Intiau-Chianki

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Overall strategy[edit | edit source]

Song, as the descendents of the late Shang dynasts, hold on proudly to their heritage and have always done so, particularly since it was the express order of the Zhou king Wu that they do so and the Song have held on to that birthright ever since.

Unsurprisingly, the armies of Song also attempt to emulate their Shang ancestors even to the last stroke and dot of the law. Yin Chariots, named after the Shang dynasty itself exemplify this proud heritage. Although clearly weaker with regards to tactical strength on the battlefield (possibly due to their fascination with the ways of Song's ancestors), Yin Chariots however have one thing that makes them useful - in chariot duels, they are second to none. Be it normal War Chariots, or Scythe Chariots, the Yin Chariot will always prevail in a fight against both types.

However, as a chariot, the Yin Chariot suffers from several defects. The first and most obvious one is that it is a chariot - so if you are able to bring in anti-chariot units such as ranged horsemen or the revolutionary Ji infantry of the Chinese nations, Yin Chariots are not so formidable. Equally, insofar as chariots are concerned Yin Chariots also suffer from another defect: they may hit just as hard as any other state's chariots, but they are slower and have fewer hitpoints. While this might not be an issue if going up against other chariot forces, this may prove to be an issue in the long run, especially against other nations with far more advanced forces (since Song cannot train conventional cavalry). In which case Song may be forced to rely rather on levy units such as Bow Levies, just to even the odds against enemy cavalry, although Yin Chariots are nevertheless powerful like most chariots when pitted against light enemy infantry.

Unit summary[edit | edit source]

  • Song unique medium chariot unit. Has more armour, but has lower hitpoints and speed, but is built from a Stable, not a Nobles' Court.
  • Bend it like Ben-Hur — Take advantage of Song's ability to create free chariots as often as you can in order to overwhelm your enemies in the early game, especially if they are Chinese.

History[edit | edit source]

The state of Song was founded as a feudal state of Zhou. Its ruling dynasty were descendants of the Shang dynasty following the coup that resulted in the suicide of Di Xin, the last Shang king. As part of the compromises made to cement Zhou rule, the survivors of the Shang royal family were allowed to settle in Song, and continue their religious rituals and traditions. This could perhaps proffer an explanation for the baroque behaviour of the infamous Xiang, the 20th duke who so refused to take advantage of his opponents during a battle on the grounds that it was ungentlemanly to do so. The battle lost, Duke Xiang died of his wounds a year later.

On a side note, it is recorded that China's most famous statesman and philosopher, Kong Qiu (known as Confucius) was a descendent of Min I, fifth duke of Song.