Emperor in a Barrel is a non-combatant hero unit in Age of Empires II. It represents the pickled body of the dead Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in a barrel on a loaded European Trade Cart. The goal of Barbarossa's crusaders is to bury him under the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which is at that time ruled by Muslims. As a hero, the Emperor in a Barrel cannot be converted and can regenerate health (since The Conquerors).
The Emperor in a Barrel can be used to trade like a regular Trade Cart. It uses the reverted sprites, though. When it is returning gold, the Cart is visually empty, and when it is on the way to another Market to get gold, it appears to be full. Also, Caravan does not affect the Emperor in a Barrel.
Campaign appearances[]
Barbarossa[]
- The Emperor Sleeping: Barbarossa's men are intent on bringing Barbarossa's body to the Dome of the Rock building in Jerusalem.
Prithviraj[]
- The Elopement: Prithviraj and Sanyogita escape Kannauj inside a cart that's actually an Emperor in a Barrel. After the escape from the city, they abandon the cart.
El Dorado[]
- Tales of La Canela: The two trade carts within Quito are renamed Emperor in a Barrel, facilitating trade between the native Incas and the Spanish occupiers.
Battles of the Forgotten[]
- Cyprus: In the HD Edition version, Joan of England's belongings are represented by a renamed Emperor in a Barrel. It needs to be transported along with Richard and Joan onto a ship set for Cyprus.
Suryavarman I[]
- A Dangerous Mission: The Grand Chariot, a renamed Emperor in a Barrel, represents the Khmer Empire's tribute to the Chola Empire and must be brought to the western port.
Algirdas and Kestutis[]
- In the Shadow of the Throne: The Ransom Cart used to pay for Jogaila's freedom is actually a modified Emperor in a Barrel.
Rajendra[]
- Rising Star: The Grand Chariot once again represents the Khmer Empire's tribute to the Chola Empire and must be brought to the Chola lands in southern India.
Battle for Greece[]
- Wrath of the Regent: The Cart carrying the Statue of Helios is a modified Emperor in a Barrel. Upon being captured it is requested by both Pausanias and Polycritus. If given to the former, the Statue will reappear in Pyres on the Coast, having been brought there by the Spartans. if given to the latter, Pausanias will become hostile for a short period of time.
Liu Bei[]
- Heroes of the Realm: Three Emperors in a Barrel renamed as Wine Barrel Carts serve as a side objective of this scenario. If Zhang Fei decides to recover his wine from the bandits in the north and sell it for the cause, he will have the option of spending the profits on Iron Casting or Bracer to strengthen his sworn brother's troops.
Alexander the Great[]
- Unto the Breach: If Alexander captures the Achaemenid arms from the Royal Island, the arms will be transported in a Weapon Cart, which is a renamed Emperor in a Barrel. They can be brought back to the main camp to use, or sent to Delphi.
Gallery[]
Many views of the Emperor in a Barrel in the Definitive Edition.
