This article is about the scenario in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Victors and Vanquished. For the hero, see Charlemagne (unit). |
โ | On the death of Pepin the Short, the Frankish kingdom is divided between his two sons, Charles and Carloman. Only one of these two men will, by force and iron, become Europe's most famous and influential king. | โ |
—In-game scenario description |
Charlemagne is one of the scenarios in the Victors and Vanquished campaign in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Victors and Vanquished. In this scenario, the player plays as the Franks and the player color is blue.
Intro[]
In the year 768, Pepin, King of the Franks, son of Charles Martel, and favorite of the Pope, died on campaign.
By Frankish law, the Franks and their lands were divided between his two sons. The younger of these, Carloman, was given the largest portion.
Perhaps Pepin had intended his young son to succeed him. Though the other son, Charles, was elder, he had been born out of wedlock. In addition, Pepinโs own elder brother had stepped aside so that Pepin could become king.
At worst, the two brothers would find a way to share their power.
But what were a fatherโs intentions compared to the strength of one manโs will and iron?
Scenario instructions[]
Starting conditions[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Objectives[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Hints[]
- You have a population limit of 150 and are restricted to the Castle Age until you complete certain optional objectives. You cannot train gunpowder units.
- Attacking and killing Carloman is an option, but finding a way for him to die while remaining his ally will allow you to seize his territory and army intact.
- Each faction you defeat provides bonuses.
- Find scholars (Monks with Relics) to enrich your civilization. Some of them live among your enemies but your enemies will not attack them.
- The Pope's blessings will make Charlemagne fight with righteous fury. Bring him to Rome when able. If Charlemagne dies before visiting the Pope and finding scholars, however, the Imperial Age will become inaccessible.
- If building a Wonder, be sure to construct in France, near your starting location. Building elsewhere will be invalid.
Scouts[]
- Charles, or Karl, is destined to be known as Charlemagne, but he does not yet rule alone. He shares the kingship of the Franks with his younger brother Carloman (Red). Charles must find a way for his brother to meet a timely death so that he can seize his territory. Then, he must contend with threats on four different fronts.
- To the northeast are the wild forests of Saxony. Defeating the Saxons (Grey) will be like trying to hold a river or the wind in one's hands. Their dense forests are filled with fearsome Saxon infantry.
- To the east are the Avars (Orange), nomadic horsemen from the steppe. Their khagan rules from a great ring fortress somewhere in the east. The Avars fight as cavalry and Cavalry Archers.
- To the south, the Lombards (Yellow) block most routes to Rome. The Lombards fight as infantry, cavalry, and archers.
- To the southwest, the Umayyads rule across the Pyrenees Mountains. Charles' grandfather, Charles Martel, once defeated an invasion by their cavalry, but they remain a powerful and technologically advanced foe. If Charles can overcome them, he may be able to use their learning. The Umayyads fight as cavalry and camelry.
- Several minor factions (Cyan) inhabit nearby lands. Defeating them provides access to resources. Charles' cousin, Tassilo, rules in Bavaria, from where he opposes Charles. He may need to be brought to heel.
- Finally, the Pope (Purple) resides in Rome, a city that has seen far better days. Nonetheless, any aspiring emperor should visit the city at least once.
Players[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Player[]
- Player ( Franks):
Ally[]
- Pope ( Italians):
Ally (Possible Enemy)[]
- Carloman ( Franks):
Enemies[]
- Saxons ( Goths):
- Lombards ( Italians):
- Umayyads ( Berbers):
- Avars ( Cumans):
- Minor Factions ( Franks):
Strategy[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Outro[]
On Christmas day of the year 800, Charles knelt at an altar in Rome to pray.
To his apparent surprise, as he bent his head, the Pope placed a bejeweled crown upon him. He was anointed Emperor of Rome.
Trivia[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Historical comparison[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |