Thunderbolts of Illapa
Thunderbolts of Illapa is an Industrial Age Inca Stronghold technology that provides four Field Cannons. It costs 1,600 Coin and takes 10 seconds to research. This is a direct artillery delivery rather than a damage upgrade to existing guns. The asterisk on the recorded age name is retained as part of the source game data; check the match’s displayed requirement if the civilization’s age-up rules modify the timing.
Research profile
- Age
- Industrial Age*
- Civilization
- Inca
- Research location
- Stronghold
- Research time
- 10 seconds
- Coin cost
- 1,600
- Effect
- Delivers 4 Field Cannons
Effect & research conditions
Research at the Stronghold when the army can gather and protect the four Field Cannons. Keep them behind a screen and use them to support a push against targets suited to their artillery role. Their delivery still requires population room and a safe rally point; the technology does not automatically escort the guns or protect them from cavalry.
Research condition
Inca; Industrial Age*; researched at the Stronghold; costs 1,600 Coin; 10-second research time; provides four Field Cannons.
When to research
Use it before a major Industrial Age operation where four additional cannons can create siege or ranged pressure. The 10-second research is short, but the artillery must still travel to the front. Avoid selecting it when the army cannot defend its guns or when the Coin is needed for an immediate counter.
A four-cannon delivery from the Stronghold
Thunderbolts of Illapa provides four Field Cannons when researched; it is not a damage upgrade for guns already in the army. The Inca technology is researched at the Stronghold, costs 1,600 Coin and takes 10 seconds. Its short research time makes the decision quick, but the cannons still need population room, a safe rally point and time to reach the battle. Set the destination behind the army rather than inside the enemy’s line, then move the guns forward with units that can screen them from Cavalry and other threats. The technology adds artillery to the force; it does not provide an escort or make the cannons safe on their own.
Reserve Coin and plan the artillery route
Use the four Field Cannons when an Industrial Age operation can protect them and make their artillery role useful. The Coin cost is substantial, so avoid selecting the technology if the same resource is needed for an immediate counter or if the army cannot hold the route from the Stronghold to the front. Check the map for safe lanes and avoid moving the guns through an exposed approach without support. Because the delivery is a fixed group, plan where all four can gather and fire without obstructing the units protecting them. The recorded age is Industrial Age with an asterisk; use the match’s displayed requirement when age-up rules modify the timing.