This article is about the technology in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas. For the unit in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties, see Howdah (Age of Empires III). |
Howdah is a technology in Age of Empires II HD: Rise of the Rajas that is unique to the Burmese and can be researched at the Castle. Once researched, it gives +1 armor and +1 pierce armor to Battle Elephants.
Strategy
Burmese Battle Elephants with Howdah become more resilient to enemy attacks. As Burmese also have almost all improvements for Battle Elephants (only lacking Heresy), this further ups their capabilities. The technology itself may be treated as a Blacksmith upgrade; but even so it doesn't cost gold (unlike Chain Barding Armor and Plate Barding Armor), so in many circumstances, it should be researched first.
Combined with the other Burmese unique technology Manipur Cavalry, it allows Battle Elephants to become an alternative to siege engines, as they will be highly resilient to arrowfire, in addition to dealing more damage per hit against enemy buildings.
Team bonuses
Changelog
Rise of the Rajas
- Initially, Howdah costs 200f/300w and gives +1/+2 armor. With patch 5.7, Howdah now costs 400f/300w and gives +1/+1 armor.
History
Howdah is a seat or platform for one or more persons placed on the back of an elephant. It is commonly used by soldiers or royal family members riding elephants in South[1] and Southeast Asia.[2]