Game Info[]
Unique naval unit of the Dutch civilization. Replaces the Privateer.
- Common abilities:
- Coastal Raider I promotion
- Prize Ships: Defeated enemy naval units may join your side.
- Special abilities:
- Supply promotion
- Coastal Raider II promotion
Strategy[]
The Sea Beggar is a special Dutch pirate ship that is more powerful against cities than the normal Privateer. It is also able to Heal anywhere, allowing it to stay powerful throughout its voyages. If you build these ships in a city with an Armory (30 XP), you can give them the Coastal Raider III and Logistics promotions immediately. This raises the attack power of your Sea Beggars to 50 against cities, while allowing them to attack twice per turn!
With these units, a bold Dutch player can conquer enemy coastal cities and even defeat enemy fleets by turning their own ships against them! And because all of their unique traits are simply promotions, Sea Beggars are very future proof!
Civilopedia entry[]
The Sea Beggars, or Watergeuzen, were a collective of privateers opposed to the Spanish control of the Netherlands, active during the Eighty Years' War. The name originates with a group of Dutch nobles, who marched to the Duchess of Parma's palace with a list of grievances and requests. Councillors of the Duchess referred to the mass as "beggars," and the name stuck.
In 1569, the Beggars were given official letters of operation from William of Orange, and a total of 84 ships were equipped for action. These Sea Beggars at first limited themselves to basic looting and plundering, but in a time of desperation took a Spanish town and garrison by force. Inspired by their victory, they began a more offensive campaign, capturing other cities along the coast. The success of the Sea Beggars was a rally cry to the rest of the Netherlands, and the entire nation began to revolt. The Sea Beggars' capturing of the Spanish garrison at Brielle is now seen as the turning point in the Dutch struggle for independence.
