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 |
4654 | 10 | 2080 | 520 |
Ships | |
---|---|
Light Ships | Brig • Galley • Light Galley • Race-Built Galleon • Sloop • Xebec |
Frigates | 24-pounder Frigate • Admiral's Flagship, 5th Rate • Carronade Frigate • Fifth Rate • Razee • Sixth Rate • USS Constitution |
Ships of the Line | Admiral's Flagship, 1st Rate • Admiral's Flagship, 3rd Rate • First Rate Ship of the Line • Fourth Rate Ship of the Line • Heavy First Rate • HMS Victory • Second Rate Ship of the Line • Third Rate Ship of the Line |
Trade Ships | Dhow • Fluyt • Galleon • Indiaman |
Other Ships | Bomb Ketch • Rocket Ship • Steamship |