Against large ships, however, they lack the firepower for battle, and the manoeuvrability to escape! Most merchants will be on guard against potential attacks, so the wako resort to such stratagems. In truth, it is used to close with unsuspecting merchants, allowing the crew to achieve a measure of surprise. This vessel carries a crew of wako pirates who prey on smaller, weaker vessels while pretending to be innocent traders. Wako Trade Ships are a type of trade ship in Total War: Shogun 2.