A typical windchariot carries a crew of two: a driver and an archer. In the most common configuration, the driver sits in front. This gives the driver an unobstructed view of the ground, which is useful for avoiding ground obstacles. The drawback of this is that it obstructs the archer's field of view, preventing the vehicle from shooting directly forwards. Windchariots designed exclusively for naval use sometimes have these positions reversed, placing the archer in front for an improved field of fire. However, the drawbacks of having the archer in back can usually be compensated for through clever use of formations to permit different groups of windchariots to cover each other's blind spots. The drawbacks of having the driver in back cannot be easily compensated if the vehicle is to operate over land. Moreover, a windchariot with the archer in back does not have a blind spot when retreating. Since windchariots are likely to be far more organized in attack than in retreat, the front is the preferred place to put a blind spot.
The most common weapon on a windchariot is a rayballista. This is partly because it takes advantage of the large amount of energy a windchariot can generate by using its brakes to recharge its spinorbs. However, the other advantage of the rayballista is its immense range. This takes advantage of the mobility and maneuverability of the windchariot to turn it into a platform for delivering hit-and-run attacks. It also takes advantage of the relative stability of the windchariot as a firing platform.
Other common windchariot weapons include a mounted autosling or a light swivel-mounted spellcannon. The mounted autosling, like the rayballista, takes advantage of the windchariot's supply of mechanical work. Limited only by the ability of the vehicle to carry cheap lead pellets, a mounted autosling can both shoot faster and sustain fire longer than its hand-held counterpart, as well as shoot a larger pellet for increased range and power.
Spellcannon, on the other hand, gain no particular advantage from being mounted on a windchariot. The main reason to carry such a weapon is that windchariot formations are otherwise hampered by their reliance on projectile and telekinetic weapons. Without spell support, a windchariot formation cannot engage heavier targets such as golems.
In addition to its main ranged weapon, both of the crew of a windchariot carry swordlances. The windchariot itself carries mounting points that the swordlances can be set on to prevent shock from impact from transmitting to their wielders. When the crew have their swordlances extended, windchariots can be effective at charging into enemy formations. Most of the time, the swordlances are not actually needed, as most of the casualties in a windchariot charge are inflicted by impact with the vehicle frame itself. However, the swordlances can be used to attack enemies who try to move out of the way.