Scout Ship

Scout Ship
Unit information
Type	Warship
Age	Tool Age
Training
Trained at	Dock
Wood	135
Training time	70 seconds
Statistics
Hit points	120
Attack	5 pierce
Rate of Fire	1.5
Frame delay	1
Range	5
Melee armor	0
Pierce armor	0
Speed	1.75
Line of Sight	7
Unit evolution
Upgrades to	War Galley
Upgrade cost	150 food 75 wood
Upgrade time	128 seconds

The Scout Ship appears in Age of Empires and is the first offensive vessel available. It is, as its name suggests, a light, fast moving scouting vessel. Because of its low attack it is not very effective in combat although it is the best available prior to the Bronze Age. It has an extensive sight range and can be used in conjunction with Scouts for effective exploration. At least two should be used when fighting another vessel, especially if it is any other offensive vessel. Boats are more resistant to enemy conversions than regular units.

Upgrades

Tool Age

•  Woodworking increases range by 1.

Bronze Age

•  Artisanship increases range by 1.
• Scout Ship can be upgraded to War Galley.

Iron Age

•  Alchemy increases attack by 1.
•  Ballistics increases accuracy.
•  Craftsmanship increases range by 1.

Dock Tree
Stone Age Dock Fishing Boat Trade Boat Tool Age Light Transport Scout Ship Bronze Age Fishing Ship War Galley Merchant Ship Iron Age Heavy Transport Fire Galley Trireme Catapult Trireme Juggernaught

Civilization bonuses

• Greeks: Scout Ships move 20% faster.
• Hittites: Scout Ships have +2 range in the Tool Age and +3 range in the Bronze and Iron Age.
• Macedonians: Scout Ships are four times more resistant against conversion.
• Minoans: Scout Ships are 30% cheaper.
• Yamato: Scout Ships have +20% HP.

History

The first true warships built to attack and sink other ships were galleys mounting a heavy ram at the front. The warship attempted to ram an enemy ship and stave in its hull, causing it at least take on water if not sink. Early warships were almost oar-powered torpedoes, consisting of a light, floating hull manned by oarsmen. A sail, if present, was used only in transit, not in battle.

Gallery

A group of Scout Ships, facing all possible directions.