Ballista

Ballista
Type	Use
Effects	Shoots a bolt at targeted ememy.
Locations	Aeducan Thaig, Tower of Ishal, Ruined Temple, Caridin's Cross, Fort Drakon
Appearances	Dragon Age: Origins Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

Ballista is an object which may be potentially used by one of the party members in Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening.

Description

Loosing heavy bolts, darts and spears along a flat trajectory. They are stationary and impossible to aim, making them highly inaccurate in almost all situations they are encountered. With exception to the final battle of the game they are merely a novelty, having little actual use.

Locations

Dragon Age: Origins

• Two ballista can be found on the Second Floor in Tower of Ishal when facing a group of darkspawn during the Tower of Ishal (quest).

• At Caridin's Cross a darkspawn nest will be encountered in the middle of the crossroad with three ballistae watching the roads which are manned by genlocks.

• During the Urn of Sacred Ashes quest, there are several ballista arranged around the edges of a medium-sized room in the Ruined Temple. Each one is attached to a tripwire; breaking the tripwire causes a specific ballista which is attached to, to fire, so these have essentially been set up as a booby trap for the unwary.

• During the A Noble Expedition in the Dwarf Noble Origin, two can be found when you meet the mercenaries inside the Ruined Thaig. One is loosely aimed towards the unavoidable fight (however it is not a particular threat), while the other opens up a blocked path which can return the party quickly out of the thaig. However it requires the Ballista Bolt to be loaded up in order to operate which can be found in a container around there.

• In the final battle with the Archdemon, the ballista can be used on him (maximum 115 damage per shot). Be aware as these ballista can jam and won't be able to be used unless a rogue unjams them.

Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

• During the The Righteous Path in the Silverite Mine right after the room that the Warden-Commander is held there is a ballista which can be used to topple the statue on several darkspawn.

Trivia

• Apparently Oghren thinks that ballistas are for cowards and elderly women and challenges the Warden-Commander to attack their enemies without using it. This comment is made for the ballista found in the Silverite Mine. Rest of the companions think that they are useful.