Orc Masher

The orc masher is not a war machine as such, but it is found as a standard part of most stronghold defenses. It is a large iron slab, at least 1 foot thick, covered with spikes. The full width of a corridor, it is mounted either on rollers or hinged to the ceiling.

The roller version is placed at the top of steep slopes. If invaded, teams of dwarves lure the invaders up the slopes. Niches have been hollowed out of the walls to allow the dwarves to dodge out of the corridor. The orc masher rumbles down, picking up speed, and smashing everything in its path. It is then winched back, ready for another run.

The ceiling version is less effective. It is mounted at T-junctions and swings down from the ceiling, slamming invaders into the wall.

[Complete Book of Dwarves]