A new minor faction for South America, although its inhabited area wasn’t very large (compared to other minor factions), its influence extended beyond its borders through trade, encompassing much of northern Colombia and parts of present-day Venezuela. Therefore, its feasibility depends on adding maps like Maracaibo, Guagira, the Magdalena River, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (although it could be considered part of the Andes, it’s not entirely accurate).
How would this be feasible? Perhaps by adding campaigns with Simón Bolívar and historical battles like the Battle of Cartagena de Indias? It’s possible, but that’s a separate issue. The point is that it would be a good pretext to include them in the package. Please, campaigns.
Tayronas
Units:
Manicatos: Light infantry with long range and a good rate of fire, their arrows were tipped with highly poisonous stingray spines, effective against general infantry (post-impact poison damage).
They can use stealth and move quickly near trees or allied buildings when in stealth mode.
“Another group was the ‘Manicatos’ or warriors. They were known for their ferocity and held a high social position. Their distinguishing feature was a large tail hanging from their waist at the back. They used arrows tipped with maces and stingray spines, usually poisoned.”
Manicato Warrior with Halberd: Heavy melee infantry with a charged arquebus shot. (Unlocked with an upgrade)
Improvements/Technologies:
Tayrona Fire Arrows: Now the siege attack against buildings has the same range and rate as against units. In addition, you have a multiplier against buildings and ships.
Tayrona urban engineering: The ability to connect different thermal floors and to dominate the environment improves the movement of your units and the production of your economy. Infantry and villager speed increases by 5%, and overall economy production increases by 5%.
“The Tairona were exceptional engineers. They built terraces on impossibly steep slopes. They constructed sophisticated water management systems. They created networks of stone-paved roads that connected their settlements across the mountains.”
“Their architecture was adapted to the mountain environment. Buildings were constructed on stone platforms to manage water drainage. Structures were oriented to capture or deflect sunlight based on seasonal needs. Every design choice reflected deep understanding of the landscape.” https://www.sacredtreks.com/ciudad-antigua/
Tayrona trade network: Market and trade route upgrades are 50% cheaper and faster. You get a TP construction wagon and a market construction wagon.
“The Tayrona were also accomplished traders and artisans. They produced fine ceramics, stone tools, and intricate gold ornaments, which they exchanged along trade routes between the mountains and the Caribbean coast. This constant flow of goods and ideas made them one of the most advanced cultures of pre-Columbian Colombia.”
Coastal salt extraction: Now your trading posts in Tayrona settlements generate a trickle of coins depending on how many fishing boats you have working.
“In fact, the Tairona were even involved in salt production, as found in Chengue, a small fishing village.”
Pirate Allies: Pirate Allies: Allows you to train pirates in the tavern and equivalent pirate ships at the docks. You also receive a shipment of 10 pirates and 2 pirate ships. Additionally, it enables an active/passive ability on your Tayrona TP that allows Manicato warriors to use Western weaponry, equipping them with a halberd and a charged arquebus shot.
- Tayrona Uprising: Generates free Manicatos Warriors with halberds (up to 12) for a certain amount of time.
“Complete conquest proved impossible. Some Tairona leaders forged alliances with English and French pirates, trading gold for European weapons and steel. Others withdrew to highland refuges where Spanish authority existed only on maps.”
“So limited was Spanish territorial control over the area that some Tairona leaders managed to establish trade relations with English and French pirates, exchanging gold pieces for weaponry—armor, halberds, swords, daggers, and arquebuses—steel tools—machetes and axes—and European wines. Access to these exotic goods increased the leaders’ prestige and political authority.”
