The War Talons
by Bruce HeardWar Talons are located under the heavy warbird. Their role is to
rip the sails or the decks of enemy ships. War Talons are huge
grappling hooks that seem to be part of the warbird's decorative
legs sculpted underneath its hull. The articulated steel talons
themselves can be catapulted downward in front of the warbird. When
winched back with chains, the talons close up and rip apart
whatever they locked on. It takes a full turn to winch the talons
back and rearm their catapults. Roll 1d6 for each talon. On a 1 or
2, the talon misses or fails to cause any damage. On a 3-4, the
talon rips through one sail and its rigging. On a 5, it breaks a
mast or any other above-deck structure (treat as a 6 if not
applicable). On a 6, it tears through the deck, causing 3d8 points
of Hull damage.
Other Siege Weapons
Ballistae and catapults remains of the traditional non-magic type.
Occasionally, the chaplains may have cast magic on projectiles,
especially ballista javelins (strike, light, silence, or darkness)
which goes off on impact Special delaying spells are needed to
enchant projectiles. Catapults are often not used in air combat
since stones are too heavy (and dangerous considering the fragility
of the warbird) to carry in flight. Instead, they are used as part
of a besieging force where the warbird can land and use local
material as projectiles.