Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)

Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Spear Cavalry
Recruitment Cost	800
Upkeep Cost	250
Requires	Buildings: Jodo Shinshu Sanctuary Warhorse Stables Resources: Warhorses
Melee Attack	12
Charge Bonus	12
Bonus vs Cavalry	7
Melee Defence	7
Armour	2
Morale	15
Speed	12

Description

Fear and faith are powerful weapons.

Each of these warrior monks is armed with a naginata, a polearm that is very effective against cavalry. Thanks to being mounted themselves, these monks are a formidable force in close combat, especially against other cavalry. They can be used to counter enemy cavalrymen, relieving other, slower units in the process. Naginata warrior monk cavalry are not quite as effective against infantry units, but are still a terrifying sight. Their faith sustains them in battle, giving them high morale and a fearsome reputation.

The naginata was a polearm that looked like a sword-bladed short spear. It was used much like a sword, but with a far longer reach. It could be used to slash or block, both on foot and mounted. In the hands of a master, and most monks were masters in this traditional weapon, it was deadly indeed, and a blow was quite capable of cutting a man in two. The Ikko-Ikki also adopted this weapon for its fearsome appearance, and it was also considered a suitable weapon for a lady. Many samurai women used it for home defence when their menfolk were away at war.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Very good defensive cavalry but slow.
• Very high morale.
• Good against cavalry and infantry in melee.
• Vulnerable to yari, naginata and missile units.

Abilities

• Wedge Formation - Trained to charge in a wedge formation in order to better penetrate enemy formations.

Other Information

The Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry is a very prime example of a cost-ineffective unit and an obvious reason on why you shouldn't bother using cavalry when playing as the Ikko-Ikki. With only 2 armor, this unit can easily be weakened and routed by a few well placed volleys of arrows or gunfire. Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry can also be easily defeated in melee by enemy cavalry if they're not supported by other friendly units. The final flaw that makes Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry more trouble than their worth is their staggering upkeep cost: At 250 Koku per season, this unit will cause more harm to your clan's economy than to the enemy's troops on the battlefield.