Razee

Razee
Belongs to	All European factions
Crew	137
Guns	48 (23 on each side, two bow chasers)
Firepower	744
Range	400
Accuracy	60
Reloading skill	40
Hull strength	4432
Speed	20
Maneuverability	Medium
Tech requirement	None
Produced from	Drydock or higher
Special abilities	Top Gallants
Cost	2030 SP/1360 MP
Upkeep	500

The Razee is a ship type in Empire: Total War.

Description

A razee is a robust frigate, created by cutting the top deck off a larger ship of the line.

Frigates are a vital part of any balanced sea-going fleet. They are cruisers that can operate independently and are swift enough to hunt down enemy merchantmen. The chance for prize money makes them popular postings among officers and men alike!

One way of creating a large, powerful frigate is to take a two-deck ship of the line and, in effect, saw off the top deck creating a single-deck frigate. The first result is that a 64-gun ship can now only carry 44 guns, but the ones that remain are the heavier than those normally found on a frigate, typically 32- or 24-pounders rather than the expected 18s! The second result is that the razee retains the strong timbers of the original 64, making it a robust ship in combat. Thirdly, having lost its upper works, the new ship generally handles rather well under sail. All this work takes time and valuable dock space, of course.

Historically, one of the most successful razees was HMS Indefatigable, commanded by Edward Pellew. In the company of another frigate, Pellew took on - and defeated - the Droits de l'Homme, a French 74, in 1797. During the next year or so, Pellew and the Indefatigable went on to take a further nine vessels.

General Information

Razees are powerful frigates. In terms of crew and guns, they are akin to Fifth Rates; however, the similarities end there. Razees have significantly higher firepower per cannon and also much better hull strength. In addition, they are just as fast and maneuverable as fifth rates. Their only weakness when compared to fifth rates are their marginally inferior range, making it possible for fifth rates and other light ships to kite them.

Razees are very similar to 24-pounder frigates, but have marginally weaker hull strength. Unusually for ships, which are usually available to all factions, razees may only be recruited by some western factions. They can, however, be captured by any faction and so may sail under any flag.

Great Britain's ship statistics are different from others; differences are listed below (traits that to not differ are not listed).

Type	Hull Strength	Morale	Cost	Upkeep
Standard	4432	9	2030	500
Great Britain	4654	10	2080	520