Hardened by devastating invasions, political instability, and long, bitter winters, the Rus were built for survival. Masters of hunting, trade, and wooden construction, they would rebuild their broken realm, as their leaders fought to birth a new empire under Moscow
Hunting Grounds[]
Accumulate 50 bounty by hunting Sheep, Deer, or Boar in the Dark Age (I).
- Rewards
- Rus Forester Portrait
- Fun Fact: The Forest Provides
Fun Fact: The Forest Provides
Russia's vast forested plains made wood abundantly available to rural settlers, who used it for everything from buildings to cutlery. Simple interlocking joinery meant that nails weren't required, so construction was cheap and fast. Wood did have one drawback, however: fire. But thanks to rapid construction techniques, a burned village could be quickly rebuilt, time and again.
Foresters[]
Construct 4 Lumber Camp within the range of influence of a Wooden Fortress.
- Rewards
- Rounded Banner Shape
- Fun Fact: The Wolf Hunt
Fun Fact: The Wolf Hunt
Wolves had long been regarded as dangerous creatures with mystical properties, and by the 11th century, wolf hunting was widely practiced. Teams of "beaters" with wolfhounds would flush a wolf from the forest towards mounted hunters, poised for the kill. Whether in the name of protection, payment, or medicinal ingredients, wolves were a compelling target for medieval hunters.
Rus Novice[]
Win a game as the Rus.
- Rewards
- Boar Portrait
- Fun Fact: Battle on the Ice
Fun Fact: Battle on the Ice
In 1242, on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus, the Rus prince Alexander Nevsky mustered an army to face the invading forces of northern Europe. The enemy charged over the ice, but found their heavy armor cumbersome in the slippery conditions, and retreated after taking many losses. Alexander defended the western Rus frontier many times, and was later made a saint.
On The Wild Side[]
Accrue 250 Gold from Hunting Cabins in the Dark Age (I).
- Rewards
- Elena Glinskaya Portrait
- Fun Fact: The Fur Trade
Fun Fact: The Fur Trade
Russia's cold norther forests were inhabited by many creatures with thick and durable coats. Small mammals such as ermine, fox, and squirrel were hunted for the booming fur trade. But the most prized fur was sable. Desired for its deep colors, softness and scarcity, it fetched a princely sum. It was so precious it could even be offered in tribute.
Note: Because the Bounty mechanic was updated since the game's release, it is no longer possible to progress this mastery level in campaign scenarios.
Birch Barricades[]
Construct 25 Fortified Palisade Walls with Villagers in the Dark Age (I).
- Rewards
- Boar's Head Sigil
- Fun Fact: The Moscow Kremlin
Fun Fact: The Moscow Kremlin
Moscow's kremlin changed dramatically during the middle ages. Its walls were repeatedly refortified following raids from the steppe, and several devastating fires. Each reconstruction saw it grow in size, power and grandeur. New palaces and cathedrals were added, rising ever higher and gleaming with golden domes. from humble beginnings it became the powerful center of the new capital.
Frontier Trading[]
Use the Golden Gate Landmark to make 5 trades in the Feudal Age (II).
- Rewards
- Rus Scout Portrait
- Fun Fact: A Crowded Winter
Fun Fact: A Crowded Winter
Medieval Rus peasants eked out a harsh existence. During the frigid six-month winter, villagers would bring their lifestock inside to live with them in their modest huts. But life in close quarters could leave both animals and people vulnerable to disease. Many animals would be lost but enough might survive the deep freeze to repopulate the pasture in the spring.
Rus Apprentice[]
Win 2 games as the Rus.
- Rewards
- Forester Monument
- Fun Fact: Rivals for the Throne
Fun Fact: Rivals for the Throne
Under Mongol suzerainty, the Rus principalities paid vast amounts of tribute to the Golden Horde, mostly in silver. The khan would appoint the most generous and capable prince as Grand Prince of all Rus. Rival princes fought bitterly for this title, and for the khan's approval, even resorting to murdering one another.
Day and Knight[]
Defeat 15 enemies with Early Knights in the Feudal Age (II).
- Rewards
- Olga of Kiev Portrait
- Fun Fact: The Monk and The Mongol
Fun Fact: The Monk and The Mongol
Legend has it that moments before the Battle of Kulikovo, a duel of two champions shook the field. The muscovite warrior monk Alexander Peresvet faced off against a Mongol "giant". But as the two clashed head-on, both warriors struck one another, falling to their deaths before the battle had even begun
Divinity[]
Defeat 20 enemies with units affected by Saint's Blessing.
- Rewards
- Hand Ax Sigil
- Fun Fact: The Trading Square
Fun Fact: The Trading Square
Moscow's medieval market or "torg" was located beside its Kremlin, on the site known today as Red Square. it housed row upon row of traders of various crafts, from locally made clothing and metal products to exotic foreign imports. In the winter, there were so many stalls that they sometimes spilled out onto the frozen surface of the Moskva River.
Mount the Attack[]
Research Boyar's Fortitude and then defeat 30 enemies with cavalry.
- Rewards
- Rus Horse Archer Portrait
- Fun Fact: Wandering Town
Fun Fact: Wandering Town
The Russian Gulyay-Gorod was an important defensive fortification. Mounted on wheels, large wooden shields could be maneuvered around a battlefield. They often protected the more vulnerable troops, such as the Streltsy musketeers, whose weapons took a long time to reload. These "wandering towns" were a simple way to maintain a strong position.
Rus Adept[]
Win 5 games as the Rus.
- Rewards
- Rus Streltsy Portrait
- Streltsy Monument
- Fun Fact: The Reign of Elena
Fun Fact: The Reign of Elena
Ivan IV inherited the throne at the age of just 3. His mother, Elena Glinskaya, capably ruled Muscovy in his place. But there were those who sought to remove her, and only 5 years into her regency, she was found dead. Raised amid such deadly intrigue, her orphaned son would become the fearsome tsar known today as "Ivan the Terrible."
Lay Siege[]
Research two upgrades from the High Armory and produce 20 siege engines in the Imperial Age (IV).
- Rewards
- Druzhina Knight Portrait
- Seal of Ivan Sigil
- Fun Fact: Rise and Fall of the Streltsy
Fun Fact: Rise and Fall of the Streltsy
Streltsy musketeers provided moscow with great victories thanks to the power of gunpowder. Often recruited from villages, they received good pay and a higher status. But government overspending saw the money run dry. The Streltsy rebelled time and again, but were put down, some enduring imprisonment and torture. Eventually, the surviving musketeers submitted and joined the standing army.
Black Powder[]
Research Chemistry and then defeat 30 enemies with Streltsy.
- Rewards
- Rus Warrior Monk Portrait
- Fun Fact: The Boyars
Fun Fact: The Boyars
The boyars were an elite class of noble landowners in medieval Russia. Gathering in a special council, they advised the tsar on important state matters and approved certain laws. In echange for this influence, they provided military service to the tsar. At the height of their power, the boyars were a commanding force in both politics and warfare.
Ours is the Glory[]
Achieve a Sacred Victory with fully upgraded Warrior Monks.
- Rewards
- Ivan the Terrible Portrait
- Fun Fact: The Tsar and the Church
Fun Fact: The Tsar and the Church
The medieval Russian Orthodox Church made saints of a number of muscovite princes. The descendants of Dmitry Donskoy were enshrined as the only line of legitimate rulers, and were considered divinely appointed. The church cemented the tsar's authority, saying, "In body, the king is a man, but in power he is as God."
Rus Master[]
Win 10 games as the Rus.
- Rewards
- Right Quadrant Banner Pattern
- Warrior Monk Monument
- Fun Fact: Fear and Control
Fun Fact: Fear and Control
Ivan IV "the Terrible" is remembered for gruesome deeds. Exaggerated concerns over security drove him to secure his own rule by eliminating his rivals. It's said that he threw one contender to the dogs, and made another commit suicide by drinking poison. To his harsh acts were added even bloodier legends, such as Ivan blinding the architects of St. Basil's Cathedral so that they could not build anything so beautiful for anyone else.
Masteries in Age of Empires IV | |
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