General Organisation of the Order -- 9. Artillery Trains
by Bruce Heard Siege weaponry generally consists
of ballistae and blight belchers. The latter are heavy magical rods
made of metal which can cause flesh and other organic materials to
wither and die. Other siege weaponry is normally built on-site
where needed.
A ballista crew consists of a sergeant skilled with artillery, and
two pikemen to load and fire the javelins, guard the weapon, and
handle the mules. The two crew, the javelins, spare parts, tools,
and the ballista itself are carried on a wagon pulled by four
mules. If necessary the ballista can be disassembled and carried on
the mules along with supplies should the wagon need to be discarded
(as may be the case with rough terrain).
The blight belcher crew consists of a Chaplain whose prayers are
needed to fire the magical rod, two knights assigned to guard the
weapon at all times, and two Serving Brethren help mount or
dismount the five- foot-long, five-inch-diameter, metal rod. The
weapon, its stand, and tools are transported inside a two-wheel
case pulled by two horses. The Serving Brethren ride on the wooden
case.
An artillery train is normally assigned to each Chapter, but may be
repositioned elsewhere prior to a battle. An artillery train
generally designates a unit of three ballista and one blight
belcher, but it is sometimes reduced to a smaller detachment when
some of the weapons remain behind with their original garrison.
Knights Bachelor normally direct the fire from each artillery
train, but otherwise take orders directly from the commander of the
closest force (Vaward, Main Battle, or Rearward).