Kosghell

The Kosghell, a large and sophisticated crossbow, was devised by the Aparnovosi for use aboard their ships, and filled the need for a weapon which contained the power of a ballista yet was capable of being mobile and able to be mounted along various points of the ship’s rails or upperworks. As the rigging of Aparnovosi ships grew in sophistication and captains began to prioritize their weatherliness, the space and weight occupied by the great torsion ballistae adapted from land-based siege engines became less acceptable. Furthermore, their arcs of fire were limited by the myriad of masts and sails when the weapons were secured to the deck. By this point, Aparnovosi metallurgy and craft techniques had also advanced to a point where a smaller, but still potent, alternative could be fashioned.
The Kosghell resembles an abnormally large cranequin crossbow with a tempered steel bow and a considerable draw weight managed by a windlass attached to the stock. A base capable of swiveling and pivoting is attached to a robust screw-clamp, allowing the weapon to be secured to the rail of a ship. This allowed them to be relocated and mounted in the most advantageous positions as combat developed, as well as be safely stored below decks when not in use. It is also rumoured that Kosghells found considerable success against the diverse and monstrous sea creatures of the southern oceans; exotic trophies and goods made from their remains were greatly sought after in Aparnovos.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged