Yari Ki are a type of spear cavalry in Fall of the Samurai.
Description[]
These spear-armed horsemen can be incredibly effective in attacks against enemy cavalry.
There is much to be said in favour of the traditional cavalry charge, an attack that strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy as you thunder forwards. However, with the introduction of modern weapons the charge should be used with some caution, and only employed when the desired effect will be achieved. Best employed against enemy cavalry, yari ki should never be sent against rifle and spear units or left in prolonged melee combat. Instead they should be used for flanking manoeuvres and attacks where they can make a quick getaway.
Horses tend to play minor roles in the mythology of Japan. More importance is often placed on powerful weapons and great deeds. However, Chokwaro, one of the eight Taoist immortals, who was believed to be a great necromancer, was accompanied everywhere by a white horse that could carry him great distances. In China he is often shown with a bamboo tube, but in Japan his emblem is a gourd. According to legend it is from this gourd that his white horse rides forth. When Chokwaro pours water from it or spits into it the horse appears and, never tiring, carries him for many miles.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Average in melee.
- Very good charge.
- Weak melee defence.
- Very good against cavalry.
- Weak against missile attacks and spear-armed units.
- Good morale.
General Information[]
As spear cavalry, yari ki are among the best cavalry for fighting other cavalry in most circumstances thanks to their bonus vs. cavalry. They also have superior speed compared to non-yari cavalry, allowing them to catch up to enemy cavalry attempting to flee; their high anti-cavalry bonus then allows them to make short work of practically any cavalry. Due to their agility, yari ki can cycle charging and retreating to take advantage of their strong charge bonus and to mitigate the problems stemming from their weaker melee attack and defense. The combination of their early availability, their high charge bonus, and their rapid speed make yari ki a powerful addition to early game armies. However, their melee and defense stats are poorer than sabre cavalry, making them unsuited for fighting prolonged melees against infantry. In the late game, the increased firepower of armies thanks to modern rifles and artillery make it increasingly difficult for yari ki to survive, but they can still do well when fighting in rough terrain or when chasing down isolated cavalry and infantry.
For most factions, yari ki are the only spear cavalry available. In the late game, however, factions with shogunate allegiance gain access to the superior shogunate guard 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 |