Summary:
In the Dynasties of the East DLC, when playing as Macedonian Dynasty (Byzantines variant), converting an enemy Byzantine villager with a Monk allows the converted villager to build original Byzantine-exclusive buildings (e.g., Cistern, Mercenary House, Blacksmith, University). The player can also produce mercenaries with silver at Mercenary House and research standard Blacksmith (attack/defense) and University technologies normally unavailable to Macedonian Dynasty.
Expected Behavior:
Converted enemy villagers should only build Macedonian Dynasty buildings/techs. They should not retain access to the original civilization’s unique buildings (e.g., no Cistern/Olive Grove system for Byzantines) or exclusive tech trees.Actual Behavior:
Converted Byzantine villagers behave as if they are still Byzantine:
Can construct Cistern, Mercenary House, Blacksmith, University.
Mercenary House allows silver-based mercenary production.
Blacksmith: Research standard attack/defense upgrades.
University: Research standard University technologies.
This gives Macedonian Dynasty unintended access to Byzantine mechanics, creating imbalance.
Reproduction Steps (100% Reproducible):
Launch Skirmish/Custom game.
Player 1: Macedonian Dynasty (Dynasties of the East DLC required).
Player 2: Byzantines (AI on Easy).
Map: Dry Arabia (or any standard land map).
Start in Feudal Age (for quick Monastery access).
Player 1: Build Monastery → Train 1 Monk.
Send Monk to harass enemy Byzantine villagers near their base.
Convert 1 enemy Byzantine villager (use Relic if needed for conversion success).
Select the converted villager:
Check build menu → Can queue Byzantine Cistern, Mercenary House, Blacksmith, University.
Build one (e.g., Blacksmith) → Confirm it appears and functions.
Inside Blacksmith: Research any attack/defense tech (e.g., +1 Melee Damage).
Build University → Research any tech (e.g., Chemistry).
Build Mercenary House → Produce mercenaries with silver.
Observe: Buildings/techs work fully, bypassing Macedonian limitations (e.g., Varangian Arsenal instead of standard Blacksmith/University).