Takeda Light Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)

Takeda Light Cavalry (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Spear Cavalry
Recruitment Cost	450
Upkeep Cost	75
Requires	Buildings: Stables
Melee Attack	5
Charge Bonus	20
Bonus vs Cavalry	5
Melee Defence	2
Armour	2
Morale	10
Speed	12

Description

These mounted samurai are armed with short spears and are best used to disrupt enemy missile units and to chase routing foes.

Light cavalry are swift, and can deliver a devastating charge thanks to their spears. However, they should then break off, reform and attack again rather than remaining in melee. Like all samurai, they are well motivated by their sense of honour and have high morale in battle. Their speed over a battleground comes in useful when chasing down fleeing troops, or when they are needed to deliver a final blow to wavering enemies. They are, however, the weakest cavalry when fighting infantry, and are vulnerable if mishandled when facing spear infantry or if left within range of missile troops.

Historically, mounted combat was the traditional identifier of the samurai as a warrior and social class, just like the knights of medieval Europe. Being a mounted warrior required wealth and position to sustain the expense of horses, armour and servants. Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why many samurai came to fight on foot, as it was cheaper to take part in battle! Some traditions, however, such as seeking out an equally skilled and honourable foe refused to die, even though they ran counter to the idea of army and unit discipline.

Strengths & Weaknesses

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