The French: Hundred Years' War
A peasant girl hears voices, rallies a broken nation, and changes the course of history forever.
The Hundred Years' War campaign is a cornerstone of the Age of Empires II: The Conquerors expansion, chronicling the pivotal conflict between the Kingdoms of France and England from the perspective of the French monarchy. It follows the legendary rise of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance to turn the tide of war against English occupation during a time when France seemed destined for collapse.
- Civilization
- French
- Key Figure
- Joan of Arc
- Historical Period
- Medieval Europe (14th-15th Century)
- Expansion Pack
- The Conquerors
- Primary Rival
- English
- Campaign Theme
- National Liberation and Divine Intervention
Lore & Background
Joan claimed to receive visions from saints commanding her to drive out the English and crown Charles at Reims. Her arrival revitalized the demoralized French forces, not just through military tactics but by restoring a sense of national identity and divine purpose. The campaign narrative focuses on her journey from a humble village to the siege of Orléans, where her presence broke the English lines, leading directly to the coronation that legitimized Charles VII's rule.
In Their Own Story
The rain fell hard on the muddy fields outside Orléans, turning the earth into a sucking trap for weary boots. Joan stood atop her white horse, her armor gleaming faintly under the grey sky, clutching a banner embroidered with fleurs-de-lis and the names of Jesus and Mary. Around her, French soldiers looked at her not as a commander, but as a miracle made flesh. The English archers in their wooden towers laughed until they saw her charge, then fell silent as the French lines surged forward with a ferocity they had not seen in years.
Reader's Guide
The campaign begins with Charles VII's desperate struggle against English occupation and internal betrayal. Players must secure key territories, protect supply lines, and eventually escort Joan of Arc to the siege of Orléans. Key objectives include lifting the English blockade of Orléans, a feat achieved by coordinating attacks on their outer fortifications while defending against counter-attacks. Following this victory, the player leads an advance toward Reims to crown Charles VII, requiring careful navigation through enemy-held lands. The final missions involve liberating Paris and ultimately defeating the Burgundian allies of England. Victory is typically achieved by destroying all enemy bases or capturing specific strategic structures, while defeat occurs if key leaders like Joan or Charles are killed.
Did You Know?
- This campaign was one of the first in the series to feature a female protagonist as the central hero.
- The scenario 'Joan of Arc' is often cited by fans as the most iconic mission in the entire Age of Empires II franchise.
- Historically, Joan's military strategies were unconventional for her time, relying heavily on morale and rapid movement rather than static siege warfare.