Matchlock Kobaya (TWS2 Unit)

Matchlock Kobaya (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Light Ship
Recruitment Cost	200
Upkeep Cost	100
Requires	Buildings: Drydock Arts: Gunpowder Mastery
Marines	30
Seamen	5
Hull Strength	100
Morale	11

Description

This light ship only carries a small number of warriors each armed with a deadly matchlock arquebus.

A matchlock ship carries a small detachment of musket-armed soldiers, certainly not enough to fend off a boarding action. Further, because the upper deck has no cover, they are exposed to missile attacks. However, this lack of fighting manpower and protection also makes the ship very light and fast. The matchlock troops can fire at an enemy crew or at the side of an enemy ship in an attempt to hole it. If a heavy enemy vessel gets too close and a boarding attack looks likely, a matchlock ship can use speed to move out of trouble and continue its harassing attacks.

Historically, Japanese naval tactics used missile attacks to thin out enemy numbers before a boarding action. Once the enemy were reduced, an attack would be launched and a battle fought hand-to-hand just as if everyone was ashore. The arrival of firearms in the Sengoku Jidai did not change these tactics. Instead, the arquebus simply replaced the bow.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Fast moving ships with missile weapon armed crew.
• Small crew number makes them vulnerable when boarded.