Giant Gate Ram

The Giant Gate Ram is a massive siege weapon used by Gargarensis to break down the Hades Gate. Two of them appear in the Fall of the Trident campaign in Age of Mythology.

Overview
The ram consists of a massive log with a splitting wedge pointing forward that is suspended by ropes in a triangular wooden frame. Surrounding the ram on three sides are tall metallic plates that protect the Elder Cyclopes operating the ram from attacks. Gargarensis arranged for this type of weapon to break open the adamantine doors behind which is Tartarus where a trapped Kronos will grant him immortality if he is released. Due to their lack of wheels, the Giant Gate Ram is immobile and likely needs to be assembled in the Underworld directly in front of the Hades Gate.

Appearance in Campaigns
The Giant Gate Ram first appears in Revelation where Gargarensis uses one to break open a Hades Gate in Greece. Although Arkantos was not aware of Gargarensis’ intentions at the time, he concluded that if their foe wanted the gate open, it would be best if they kept it closed. Therefore, the purpose of the scenario revolves entirely in destroying the Giant Gate Ram, a difficult task considering how sturdy and heavily defended it was. Even so, the heroes succeed in destroying the Giant Gate Ram, preventing Gargarensis from releasing Kronos.

Another Giant Gate Ram is not assembled until Beneath the Surface after Gargarensis has used the Well of Urd to enter Nifleheim. Once more, the heroes must race against the clock as the Cyclopes makes a second attempt to break open another Hades Gate. This time however, the ram is far more heavily defended and Arkantos orders a retreat as several Fire Giants suddenly appear. The same ram reappears in Unlikely Heroes where it continues striking the gates although this time, Arkantos resorts to assist the dwarf brothers, Brokk and Eitri, assemble a new hammer for Thor rather than trying to attack the ram again. After damaging the gate enough, the Elder Cyclopes appear to have disassembled the ram in order for Kronos to be able to open the doors and exit Tartarus. Despite the success of this ram, Thor’s hammer manages to seal the gate again, which generates an explosion that presumably destroys the Cyclopes and the remnants of the ram who were still in close proximity of it.

Unit
Due to the large size of the log, it can only strike the gate about once every seven seconds but each blow causes massive damage to anything within range. Due to its massive 30000 HP and 95% Pierce Armor, it is similar to a building as arrows have little effect on it. Its hack armor is slightly lower at 60% so the best way to take it out is by constantly attacking it with melee attacks. Due to its massive size, it can be damaged from several angles. When destroyed, the frame collapses onto the Elder Cyclopes, killing them both.