Description[]
The War Kite is the first air unit in Empires: Dawn of the Modern World, giving the Chinese complete control of the air. War Kites can be used for scouting as well as sending arrows down to land units.
Chinese civilization reveals a consistent pattern of unique priorities. The Chinese initially developed gunpowder in order to entertain themselves with elaborate fireworks displays - using the same stuff to create long-range lethal weapons was almost an afterthought.
Same thing with kites, Once it was discovered that flimsy, feather-light constructions of silk and bamboo would float indefinitely in mid-air, and could be made to perform all sorts of graceful loops and swoops, kite-building became a national obsession, and kite-makers created designs of the most fantastical, whimsical, and aesthetically refined variations. Eventually, sure enough, Chinese inventors found a variety of wartime applications for their kites.
In 200 BC, General Han Ksiu attached noise-makers and pinwheels to a kite armada and launched a nocturnal "psychological" attack on the enemy army. Convinced that these shrieking, clattering, fire-spitting apparitions were the spirits of angry demons, the foe panicked and ran away in complete disorder.
Super-strong kites were used to carry observers aloft to spy on enemy movements and dispositions, to carry spies over the walls of besieged enemy cities, or lengthy dispatches to the garrisons of besieged friendly cities. As late as World War One - at least until the more expensive barrage balloons could be manufactured in sufficient quantities - kites tethered to sharp wires were used in Great Britain as a stop-gap anti-aircraft defense.
Empires brings to life the unique and ingenious historical kite technology developed by the Chinese from the early Middle Ages onwards - no other flying unit is available so early in the game. War kites can cross any kind of terrain - from seas and mountain ranges. They provide valuable long-range intelligence about the composition, strength, and movements of enemy forces. Their unlimited "loiter-time" allows them to harass enemy units with arrow volleys, which can only be counter attacked by ranged weapons. Meanwhile, they can rain down a devastating barrage of arrows on enemy swordsmen, pikemen, knights and siege engines with perfect impunity.
By creating what is, in effect, the world's first "air force", you're sending a powerful message to friend and foe alike.[1]
Strengths[]
- Good against all melee units. Detects stealthy units.
Weaknesses[]
- Countered by gun infantry, gun cavalry, and towers.
See also[]
References[]
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