Takeda Katana Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)

Takeda Katana Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Sword Cavalry
Recruitment Cost	850
Upkeep Cost	175
Requires	Buildings: Warhorse Stables Sword School Resources: Warhorses
Melee Attack	18
Charge Bonus	15
Bonus vs Cavalry	0
Melee Defence	7
Armour	6
Morale	14
Speed	8

Description

These heavy cavalry are shock troops intended to charge home and cut down enemies with their katana swords.

Cavalry warfare is traditionally the preserve of the samurai. Only they have the skill to wield a sword while steering a horse into battle. Katana cavalry are extremely well trained and the weight of their steeds adds to the power of their charge. After a charge, they remain mounted and can engage the enemy with their katana keeping a height advantage over foot soldiers. However, they are vulnerable when facing spears, whether as a wall of spears or a lone, brave enemy thrusting at the belly of a horse.

The Sengoku Jidai saw Japanese warfare shift from the ritualistic, single combat fought by honour-hungry samurai to the kind of indiscriminate, larger battles that were taking place in medieval Europe. Less skilled troops such as the ashigaru were introduced and then armed with matchlocks, but mounted warfare was still for samurai alone. Bows, spears and katana were all used from horseback and, if a samurai was wealthy enough, he would have an assistant to carry and hand him his weapons as needed. The katana, although traditionally used with two-hands, could still be effective when used in a one-handed grip by a horseman. Swung downwards onto an enemy foot soldier, the sharp, curved blade could easily cut through a man.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Very effective melee cavalry who are strong against non-spear infantry.
• Vulnerable to spear cavalry and to missile units.