Scorpion

The Scorpion is a Light Siege Unit that is featured in Age of Empires II. The Scorpion fires large arrow-like bolts. It is effective against groups of enemy units as the bolts cause damage to multiple units. The Scorpion is built at the Siege Workshop during the Castle Age. Scorpions may upgrade to the Heavy Scorpion. Unlike Mangonels and their cousins, scorpions do not damage friendly units; this can make all the difference in a pitched close quarters battle. Like mangonels, scorpions are ineffective against buildings.

Compared to the Mangonel

 * In most circumstances, a single mangonel will do more damage than a scorpion. However, scorpions do damage in a straight line while mangonels attack a single, small area. This means that in larger numbers, scorpions do more damage than mangonels unless the mangonels are micromanaged properly.
 * Scorpions do not damage friendly units, but mangonels do. This means that they can be effectively implemented in a melee battle.
 * Scorpion bolts reach their targets faster than mangonel payloads.
 * Mangonels have slightly more hitpoints.
 * Scorpions need less micromanagement than mangonels against an AI since computer controlled units will make a beeline for their target, ensuring that the scorpion will hit them anyway.
 * Scorpions cannot attack ground, making the task of hitting an agile unit impossible. Mangonels, on the other hand, can hit agile units if cleverly micromanaged.
 * Mangonels cost 85 more Wood and 65 more Gold compared to Scorpions.

Tactics
Scorpions are effective against slower units such as Infantry, Archers and Monks, where its slower-moving bolts may have maximum efficiency. Scorpions perform poorly against Woad Raiders and Cavalry, which can dodge its missiles and close the gap quickly should they choose to engage. Scorpions, like most Siege Units, should be well protected, as the Scorpion's slow speed makes them very vulnerable to attack. If the opponent has a superior number of cavalry, then it would be a good idea to retreat Siege Units and send in Spearmen. Position the scorpions behind them so they won't get hit.

When used correctly, Scorpions can be quite devastating. A medium-sized group of 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, scorpions are always vulnerable to longer ranged attacks such as that from Bombard Cannons. When properly manoeuvered, cavalry archers and especially Mangudai can deal with Scorpions efficiently.

Civilizations bonuses

 * A team containing Celts: Produce Scorpions 20% faster.
 * A team containing Teutons: Scorpions are more resistant to conversion.
 * Aztecs: Scorpions are created 15% faster.
 * Chinese: Technologies that benefits Scorpions are 10%/15%/20% cheaper in Feudal/Castle/Imperial age. Imperial age unique technology Rocketry gives to Scorpions +4 attack.
 * Mongols: Imperial age unique technology Drill gives 50% more speed to Scorpions.
 * Celts: Imperial age unique technology Furor Celtica gives to Scorpions 50% more hp. Herdables cannot be stolen within a Scorpion's Line of Sight. Scorpions fire rate 20% faster.

The Forgotten Changes

 * Slavs: Scorpions are 15% cheaper.
 * Teutons: Castle age unique technology Ironclad gives Scorpions +4 melee armor.
 * Celts: Imperial age unique technology Furor Celtica gives to Scorpions 40% more hp.

History
''The scorpion represents a light artillery weapon that fired large arrow-like bolts, small stones, or iron balls. These weapons came in a variety of sizes and looked like large crossbows. Scorpions might be mounted on tripods or more substantial wooden frames. They were used primarily in siege attacks but could also be deployed in a set position on a battlefield. They were useful against massed enemy troops, especially cavalry, and against fortifications.''

Trivia

 * The Scorpion is the only Siege Unit in Age of Empires II to have exactly one upgrade.