Dwarven Ballista (Dragonborn)

Dwarven Ballista

"One of the most dangerous Steam Animunculi is the Dwarven Ballista, which fires a bolt that can penetrate even the thickest armor."

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Dwarven Ballistas are mechanical constructs that launch projectiles found in The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn.

History

Created by the Dwemer long ago, the Dwarven Ballistas served as guardians and warriors. Much like Dwarven Spheres, Dwarven Ballistas maintain a constant vigil over the ruins their masters once called home.

Locations

• Nchardak
• Fahlbtharz
• Kagrumez

Loot

• Random Soul Gem
• Dwarven Oil
• Various scraps of Dwemer metals

Combat

Dwarven Ballistas are essentially, like their namesake, giant crossbows. Dwarven Ballistas are encased in a Dwemer metal casing, which is mounted on four legs to give it motion.

In combat, Dwarven Ballistas fire large metal spears at opponents, launched with such force that they are capable of penetrating armor and causing severe damage.  Reload time, however, is lengthy.  This allows the player a respite to deal out damage while also providing enough time to duck behind cover to avoid the next spear.  They have a seemingly infinite amount of ammunition to fire.

Sometimes, a fired spear will stagger the player, and give the message "Ballista penetrated armor". This means the previous attack ignored armor, doing full damage against the player.

Variants

Dwarven Ballista Guardian

The Dwarven Ballista Guardian is a visually identical, but tougher, variant of the regular Ballista.

Dwarven Ballista Master

The Dwarven Ballista Master is visually identical to the regular version but more powerful.

Trivia

• The spears cannot be picked up or accrued in inventory.
• If the Ballista falls in water they will still fire, but swim further down and cannot be attacked.
• When with Neloth in Nchardak, he comments frequently on how he should get an assistant to take one to Tel Mithryn.  Later, you can see a dismantled one there.
• Through use of console commands, it is possible to obtain and use ballista bolts with a crossbow.  This proves to be an extremely effective weapon, capable of taking down almost any enemy.

Appearance

• The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn