Joan of Arc
A peasant girl guided by divine voices to crown a king and save her nation.
Joan of Arc stands as one of the most revered figures in the Age of Empires universe, serving as a legendary hero for the French faction. Often depicted as a divine instrument of destiny, she is a young peasant girl who claimed to receive visions from saints, guiding her to lead the French army against English occupation during the Hundred Years' War. In the game's narrative, she represents the spirit of hope and national unity, transforming a fractured kingdom into a fighting force capable of turning the tide of history.
- Role
- Hero / Military Leader
- Affiliation
- France (House of Valois)
- Historical Era
- 15th Century (Hundred Years' War)
- Faction
- French
- Status
- Martyr and Saint
- Key Trait
- Divine Inspiration
Lore & Background
Her journey was not merely one of military conquest but of spiritual conviction. Joan fought with a banner bearing religious imagery rather than a sword, embodying the belief that she was acting as God's agent on Earth. Her eventual capture by Burgundian allies of the English and subsequent trial for heresy marked a tragic end to her physical life, yet it solidified her legacy. In the Age of Empires narrative, her story serves as a testament to how faith can move mountains, inspiring generations to fight for their freedom against overwhelming odds.
In Their Own Story
The winter wind bit at Joan's cheeks as she stood atop the ramparts of Orléans, her banner snapping violently in the gale. Below, the English siege lines stretched like a dark scar across the landscape, but the fear that had once paralyzed the French city was gone. In its place burned a fierce, quiet hope. She looked not at the enemy cannons, but toward the heavens, listening to the voices that had never ceased since her childhood. 'They will break,' she whispered to the trembling captain beside her. 'Not because of our swords, but because God has willed it so.' As the first horn sounded for the assault, Joan raised her sword high, and the city erupted in a roar that shook the very stones.
Reader's Guide
Historically, Joan of Arc is unique among Age of Empires leaders for being a non-royal figure who rose to command an entire nation's destiny. In gameplay terms, she often possesses stats that reflect her inspirational nature rather than brute strength, such as increased morale or movement speed for nearby units. In campaign missions, particularly those in the Rise of Rome or Age of Empires II expansions where she appears, her role is pivotal. Players must protect her at all costs, as her survival is often tied to completing specific objectives like lifting sieges or escorting a king. Her presence on the battlefield can turn the tide by boosting the effectiveness of infantry and siege units. Unlike standard generals who rely solely on military prowess, Joan's unique ability usually involves rallying troops or providing a defensive bonus that mimics her historical role as a morale booster. Players must balance aggressive maneuvers with the protection of this fragile yet powerful asset to succeed in her storylines.
Did You Know?
- Joan is one of the few heroes in the series who historically died by execution rather than in battle or old age.
- Her banner, often depicted in game art, was a key part of her identity and was said to be more important to her than her sword.
- She was canonized as a saint centuries after her death, becoming the patron saint of France.
- In the games, she is frequently associated with the French faction's unique ability to rally units or boost morale.