Bow Samurai (TWS2 Unit)

Bow Samurai (TWS2 Unit)
Class	Bow Infantry
Recruitment Cost	750
Upkeep Cost	150
Requires	Buildings: Archery Dojo
Melee Attack	5
Charge Bonus	5
Bonus vs Cavalry	0
Range	150
Accuracy	40
Reloading Skill	60
Ammunition	20
Melee Defence	2
Armour	4
Morale	8
Speed	4

Description

These samurai archers are superb shots with an excellent range and the ability to fire an accurate volley of flaming arrows.

Archery has a long history in Japanese warfare and every samurai is expected to have mastered the art. Less skilled warriors can be trained to fire en masse, but it takes dedication and skill to shoot with accuracy, particularly in the heat of battle. Bow samurai can also shoot fearsome flaming missiles. These troops have high morale and are well-trained so can fight in melee if needed. They are vulnerable if attacked by cavalry.

In early samurai culture, proficiency with the bow was just as important as with the katana. In the 12th century, battles often started with an archery duel between the two factions, signalled by the firing of special whistling arrows. The Sengoku Jidai saw the bow marginalised as warfare changed. Individual battles of skill were replaced by sheer numbers and mass volleys. Also, the arquebus could be used by ordinary foot soldiers, and the spear could be used in close combat.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Fast firing and long-range infantry who can fill the sky with arrows.
• Very vulnerable to cavalry and weak in melee. Not as damaging as matchlocks.

Bow Ashigaru VS Bow Samurai

	Bow Ashigaru	Bow Samurai
Recruitment Cost	350	750
Upkeep Cost	75	150
Unit Size	120	90
Melee Attack	2	5
Charge Bonus	2	5
Bonus vs Cavalry	0	0
Range	150	150
Accuracy	25	40
Reloading Skill	20	60
Ammunition	20	20
Melee Defence	1	2
Armour	1	4
Morale	3	8

Although the Stats are in favor of the Bow Samurai, the Bow Ashigaru can actually beat the Bow Samurai in a one-on-one archery fight simply because their larger unit size of 120 gives them 30 more archers. If allowed the first volley, the extra 30 archers can compensate for the Bow Ashigaru's lower reload and accuracy. So in terms of missile damage output, the Bow Ashigaru can be more cost-effective than the Bow Samurai. However, in the event of a charge attack by melee units, the Bow Ashigaru will break and fall faster than the Bow Samurai.