War Machine

War machine is common term used for when referring either to 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 banks and shipwrecks, where none of the war machines are used. They all have a special slot reserved just for a particular war machine.

Typically war machines except catapults are bought from blacksmiths, which sell different war machine depending on the town type. Additionally, war machines can be bought from an adventure map location called war machine factory, which sell all war machines except catapults. All heroes have 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 ballista, which can have a lucky strike.

Usage

Ammo cart

File:Mini Portrait Ammo cart.png Ammo cart

Attack
Defense	5
Damage
Health	100
Cost	1000
Shots

Ammo cart provides unlimited ammuntion for creatures with ranged attacks.

Ballista

Ballista

Attack	10
Defense	10
Damage	8–12
Health	250
Cost	2500
Shots	24

Ballistas are missile weapons that launches large projectiles to damage enemy troops, which basically makes them a ranged unit. Damage of the ballista is affected artillery and archery secondary skills, and of course the attack skill of the hero. Without artillery skill, the ballista will shoot independetly, but with basic artillery the player controls the machine in the same way he or she controls creature stacks. Artillery skill also enables ballista to shoot twice.

First aid tent

File:Mini Portrait First aid tent.png First aid tent

Attack
Defense
Damage
Health	75
Cost	750
Shots

First Aid Tent - Heals friendly troops. Affected by First Aid skill.

War machines do not affect and are not affected by your Morale, and have no effect on your Adventure Map movement.

Catapult

Catapult

Attack	10
Defense	10
Damage
Health	75
Cost	750
Shots	24

One of the War Machines, like the Ammo Cart, the First Aid Tent and the Ballista, the Catapult shoots after the Arrow Towers in a siege, but before any other unit. It can only target Walls and Arrow Towers. Having the Ballistics skill increases its performance.

Catapult - Breaches castle walls. Only used when assaulting a town with a Fort, Citadel, or Castle. Affected by Ballistics skill.

Every hero comes equipped with a Catapult. If they lose it, they will automatically get a new after combat.

Comments & debate

War machines can be a liability against area shooters like Magogs and Liches/Power Liches, but they can also absorb hits from Chain Lightning.

Wandering creatures tend to attack the Ballista instead of your troops. They are usually too weak to destroy it.