One of the simplest forms of one-armed catapult, the onager relied on twisted skeins of animal sinew which provided the power to hurl either rocks or shot. Inaccurate but powerful, it was an effective siege machine against buildings and fortifications, but was of far less use on the battlefield unless firing into massed infantry ranks. First mentioned by Philon of Byzantium in his treatise on ‘Mechanics’, the onager made use of a sling-like cradle attached to a firing arm. This arm was inserted, twisted, and propelled rocks or shot through torsion. As the firing arm was released, the sling-like cradle would unhook, firing the projectile. A padded beam was incorporated into the housing frame to restrain the arm. Larger machines could require as many as eight or ten crewmen, and the incredible recoil meant that they could not be easily or safely mounted on walls or towers. Quickly constructed wherever wood was readily available, onagers soon became a staple of ancient siege warfare.
Strength and Weaknesses[]
Excellent Speed
Good Missile Damage
Poor Rate of Fire
Base Stats[]
Onager
Unit
Number of Men:
40
Morale:
26
Bonus HP:
5
Melee Attack:
7
Melee Defense:
2
Charge Bonus:
2
Reload:
15
Ammunition:
9
Very Light Infantry
Human
Hit Points:
75
Mass:
70
Walk Speed:
16
Run Speed:
40
Charge Speed:
55
Charge Distance:
35
Weapons and Gear[]
Dagger
Melee Weapon
Damage:
5
Armour Penetration Damage:
1
Bonus vs Infantry:
0
Bonus vs Cavalry:
0
Bonus vs Elephants:
0
Building damage:
0.033
Cloth
Armour
Armour:
3
Onager
Engine
Hit Points:
125
Mass:
5000
Can Move:
Yes
Walk Speed:
15
Normal Shot
Fire Shot
Damage:
100
175
Armour Penetration Damage:
100
175
Base Reload Time:
34
51
Range:
350
350
Bonus vs Infantry:
0
0
Bonus vs Cavalry:
0
0
Bonus vs Elephants:
0
0
Special Effects:
Explosion Damage:
0
300
Explosion Radius:
0
8
Abilities[]
Barrage
Target:
Self
Initial Recharge:
0
Active Time:
30
Recharge Time:
210
Loose projectiles more frequently for an extended period of time.
Quick Reload (30s):
+50% Rate of Fire
Freeze Fatigue
Fatigue (1s):
+100% Fatigue
Attributes[]
Cannot Run
This unit cannot run and will only move at walking pace.
Barrage
Cannot Run