Takeda Yari Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)

Takeda Yari Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Spear Cavalry
Recruitment Cost	700
Upkeep Cost	175
Requires	Buildings: Warhorse Stables Yari Drill Yard Resources: Warhorses
Melee Attack	8
Charge Bonus	30
Bonus vs Cavalry	10
Melee Defence	4
Armour	4
Morale	12
Speed	12

Description

Each yari cavalry samurai is armed with a long spear that makes him particularly deadly when swiftly charging into combat.

Yari cavalry focus all the power of their fearsome charge into the points of the long spears they carry as they smash into enemy cavalry and infantry alike. Their high morale spurs them into battle and keeps them from routing, even when engaged in melee, where their spears are at a disadvantage. Yari cavalry are best used to attack the rear or flanks of infantry to avoid spear counter-attacks and getting caught in messy, close-quarters fighting. Their amazing speed over the ground makes this entirely possible, as they can rarely be caught even by other cavalry units.

During the Sengoku Jidai, the spear and sword superseded the bow as the weapons of choice for samurai cavalry. Despite a long tradition of mounted archery, a bow could not be used in melee, leaving cavalry archers vulnerable to counter-attacks by foot soldiers. Spears, on the other hand, could be used to break enemy defences in a full charge, or used in quick, slashing strokes whilst in close combat. Swords could be used to cut an enemy down, but obviously lacked the range of a bow, or spear. However, if a samurai was wealthy enough, he would have an attendant to carry and hand him his bow, spear or sword, depending on the situation and personal preference.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Deadly charge but vulnerable in prolonged melee. Good versus cavalry.
• Vulnerable to spear infantry.