Sowar

The Sowar is an Indian heavy cavalry unit that brandishes a sharp spear from atop a camel in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties.

Overview
Sowar is especially good against light infantry (like archers and Skirmishers). Its speed is the Sowar’s greatest asset, it has a very high speed even when compared to other cavalry units which enables it to cover great distances in a short duration.

The Sowar loses to heavy infantry and other cavalry due to the fact that it has a lower base damage than most cavalry units but its damage increases dramatically with the very first upgrade making its damage greater than many cavalry units. The Sowar gains an attack bonus against light infantry, and has two colonial upgrade cards increasing this attack bonus, and increasing its base attack by a massive 30%, making the Sowar potentially the most cost effective Colonial Age cavalry unit for countering light infantry. It is also very fast, making it easier and more effective at micromanaging, and a strong raider.

Upgrades
The overall stats for Sowar can be improved by sending improvement-based shipments.

Disciplined Sowar
Disciplined Sowar is the first upgrade for the Sowar. It is available for and  once Fortress Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +20% (270)
 * Hand Attack: +20% (24)
 * Siege Attack: +20% (18)

Honored Sowar
Honored Sowar is the second upgrade for the Sowar. It is available for and  once Industrial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +30% (337)
 * Hand Attack: +30% (30)
 * Siege Attack: +30% (22)

Exalted Sowar
Exalted Sowar is the third upgrade for the Sowar. It is available for and  once Imperial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +50% (450)
 * Hand Attack: +50% (40)
 * Siege Attack: +50% (30)

Trivia

 * The Sowar is the only camelry unit in the entire Age of Empires series that doesn´t deal bonus damage to cavalry.

History
"In Persian, the word “sowar” literally means “the one who rides.” During the British East India Company’s occupation of the Indian subcontinent, “sowar” was used in reference to native cavalry units in the Company’s employ. These mounted soldiers were considered the equivalent of sepoy infantry soldiers, and they were often utilized as escorts and guards."