Flamethrower (Age of Empires III)

The Flamethrower is a unique Chinese Infantry unit created at the Castle in the The Asian Dynasties.

Overview
At first glance it may seem weak, but it has large multipliers and fires much faster than other units. It is impressive when firing, but it is easily trumped by cavalry and other artillery (due to it being Infantry). Unlike true artillery units such as the Mortar, it can take some time to destroy buildings, especially with its short siege range. It can lay waste to masses of infantry fairly easily when massed itself. When destroyed, the Flamethrower will explode (however this does not deal damage to nearby enemies). The Flamethrower is best used as a support unit for infantry against large numbers of enemy infantry and behind fortifications to deter any would-be attackers.

Recruitment
The flamethrower can be recruited in the Black Flag Army together with the Arquebusier in the Castle. It can also be sent from the Home City in the Iron Cap Prince's Army together with the Changdao Swordsman and the Mandarin Duck squad together with Chu Ko Nu.

History
The Chinese flamethrower (Pen Huo Qi) is first mentioned being used in 919 AD. Later descriptions of mobile flamethrowers mentions the apparatus laying on a four wheeled cart being pushed towards the enemy. The Chinese applied the use of double-piston bellows to pump petrol out of a single cylinder, lit at the end by a slow-burning gunpowder match to fire a continuous stream of flame. The flamethrowers were mentioned to be dangerous when used during strong weather, when the gusts can blow the flames towards your own men.