This would be my sketchy design for the implementation of a Malian civ into AoE IV. I would appreciate suggestions on how to make this civilization more balanced as well as any other feedback.
THE EMPIRE OF THE MALINKE (1230-1670 AD)
The Malinke are a Mande-speaking people native to the Sahelian region of West Africa. They are most famous for establishing the empire of Mali, one of the wealthiest empires not only in the region but also in the entire medieval world. Some scholars have even estimated that its most famous Mansa (Emperor), Mansa Musa, was the richest man to have ever lived, with a net worth equivalent to $400 billion today (for comparison, Elon Musk, the current richest man, has “only” $288.9 billion).
BONUSES
- Malinke villagers mine gold at a 25% faster rate.
- Malinke traders return 20% more gold and move faster.
- Malinke archers and crossbowmen have enhanced attack due to poisoned arrows.
- Malinke can build a special structure called the Ranch, which is similar to the Mongols’ Pasture, except they raise cattle instead of sheep. Cattle cost about 15 gold each and cannot be herded in from the wilderness, but they provide 400 food each instead of the sheep’s 250.
- Malinke fortifications cost ~33% less stone, although they have fewer hitpoints.
LANDMARKS
The Malinke landmarks are all based on the caste system ubiquitous among Mande-speaking societies in West Africa, with each representing one of the professional castes (or nyamakala) in Mande society.
Nyamakala of Blacksmiths (Age II): A special Blacksmith that heals surrounding units and provides technological upgrades at a 20% discount.
Nyamakala of Leatherworkers (Age II): Raises all unit armor by 10%.
Nyamakala of Djeli (Age III): Allows you to train the Djeli.
Nyamakala of Potters (Age III): Raises building hitpoints and allows villages to carry 5+ of any resource.
Nyamakala of Hunters (Age IV): Reduces the cost of archer and gunpowder units (e.g. the Dozo) by 20%.
Nyamakala of Scholars (Age IV): A special University with accelerated research speeds.
UNIQUE UNITS
- Cattle, special livestock that must be raised at the ranch.
- Djeli (or griot), a traveling musician who increases unit speed and attack rates within his surrounding radius.
- Dozo, a huntsman armed with a primitive firearm that has superior range and speed to the default Hand Cannoneer.
- Farimba, a replacement for the knight with both ranged and melee capabilities.
WONDER
The Malinke wonder will be the Great Mosque at Djenne, as pictured below.
