For the technology, see Carbine Cavalry (Technology).
Carbine Cavalry are a type of missile cavalry in Fall of the Samurai.
Description[]
Carbine cavalry can deliver accurate and witheringly rapid fire.
Carbine cavalry can produce volleys of accurate, rapid and deadly fire. This allows them to act as fast-moving support units for attacks, and to shore up crumbling defensive positions. If necessary, they can dismount and act as infantry. Although they have good morale and are confident fighters in close combat, they are less effective against other cavalry. Like other cavalrymen, they die quickly if left exposed to massed rifle fire or artillery bombardment.
A carbine was a shortened smoothbore musket for use by mounted troops. Trying to muzzle load a full length weapon and keep a horse under control in the middle of battle was difficult, to say the least, and the solution was to cut down the barrel. Over the years, the carbine was further redesigned to use a smaller calibre bullet, making it a lighter, handier weapon for a horseman. It was a natural progression to include breech-loading (with brass cartridges) in carbine design. The result was a weapon that was deadly in the right hands, but could be used from the back of a horse. If greater accuracy was needed, then carbine-armed soldiers could dismount and fight as dragoons.
Oddly, much the same kind of process is going on today. Standard infantry rifles have become shorter over the last few years to make them easier to use in close urban combat and fire out of armoured personnel carriers. A number of very cut-down “commando” rifles have also been produced for tank crews. In the tight spaces of an armoured vehicle, it makes good sense to give your soldiers short guns.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Good accuracy and fast reload rate.
- Good in melee.
- Weak against missile attacks and spear units.
- Good morale.
General Information[]
Carbine Cavalry are equipped with guns that have an identical range to line infantry and militia. With their mobility, they can close in on flanks, fire, and quickly ride away. They have excellent reload skill, but poor accuracy. This makes them particularly suited for hitting larger targets (such as cavalry), where their accuracy is less of an issue.
As carbine cavalrymen sit atop their horses, they fire at a higher elevation than infantry. Carbine cavalry can therefore fire over the heads of friendly line infantry without too much fear of friendly fire, allowing them to concentrate firepower in a small area. This is an excellent tactic in cramped spaces, or against melee troops, but is a poorer choice against armies that use heavy firepower due to the inevitable collateral damage carbine cavalry take from stray shots aimed at the infantry.
Carbine Cavalry are in some ways an intermediary between Bow Ki and Revolver Cavalry, with better damage and worse range than the former, and worse damage but better range than the latter. Their melee skills, charge bonus, and defense, however, are far superior to both. They are tied with Yari Ki for having the best charge bonus among non-limited cavalry, and they also boast superior defense. Overall, Carbine Cavalry have few weaknesses, and are a useful addition to any army for most roles. However, they lack specialization in any one field. They are excellent for providing supporting fire and for attacking isolated units, but they are quickly destroyed if exposed to rifle or artillery fire due to their small regiment size.
Factions with Imperial allegiance have the opportunity to train limited numbers of Imperial Guard Cavalry, which are more expensive but superior versions of carbine cavalry.
| Fall of the Samurai Cavalry | |
|---|---|
| Generals | General's Bodyguard • General's Hatamoto |
| Sword Cavalry | Republican Guard Cavalry • Sabre Cavalry |
| Spear Cavalry | Shogunate Guard Cavalry • Yari Ki |
| Missile Cavalry | Bow Ki • Revolver Cavalry • Carbine Cavalry • Samurai Hero • Imperial Guard Cavalry |