Changdao Swordsman

The Changdao Swordsman is a Chinese unit in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties.

Overview
The Changdao is an Infantry unit similar to the Halbedier with a moderately high melee attack, and a decent modifier against cavalry, and a reasonable siege attack. The Changdao is an excellent counter to melee cavalry, and Pikeman units, as well as being fairly competent against buildings. It will quickly fall in battle against ranged infantry and artillery, unless in range, and are not good counter to light cavalry, despite their multiplier, speed, hit points and range issue, and not mentioning heavier infantry such as Halberdier. Changdao is also Chinese all rounded infantry that serve much better against cavalry.There are several upgrades to improve its performance:
 * Western Reforms Card: Increases hit points and attack of all units by 8%
 * Territorial Army card: Increases Changdao Swordsman & Arquebusier hit points & attack by 15%
 * Manchu Combat card: which increases hit points and attack of Qiang Pikeman, Changdao Swordsman, Keshik and Meteor Hammer by 15%.

Upgrades
The overall stats for Changdao Swordsman can be improved by sending improvement-based shipments. A default Changdao Swordsman has already acquired the stats of a disciplined soldier with +20% stats, hence when trained, the unit is called "Disciplined Changdao Swordsman".
 * Hit Points: +20% (144)
 * Hand Attack: +20% (18)
 * Siege Attack: +20% (25)

Honored Changdao
Honored Changdao is the first upgrade for the Changdao Swordsman. It is available for and  once Industrial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +30% (180)
 * Hand Attack: +30% (22)
 * Siege Attack: +30% (31)

Exalted Changdao
Exalted Changdao is the second upgrade for the Changdao Swordsman. It is available for and  once Imperial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +50% (240)
 * Hand Attack: +50% (30)
 * Siege Attack: +50% (42)

Trivia

 * "Chang Dao" or 長刀 is literally translated as "Long Sword" in Chinese.
 * The Changdao Swordsman's bonus (x2.3) versus cavalry is a reference to the Ancient Chinese Zhanmadao (As the History file references)
 * The Zanbato is classified as a variant of the Zhanmadao (along with the Changdao) and is most likely the ancestor of the Katana.

History
"The Chinese long sword known as changdao was actually a modification of a Japanese design carried by wokou pirates of the sixteenth century. The famed Chinese pirate fighter, General Qi Jiguang, is said to have taken the existing Japanese odachi sword, lengthened it, and straightened its curve. The resulting blade was extremely long, over three feet, and ideal for repelling cavalry. Therefore, it replaced the traditional Chinese horse fighting blade, the zhanmadao. During his campaign to secure the Mongol border in 1560, Qi Jiguang’s Chinese forces used the new weapon to great effect. A proven success, the changdao was utilized throughout the remaining years of the Ming Dynasty."