Arambai

"Burmese unique unit. Mounted dart thrower."

- Age of Empires II description

The Arambai is the unique unit of the Burmese in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas. It is a cavalry archer with a small attack bonus against Rams. It throws darts at enemies.

Arambai can be upgraded to Elite Arambai in the Imperial Age.

Tactics
The Arambai has some similarities to the Conquistador, as they're both mounted ranged units available at the castle, with a powerful attack and average speed and HP. However, this unit is more akin to the Cavalry Archer, and also has the same rate of fire and frame delay.

Arambai throw darts that cause a lot of damage compared to other archers, more than a Conquistador's shot. Their speed makes them well suited for taking down soft targets like Villagers, Monks, and some military units, such as archers and infantry. Even heavier units, or Skirmishers, can potentially suffer much damage from a lucky shot, particularly if the Arambai fight in large groups.

To offset their attack, their accuracy is abysmal, the worst in the game. Attacks often miss at long range, especially if the target moves, but the accuracy increases as they get closer. At close range, they are more vulnerable, but also more capable of serious damage (being Cavalry Archers, they are countered by many troops, though they can also deal much damage). Sadly, lacking most archer upgrades, it can be damaged severely, so Cavalry and/or Elephants should escort this unit to soak damage, whereas the strong Burmese infantry and Monks can assist the Arambai by killing or converting counter-units respectively.

Manipur Cavalry gives Arambai a +6 bonus against buildings, like the rest of the Burmese cavalry. A force of Elephants and Arambai can potential wreck havoc against entire bases, though the Arambai are still vulnerable to Castles and Towers.

Essentially, they are a unit of extremes, and should be used with care. They can cause disproportionate damage, providing they manage to land a hit, but can also suffer much in return, due to poor archery upgrades and many counters. There are many potential uses for an Arambai (attacking villagers, buildings and even Scorpions/Onagers), but they have to be carefully microed to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Further Statistics
As Arambai are unique to the Burmese, only technologies that are available to them are shown in the following table:

Civilization Bonuses

 * Burmese: Researching Faith is 50% cheaper.

Team Bonuses

 * A team containing Berbers: With Kasbah researched, Arambai are created and upgraded 25% faster, and Conscription and Manipur Cavalry are researched 25% faster.
 * A team containing Huns: Researching Bloodlines and Husbandry is 20% faster.
 * A team containing Malians: Researching Ballistics is 80% faster.
 * A team containing Teutons: Arambai are more resistant to conversion.

History
Arambai is the name of a dart-like weapon with a sharp point at one end and feathered tail at the other end. It was the secret weapon of the Meiteis, the main tribe of Manipur in easternmost India. Arambais were carried in a quiver strapped near the horse saddle, and were tipped with poison in time of war. The arambai-carrying horsemen would gallop in, throw their arambais, and depart before the enemy could react. Today, the art of arambai is still practised by local people of Manipur during the Kwak Jatra festival.