Shimazu Katana Samurai (TWS2 Unit)

Shimazu Katana Samurai (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Sword Infantry
Recruitment Cost	650
Upkeep Cost	125
Requires	Clan: Shimazu Buildings: Sword School
Melee Attack	14
Charge Bonus	15
Bonus vs Cavalry	0
Melee Defence	5
Armour	5
Morale	10
Speed	4

Description

These are elite heavy infantry armed with katana; expertly crafted two-handed swords that are a perfect combination of sharpness and resilience.

Katana samurai are an elite heavy infantry unit. They form part of the main line in battle, charging forward to engage the enemy in close combat. The katana is a very effective melee weapon. Its incredibly sharp blade easily cuts through enemies, while the flat deflects enemy blows.

A samurai goes into battle accepting death and fearing little, which gives him excellent morale. Accepting death and foolishly risking your life for no purpose are not the same thing, and katana samurai must be wary of threats from cavalry and missile troops, against which they have little defence.

The katana sword is the weapon most readily associated with the samurai. Its elegant, curved single blade is created from many folded layers of high carbon steel (that can take a sharp edge but is brittle), and low carbon steel (that is tough but relatively soft and prone to blunting). By combining both metals, the katana manages to be tough and retain a razor sharp edge.

Historically, the katana was made to be used as a two-handed sword, the sharp edge of the blade would cut into an enemy and the momentum of the samurai’s blow would carry it through their body, often killing in one deft movement. It was a sword used for cutting rather than thrusting. A shield was not necessary, as the sword could be used to parry and deflect an enemy’s strikes using the flat of the blade, without fear of it breaking.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Infantry units who excel in close-quarter melee.
• Vulnerable to cavalry and to missile units.