----------------------------------------------------------- A G E O F E M P I R E S I I : T H E C O N Q U E R O R S ----------------------------------------------------------- UNIQUE TECHS FAQ | * Version 1.0 (5/3/02) ----------------------------------------------------------- by Andy "Andy007" Banh ultimaweapon2k@netscape.net AIM: ultimaweapon2k Created: 5/3/02 Last Updated: 10/26/02 (v1.01) =============== AVAILABLE AT :: =============== http://www.gamefaqs.com This guide is not to be hosted on a site without my consent by email. Please e-mail me at ultimaweapon2K@netscape.net if you would like to use it on your site. DO NOT in any way modify the contents this guide, for only I can do that. The last editions may be found at Gamefaqs. Enjoy!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------- VERSION INFO ------------------------------------ Version 1.01(10/26/02) :: Wow its been already 5 months! Someone(mentioned in credits) sighted an error with the background info on the Mayan unique tech, "EL DORADO." It was a repeat of the "SHINKICHON" background. I fixed it. Version 1.0(5/3/02) :: New... There may be errors, if there are, email me so I can make corrections ASAP. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= C O N T E N T S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I. Unique Techs II. Miscalleneous ======================================================================== \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ I. U N I Q U E T E C H S \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ ======================================================================== =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - GARLAND WARS (Aztecs) =/////////////////////// When the normal competition between cities and states did not produce enough sacrificial victims for rituals, the Aztecs and their neighbors organized garland or flower wars for the purpose of increasing supply. The warriors of these societies went off to these wars with enthusiasm, knowing this was their opportunity to win glory and status. ------------------------------------ Cost: 450 F, 750 G | ------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | ------------------------------------| Description: +4 Infantry Attack | ------------------------------------ Since the Aztecs main strength is based on infantry, Garland Wars is a real booster to your Infantry attack. With everything fully upgraded on your Infantry units, Garland Wars will add a big attack boost, thus making your Champions, Pikes, and Eagle Warriors, and Jaguar Warriors lethal. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - YEOMEN (Britons) =///////////////// The longbow developed in Wales became a favored British weapon under Edward I, who quickly understood how it could be effectively deployed. British longbowmen played havoc against French armies throughout the Hundred Year's War. British free men, called yeomen, were skilled and highly motivated by self-interest. The pay and loot from a successful campaign in France could set up a man in business for life. --------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 W, 450 G | ---------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------| Description: +1 foot archer range, +2 tower attack | --------------------------------------------------- Adding to the deadly range of British archers, Yeomen lets your Arbalests, Skirmishers, and Longbowmen to fire from extreme ranges, outranging even Onagers. This gives Longbowmen the advantage they need, because of their low HP. Also, it helps Skirmishers and Arbalests to beat other enemy archers. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - LOGISTICA (Byzantines) =/////////////////////// The Byzantine civilization outlived its counterpart in Rome for more than one thousand years, mainly through the adroit employment of smaller elite armies against more lightly equipped or less highly trained enemies. Well- motivated troops, well-trained officers, strong military traditions, and sound military logistics combined to create armies with fighting power disproportionate to their size. The backbone of their armies were their cataphract cavalry who could engage enemies at a distance with archery or trample them down in a charge. -------------------------------------------------- Cost: 1000 F, 600 G | --------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------| Description: Cataphracts cause TRAMPLE damage. | -------------------------------------------------- With the attack bonus they already have against infantry, Logistica gives an even better bonus, as a Cataphract will be able to cause damage to melee units attacking it. Thus groups of Cataphracts will slay hordes of Infantry even faster. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - FUROR CELTICA (Celts) =////////////////////// The warriors of Celtic Britain gained a reputation as very emotional fighters, capable of wide swings in their morale. Furor Celtica, or Celtic Fury, was a state of highly charged aggressiveness that all enemy armies sought to escape. If the fury could be withstood, it might vanish suddenly and turn into panic. If the Celtic leaders could manage and direct the fury of their soldiers, it was a daunting force multiplier. -------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 F, 450 G | --------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------| Description: +50% HP for Siege Workship units. | -------------------------------------------------- The FUROR CELTICA tech gives Celtic Siege superiority over all other siege units in the game, adding more HP for them. In battle, they will survive hits from all kinds of units more likely, and stand longer as they back up your units. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - ROCKETRY (Chinese) =/////////////////// The Chinese are credited generally with the invention of the explosive we call gunpowder today. They used it extensively to power rockets for entertainment and military use. Although they never developed an accurate design, rockets could be used with great effect against enemies with no experience against these alarming weapons. Rockets were noisy, smelly, and spewed fire while traveling at a high velocity. They damaged anything they hit and did collateral damage if they carried an explosive charge. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 W, 750 G | ---------------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------------------------| Description: +2 Chu Ko Nu Pierce Attack, +4 Scorpions Pierce Attack | --------------------------------------------------------------------- In addition to their rapid fire rate, Rocketry increases the damage of the Chu Ko Nu, making them extra deadly. A legion of Chu Ko Nus will be deadlier than before, while Chinese Scorpions have a deadly and surpassing attack to a group of units charging towards you. Thus, Chinese Scorpions can do up to 21 Pierce damage (1 (Chemistry tech) + 4). =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - BEARDED AXE (Franks) =///////////////////// The bearded axe got its name from the extended length added to the bottom of the blade, making the blade far longer than its connection to the haft. This axe was a further development of the Francisca, the throwing axe that gave the Franks their name. The bearded axe could be thrown or used hand-to-hand. Before the Franks discovered cavalry, they fought in massed formations. As they approached the enemy the front ranks threw axes. These disordered the enemy, caused some casualties, and stuck in shields, making them unwieldy. The Franks then closed quickly for hand-to-hand fighting with additional axes or swords. --------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 400 F, 400 G | ---------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------------| Description: +1 Throwing Axemen Range | --------------------------------------------------------- One of the more useless techs, it only gives Throwing Axes ONE more range!!! At least make it two! Throwing Axemen are already weak as they are, and more range would help them to support the Frankish Paladins. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - ANARCHY (Goths) =//////////////// The Goth tribal system worked well for a society that seemed always on the move, fighting here and settling there, but never for long in either case. Their flexibility meant they could appear suddenly and without warning, and vanish just as quickly. Their armies were never the best equipped because they lacked any permanent industry, but no one felt safe if they were even rumored to be on the move. -------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 450 F, 250 G | --------------------------------------------------------| Available: Castle Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------------| Description: Ability to create Huskarls at Barracks | -------------------------------------------------------- If you used the Goths, you would find this tech to be useful, since sometimes you might need to counter archer units with Huskarls. If you have a Castle or none, you'll produce Huskarls at a much slower rate than if you had a few barracks to produce them from. So overall this tech is pretty good. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - PERFUSION (Goths)(2) =///////////////////// A migratory people like the Goths had the ability to put armies in the field quickly. Their whole civilization was in a sense an army in the field. The youth of the Goths learned skills of a warrior at an early age. The entire male population could become fighters in hours. Rivals learned not to let the Goths get close, if possible, and not to antagonize them if they did approach. -------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 400 W, 600 G | --------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------------| Description: Barrack units are created 50% faster. | -------------------------------------------------------- Contributing to the infantry unit creating bonuses the Goths have, PERFUSION speeds up things even more. Your barracks will be creating legions of infantry, at such a fast and surprising rate. It helps to speed up things this much. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - ATHEISM (Huns) =/////////////// The paganism or outright lack of faith of the Huns offended the Romans who came to think of them as truly sub-human. The Huns, in turn, were unencumbered by the laws of structured religions. Laws of social and religious order were too restrictive for a civilization that was constantly on the move. The Huns put little faith in monuments and artifacts, therefore, focusing mainly on the here and now. ------------------------------------------------------ Cost: 500 F, 500 G | ------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ------------------------------------------------------| Description: +100 years Wonder/Relic victory time, | -50% Spies/Treason research cost | ------------------------------------------------------ This is argubly one of the most useless techs in the game, for rarely people play Wonder/Relic victory games. Though it reduces the cost of SPIES, you'll still find it very expensive and gold consuming. Thus, this is only a waste of your supplies. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - KATAPARUTO (Japanese) =////////////////////// For most of the period when the samurai traditions dominated Japanese life the conduct of the individual warrior was the focus of their culture. When more pragmatic men came to power, they put greater emphasis on the effective employment of large armies, often including men of low social rank. New technologies were embraced, most notably the firearm, but also better siege weapons to force enemies from strongholds. The last great battle of samurai was forced by a siege that made a stronghold indefensible. ------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 W, 400 G | -------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | -------------------------------------------------------| Description: Trebuchets fire, pack/unpack 30% faster. | ------------------------------------------------------- In sieging towns, this tech is very useful in upgrading your trebuchets. With KATAPARUTO, you can move along faster, and give your enemies no chance in rebuilding as your trebuchets quickly demolish everything. Great addition for the Japanese. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - SHINKICHON (Koreans) =///////////////////// Although the Chinese are creditied with the invention of gunpowder, many believe it was the Korean kingdom of Koryo that first employed rocketry and perhaps gunpowder as some sort of weapon. The chroniclers of this period mention Koryo rockets and cannons as being very important to the success of their armies. The long existence of the Koryo and Choson kingdoms required a strong military because only the sea and the Amnok River stood between them and a host of potential enemies. -------------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 800 W, 500 G | --------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------------------| Description: +1 Mangonel/Onager/Siege Onager Range* | -------------------------------------------------------------- *changed from 1.0c patch Before 1.0c, SHINKICHON gave fully upgraded Korean Siege Onagers devastating and deadly range. But now the tech only adds +1 range. Yet, it is still awesome, since your Onagers will take care of annoying archers and buildings from a far distance. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - EL DORADO (Mayans) =/////////////////// War is often most cruel and terrifying when markedly different cultures collide. The native populations of South and Central America were shaken by the appearence of Conquistadors wearing armor, wielding steel weapons, riding horses, employing war dogs, and using firearms. The blood sacrifices, rituals, and fanaticism of the Americans unsettled the Spanish, in turn. The Mayans proved very tough opponents when whipped into battle frenzy in defense of their hidden wealth. --------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 F, 450 G | ---------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------------| Description: +40 HP for Eagle Warriors | --------------------------------------------------------- Since the Mayans lack any cavalry at all, EL DORADO makes up for the lack of units with high HP. They can survive showers of arrows, or even attacks from other units. It helps make their Eagle Warriors longer lasting. In my opinion, Fully Upgraded Mayan Eagles are better than Fully Upgraded Aztec Eagles. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - DRILL (Mongols) =//////////////// One of the secrets to the great success of the Mongols was their great discipline in battle. Where more civilized armies of the time had complex structures of hierarchy and traditions, the Mongols countered with endless hours of practice on the plains and hunting towns. The speed at which Mongol armies could move and strike bewildered the more ponderous and heavily equipped armies they often fought. --------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 500 W, 450 G | ---------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------------| Description: Siege Workshop Units move 50% faster | --------------------------------------------------------- In rush games, DRILL is a very essential tech to get your Siege Onagers and Heavy Scorpions to move faster into areas. With this tech, they easily move along the ranks of your Mangudai and cavalry. Also, it helps Mongol siege to dodge enemy Onager shots. It's like they have motors on them or something. Cool eh? =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - MAHOUTS (Persians) =/////////////////// Using elephants in battle was always a challenge because the animals have poor vision but keen smell, they are relatively slow, and don't like being injured. The Persians developed special training for the beasts and their riders, called Mahouts, to improve their battle performance. --------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 300 F, 300 G | ---------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ---------------------------------------------------------| Description: +30% War Elephant Speed | --------------------------------------------------------- Yes, this tech is truly worth its cost. As the Persians, it is very likely you are using Paladins, Heavy Camels, and occasionally the rampaging War Elephant. Since they are so slow, MAHOUTS helps to increase their speed, and they can stomp down those annoying Monks before being converted. This helps War Elephants to track down enemies, and archers attempting to "Hit-and-run." =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - ZEALOTRY (Saracens) =//////////////////// Strengths of the great Muslim armies were their speed and their absolute faith in their destiny. Their strong religious beliefs calmed the natural fears of any warrior and gave them a sense of invincibility their enemies could rarely match. The effect was armies that accomplished deeds out of proportion with their size and equipment. -------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 750 F, 800 G | --------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------------| Description: +30 Camel and Mameluke HP | -------------------------------------------------------- The Saracens don't have a true and strong offensive melee unit, they lack the Paladin and even Cavalier tech!!! So, for countering you must rely on Camels and Mamelukes. With this tech, you can significantly boost up their HP so they survive through an extra 30 HP. Mamelukes needed this extra increase of HP, since they lacked vitality before. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - SUPREMACY (Spanish) =//////////////////// The peasants of Spain lived especially hard lives in an era when life was not easy for anyone. The difference was that Spain was a battleground for much of the Middle Ages as the Christian kingdoms in the north strived to reconquer the peninsula from the Saracens who had invaded in the 8th century. Spanish peasants were therefore also warriors part of the time. This was a fact that the French army under Napoleon would learn the hard way in the early 19th century. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 400 F, 250 G | --------------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | --------------------------------------------------------------------| Description: +40 Villager HP, +6 Villager Attack, +2 Villager A/PA | -------------------------------------------------------------------- Although some may crack up at the idea of increasing Villager combat skills, this IS infact useful. In building in the front lines, your Spanish Villagers last twice as long, and can even take out enemy units with their strength. Since villagers are so cheap, you can afford to lose as much as you want if you have a strong econ. Along with SAPPERS, Spanish vils can even raid buildings(yes I'm serious!). At this cheap cost, it is definitely worth upgrading. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - CRENELLATIONS (Teutons) =//////////////////////// The Teutons carried their crusade mainly into Eastern Europe while other groups vied for the Holy Land. The Teutons became especially adept at the art of building and using castles offensively to establish political control of the countryside. A few knights and soldiers in a dominating castle could control the countryside for miles. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 600 F, 400 S | -------------------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | -------------------------------------------------------------------------| Description: +3 Castle Range, garrisoned infantry fires arrows in Castle | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Even though the lack sufficient archers and the BRACER upgrade, CRENELLATIONS regains the strength of Teuton range and firepower. If you can spare that extra 400 Stone, Teuton Castles can have a maximum range of 13, which is awesome. For the Teutons, this is probably necessary if you don't have archer civ allies. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - ARTILLERY (Turks) =////////////////// Early firearms and cannons were operated by professionals and mercenaries who worked for the high bidder. In the late Middle Ages, the high bidder was often the Turks who controlled important trade routes to the East. This gave the Turks important experience with these new weapons that they used with effect against Constantinople and other Christian citadels. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost: 450 S, 500 G | -----------------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age(at Castle) | -----------------------------------------------------------------------| Description: +2 Bombard Tower range, Bombard Cannons, Cannon Galleons | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Undoubtably, experts who play this game love that Turk tech, ARTILLERY. It makes the Turks seem almost invincible. With long ranged Towers that can snipe down Bombard Cannons and Castles, it is a great addition to conquest and defense. Bombard Cannons can have up to 15 range, which is very lethal. As in a naval fight, your Turkish Cannon Galleons have the longest range for any unit in the game, 17. They can shoot down Trebuchets and hit ships from a mile distance. =\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ - BESERKERGANG (Vikings) =/////////////////////// The extreme fit or form of madness that seemed to overcome Viking Beserks was known as the Beserkergang. It was described as beginning with a chill, shivering, and chattering of teeth. Then the body temperature seemed to soar, swelling the face and turning it red. Now fully enraged, a man attaining this state would howl like a wild animal, go apparently mad(witnesses report the biting of a shield), and cut down everyone they met indiscriminately. When the rage had passed, the Beserk fell into a torpor or depression that may have lasted for days. ------------------------------------------------------------ Cost: 500 F, 850 G | ------------------------------------------------------------| Available: Imperial Age (at Castle) | ------------------------------------------------------------| Description: Beserks regenerate HP faster. | ------------------------------------------------------------ Unfortunately for the Vikings, they are plagued by a crappy unique tech. Regenerating HP is still slow for their Beserks, this tech doesn't seem to help much. Plus, there is no use in regenerating HP unless you must save up Beserks and conserve your resources. They will still die from multiple hits from charges of Cavalry, or even showers of arrows. ============================================================================== /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\II. M I S C A L L E N E O U S I N F O /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ ============================================================================== 1. Corrections________________________________________________________________ If there are any corrections in this guide to be made, e-mail the error at ultimaweapon2k@netscape.net. I would appreciate any corrections and suggestions made. If you would also like to email me questions, feel free to do so. Give me time to answer if possible. 2. Credits____________________________________________________________________ I have played Age Of Empires II and The Conquerors expansion since they first came out. The world of AOK and TC has a lot to explore, and lots of experimenting you can do in the game. Thus, I have enjoyed the game and still enjoyed playing the game. When I stop playing, I'll never know... Thanks to the following sources and people for help on my guide... -- "Age of Empires II :: Age of Kings" and "The Conquerors" manuals From the official game manuals, I received historical background info on the units in the game. -- GameFAQs :: Thanks to Jeff "CJayC" Veasey for posting my guide. -- Ensemble Studios :: Thanks for making Age of Empires II such a great game. I have been playing since it came out, and still play. -- AGE OF EMPIRES II GAMERS :: Thanks for playing the game. -- Quircus0105@aol.com :: Thanks for pointing out the mistake with the Mayan unique tech. Thanks for reading too! -- Me :: I wrote the FAQ! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================== COPYRIGHTą2002 Andy Banh =========================== ------------------------ All Rights Reserved -------------------------------