In Dragon Age: Origins the Ballista is a novelty weapon. 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
- Two ballistae can be found on the Second Floor in Tower of Ishal when facing a group of darkspawn.
- At Caridin’s Cross a darkspawn 'fort' 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. Each one is attached to a tripwire; breaking the tripwire causes the ballista the tripwire is attached to fire, so these have essentially been set up as a booby trap for the unwary.
- During the Dwarf Noble origin story, two can be found when you meet the mercenaries. One is loosely aimed toward battle (but no threat), while the other opens up the blocked path back to where you met the first scout. Ammunition can be found in a barrel near one.
- 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.
Trivia
- The word 'Ballista' is derived from the Greek word 'Ballistes' meaning to throw. In England, siege weapons, including the Ballista, was also known as the Ingenium from the Latin word ingenium meaning ingenious device.