Artillery - Revision history

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2023-06-17T19:47:14Z

13 revisions imported

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2001:8003:1C20:8C00:E102:EA54:69A8:5F90: /* Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons */

2023-06-02T20:24:47Z

Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:24, 2 June 2023
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	==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==		==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==

	As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[~~Tankbustas~~\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, the best example of which was the Korean MLRS called the Hwacha, which fired a storm of rocket-powered arrows. The Chinese also had cannons, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.		As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[Rough Riders\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, the best example of which was the Korean MLRS called the Hwacha, which fired a storm of rocket-powered arrows. The Chinese also had cannons, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.

	In the Middle East, the Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but thats kinda [[bullshit]]. While the three empires were early adopters of Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever [[Butthurt\|cope and seethe]] about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but they generally still relied on traditional weapons and tactics in battle. For example, going back to the Fall of Constantinople, there is a story that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ''damaging'' the city's famous double-walls, they weren't great at ''breaching'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls was still in the way, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed.		In the Middle East, the Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but thats kinda [[bullshit]]. While the three empires were early adopters of Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever [[Butthurt\|cope and seethe]] about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but they generally still relied on traditional weapons and tactics in battle. For example, going back to the Fall of Constantinople, there is a story that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ''damaging'' the city's famous double-walls, they weren't great at ''breaching'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls was still in the way, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed.

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: /* Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons */

2023-05-09T06:55:58Z

Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:55, 9 May 2023
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	In contrast, European artillery started out similarly, with cannons being mostly built for sieges, but this soon became an arms race of experimenting with more mobile variants. Swedish King [[Karl Franz\|Gustavus Adolphus]] is famous for making Sweden a Great Power simply by adopting smaller Field Guns that could be quickly repositioned by horse; Napoleon did the same much later, advocating for entire companies of mobile, wheeled cannons because multiple cannons enfilading the enemy army was much more useful than a single gun that couldn't even be aimed properly.		In contrast, European artillery started out similarly, with cannons being mostly built for sieges, but this soon became an arms race of experimenting with more mobile variants. Swedish King [[Karl Franz\|Gustavus Adolphus]] is famous for making Sweden a Great Power simply by adopting smaller Field Guns that could be quickly repositioned by horse; Napoleon did the same much later, advocating for entire companies of mobile, wheeled cannons because multiple cannons enfilading the enemy army was much more useful than a single gun that couldn't even be aimed properly.

	While this was happening, back in Asia, breachloaded swivel guns were the norm. These were much smaller cannons that could swivel in place and incorporated elements from Chinese, Muslim, and Indian weapons. They were breachloaded and used pre-packaged powder and ammunition, and so they could fire off multiple shots in quick succession. These were very popular in Southeast Asia ~~and Maritime~~, and the Mongol's fought against these weapons in their failed invasion of Java.		While this was happening, back in Asia, breachloaded swivel guns were the norm. These were much smaller cannons that could swivel in place and incorporated elements from Chinese, Muslim, and Indian weapons. They were breachloaded and used pre-packaged powder and ammunition, and so they could fire off multiple shots in quick succession. These were very popular in Southeast Asia, and the Mongol's fought against these weapons in their failed invasion of Java.

	Artillery also included Rockets, such as the Indian Mysorean Rocket, which became the British Congreve Rocket (the Rocket's Red Glare in Traditional Americanese Music). These Rockets were as you'd expect, inaccurate and chaotic, but also spread terror and could be fitted with a variety of armaments. An attacking force would launch a bareage of rockets of different types, some would explode in midair and rain shrapnel, others would set fires, and a particularly annoying type would snake along the ground and stab people in the dick.

			Artillery also included Rockets, such as the Indian Mysorean Rocket, which became the British Congreve Rocket (the Rocket's Red Glare in Traditional Americanese Music). These Rockets were as you'd expect, inaccurate and chaotic, but also spread terror and could be fitted with a variety of armaments. An attacking force would launch a bareage of rockets of different types, some would explode in midair and rain shrapnel, others would set fires, and a particularly annoying type would snake along the ground and stab people in the dick.

	==Modern Era==		==Modern Era==

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid at 06:55, 9 May 2023

2023-05-09T06:55:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:55, 9 May 2023
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	If you were to ask any neckbeard into military history what they liked most about it, you'd get a few different answers. Some would tell you it's all about stories of [[Imperial Guard \|regular humans]] going beyond their limits to [[Humanity Fuck Yeah\|beat back impossible odds]], others are more [[Roboute Guilliman\|interested in the organization and logistics needed to feed and move thousands of people]].		If you were to ask any neckbeard into military history what they liked most about it, you'd get a few different answers. Some would tell you it's all about stories of [[Imperial Guard \|regular humans]] going beyond their limits to [[Humanity Fuck Yeah\|beat back impossible odds]], others are more [[Roboute Guilliman\|interested in the organization and logistics needed to feed and move thousands of people]].

	But for the elegan/tg/entlemen among us, it's all about [[Ordinatus\|the big guns that go boom]]. Even before the advent of [[Gunpowder (Warhammer Fantasy)\|gunpowder]] and [[Cannon\|~~Cannons~~]], humanity has long looked for ways to fling shit at their enemies from a safe distance, preferably outside of their opponent's ~~ability to shoot back~~, and ideally, ~~outside of~~ line-of-sight.		But for the elegan/tg/entlemen among us, it's all about [[Ordinatus\|the big guns that go boom]]. Even before the advent of [[Gunpowder (Warhammer Fantasy)\|gunpowder]] and [[Cannon\|cannons]], humanity has long looked for ways to fling shit at their enemies from a safe distance, preferably outside of their opponent's range, and ideally, beyond their line-of-sight.

	Nowadays, Artillery refers to Cannons and Cannon-~~accessiories~~, like Rockets and Missiles, but we apply the label to any weapon that launches munitions far beyond the range of man-portable weapons (that being said, Mortars are still man-portable, so don't take anything an anon says to be definitive)		Nowadays, '''Artillery''' refers to Cannons and Cannon-accessories, like Rockets and Missiles, but we apply the label to any weapon that launches munitions far beyond the range of man-portable weapons (that being said, Mortars are still man-portable, so don't take anything an anon says to be definitive)

	==Siege Engines==		==Siege Engines==
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	These are Siege weapons that look like oversized crossbows, and are generally accurate enough with their bolts to snipe defenders on the walls, and were torsion (crank) powered. They range from the simple Roman Scorpio, to the [[Dakka\|rapid-firing]] Greek Polybolos, both of which were developed from the much larger Ballista, which was initially used to throw small round projectiles, but would eventually fire more accurate bolts.		These are Siege weapons that look like oversized crossbows, and are generally accurate enough with their bolts to snipe defenders on the walls, and were torsion (crank) powered. They range from the simple Roman Scorpio, to the [[Dakka\|rapid-firing]] Greek Polybolos, both of which were developed from the much larger Ballista, which was initially used to throw small round projectiles, but would eventually fire more accurate bolts.

	Technically, though they look like Crossbows, all of these machines are more complicated than that, using a combination of springs and torsion to build up energy. Some Catapult designs actually make use of the "bow" design.		Technically, though they look like Crossbows, all of these machines are more complicated than that, using a combination of springs and torsion to build up energy. Some Catapult designs actually make use of the "bow" design for added strength.

	====Catapults====		====Catapults====
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	==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==		==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==

	As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[Tankbustas\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.		As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[Tankbustas\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, the best example of which was the Korean MLRS called the Hwacha, which fired a storm of rocket-powered arrows. The Chinese also had cannons, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.

	In the Middle East, the Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but thats kinda [[bullshit]]. While the three empires were early adopters of Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever [[Butthurt\|cope and seethe]] about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but they generally still relied on traditional weapons and tactics in battle. For example, going back to the Fall of Constantinople, there is a story that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ''damaging'' the city's famous double-walls, they weren't great at ''breaching'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls was still in the way, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed.		In the Middle East, the Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but thats kinda [[bullshit]]. While the three empires were early adopters of Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever [[Butthurt\|cope and seethe]] about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but they generally still relied on traditional weapons and tactics in battle. For example, going back to the Fall of Constantinople, there is a story that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ''damaging'' the city's famous double-walls, they weren't great at ''breaching'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls was still in the way, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed.
Line 47:		Line 47:

	While this was happening, back in Asia, breachloaded swivel guns were the norm. These were much smaller cannons that could swivel in place and incorporated elements from Chinese, Muslim, and Indian weapons. They were breachloaded and used pre-packaged powder and ammunition, and so they could fire off multiple shots in quick succession. These were very popular in Southeast Asia and Maritime, and the Mongol's fought against these weapons in their failed invasion of Java.		While this was happening, back in Asia, breachloaded swivel guns were the norm. These were much smaller cannons that could swivel in place and incorporated elements from Chinese, Muslim, and Indian weapons. They were breachloaded and used pre-packaged powder and ammunition, and so they could fire off multiple shots in quick succession. These were very popular in Southeast Asia and Maritime, and the Mongol's fought against these weapons in their failed invasion of Java.

			Artillery also included Rockets, such as the Indian Mysorean Rocket, which became the British Congreve Rocket (the Rocket's Red Glare in Traditional Americanese Music). These Rockets were as you'd expect, inaccurate and chaotic, but also spread terror and could be fitted with a variety of armaments. An attacking force would launch a bareage of rockets of different types, some would explode in midair and rain shrapnel, others would set fires, and a particularly annoying type would snake along the ground and stab people in the dick.


	==Modern Era==		==Modern Era==

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: /* Warhammer 40k */

2023-05-09T06:38:43Z

Warhammer 40k

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:38, 9 May 2023
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	===Warhammer 40k===		===Warhammer 40k===

	See: [[Imperial Guard]], a faction that can only be described as "[[Cheese\|How Many Artillery Pieces Can I Afford]]?" Infantry can take Mortars, Lascannons, or Missile Launchers, while you have not [[Basilisk\|one]], not [[Manticore\|two]], not even [[Basilisk\|three]], but [[Awesome\|'''~~Four~~''']] types of indirect artillery vehicles, with that last one being a [[Deathstrike Missile Launcher\|A motherfucking Nuclear Missile.]] And they just got a new option in the form of [[Field Ordnance Battery\|Field Ordnance Batteries]], letting you relive the [[Team Yankee\|PTSD dreams of an American infantryman whose FOB just got hit by the Taliban]] but IN SPESS.		See: [[Imperial Guard]], a faction that can only be described as "[[Cheese\|How Many Artillery Pieces Can I Afford]]?" Infantry can take Mortars, Lascannons, or Missile Launchers, while you have not [[Basilisk\|one]], not [[Manticore\|two]], not even [[Basilisk\|three]], but [[Awesome\|'''FOUR''']] types of indirect artillery vehicles, with that last one being a [[Deathstrike Missile Launcher\|A motherfucking Nuclear Missile.]] And they just got a new option in the form of [[Field Ordnance Battery\|Field Ordnance Batteries]], letting you relive the [[Team Yankee\|PTSD dreams of an American infantryman whose FOB just got hit by the Taliban]] but IN SPESS.

	Sure, Baneblades and Conscript Spam are more iconic of the faction, but that's mostly because of how unfun it is to both play and play against someone that goes all in on artillery, with pieplate blast templates or indirect fire spam from 3 units of 3 model artillery.		Sure, Baneblades and Conscript Spam are more iconic of the faction, but that's mostly because of how unfun it is to both play and play against someone that goes all in on artillery, with pieplate blast templates or indirect fire spam from 3 units of 3 model artillery.

	Space Marines can only wish they were this cool, but they instead have to rely on Missiles guided by the remains of failed Initiates, or [[Desolation Squad\|derpy multi-barreled missile launchers]] instead.		Space Marines can only wish they were this cool, but they instead have to rely on Missiles guided by the remains of failed Initiates, or [[Desolation Squad\|derpy multi-barreled missile launchers]] instead.

	===Team Yankee===		===Team Yankee===

	[[M270 MLRS\|MLRS]] [[TOS-1 Buratino\|go]] [[RM-70\|BRRR]]		[[M270 MLRS\|MLRS]] [[TOS-1 Buratino\|go]] [[RM-70\|BRRR]]

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: MLRS GO BRRR

2023-05-09T06:37:55Z

MLRS GO BRRR

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:37, 9 May 2023
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	===Team Yankee===		===Team Yankee===

	MLRS go BRRR		[[M270 MLRS\|MLRS]] [[TOS-1 Buratino\|go]] [[RM-70\|BRRR]]

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: Finally, adding a TG section

2023-05-09T06:35:45Z

Finally, adding a TG section

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:35, 9 May 2023
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	Cold war		Cold war
	Drones and MLRS today		Drones and MLRS today

			==On the Tabletop==

			===Warhammer 40k===

			See: [[Imperial Guard]], a faction that can only be described as "[[Cheese\|How Many Artillery Pieces Can I Afford]]?" Infantry can take Mortars, Lascannons, or Missile Launchers, while you have not [[Basilisk\|one]], not [[Manticore\|two]], not even [[Basilisk\|three]], but [[Awesome\|'''Four''']] types of indirect artillery vehicles, with that last one being a [[Deathstrike Missile Launcher\|A motherfucking Nuclear Missile.]] And they just got a new option in the form of [[Field Ordnance Battery\|Field Ordnance Batteries]], letting you relive the [[Team Yankee\|PTSD dreams of an American infantryman whose FOB just got hit by the Taliban]] but IN SPESS.

			Sure, Baneblades and Conscript Spam are more iconic of the faction, but that's mostly because of how unfun it is to both play and play against someone that goes all in on artillery, with pieplate blast templates or indirect fire spam from 3 units of 3 model artillery.

			Space Marines can only wish they were this cool, but they instead have to rely on Missiles guided by the remains of failed Initiates, or [[Desolation Squad\|derpy multi-barreled missile launchers]] instead.

			===Team Yankee===

			MLRS go BRRR

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: /* Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons */

2023-05-09T06:20:11Z

Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 9 May 2023
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	As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[Tankbustas\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.		As mentioned, the Chinese had various experimentations with Gunpowder. They had weapons like [[Tankbustas\|exploding lances]] and basic rockets, but it wasn't until Gunpowder reached the Middle East/Europe that the tech really started to find its niche.

	~~The three~~ Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but ~~that theory has since been criticized~~. ~~The~~ three empires ~~quickly adopted~~ Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever cope and seethe about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but ~~these developments would never have been made without European metallurgy (~~back to the Fall of Constantinople~~: the siege of Constantinople took a long time and the Ottomans only had so many cannons;~~ there is ~~an anecdote~~ that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ~~breaking down~~ the double-walls, they weren't ''~~great~~'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls ~~couldn't be cleared~~, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed)		In the Middle East, the Gunpowder Empires (Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals) were credited with perfecting Cannons, but thats kinda [[bullshit]]. While the three empires were early adopters of Gunpowder into their armies and even used them to devastating effect against their gun-less neighbors (Romeaboos will forever [[Butthurt\|cope and seethe]] about how Constantinople was taken down by a big ass gun), but they generally still relied on traditional weapons and tactics in battle. For example, going back to the Fall of Constantinople, there is a story that even though the Ottoman cannons were very good at ''damaging'' the city's famous double-walls, they weren't great at ''breaching'' at it; the rubble caused by the collapsing walls was still in the way, so the besiegers had to keep shooting at the breach until the rubble was removed.

	In contrast, European artillery started out ~~as large weapons~~, but ~~eventually~~ became smaller ~~and more manageable, becoming~~ Field Guns that could be quickly repositioned by horse, because multiple cannons enfilading the enemy army was much more useful than a single gun that couldn't even be aimed properly, or that ~~would blow up after ten~~ shots.		Generally, Islamic artillery came in two flavors: large and unwieldy bombard types specifically meant for sieges and wall-breaking, and much lighter, man-sized (but still to heavy to carry) cannons firing from emplacements. Field guns were not as widespread in Europe, because the terrain and the style of warfare just didn't make them worth it.

			In contrast, European artillery started out similarly, with cannons being mostly built for sieges, but this soon became an arms race of experimenting with more mobile variants. Swedish King [[Karl Franz\|Gustavus Adolphus]] is famous for making Sweden a Great Power simply by adopting smaller Field Guns that could be quickly repositioned by horse; Napoleon did the same much later, advocating for entire companies of mobile, wheeled cannons because multiple cannons enfilading the enemy army was much more useful than a single gun that couldn't even be aimed properly.

			While this was happening, back in Asia, breachloaded swivel guns were the norm. These were much smaller cannons that could swivel in place and incorporated elements from Chinese, Muslim, and Indian weapons. They were breachloaded and used pre-packaged powder and ammunition, and so they could fire off multiple shots in quick succession. These were very popular in Southeast Asia and Maritime, and the Mongol's fought against these weapons in their failed invasion of Java.

	==Modern Era==		==Modern Era==

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: /* Siege Engines */

2023-05-09T05:46:02Z

Siege Engines

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:46, 9 May 2023
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	==Siege Engines==		==Siege Engines==

	[[Siege Weapon\|Siege Engines]] are mechanical devices ~~are weapons~~ used to ~~breakthrough~~ walls ~~and other fortifications~~. Weapons like the Onager, Ballista, and the Trebuchet ([[Meme\|which could launch a 90kg projectile over 300m]]) ~~could be~~ considered the first forms of Artillery.		[[Siege Weapon\|Siege Engines]] are mechanical devices used to damage walls or kill the defenders. Weapons like the Onager, Ballista, and the Trebuchet ([[Meme\|which could launch a 90kg projectile over 300m]]) are considered the first forms of Artillery.

	Unlike what vidya and certain tabletop wargames will tell you, most of these weapons were too unwieldy and generally inaccurate to use against mobile targets. They were also too complicated and fragile to transport over long distances and had to be built at the site of conflict, which is why Siege [[Engineer Sapper Company\|Engineers]] were their own specialization.		Unlike what vidya and certain tabletop wargames will tell you, most of these weapons were too unwieldy and generally inaccurate to use against mobile targets. They were also too complicated and fragile to transport over long distances and had to be built at the site of conflict, which is why Siege [[Engineer Sapper Company\|Engineers]] were their own specialization.

1d4chan>MiaoKobayashisDragonMaid: Merging it a bit better

2023-05-09T05:45:00Z

Merging it a bit better

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:45, 9 May 2023
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	Unlike what vidya and certain tabletop wargames will tell you, most of these weapons were too unwieldy and generally inaccurate to use against mobile targets. They were also too complicated and fragile to transport over long distances and had to be built at the site of conflict, which is why Siege [[Engineer Sapper Company\|Engineers]] were their own specialization.		Unlike what vidya and certain tabletop wargames will tell you, most of these weapons were too unwieldy and generally inaccurate to use against mobile targets. They were also too complicated and fragile to transport over long distances and had to be built at the site of conflict, which is why Siege [[Engineer Sapper Company\|Engineers]] were their own specialization.

	But again, there were exceptions. The Greek Polybolos is a chain-operated siege engine that wasn't technically a crossbow, but was still accurate enough with its bolts to snipe defenders, and with a rate of fire far beyond anything else of the time. The Romans also had the Scorpio, which was less complicated. The Chinese also had a variety of siege engines, which weren't supplanted by Gunpowder Cannons until much later, because Gunpowder tech was perfected by others.		===List of Siege Artillery===

	Arguably, the most famous of those siege engines was the almighty catapult! The romans used it, the greeks used it, and oh-so-many lords and knights used it during the Middle-Ages. It wasn't the most precise weapon on the planet, but we'd lie to you if we didn't say that it as beautiful to see a flock of rocks raining on a heavily guarded castle like it's judgement day. Catapults were generally some of the simplest siege engines around. You could use to basically throw anything more-or-less heavy with it; Boulders, would-be cannon balls, humans, barrels, literal sacks of shit (Yes, this did happen). And it was one of the easiest to build. Of course, it wasn't the most effective thing on the planet at destroying things, but the point of sieges was to capture a castle, not raze one. Why pass on the opportunity of getting a free castle? The best way to penetrate it was to simply injure the people inside.		====Bolt Weapons====

	~~But when the need to [[Exterminatus\|eradicate the infidels~~, ~~burn~~ their ~~houses, slaughter their families, destroy their unholy temples and autels of doom]] came around, Europeans perfected of destroying shit really hard by inventing~~ the next big thing in siege engineering; the motherfucking trebuchet. Ten to Eighteen tons of a massive wooden tower made out of "Fucketh thee, I farteth ast thoust general direction". The Chinese technically invented it, ~~but it consisted of using <s>slaves</s> very brave~~ and ~~loyal soldiers to pull the projectile down and then releasing it~~. ~~And then, reusing~~ the ~~design~~, ~~engineers added a counterweight that would drop down with the force of a thousand suns~~ to ~~flung~~ the heaviest of projectiles directly at the enemy at incredible speeds. A technological miracle of the XIIth Century to be sure. Started a trend among technicians and engineers to come up with new tools of warfare, ~~most notably Da Vinci who made a whole bunch~~ of ~~sketches of a multitude of possible war engines that~~ were ~~all kinds of wonky. We will not mention~~ the ~~ancestors of the Trebuchet~~, ~~for they were all more-or-less smaller versions of itself. Albeit~~, ~~used for different purposes and/or on much~~ more ~~humbler battles~~.		These are Siege weapons that look like oversized crossbows, and are generally accurate enough with their bolts to snipe defenders on the walls, and were torsion (crank) powered. They range from the simple Roman Scorpio, to the [[Dakka\|rapid-firing]] Greek Polybolos, both of which were developed from the much larger Ballista, which was initially used to throw small round projectiles, but would eventually fire more accurate bolts.

	~~Of course~~, ~~there were also the infamous ballistas~~. ~~Take a crossbow,~~ make ~~it bigger. [[Dakka\|Literally medieval dakka]]. Okay, they existed since~~ the ~~Classical period, but still! Initially used to throw small round projectiles, they would eventually change into massive crossbows fit for battlefields~~.		Technically, though they look like Crossbows, all of these machines are more complicated than that, using a combination of springs and torsion to build up energy. Some Catapult designs actually make use of the "bow" design.

	~~Of course not all~~ siege engines ''~~were~~'' ~~artillery~~. ~~Such~~ as the ~~infamous battering ram~~ that would ~~frighten any man defending~~ a ~~castle~~, or the ~~sorry guy who will have~~ the ~~repair~~ the ~~door once~~ the ~~siege is over~~. ~~These were used~~ to ~~bust~~ the ~~last~~ thing ~~that protects~~ the ~~people inside fortifications~~, ~~namely doors~~. ~~And they were pretty effective at~~ it. ~~So much so~~ that ~~cannons had~~ to ~~be perfected in order to match~~ the ~~sheer penetrating power~~ of the ~~ram~~. ~~Besides that~~, ~~there were also siege-towers (~~and ~~siege-bridges, technically). Big towers used~~ to ~~just completely dismiss the thick ass walls protecting~~ the ~~people inside~~. ~~They weren't always used during sieges~~, ~~but goddamn did they make an impression~~.		====Catapults====

			Arguably, the most famous of those siege engines was the almighty catapult! The romans used it, the greeks used it, and oh-so-many lords and knights used it during the Middle-Ages. It wasn't the most precise weapon on the planet, but we'd lie to you if we didn't say that it as beautiful to see a flock of rocks raining on a heavily guarded castle like it's judgement day. Catapults were generally some of the simplest siege engines around, and as mentioned above, used torsion mechanisms for power.

			What made them supplant the Ballista was that you could use to basically throw anything more-or-less heavy with it; Boulders, would-be cannon balls, humans, barrels, literal sacks of shit (Yes, this did happen) over a longer, arcing trajectory and with more power. And it was one easier to build. Of course, it wasn't the most effective thing on the planet at destroying things, but the point of sieges was to capture a castle, not raze one. Why pass on the opportunity of getting a free castle? The best way to penetrate it was to simply injure the people inside.

			====Trebuchet====
			But when the need to [[Exterminatus\|eradicate the infidels, burn their houses, slaughter their families, destroy their unholy temples and autels of doom]] came around, Europeans perfected of destroying shit really hard by inventing the next big thing in siege engineering; the motherfucking trebuchet. Ten to Eighteen tons of a massive wooden tower made out of "Fucketh thee, I farteth ast thoust general direction".

			The Chinese technically invented it, but it consisted of using <s>slaves</s> very brave and loyal soldiers to pull the projectile down and then releasing it. And then, reusing the design, engineers added a counterweight that would drop down with the force of a thousand suns to flung the heaviest of projectiles directly at the enemy at incredible speeds. A technological miracle of the XIIth Century to be sure, using the wonders of levers, momentum, and gravity to do most of the work.

			Started a trend among technicians and engineers to come up with new tools of warfare, most notably Da Vinci who made a whole bunch of sketches of a multitude of possible war engines that were all kinds of wonky.

	==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==		==Cannons and Early Gunpowder weapons==