The developers idea is that European Settlers will upgrade like military units and exist in three stages, which are Serf → Peasant → Citizen. There can be unique upgrades per civ, both visually and statistically. Part of the civ boni aoe3de in NE will be the stages at which the civs start. Civs starting with Serfs and possibly having upgrades available in a later age than other civs have more vulnerable settlers and are hence easier to raid. These upgrades have no impact on gather rates or unit costs. Only on European maps op(Dutch and ottoman Except villagers)
6 Likes