Heavy Scorpion

"Stronger than Scorpion. Light artillery that fires large arrowlike bolts."

- Age of Empires II description

The Heavy Scorpion is a light siege unit in Age of Empires II that can be trained at the Siege Workshop once the Imperial Age is reached. The Heavy Scorpion fires large arrow-like bolts. It is effective against groups of enemy units as the bolts cause damage to multiple units. Unlike the Mangonel line, they do not damage friendly units. This can make all the difference in a pitched close quarters battle.

Tactics
Heavy Scorpions are effective against slower units such as infantry, archers, and Monks, where its slower-moving bolts have maximum efficiency. Heavy Scorpions perform poorly against Woad Raiders, Eagle Warriors, Huskarls, and cavalry, which can dodge its missiles and close the gap quickly. Heavy Scorpions, like most siege units, should be well protected, as their slow speed makes them very vulnerable to attack. They are often paired with Halberdiers to deal with enemy cavalry. This combination is especially prominent with the Celts and Slavs. They can also be paired with Genoese Crossbowmen, which deal a great job at protecting Heavy Scorpions from enemy cavalry, and can also perform well against other units.

When used properly, Heavy Scorpions can be quite devastating. A medium-sized group of Heavy Scorpions can decimate whole armies of infantry and archers in the blink of an eye, and even hold out well against cavalry in sufficient numbers. However, Heavy Scorpions are always vulnerable to longer ranged attacks such as that from Bombard Cannons. When maneuvered properly, Cavalry Archers, especially Mangudai can deal with Heavy Scorpions efficiently. Onagers are also very effective against Heavy Scorpions.

Civilization Bonuses

 * Celts: Heavy Scorpions fire 20% faster. Heavy Scorpions can convert herdables even if enemy units are next to them.
 * Chinese: Technologies that benefit Heavy Scorpions are 20% cheaper.
 * Slavs: Heavy Scorpions are 15% cheaper.

Team Bonuses

 * A team containing Celts: Heavy Scorpions are created 20% faster.
 * A team containing Malians: Researching Chemistry and Siege Engineers is 80% faster.
 * A team containing Teutons: Heavy Scorpions are more resistant to conversion.
 * A team containing Khmer: Heavy Scorpions have +1 range.

The Age of Kings

 * Heavy Scorpions have 5 range.
 * Heavy Scorpions have a frame delay of 0.
 * Heavy Scorpions benefit from Fletching, Bodkin Arrow, and Bracer, gaining overall +3 attack and range of all three technologies.
 * Chemistry gives Heavy Scorpions +2 attack.

The Conquerors

 * Heavy Scorpions now have 7 range.
 * Heavy Scorpions now have a frame delay of 7.
 * Heavy Scorpions do not benefit from Fletching, Bodkin Arrow, and Bracer anymore.
 * Chemistry now gives Scorpions +1 attack.
 * Heresy introduced.
 * Celts: Furor Celtica introduced. It gives Heavy Scorpions +50% HP.
 * Chinese: Rocketry introduced.
 * Mongols: Drill introduced.

The Forgotten

 * Celts: Furor Celtica now gives +40% HP to Heavy Scorpions.
 * Teutons: Ironclad introduced.

The African Kingdoms

 * Heavy Scorpion projectile size increased (fixes their lack of pass-through damage).

Trivia

 * The Heavy Scorpion in the Age of Kings made a 'whoosh' sound when they fired their projectile, which they also shared with the Galleon. In The Conquerors and after, they make the same sound as regular Scorpions.
 * Heavy Scorpions have a 0 melee damage value, which means that Rams take extra damage from them due to having -3 melee armor. On top of that, Heavy Scorpions also have +2 attack vs Rams.

History
"The heavy scorpion was an improved version of the Scorpion. The heavy scorpion consisted of a heavier bow and frame, and could fire larger missiles."