Armed with a spear, the Puma Spearman is effective against cavalry and buildings. It is the Aztec version of the European Pikeman, stronger in combat (50% more attack, 12,5% more hit points and double melee resistance) but slightly more expensive and costing food and coin rather than food and wood. Pikemen cannot be upgraded beyond Veteran level and are replaced by Halberdiers in later Ages. Puma Spearmen, on the other hand, have access to Elite, Champion, and Legendary upgrades. Even though they have less health than a Halberdier they have a greater multiplier against cavalry. The "Temple of Xochipilli Support" Home City Card (increases speed to 6) make them even more dangerous because it allows them to better defend Otontin Slingers from flanking cavalry or defend villagers from raiding.
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.
To the Aztecs, the puma was a respected predator and held religious significance within their pantheon of gods. The Spanish recorded that Montezuma kept a puma-like creature called the cuitlamiztli (or wolf-cat) in his private zoo. Mexican legends refer to the existence of the onza, a long-legged and extremely aggressive cat native to the region.
Elite Puma Spearmen
Champion Puma Spearmen
Legendary Puma Spearmen
Cree Tanning (+5%)
Maya Cotton Armor (+20%)
Navajo Weaving (+5%)
Carib Kasiri Beer (+10%)
Mapuche Tactics (+50% siege attack)
Zapotec Cult of the Dead (+20%)
Yoga (+5%)
Master Lessons (+10%)
Incan Road-building (+20%)
Apache Endurance (+5%)
Incan Chasquis Messengers (-25%)
Barometz (ships 1 Puma Spearman for every 2 minutes of the game time up to 30 minutes)
Meritocracy (-20% upgrade cost)
