Back to Vox Populi Front Page
Back to the list of units
Game Info[]
A ponderous, mounted Ranged Unit highly effective on flat ground. Only the Indians may build it. This Unit has a higher Combat and Ranged Strength than the Cuirassier, but has lower Movement speed. Does not require Horses, is available earlier than the Cuirassier.
Strategy[]
The Naga-Malla (Fighting Elephant) is the Indian unique unit, replacing the Cuirassier. It is more powerful (if slower) than the Cuirassier. Does not require Horses, and is available earlier than the Cuirassier. A mounted unit, the Naga-Malla is quite vulnerable to the Pikeman.
Historical Info[]
A terrifying sight on the battlefield, often as dangerous to its own side as it was to the enemy, the Naga-Malla (the Hindu term for Fighting Elephant) could be considered the first weapon of mass destruction. Indians used elephants in war until the advent of gunpowder rendered them obsolete. In pre-gunpowder battle the war elephant served two primary purposes. First, their scent absolutely terrified horses, rendering enemy cavalry useless. Second, they could break through even the strongest line of infantry, crushing a wall of spears that no horse could ever surmount. Elephants were incredibly difficult to kill and history records them surviving sixty or more arrows. The primary problem with elephants was their tendency to go berserk with pain or rage, at which point they became impossible for their rider to control. Elephant riders often carried a spike and mallet that they could use to kill the animals if they attacked their own forces.