Somali Oryx Hide Shields
Somali Oryx Hide Shields is an Exploration Age technology researched at a Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom. It improves infantry resistance and reduces the resource costs of several named infantry and Banner Armies, combining a defensive bonus with cheaper reinforcements.
Research profile
- Research location
- Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom
- Research time
- 40 seconds
- Food cost
- 150
- Wood cost
- 150
- Effect
- Infantry ranged resistance +5%; Desert Warrior, Azap, and Pavisier resistance in all stances +5%; Hand infantry cost -10%; Old Han Army and Ming Army wood cost -10%; Territorial Army and Black Flag Army food cost -10%
Effect & research conditions
Research costs 150 Food and 150 Wood and takes 40 seconds. Infantry gain +5% ranged resistance. Desert Warriors, Azaps and Pavisiers gain +5% resistance in all stances. Hand Infantry cost 10% less; Old Han and Ming Armies cost 10% less Wood; Territorial and Black Flag Armies cost 10% less Food. The cost reductions apply to the named groups, not the whole roster.
Research condition
Available from the Exploration Age. Research it at Trading Post or Tambo on a Somali kingdom.
When to research
Research it when the army uses several of the listed units or when the resistance improvement can protect a large infantry mass. The unit-cost savings matter only on future purchases, so consider how many eligible units remain to be trained. If the force is mainly cavalry, artillery or unrelated infantry, spend the resources on units or an upgrade that affects them directly.
Separate defensive and cost effects
The resistance bonus is broad for Infantry against ranged attacks, with Desert Warriors, Azaps and Pavisiers receiving an additional all-stance resistance effect. The price reductions are narrower: Hand Infantry, Old Han and Ming Armies, and Territorial and Black Flag Armies are named separately. Do not infer that every Somali unit receives the same discount.
Plan for the next reinforcement
This technology is most valuable before training a substantial number of eligible units. Its 40-second research time and 150 Food plus 150 Wood cost compete with immediate production. The resistance can improve survivability during ranged exchanges, but it does not replace a screen against units that counter infantry or protect the army from siege.