Somali Lighthouses
Somali Lighthouses is an Age of Empires III technology from the Exploration Age, researched at Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom. It extends outpost, Blockhouse, War Hut, Castle, Watch Tower, Trading Post, Tambo, Dock, and Port line of sight by 10; Trading Posts and Tambos on Somali kingdoms can use the Lighthouse ability.
Research profile
- Research location
- Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom
- Research time
- 40 seconds
- Wood cost
- 250
- Coin cost
- 250
- Effect
- Outpost, Blockhouse, War Hut, Castle, Watch Tower, Trading Post, Tambo, Dock, and Port Line of Sight +10; Trading Posts and Tambos on Somali kingdoms can use the Lighthouse ability
Effect & research conditions
Available from the Exploration Age. Research it at Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom. Effect: Outpost, Blockhouse, War Hut, Castle, Watch Tower, Trading Post, Tambo, Dock, and Port Line of Sight +10; Trading Posts and Tambos on Somali kingdoms can use the Lighthouse ability. Research costs 250 wood, 250 coin. Research takes 40 seconds.
Research condition
Available from the Exploration Age. Research it at Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom.
When to research
Research Somali Lighthouses when wider vision will help your settlement watch several approaches or when you need the Lighthouse ability for reconnaissance. The passive 10 Line of Sight applies to the listed defensive, economic and naval structures, so it is useful across a network rather than only at one Outpost. The active ability reveals enemy fortifications, Trading Posts, Docks and naval units for a limited window; use that information before choosing a landing, naval engagement or siege route. The research costs 250 Wood and 250 Coin and takes 40 seconds, so time it before the decision you need to make.
Vision bonus and Lighthouse ability
For 250 Wood and 250 Coin, the 40-second Exploration Age research adds 10 Line of Sight to Outposts, Blockhouses, War Huts, Castles, Watch Towers, Trading Posts, Tambos, Docks, and Ports. It also unlocks the Lighthouse ability at Trading Posts and Tambos on Somali kingdoms. The ability temporarily reveals enemy fortifications, Trading Posts, Docks, and naval units, giving information about defensive positions and water activity that ordinary extra sight alone may not reveal.
Reconnaissance use
The passive sight bonus helps identify an approach sooner and can improve the coverage of buildings already placed to watch a route. The active reveal is more valuable when timed before a naval engagement, an attack on a fortified position, or a decision about where to expand. It provides information for a short window; it does not damage, disable, or capture the revealed targets. Use the reveal to choose a route and coordinate units while the information is available.