Rocketry

Rocketry
Availability
Introduced in	The Conquerors
Civilization	Chinese
Age	Imperial Age
Research
Researched at	Castle
Wood	600
Gold	600
Research time	60 seconds
Effect
Chu Ko Nu attack +2, Scorpion attack +4

Rocketry is a technology in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors that is unique to the Chinese and can be researched at the Castle once the Imperial Age is reached. Once researched, it increases Chu Ko Nu attack by +2, and Scorpion attack by +4.

Strategy

With Rocketry, the attack bonus for Chu Ko Nu and Scorpions causes greater damage to units normally resistant to arrow fire, most prominently Huskarls and Skirmishers, thus in a way can reasonably perform as a substitute for their inability to create Hand Cannoneers or Bombard Cannons.

Civilization bonuses

• Chinese: Researching Rocketry is 20% cheaper.

Team bonuses

• A team containing Berbers: With Kasbah researched, researching Rocketry is 25% faster.

History

“

The Chinese are credited generally with the invention of the explosive we call gunpowder today. They used it extensively to power rockets, both for entertainment and military use. Although they never developed an accurate design, rockets could be used with great effect against enemies with no experience against these alarming weapons. Rockets were noisy, smelly, and spewed fire while traveling at high velocity. They damaged anything they hit and did collateral damage if they carried an explosive charge.

”

Trivia

• If playing a custom scenario in which a player has access to both Rocketry and (Elite) Ballista Elephants, Rocketry will apply to this unit, granting it +4 pierce damage.