Oaken bolters were a specialized form of Clockwork Stone Defenders, designed by Gnome engineers to function as mobile siege weapons. Unlike static ballistae, these constructs carried their own arsenal and could fight independently. They were capable of launching piercing bolts at great distances, either in rapid succession or by combining a standard attack with a harpoon shot. The harpoon allowed them to seize a target and reel it closer, ensuring enemies could not easily retreat.
Their design also incorporated explosive payloads, which could devastate groups of foes in a single blast. Like all clockworks, they required no sustenance or rest, and could operate continuously so long as they remained intact.
On the battlefield, oaken bolters were valued for their versatility. Their ability to pin down enemies with harpoons while simultaneously supporting allies with long-ranged fire made them effective in both open terrain and fortified positions. At close range, their explosive bolts created chaos among clustered foes, while their ordinary shots tore through armor with mechanical precision.