The Otontin Slinger is a cheap light infantry unit with a fast rate of attack. Similar to European the Crossbowman, it is best used against heavy infantry units. It is the weakest and cheapest Aztec unit, but it is the only light infantry unit that the Aztecs have. The Otontin Slinger is best used in the Commerce Age when the majority of armies are composed of infantry. In the later ages it can be defeated easily by cavalry and artillery, though they can still be very useful against heavy infantry units, especially if well protected.
The Otontin Slinger is one of the weakest and cheapest light infantry units in the game, along with the Crossbowman, the Strelet, and the Chu Ko Nu. It requires several Home City Cards and technologies to boost its combat strength.
Though the Otontin Slinger does not use a bow, it benefits from technologies that affect archers and foot archers.
With update 13.58326, Otontin Slingers have a ×2.5 ranged multiplier against light cavalry and ranged shock infantry, ×0.6 vs. cavalry and ×0.5 vs. shock infantry.
With update 14.43676, Otontin Slingers have a ×0.6 ranged multiplier against shock infantry and, although not listed in the patch notes, the Legendary Otontin Slingers upgrade received a new model.
Trivia[]
In Aztec society, the Macehualtin were the common social class, farmers that were given basic military training and were expected to serve as soldier levies when called upon. While the majority of Macehualtin returned to their normal lives between campaigns, they were also free to become career soldiers. Those Macehualtin that chose a military career could eventually become honorary nobility. Aztec men that failed to take any captive by the end of their third campaign were shamed in Aztec society.
The Otontin or Otomi are a non-Nahua Mesoamerican people. After their conquest by the Aztecs, the victors were so impressed with their fighting that they adopted their name and uniform for the Aztec warriors who had captured five prisoners in battle. Modern historians often have trouble determining when an account refers to Aztec Otontin warriors and when to ethnic Otontins.
The sling used by the Otontin Slinger was known as Tematlatl, which is made of agave fibers, better known for being the ingredient for tequila drink, and throws egg-shaped projectiles known as "glands" made of dry mud with obsidian leaves inside.
The armor worn by the Otontin Slinger was known as Ichcahuīpīlli, which is made of cotton and salt; the latter was applied by immersing the armor in saltwater and dried multiple times, and worn under the Aztec warriors' decorative suits.
The shield used by the Otontin Slinger is known as Chīmalli, which is made of wood with complex decorative components, sometimes with gold depending on the Aztec warrior's rank.
The weapon used by the Otontin Slinger while hand attacking is called Quauholōlli, a hammer made of a wood stick with a stone, bronze or hardwood ball in the end.
Champion/Legendary Otontin Slingers resembles the Papalotl, a military rank given to warriors that have taken 3 captives, and which is distinguished by the butterfly decorations in their back (Papalotl means "butterfly" in Classical Nahuatl).
History[]
“
In Aztec society, membership in the calpulli established each individual's religious and secular schooling, as well as how they would be trained in warfare. The men of a calpulli served together in battle and on the numerous public works projects. Their soldiers wielded weapons of wood and stone, and they often sought prisoners to be sacrificed in religious ceremonies.
The macehualtin, who comprised the majority of the Aztec population, labored as farmers, tradesmen, and merchants. During times of war and conquest, they took up arms as needed.
”
Gallery[]
An in-game Otontin Slinger
An in-game Elite Otontin Slinger
An in-game Champion/Legendary Otontin Slinger
Otontin Slinger model
Elite Otontin Slinger model
Champion/Legendary Otontin Slinger model
Otontin Slinger in melee mode, using the Quauholōlli.
Otontin Slinger image from the Compendium section
An in-game Otontin Slinger in the Definitive Edition
An in-game Elite Otontin Slinger in the Definitive Edition
An in-game Champion Otontin Slinger in the Definitive Edition
An in-game Legendary Otontin Slinger in the Definitive Edition since update 14.43676