Franks

Lore & Background

Rising from tribal confederations in the Rhine valley, the Franks established themselves as a dominant power under leaders like Clovis and Charlemagne. Their society was built upon the foundations of feudalism, where loyalty between lord and vassal sustained powerful military structures. The spread of Christianity was central to their identity, often driving expansionist policies that united much of Western Europe under a single banner. In the context of the game's narrative, the Franks are portrayed as the guardians of civilization against external threats ranging from Viking raiders to Saracen forces. Their knights were renowned for wearing chainmail and great helms, wielding swords and lances with deadly precision. The legacy of their empire laid the groundwork for the Holy Roman Empire and modern European nation-states. Their culture valued strength in battle but also piety, often funding monasteries and cathedrals alongside fortifications. This duality is reflected in their gameplay, balancing aggressive military tactics with the protection of economic centers.

In Their Own Story

The morning mist clung to the cobblestones as the Frankish knight tightened his grip on the lance. Around him, the camp buzzed with the sounds of horses being groomed and prayers being whispered. He adjusted his great helm, knowing that beyond the hill lay a threat to the peace they had fought so hard to secure. With a deep breath, he signaled the charge, the heavy clatter of armor echoing against the valley walls as the knights surged forward to uphold their oath.

Reader's Guide

Historically rooted in the Carolingian dynasty, this faction embodies medieval European warfare focused on mounted dominance and religious fervor. Players control a society where heavy cavalry is the primary tool for victory. Their unique unit, the Paladin, serves as a powerful anti-infantry champion that excels in direct combat but requires careful management against ranged threats. Strategically, Franks excel at early aggression due to reduced costs for all mounted units. This economic advantage allows players to field larger cavalry armies faster than opponents, enabling quick strikes on enemy economies. Additionally, their ranged troops gain extra distance in the Castle Age, providing safer skirmishing capabilities while protecting their cavalry charges. The Frenzy technology further enhances mounted combat power with a significant attack bonus, making late-game knights devastatingly effective. To succeed, players should prioritize stable production for food to fuel cavalry costs while utilizing archers to protect their flanks from enemy ranged units. Balancing economy and military pressure is key to dominating the battlefield as these knights of old.

Did You Know?

• The Franks were one of the original thirteen civilizations available in the base release of Age of Empires II.
• Their unique technology, Frenzy, grants a combat bonus specifically to cavalry units at a reduced cost.
• In the Charlemagne campaign, players experience key historical events involving Pepin the Short and Louis the Pious alongside Charlemagne.
• Frankish archers receive a permanent range increase starting from the Castle Age.