TOTAL WAR WIKI

Xebec (ETW unit)

Xebec
Xebec
Range: 500
Accuracy: 60
Reloading skill: 40
Hull strength: 1110
Speed: 17
Maneuverability: High
Morale: 8
Turns to build: 2
Recruitment cost: 890
Upkeep cost: 220
Requires
Building (minimum level)
Etw eu port military lvl3.png

Drydock

The xebec is a lateen-rigged sailing ship with exceptional speed, making it popular with North African corsairs for hunting wealthy infidel merchants!

These relatively small vessels have three masts carrying fore-and-aft lateen sails, making them handy sailors and speedy, even in light winds. The lateen sails also allow the ship to sail close-hauled to the wind, making pursuits easier. Even when becalmed, some xebecs can still be dangerous enemies to face, as they carry oars and can close with an enemy at a time of their own choosing.

Although not quite as well armed as a European frigate, xebecs carry a formidable arsenal of 12- or 18-pounder guns. This, combined with their excellent sailing characteristics, makes them particularly suitable for piracy, and the corsairs – the infamous Barbary Pirates – of the North African coast use them. They can also carry a good-sized crew of ruffians!

Historically, the Barbary Pirates were a severe threat to European traders for centuries, partly because of excellent warships like the xebec (the name probably comes from an Arabic word “shabbak”, meaning a small warship). Eventually a few xebec-frigates were used by European Mediterranean naval powers, where the basic xebec hull shape was preserved but the distinctive lateen sails were replaced by square rigged sails. A few xebecs carried a hybrid rig with both square and lateen sails.

Available for:

Etw xebec.png
Ottoman Empire

Unit is available when holding a region on the Mediterranean coast.

External links