Bow Warrior Monks (TWS2 Unit)

Bow Warrior Monks (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Bow Infantry
Recruitment Cost	1000
Upkeep Cost	220
Requires	Religions: Shinto-Buddhism Buildings: Monastery Foot Archery Range
Melee Attack	4
Charge Bonus	6
Bonus vs Cavalry	0
Range	175
Accuracy	50
Reloading Skill	65
Ammunition	20
Melee Defence	1
Armour	2
Morale	12
Speed	4

Description

These skilled warrior monks can fire arrows at distant enemies with every expectation of doing terrible damage.

Warrior monks are armed with powerful bows that can send arrows into enemies at a surprising, and fatal, distance. They can also bombard foes with fire arrows, weapons that are both incendiary and terrifying in equal measure, especially in a country such as Japan where buildings are largely made of wood. These warrior monks need careful handling in the presence of the enemy. They are not specially trained to fight in melee, and are likely to suffer if they are attacked by cavalry. Because of their small numbers, they will not last long if they are left in close combat, regardless of any friendly support.

Bow warrior monks practice archery with the same dedication they give to their religious duties. Indeed, the skill and still poise required for archery practice is as much an act of meditation as any amount of quiet, monkish contemplation. Long years of practice, however, pay off in battle because the technique of using a bow is so ingrained as to be done without thought or hesitation. Given reasonable weather, monks could, and did, kill anything and anyone foolish enough to stray into range.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Fast firing and long-range infantry who can fill the sky with arrows.
• Very vulnerable to cavalry and weak in melee. Not as damaging as matchlocks.