Greetings everyone; I hope you are all doing well. Some time ago, I was reviewing the Latin American revolutions in AoE III and realized that several of them aren’t fully represented as they should be, or they lack sufficient content. I’ve always felt these revolutions were incomplete—whether due to a lack of specific art assets for the units they aim to portray or a shortage of historically accurate units from that era. So, I’m sharing some ideas here that could be implemented to flesh out the Latin American revolutions, making them feel more complete and better aligned with the historical events that followed each country’s independence. I’ve done extensive research into the independence eras and subsequent events for each nation. I hope to represent all my fellow Latin Americans respectfully in this post; like them, I want our countries to be well-represented in AoE III. With everyone’s permission, I am attaching the new Home City cards and units for each revolution below. I should note that I’ll cover the remaining countries—such as Mexico and Canada—in a future post, as the United States is already well-developed, and this post focuses on our South American neighbors.
1 - We begin with the Gran Colombia revolution: new cards have been added to the Home City; the Llaneros have been updated with a new card, the old Llanero cards have been removed, and the Independent Guard has been eliminated—consequently, the Musketeers will remain in their usual, long-standing role. A new unit has been added: the National Guard. This new unit takes the place formerly held by the Independent Guard, meaning the National Guard will now serve as the revolutionary unit for the Colombians.
National Guard: Fulfills the role of the crossbowman and takes the place of the revolutionaries; can be created in urban centers, barracks, and forts. Crossbowmen are removed from the barracks. The National Guard was responsible for protecting the new cities following independence; these local militias consisted of battle-hardened peasants who lacked proper military equipment, as they did not hold the social status of the major liberation armies of the era. Consequently, if an invading army outnumbered them, they would act as messengers, traveling from city to city to summon the necessary aid to repel the invasion more effectively.
Enable the Paisanos in your urban center. Following the independence of Gran Colombia, the rural sector underwent various cultural shifts that altered the nation’s trajectory; for instance, the focus shifted from the Viceroyalty-era mining model to a flourishing agrarian and coffee-based economy. Additionally, musical genres from Europe were adapted to suit popular tastes—one such genre being the Colombian Bambuco, a lively tune featuring the harp as its lead instrument. It was the Paisanos who introduced many of these changes to the region; these hardworking rural folk employed a distinctive way of speaking that blended Castilian Spanish with Latin American Spanish dialects. Paisanos generate an aura that boosts resource gathering, with the yield increasing as more of them work in the same location. Send 6 Paisanos. Francisco de Paula Santander:
Deploys the Army of New Granada. He sends 3 Napoleon Cannons, 12 Irregular Militia, 8 Voltígeros de la Guardia, and 6 Colombian Dragoons. Cost: 1,200 gold. Carga Llanera:
Replaces your Lancers at the Stables and upgrades them to Llaneros. Llaneros are slightly weaker than Lancers but compensate with a faster attack; they can also gather from livestock and build livestock pens. Llaneros receive a new appearance, and their training cost changes to 120 Food. The llaneros were mounted militias employed during the wars of liberation in South America; these military units fought under the command of the most renowned generals of the independence movement—figures of great importance such as General Simón Bolívar, General Francisco de Paula Santander, and General José María Córdova. The llaneros remained active as a military unit until nearly the end of the 19th century, making them one of the longest-serving military units of the entire independence era. Send 16 Llaneros. Lanceros:
this card adds +20% melee attack to all cavalry armed with lances and also grants a bonus against infantry; this card replaces the Spanish Caballeros card. Regiment of Pardos and Morenos:
Enable the training of Pardos at Barracks, replacing Halberdiers. The Pardos possesses the “Halberd Attack” ability. The Pardos and Morenos Regiment was a historic military unit composed of people of African descent, free mulattoes, and freed Black individuals. Its history is documented across multiple regions of the Americas, notably including its key participation in the independence campaigns of Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. Send 12 Pardos. Irregular Resistance:
Enable the Irregular Militia, replacing Pikemen at the Barracks. The Irregular Militia boasts a 5% faster attack speed; these units were pivotal in the Wars of Independence, forming the core of the liberation armies. Composed entirely of armed peasants, their primary weapon was the machete. Send 20 Irregular Militia. Battle of Ayacucho:
Enable the Voltígero de la Guardia, who replace standard skirmishers. The Battle of Ayacucho was the largest and most significant engagement of the final campaigns of the Spanish American wars of independence, fought between the armies of the republics of Peru and Colombia and that of the Kingdom of Spain. This battle marked the debut of the newly formed Batallón de Voltígeros de la Guardia, which played a crucial role in securing the victory. Sends 12 Voltígeros de la Guardia. Liberating Army:
Allows the Presidential Guard to be recruited from barracks, replacing standard musketeers; the unit’s cost changes to 90 food and 80 gold and a population cost of 2 units. Created by Simón Bolívar himself, the Presidential Guard fought in the most important battles of the South American wars of independence. The Presidential Guard consists of powerful riflemen who regenerate health points while also serving as Simón Bolívar’s personal bodyguard. Sends 10 Presidential Guard units. Liberating Escort:
Enable Colombian Hussars and Dragoons, which replace standard Hussars and Dragoons in the stables. Simón Bolívar reorganized the old hussars and dragoon regiments—formerly in the service of the Spanish Crown—and designated them the Colombian Hussars and Dragoon Regiment; these new regiments fought during and after the independence of Gran Colombia and remained in service until nearly the end of the 19th century. Sends 6 Colombian Hussars and 6 Colombian Dragoons. Battle of Carabobo:
Grants all your cavalry and artillery 5% more speed and 10% more hit points, and sends 10 powerful Hussars of Junín from the neighboring country of Peru to support the cause. The Battle of Carabobo was the decisive military engagement that determined the course of the South American war for independence.
2 - Secondly, we have the Peruvian Revolution, which introduces changes to its Home City cards, resulting in the following setup: the Peruvian Guard, Junín Hussars, and Morochucos cards are replaced, while the Vaqueros, Insurgents, Citizenship and Machu Picchu shipment cards have been removed.
Enables cholos in the urban center. Cholos are Peruvian peasants who are direct descendants of the Incas and other Andean indigenous peoples; they possess extensive knowledge of agriculture and hunting. Cholos a raise llamas in corrals; they also gain a +20% bonus to food gathering. Send 6 cholos. Mariscal Ramón Castilla:
The Patron of the Cavalry Arm deploys the Peruvian Army: he dispatches 12 Junín Hussars, 14 Union Dragoons, 2 Horse Artillery units, and 2 Culverins. Cost: 1,500 gold. Andean Cowboys:
Enables Morochucos at the Stable. The Morochuco is a Peruvian cowboy armed with a pistol; he attacks by firing four shots in rapid succession and possesses a bonus against heavy cavalry and artillery. He can also build livestock corrals and gather resources from livestock, and benefits from Dragoon cards. The morochuco has a new look. Send 16 Morochucos. Peruvian Irregular Militia:
Enables the Peruvian Militia, which replaces pikemen and crossbowmen at the barracks. The Peruvian Militia features a ranged musket attack, as well as a melee attack using machetes and axes. The militias of the Peruvian Army were more disciplined and better armed than their Colombian counterparts, as Peru was the epicenter of Spanish viceregal power in South America at the onset of the independence movements in the early 19th century. Sends 16 Peruvian Militias Units. Peruvian Line Infantry Regiment:
Enables Light Infantry in barracks, replacing standard skirmishers. Light infantry played a pivotal role in the history of the Peruvian army; this military corps existed from the era of the Viceroyalty of Peru through the post-independence period, with these troops fighting in Peru’s major battles until the mid-19th century. Deploys 12 Light Infantry units. Peruvian Guard:
Enable the Peruvian Legion at the barracks, replacing Musketeers; this unit’s cost changes to 100 Food and 80 Gold. The Peruvian Legion is a powerful musket-wielding grenadier unit with a bonus against buildings; the card also unlocks incendiary grenades. In its time, it was the most prestigious elite military unit in the Peruvian army, earning the title of Royal Guard of Peru and playing a fundamental role in Peru’s independence. Send 12 Peruvian Legion. Hussars of Junín:
Replaces the standard Hussars in the stables and upgrades them to Hussars of Junín. These units are more powerful and feature a new appearance; this cavalry corps was so significant that it was named by Simón Bolívar himself, who employed them in his liberation campaigns until the end of the war for independence. Following the conflict, they remained as the Peruvian Army’s royal guard. Send 12 Hussars of Junín. Union Dragoon Regiment:
Enables the recruitment of Union Dragoons at stables, replacing standard dragoons. This regiment was originally brought from Spain to combat the Peruvian independence insurgency; however, the unit eventually switched sides to support the cause of Peruvian independence, leading them to fight in various South American battles throughout the 19th century. The future Peruvian president Ramón Castilla served in its ranks. Sends 12 Union Dragoons. Regiment of Pardos and Morenos:
Enable the training of Pardos at Barracks, replacing Halberdiers. The Pardos possesses the “Halberd Attack” ability. The Pardos and Morenos Regiment was a historic military unit composed of people of African descent, free mulattoes, and freed Black individuals. Its history is documented across multiple regions of the Americas, notably including its key participation in the independence campaigns of Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. Send 12 Pardos.
3 - Thirdly, we have the Chilean Revolution; while it involves few changes to the metropolis deck, it brings major changes to the Chilean navy—the only cards replaced are the Salitrera, Fishing Fleet and Fish Market cards.
Sends 3 Settler Wagons; citizens can be trained at Town Centers for 70 gold; Settler Wagons can be trained at Mills for 100 wood and 70 gold, but take 40 seconds to train, and the Settler Wagon limit is 15; fishing boats can be trained at Docks. Salitrera:
Sends a wagon which transforms into a small saltpeter factory; this small facility automatically generates gold that fills your coffers. If you lose the Salitrera, you can order another one from your Town Center for a modest cost. Chilean Fleet:
Upgrades fishing boats into Lancha Chilota. These modern vessels allow the fishing boats operating them to work more efficiently when hunting whales or harvesting fish; the ships gather food and gold 20% faster and gain 15% more hit points, while also acquiring a ranged attack with a rate of fire of 16 points. New naval reforms helped prevent piracy and privateering in areas such as Puerto Montt and the coast of southern Chile. Send 6 Lanchas Chilotas. Bernardo O’Higgins:
Deploys the powerful Chilean expeditionary army for the liberation of South America. Sends 12 Hussars of Death, 12 Civic Battalion, and 1 Royal Cannon. Cost: 1,500 gold. Battle of Yungay:
Enables the deployment of Chilean Rotos from the barracks, replacing archaic infantry units (pikemen and crossbowmen). These Rotos are equipped with a rudimentary musket for ranged combat and wield their signature Corvo knife for melee engagements; such peasant militias fought on the front lines from 1810 onwards. They constituted the bulk of the Patriot Army, often fighting with makeshift weaponry—barefoot or lacking formal uniforms—yet driven by the fervor for independence. Their efforts were the driving force that tipped the scales in decisive engagements, such as the legendary Battle of Yungay. Send 16 Rotos. Civic Guard:
Enable the Civic Battalion at barracks, replacing the Musketeer. The Civic Battalion it features battle promotions that increase its strength with every defeated unit. This military corps was renowned for always being at the forefront of weaponry; Chilean generals consistently equipped the Civic Guard with modern European rifles and ostentatious military uniforms—which intimidated the enemy and lowered their troops’ morale. Chile emerged victorious in many 19th-century military conflicts, standing on equal footing with nations like France and Germany in terms of both logistics and weaponry. Send 12 Civic Battalion. Comblain Rifle:
Grants your musket units +2 range, +10% ranged damage; upgrades the civic battalion to imperial status. The Comblain was a Belgian single-shot, falling-block rifle firing metallic-cased cartridges from a rifled barrel; it was used by the Chilean army during the famous War of the Pacific. Border Guards:
Enables the Cazadores de la Escolta Directorial, which replace standard Dragoons in the Stables. The Cazadores de la Escolta Directorial regiment was responsible for protecting Chile’s Atacama Desert borders against foreign invasions during the 19th century; it played a significant role in various Chilean conflicts—such as the Antofagasta Campaign and the Battle of Calama—and also actively participated in the War of the Pacific. Sends 10 Cazadores de la Escolta Directorial. Prussian Brotherhood:
Enable the powerful Prussian Jäger at the Barracks—replacing Skirmishers—with a cost of 80 Food and 90 Gold and a population cost of 2 units. This German military corps was the result of a strong friendship between Germany and Chile in the mid-19th century; it became increasingly common for German citizens to adopt Chilean customs and nationality. These mercenaries fought for their new nation and gave unconditional support to their adopted homeland, transforming this great friendship into the famous Prussian Brotherhood. Send 10 Prussian Jäger.
4 - Fourth, we have the Argentine Revolution, which features several changes to its Home City cards; the following cards are being removed: Citizenship, Blandengues, Caballeros, Cattle Drivers, Granaderos, Hired Italian Elmetti, Criollos, Outlaw Band, and 7 Lancers. The Argentine Revolution is taking a new direction, designed to be represented by cavalry military forces.
All cavalry is 15% cheaper and trains 15% faster. British Invasion:
Following the British invasions of the Río de la Plata, your troops have secured modern British artillery that they have confiscated; send 3 Rockets and 1 Royal Cannon. Cost: 500 gold. Regiment of Pardos and Morenos:
Enable the training of Pardos at Barracks, replacing Halberdiers. The Pardos possesses the “Halberd Attack” ability. The Pardos and Morenos Regiment was a historic military unit composed of people of African descent, free mulattoes, and freed Black individuals. Its history is documented across multiple regions of the Americas, notably including its key participation in the independence campaigns of Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. Send 12 Pardos. Blandengues de Buenos Aires:
Enables the Blandengues—who replace Hussars and Uhlans in the stables—and also Enable Auxiliary Infantry, which replaces archaic infantry (crossbowmen and pikemen) in the barracks. Blandengue regiments were divided into two military corps: the first and most famous was the cavalry, and the second was the Auxiliary Infantry. These units were weak and very inexpensive compared to elite forces, which is why they were widely used at the time to defend Argentine frontiers against constant harassment by the Mapuche people—hostilities that were later mirrored by the British during the famous invasions of the Río de la Plata in the early 19th century. Blandengue cavalry is weak, resulting in a significantly lower cost compared to standard light cavalry, and it also takes up only one population slot. The Auxiliary Infantry is a unit that can be trained quickly; it uses a pike for melee combat and a musket for ranged attacks. Sends 10 Blandengues and 8 auxiliary infantry. Guerras Gauchas:
Enables Gauchos at the Town Center. All cavalry units gain +5% speed. Gauchos gain +15% lasso attack power and +15% health. The Gauchos can create cattle corrals and can collect food from them. Gauchos receive a new appearance. General Martín de Güemes’s new military reforms allowed peasants to defend themselves against the Royalist army and the viceroys—who viewed the Argentine people’s uprising with disfavor. This further stoked the revolutionary fire, leading other generals, such as San Martín, to join the Gaucho cause; the result was the most important maneuver of South American independence: the famous Crossing of the Andes, where San Martín’s independence army marched to liberate the peoples of South America. Sends 8 Gauchos. Ganaderia Argentina:
Gauchos can gather any resource and gain +10% gathering rate for all resources. Enables the prestigious Argentine Estancia, where you can gather food via farms or raise sheep and cattle. Estancias house 15 inhabitants and accommodate 15 gatherers; they feature unique technologies to improve food gathering and fatten livestock faster. The limit is 2 Estancias; if you lose one, you can order another from the Town Center for a modest price. Send an Estancia Wagon. Patricios Regiment:
Enables the Patricios regiment in barracks, replacing Musketeers. The Patricios were a military unit of urban militia created to defend cities against invasions or insurrections. They possess the “Urban Warfare” ability, allowing them to fire an initial shot at enemies from a greater distance; this prevents the enemy from inflicting damage until they close the gap, just as you deliver a second shot. Send 12 Patricios. Guerrilla Warfare:
Enables Montoneros at barracks, replacing standard skirmishers. The Montoneros were peasants dissatisfied with the new Argentine political regime; nevertheless, these ragtag peasant militias remained loyal to the cause when it came to defending the country. They fought in various historical events of post-independence Argentina, though following national conflicts, they would resume their guerrilla activities to continue fighting the government in the famous guerrilla wars of the 19th century—conflicts that extended into the early 20th century. Send 12 Montoneros. General Martín Miguel de Güemes:
Enables the Infernales de Güemes in the stables—replacing the Lancers. General Güemes created this formidable cavalry regiment to launch the revolution in the region; they achieved significant victories and established a resistance in northern Argentina that was crucial in enabling San Martín’s crossing of the Andes. The military tactic employed by this cavalry corps relied on attrition and psychological terror against the enemy. Send 12 Infernales de Güemes. San Martín’s Grenadiers:
Enables Mounted Grenadiers at the Stables. This powerful military corps was created by San Martín during the South American wars of independence; they feature a potent melee lance attack and a devastating grenade attack against buildings. Expensive to train as a versatile elite unit, they benefit from grenade technologies researched at the Artillery Foundry and from Home City cards that upgrade melee cavalry. Grenade upgrades are automatically enabled at the artillery foundry. Sends 10 Mounted Grenadiers. Light Dragoon Regiment:
Enables Argentine Light Dragoons, which replace standard dragoons in the stables. The Argentine Light Dragoon regiment represented the definitive attempt to maintain a military unit of this type, as other dragoon regiments had been disbanded due to either insurrection or a lack of combat experience; after several attempts, Argentina finally succeeded in establishing the Light Dragoons as an official regiment. This cavalry unit fought in various battles throughout 19th-century Argentine history. Send 12 Argentine Light Dragoons. Lanceros:
this card adds +20% melee attack to all cavalry armed with lances and also grants a bonus against infantry; this card replaces the Spanish Caballeros card.
5 - Finally, there is the Brazilian Revolution, which features several changes to its Home City cards and introduces some new ones. Brazil presents a new military approach by deploying armies of powerful new units that round out the Brazilian forces in your Barracks and Stables. The only card that gets replaced is Jagunçosand bandeirante, while the soldier, cowboy and Caçador cards are removed.
Enables the Mestiço peasant at the Town Center. This Afro-descendant peasant gathers resources 15% faster, It has 10% more health points and possesses a machete attack to defend against enemies; the unit is slightly more expensive than the standard peasant, costing 100 wood and 50 food. In the early days of independent Brazil, many free Afro-descendants worked in agriculture and mining. A portion of the Brazilian economy relied on these Mestiço peasant, who gradually secured an important place within Brazilian society, eventually becoming an integral part of it. The Mestiço practiced an ancient ritual dance known as capoeira, which combined martial arts with dance movements; this dance was so distinctive and fascinating that it was adopted into Brazilian culture, becoming a legacy that endures to this day. Sends 5 Mestiço peasant. Bandeirantes:
Send 1 additional Explorer; remove the cooldown for rescuing Explorers. Explorers gain new outfits and also gain +2 ranged range. Pedro I de Brasil:
The Portuguese monarch proclaims independence and becomes the first Emperor of Brazil. Deploys an army of mercenaries brought directly from Europe to reinforce the imperial forces. Sends 6 Savolax Jaegers, 4 French Fusiliers, 3 Giant Grenadiers and 1 Small Bombard. Cost: 1,000 gold Distintivo de Voluntário da Pátria:
Voluntario Da Patria are decorated for their bravery in the Brazilian War of Independence. Voluntario Da Patria gain +25% attack and +25% hit points, as well as a bonus against buildings; furthermore, they can now be recruited independently at Town Centers, and the automatic creation of Voluntario Da Patria ceases. Voluntario Da Patria receive new uniforms. Send 8 Voluntario Da Patria for every Town Center you own. Exército Imperial do Brasil:
Enables Imperial upgrades for all Brazilian military units; also upgrades Musketeers to Soldados brasileiros and Caçador to Caçador do Batalhão. Sends 7 Soldados brasileiros and 7 Caçador do Batalhão. Divisão Expedicionária Brasileira:
Enables the Caçador a Cavalo at the stables. This is a powerful, costly Brazilian elite force equipped with both a saber for melee combat and a rifle for ranged attacks. The Caçadores expeditionary forces in Brazil were a legacy inherited from Portugal following independence; these military corps were reorganized to suit the newly established Empire of Brazil. Send 10 Caçador a Cavalo. Marinha Imperial Brasileira:
Deploy Brazil’s glorious army to combat the foreign threat in the name of the fatherland. Send 1 Royal Cannon, 2 culverins, 8 Caçador do Batalhão, 8 Soldados brasileiros, 6 Caçador a Cavalo, and 7 Independence Dragoons. Cost: 1,500 gold. Cangaço:
It allows for the presence of Jagunços in taverns and on ships. Jagunços are powerful Brazilian corsairs who offer their services to the highest bidder; these conscripted bandits were notorious for the cruelty of their piratical practices, leading the newly formed Empire of Brazil to hunt them down for a long time—a turbulent period for these pirates known as the Cangaço. sends 14 jagunços.
