Gunpowder Question

[Forward Observer]

I know there is a simple answer to this, and I am sure it has been asked before, but I did several searches and came up blank.

I have always played from the early or late period, and this never came up before.

I am playing the Danes in the middle period, and at some point I saw the message that gunpowder had been invented.
I saw that bell foundrys and gunsmiths were available, so I immediately built one of each, but now I don't see any mortars or gun troops available in the troop building queue. What am I missing here? Is there another step that I am overlooking or what? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Thanks in advance.

[Forward Observer]

OK, I think I found the answer. I read a FAQ over at TW.com that gun powder units are only available in the late period, so I guess I have to wait another 50 years or so.

Odd that they would have the structures available so many years in advance of the troops and equipment that they can produce. Oh,well. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

[SeveredSoul]

If I'm not mistaken you can build ships with cannon on them now. Gives a bit more to the offence of your ships, rather than just boarding them, firing catapults or using Greek fire http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

[Aelwyn]

If you can build the building before it is even available, then why not? It will just help in training troops quicker. I haven't made it to the late period in SP yet, but make sure all the necessary buildings are upgraded enough to build the necessary units.