Castellan, Siege Weapons (Ballisti)

The Ballisti is a specialized Castellan that is usually only included if a Primus knows they will be dealing with fortified positions that will be difficult to crack by standard means. Within a Ballisti the Hastas is inverted, with each one containing 10 Logistics personnel and 2 soldiers, as well as the assigned siege weapon. Due to this it is all important that other Castellan be assigned to protecting the Ballisti while they set up.

Composition

Manpower

1 Custodi 1 Optio 100 Engineers 20 Soldiers 10 Siege Weapons

Equipment

Siege weapons vary from the Ballista for which this formation is named after, to catapults, trebuchets, and battering rams. In some instances siege towers are utilized to take the walls without damaging them.
Being filled with engineers for the construction and operation of siege weapons, the Ballisti also carries equipment needed to build fortifications, roads, and bridges.

Weaponry

Engineers: Short Swords. Infantry: Breastplate Armor, Tower Shields, Long Swords. Custodi: Breastplate Armor, Tower Shield, Gladius Sword. Optio: Breastplate Armor, Tower Shield, Long Sword.

Vehicles

Horses and Wagons.

Structure

As is common, the Custodi remains in full command, although in this case he has far fewer soldiers to watch over.

Tactics

When possible, most siege weapons are best placed on high ground, and surrounded by another Castellan. Once the enemy has reached a siege weapons position, there is little defense the engineers can put up.

Training

Infantry receive the standard two years of basic training. Engineers, however, undertake nearly five years of advanced education in construction and physics for the construction, maintenance, and utilization of all forms of siege weapons. These engineers are assigned to the Ballisti, and also must serve for four years.

Type

Artillery

Overall training Level

Semi-professional

Parent Formation

Crusade

Used by

• The Empire of Ahntier

Ranks & Titles

• Custodi
• Optio