| size          = 2
| Shots      = 8
| growth        =  
| aivalue        = 825
| fightvalue     = 900
| goldcost      = 3000
| resource       =  
| rescost        =
| abilities      = War Machine. Shoots. Attacks {{gl|wall|siege walls}}.
}}
}}
The Cannon is a missile weapon that shoots projectiles toward enemy troops and is unable to [[retaliation|retaliate]] against attacks. It can shoot even if enemies are adjacent to it. The Cannon 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]]. It can also attack the [[fortifications]] of a town in [[siege]] combat. Occupies the War Machine A slot.
'''*Cannon Damage:''' Although the Cannon has a basic damage range (of 4-7) like creatures, its damage range scales with the controlling hero's attack value according to the formula: (4–7)*(hero's attack + 1). This modified damage range is then used in the [[damage]] calculation as normal. Both the [[Artillery]] and [[Archery]] secondary skills increase the damage of the Cannon.
Heroes with the Cannon specialty always start with a Cannon.
{|
|- valign=top
|'''Cannon can be purchased at:'''{{---}}
*{{town|Cove}} - [[Blacksmith]]
*[[file:Cannon Yard.gif|Cannon Yard|46px]] [[Cannon Yard]]
|'''Heroes with Cannon specialty:'''
* {{H2|Jeremy|Captain}}
|}
|}
Cove War Machine. Bought in the blacksmith of [[Cove]] or in a [[Cannon Yard]].  The formula for the calculation of damage is (4–7)*(hero's attack + 1). It costs 4000 gold.


* Is put in the Ballista slot of a hero. It cannot be put in a backpack.
{{clear|left}}
* 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.
=== Ballista vs. Cannon ===
* 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.
Here a table showing the average damage of a Ballista and Cannon with and without the [[Artillery]] skill.
* In damage calculations, Cannon goes as level 6 unit, its [[AI Value]] is 875.


'''Effect of Artillery skill'''
'''Notes:'''
* <span style="color: #0000C0">None.</span> All features work as described above.
* The Cannon has 20 Attack and 8 shots while the Ballista has only 10 Attack but 24 shots.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Basic.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* The [[Archery]] skill will increase this damage further.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Advanced.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Double damage on unit, aimed shot with increased damage on the fortifications.
* Damage multipliers and multiple shots from the [[Artillery]] skill are factored into the table.
* <span style="color: #0000C0">Expert.</span> Gives you control of the cannon. Triple damage on unit, aimed shot with maximum damage on the fortifications.


'''Heroes with cannon specialty:'''
'''Takeaway:'''
* {{H2|Jeremy|Captain}}
* Without [[Artillery]], the Ballista only does more damage than the Cannon when the Hero's attack is 0.
* With Expert [[Artillery]], the Ballista does more damage than the Cannon until the Hero's attack is 3 or less.
* Even Ballista specialists (e.g. [[Christian]]) do more damage with the Cannon most of the time (unless they are at a high level AND have low attack).
** Example: At level 25, Ballista specialist adds +15 to the Ballista's attack. This allows the Ballista to do more damage than the Cannon until the hero's attack reaches 10. If their attack is 11+, even a level 25 Ballista specialist does more damage 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:
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:bottom;"
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:bottom;"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
! rowspan="4" style="font-weight:normal;" | Hero   Attack
! rowspan="4" | Hero<br>Attack
! colspan="8" | Average damage
! colspan="8" | Average damage against creature with 10 defense
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center;"
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Ballista (10 Attack)
! colspan="4" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Ballista (10 Attack)
| colspan="4" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Cannon (20 Attack!)
! colspan="4" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Cannon (20 Attack)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Base
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Artillery
! colspan="3" style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Artillery
| rowspan="2" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Base
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Base
| colspan="3" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Artillery
! colspan="3" style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Artillery
|-
|-
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Basic
! style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Advanced
! style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Expert
! style="background-color:#FCE4D6;" | Expert
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Basic
! style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Basic
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Advanced
! style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Advanced
| style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Expert
! style="background-color:#D9E1F2;" | Expert
|-
|-
| 0
| 0 ||  12.5 ||  18.75 ||  43.75 ||  50  ||  8.25 ||   8.25 || 13.75 || 19.25
| 2.5
| 3.75
| 8.75
| 10
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 5.5
| 11
| 16.5
|-
|-
| 1
| 1 ||  15.75 ||  23.25 ||  54    || 61.5 ||  17.05 || 17.05 || 28.05 || 39.05
| 5
| 7.5
| 17.5
| 20
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 11
| 22
| 33
|-
|-
| 2
| 2 ||  19.25 ||  28    ||  64.75 ||  73.5 ||  26.4  || 26.4  || 42.9  || 59.4
| 7.5
| 11.25
| 26.25
| 30
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 16.5
| 33
| 49.5
|-
|-
| 3
| 3 || 23    || 33    || 76    || 86  ||  36.3  ||  36.3  ||  58.3  ||  80.3
| 10
| 15
| 35
| 40
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 22
| 44
| 66
|-
|-
| 4
| 4 ||  27    ||  38.25 ||  87.75 ||  99  ||  46.75 || 46.75 || 74.25 || 101.75
| 12.5
| 18.75
| 43.75
| 50
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 27.5
| 55
| 82.5
|-
|-
| 5
| 5 || 31.25 ||  43.75 || 100    || 112.5 ||  57.75 || 57.75 || 90.75 || 123.75
| 15
| 22.5
| 52.5
| 60
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 33
| 66
| 99
|-
|-
| 10
| 10 || 56.25 ||  75    || 168.75 || 187.5 || 121    || 121   || 181.5 || 242
| 27.5
| 41.25
| 96.25
| 110
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 60.5
| 121
| 181.5
|-
|-
| 15
| 15 || 87.5  || 112.5  || 250    || 275  || 198    || 198    || 286    || 374
| 40
| 60
| 140
| 160
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 88
| 176
| 264
|-
|-
| 20
| 20 || 125    || 156.25 || 343.75 || 375  || 288.75 || 288.75 || 404.25 || 519.75
| 52.5
| 78.75
| 183.75
| 210
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 115.5
| 231
| 346.5
|-
|-
| 25
| 25 || 168.75 || 206.25 || 450    || 487.5 || 393.25 || 393.25 || 536.25 || 679.25
| 65
| 97.5
| 227.5
| 260
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 143
| 286
| 429
|-
|-
| 30
| 30 || 218.75 || 262.5 || 568.75 || 612.5 || 511.5  || 511.5 || 682    || 852.5
| 77.5
| 116.25
| 271.25
| 310
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 170.5
| 341
| 511.5
|-
|-
| 35
| 35 || 275    || 325    || 700    || 750  || 643.5  || 643.5  || 841.5  ||1039.5
| 90
| 135
| 315
| 360
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 198
| 396
| 594
|-
|-
| 40
| 40 || 337.5 || 393.75 || 843.75 || 900  || 789.25 || 789.25 ||1014.75 ||1240.25
| 102.5
| 153.75
| 358.75
| 410
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 225.5
| 451
| 676.5
|-
|-
| 50
| 50 || 481.25 || 550    ||1168.75 ||1237.5 ||1122    ||1122    ||1402.5 ||1683
| 127.5
| 191.25
| 446.25
| 510
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 280.5
| 561
| 841.5
|-
|-
| 60
| 60 || 650    || 731.25 ||1543.75 ||1625  ||1342    ||1342    ||1677.5 ||2013
| 152.5
| 228.75
| 533.75
| 610
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 335.5
| 671
| 1006.5
|-
|-
| 70
| 70 || 750    || 843.75 ||1781.25 ||1875  ||1562    ||1562    ||1952.5 ||2343
| 177.5
| 266.25
| 621.25
| 710
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 390.5
| 781
| 1171.5
|-
|-
| 80
| 80 || 850    || 956.25 ||2018.75 ||2125  ||1782    ||1782    ||2227.5 ||2673
| 202.5
| 303.75
| 708.75
| 810
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 445.5
| 891
| 1336.5
|-
|-
| 90
| 90 || 950    ||1068.75 ||2256.25 ||2375  ||2002    ||2002    ||2502.5 ||3003
| 227.5
| 341.25
| 796.25
| 910
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 500.5
| 1001
| 1501.5
|-
|-
| 99
| 99 ||1040    ||1170    ||2470    ||2600  ||2200    ||2200    ||2750    ||3300
| 250
| 375
| 875
| 1000
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 550
| 1100
| 1650
|}
|}
== 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.
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.
}}{{end of user commentary}}


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

Latest revision as of 13:26, 10 April 2025

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

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

Ballista[edit | hide | hide all]

Ballista
Level 5
10
10
Shots
24
2–3*
250
0
Move
Size
2
Growth
650
600
Cost

1500 Horn of the Abyss

War Machine. Shoots.

The Ballista is a missile weapon that shoots projectiles toward enemy troops and is unable to retaliate against attacks. It can shoot even if enemies are adjacent to it. 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). Occupies the War Machine A slot.

*Ballista Damage: Although the Ballista has a basic damage range (of 2–3) like creatures, its damage range scales with the controlling hero's attack value according to the formula: (2–3)*(hero's attack + 5) Horn of the Abyss. This modified damage range is then used in the damage calculation as normal. Both the Artillery and Archery secondary skills increase the damage of the Ballista.

Heroes with the Ballista specialty have a 100% Horn of the Abyss chance to start with a Ballista.

Ballista can be purchased at:    Heroes with Ballista specialty:

Ammo Cart[edit | hide]

Ammo Cart
Level 1
0
5
0
100
0
Move
Size
1
Growth
5
400
Cost

1000

War Machine. Provides unlimited shots to creatures and War Machines.

The Ammo Сart provides unlimited shots for creatures and War Machines with ranged attacks until the Ammo Cart is destroyed, after which their shots will deplete as normal. Although the Ammo Cart is not present on the battlefield during a creature bank or shipwreck battle, it still provides unlimited ammo. Occupies the War Machine B slot.

Ammo Cart can be purchased at:

First Aid Tent[edit | hide]

First Aid Tent
Level 1
0
0
0
75
0
Move
Size
2
Growth
10
300
Cost

750

War Machine. Heals Health.

The First Aid Tent heals 20-25 Horn of the Abyss hit points of the top creature of an 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. Oddly enough, Necropolis' heroes cannot learn First Aid, even though their blacksmith produces First Aid Tents. Occupies the War Machine C slot.

Heroes with First Aid specialty have a 100% Horn of the Abyss chance to start with a First Aid Tent.

First Aid Tent can be purchased at:    Heroes with First Aid specialty:

Catapult[edit | hide]

Catapult
Level 1
10
10
Shots
24
0
1000
0
Move
Size
2
Growth
10
500
Cost

N/A

War Machine. Attacks siege walls.

The Catapult only appears on the battlefield when laying siege to an enemy town 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 its performance and gives the player control over the Catapult, making it possible to aim at particular parts of the fortifications. During a siege, the Catapult shoots after the arrow towers, but before any other troop. Occupies the War Machine D slot.

Horn of the Abyss[edit | hide]

Cannon[edit | hide]

Cannon
Level 6
20
10
Shots
8
4–7*
250
0
Move
Size
2
Growth
825
900
Cost

3000

War Machine. Shoots. Attacks siege walls.

The Cannon is a missile weapon that shoots projectiles toward enemy troops and is unable to retaliate against attacks. It can shoot even if enemies are adjacent to it. The Cannon 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. It can also attack the fortifications of a town in siege combat. Occupies the War Machine A slot.

*Cannon Damage: Although the Cannon has a basic damage range (of 4-7) like creatures, its damage range scales with the controlling hero's attack value according to the formula: (4–7)*(hero's attack + 1). This modified damage range is then used in the damage calculation as normal. Both the Artillery and Archery secondary skills increase the damage of the Cannon.

Heroes with the Cannon specialty always start with a Cannon.

Cannon can be purchased at:    Heroes with Cannon specialty:

Ballista vs. Cannon[edit | hide]

Here a table showing the average damage of a Ballista and Cannon with and without the Artillery skill.

Notes:

  • The Cannon has 20 Attack and 8 shots while the Ballista has only 10 Attack but 24 shots.
  • The Archery skill will increase this damage further.
  • Damage multipliers and multiple shots from the Artillery skill are factored into the table.

Takeaway:

  • Without Artillery, the Ballista only does more damage than the Cannon when the Hero's attack is 0.
  • With Expert Artillery, the Ballista does more damage than the Cannon until the Hero's attack is 3 or less.
  • Even Ballista specialists (e.g. Christian) do more damage with the Cannon most of the time (unless they are at a high level AND have low attack).
    • Example: At level 25, Ballista specialist adds +15 to the Ballista's attack. This allows the Ballista to do more damage than the Cannon until the hero's attack reaches 10. If their attack is 11+, even a level 25 Ballista specialist does more damage with a Cannon.
Hero
Attack 		Average damage against creature with 10 defense
Ballista (10 Attack) Cannon (20 Attack)
Base Artillery Base Artillery
Basic Advanced Expert Basic Advanced Expert
0 12.5 18.75 43.75 50 8.25 8.25 13.75 19.25
1 15.75 23.25 54 61.5 17.05 17.05 28.05 39.05
2 19.25 28 64.75 73.5 26.4 26.4 42.9 59.4
3 23 33 76 86 36.3 36.3 58.3 80.3
4 27 38.25 87.75 99 46.75 46.75 74.25 101.75
5 31.25 43.75 100 112.5 57.75 57.75 90.75 123.75
10 56.25 75 168.75 187.5 121 121 181.5 242
15 87.5 112.5 250 275 198 198 286 374
20 125 156.25 343.75 375 288.75 288.75 404.25 519.75
25 168.75 206.25 450 487.5 393.25 393.25 536.25 679.25
30 218.75 262.5 568.75 612.5 511.5 511.5 682 852.5
35 275 325 700 750 643.5 643.5 841.5 1039.5
40 337.5 393.75 843.75 900 789.25 789.25 1014.75 1240.25
50 481.25 550 1168.75 1237.5 1122 1122 1402.5 1683
60 650 731.25 1543.75 1625 1342 1342 1677.5 2013
70 750 843.75 1781.25 1875 1562 1562 1952.5 2343
80 850 956.25 2018.75 2125 1782 1782 2227.5 2673
90 950 1068.75 2256.25 2375 2002 2002 2502.5 3003
99 1040 1170 2470 2600 2200 2200 2750 3300

Official Renders[edit | hide]

User Commentary

Show User Commentary
Hide 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 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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