Five-Rocket Battery
Cost: Unavailable for purchase from Shou (1,500 gp
underworld price for the launcher; 20 - 100 gp per rocket)
Range: 3 Hexes (1,500 yds)
Damage: 3d6 hit points; 1d3 hull points
Crew: 2 (+ others depending on where rockets are
stored)
Rate of Fire: 5/4 (normally all 5 rockets fired every 4
rounds)
THAC0: 17 (roll once for each of the 5 rockets); Critical
hit on a 20, misfire on a 2 causing loss of 1 attack until cleaned
for 3d6 rounds, on a 1 causing weapon destroyed and 1-3 HD
weaponeer crew hit
Space Needed: 2 tons
The battery, developed from the technological advancement of "thunderpowder" since the famous battle of Shihfang, uses velasti, or "armored bamboo", imported from elves of Greela in 5' long, steel-capped, smokepowder-driven rockets. These are placed in tubes on a rack and packed with more powder and wicks. A metal plate then closes all 5 breeches and the fuses are lit together for more chances of a hit, or in succession. A ship's magazine and rocket storage are neccessary including a hand to port the rockets to the weapon. Critical hits against a ship carrying a rocket storage magazine are as per bombard rules.
Experimentally designated "Red Songbird Pipes" by the Shou.
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