I feel like all the Aztec gods are too similar; there aren’t any major differences between them. I think Jaguar Riders should be available earlier (obviously not with their Mythic Age stats), and that would make playing these gods more fun for people who like raids or cavalry. At least one of them should have access to them earlier—Tezcatlipoca makes the most sense, because he has upgrades for them.
Edited: The idea I have in mind is that Tezcatlipoca’s unique technology affecting jaguar riders could allow them to be trained one age earlier, in the Heroic Age.
Aztecs are supposed to be a civ without cavalry since they never had cavalry historically. The Jaguar Rider is a special bonus unit that can only be trained in the Mythic Age to not water down this identity.
Why train Coyote Warriors if you can train the much stronger and more versatile Jaguar Rider.
The Greek human unique units, Atlantean Fanatics and Chinese Tiger Cavalry are also Mythic Age only. It’s kinda the Norse, Egyptians and Japanese who are an exception here with only getting Siege and Myth Units.
I understand that this civ didn’t have cavalry, but we also have to keep in mind that this is a game and it’s supposed to be fun to attract players and keep the game alive (no game represents reality 100% because that would make it boring).
For that reason, I suggested that at least one Aztec god should be able to train them earlier, in order to preserve the essence of the Aztec civ.
But then 2 major gods could get it…. I don’t think tech like Rhea is a good idea, its better that these things are linked to a Major god identity than a minor god, because then the balance of the minor god don’t depend on the unit itself.
Because the design and concept of the jaguar rider are very appealing and already implemented, it would just be a matter of adding that last part, which isn’t very complicated. I’m sure there are other people besides me who would like to enjoy them in earlier ages, since anyone who plays AOM Retold knows that in most matches you don’t reach the Mythic Age. Also, it wouldn’t apply to all gods, just one with the ability to train them earlier, so there’s more variety instead of only training infantry or archers like all Aztec gods currently do.
Fair, they can go multiple ways about it. They can tie it to a mayor god, but since its a one off unit its less important, like nuwa for example that has 2 cav units to use.
Tying to a minor god would also help the worse of the 3,which ever one it is or which ever god doesnt stack techs on its direct competition.