Leather Cannon
The Leather Cannon is a Swedes artillery unit introduced in Definitive Edition. Available from the Commerce Age, it gives Sweden an earlier cannon option for supporting infantry and contesting compact enemy formations.
Recorded values
- Available
- Commerce Age · Artillery Foundry; Fort*; American Citadel
- Training
- 38 sec · 3 population · 40 XP per train
- Durability & mobility
- 170 hit points · 50% ranged resistance · 3.0 speed · 24 line of sight
- Bombard attack
- 40 base damage · range 21 · attack interval 3.0 · area of effect 2 · bonus damage: 3.0x vs. Infantry; 0.5x vs. Heavy cavalry; 0.5x vs. Hand shock trooper; 0.5x vs. Arrow Knight, 16
- Case shot attack
- 4 (7) base damage · range 10.5 · attack interval 3.0 · area of effect 4 · bonus damage: Same as bombard attack · requires Case Shot card
Role & counters
It fires an area-damaging bombard attack and can switch to close-range case shot when the Case Shot card enables it. The cannon’s artillery class makes it vulnerable to Cavalry and artillery counters; its multi-projectile impact is strongest against grouped targets rather than dispersed troops.
When to field it
Add Leather Cannons when the army needs ranged area damage before later artillery options. Keep a screen between them and enemy Cavalry, and reposition when opposing Culverins or other artillery hunters appear.
Firing role and protection
The Leather Cannon gives the Swedes access to mobile artillery earlier than many heavier siege options. Its listed cost is 300 Food and 100 Wood, it uses three population, takes 38 seconds to train and has 170 hit points with 50% ranged resistance. The unit moves at speed 3 and sees 24 range, so it can deploy behind an infantry screen while keeping watch over a broad firing lane. Its area-damaging bombard attack is suited to compact groups and can pressure units or structures from a distance; dispersed targets reduce the value of area damage. The Case Shot card enables a close-range anti-personnel firing mode, but this should not be confused with a universal answer to cavalry. Artillery remains vulnerable to fast Cavalry and enemy artillery such as Culverins, so keep Musketeers or other appropriate units between the cannon and a charge. The Leather Cannon is a Commerce Age option in Definitive Edition, which lets Sweden add ranged siege before later artillery choices become available. Treat its relatively low hit points as a reason to reposition early when a flank is threatened. Use the Artillery Foundry or other listed access available in the match, check whether a Fort or American Citadel rule applies, and avoid building the army around cannons before confirming that the map and opponent allow them to fire safely.
Using the artillery in a mixed army
A Leather Cannon is most useful when its firing line can remain stable. Bring it forward with Musketeers or other units that can intercept cavalry, set the cannon behind them and focus fire on a compact infantry group or valuable structure. The 24 line of sight lets it see beyond much of the screen, but the 3.0 movement speed makes rapid retreat difficult. If enemy Culverins or other artillery appear, reposition or use mobile units to threaten them instead of trading shots indefinitely. Its 170 hit points are low for an artillery investment, though 50% ranged resistance helps against some ranged attacks. The unit costs 300 Food and 100 Wood, takes 38 seconds and consumes three population, so include those constraints when comparing it with other Swedish options. Commerce Age access gives Sweden an earlier artillery choice, but the cannon’s role should be supported by the rest of the army. The Case Shot card adds a close-range projectile mode for anti-personnel use; that mode has different modifiers and does not turn the cannon into a safe answer to cavalry or shock units. Swedish cards and politicians can create additional access or improve the cannon, and the Marksman age-up can deliver two Leather Cannons. Check the Artillery Foundry and current civilization options before planning a shipment. The Leather Cannon is a Definitive Edition unit and should not be added to the original game’s Swedish roster when discussing older releases.
Early Swedish artillery and area bombardment
The Leather Cannon gives Sweden access to artillery from the Commerce Age. Its bombard attack deals area damage, making it useful against clustered units and for supporting pressure on structures before later artillery options become available. The cannon’s 3.0 speed and 170 hit points make it more mobile than some heavier guns, but it still needs a screen. Its 50% ranged resistance does not protect it from cavalry dives or enemy artillery. Keep a clear firing lane, avoid letting friendly troops block the shot and reposition when the opponent brings dedicated artillery hunters.
Case Shot and conditional access
The Case Shot card enables the Leather Cannon’s close-range Case Shot attack, changing how it can respond when enemies approach. This card-dependent profile should not be assumed in a deck without the unlock. The unit costs 300 Food and 100 Wood, takes 38 seconds to train and occupies three population, so it competes with both the economy and frontline production. Artillery Foundries and American Citadels are listed routes, with Fort access conditional in the profile. Add Leather Cannons when the Swedish army needs ranged area damage and can protect the guns long enough to fire; do not buy them solely for a close fight where the opponent can immediately surround them.