Desert catapults in Talerium with a unit of ~75 men 90+ cohesion no damage produces 500-700 hits consistently from range (range of 3) and when firing into the new row, produces 1200+ hits. In close combat it produces 400-600 hits. Every time. If that's not a power, I don't know what is. I've roleplayed it as Shortbows from range, Greek Fire from the next row, and whatever melee weapons.
I should probably mention I suspect the skill in close range is from mixing Mystic Martial Artists into the unit.