Petard

From Age of Empires

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Petards are considered human siege units, as they are able to do a great amount of damage to buildings, but in the process sacrifices himself. The petard can be trained from the Castle. Petards are featured in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. Petards are highly effective when used on fortifications, such as walls, towers, castles, etc. They are somewhat like a weaker version of the Saboteur, an Age of Empires II Cheat Unit.

[edit] History

The primary use of gunpowder during the Middle Ages was a propellant in firearms and cannon, but it eventually found use as an explosive also. Explosive charges, called petards, could be used to damage or blow down castle gates and other obstructions. The word petard comes from a French word for breaking wind. In very dangerous situations, an armored man would carry the petard to the point of attack and light the fuse. If the fuse malfunctioned or the charge went off prematurely for any reason, the bombardier was "hoisted by his own petard", which explains a phrase still used today when a plan or operation backfires.

[edit] In Age of Empires III

Petards are also featured in Age of Empires III. They can be trained at the consulate, artillery foundry and can also be shipped from your Home City. Two or three petards can blow up a building completely, but as with Petards from Age of Empires II: The Conquerors, they cannot escape from the blast and sacrifice themselves upon doing so. Petards can use a hand attack against human units, but it is ineffective and weak.