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Difference between revisions of "France (ETW Faction)"

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{{Faction|image=[[Image:France_flag.jpg|250px]]|Name=France|Game=[[Empire: Total War]]|Religion=[[Catholic]]|Culture=European}}  
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{{Faction|image=[[Image:France_flag.jpg|250px]]|Name=France|Game=[[Empire: Total War]]|Religion=[[Catholic (ETW Religion|Catholic]]|Culture=European}}  
  
 
France is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.
 
France is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
  
In the dawn of the 18th century France is one of Europe's major powers. The kingdom of France is ruled by an absolute monarch who has the authority to elect or dismiss his ministers at will. While the nobility may be content with the current situation, the lower classes are not, and might try to get rid of their King and his regime once and for all. Seeing as the Thiry-Years-War has weakened the German states and the [[Austria (ETW Faction)|Habsburg Empire]] considerably, France is currently regarded as the dominant power in western Europe. The French also conquered Alsace not long ago, and their country is rich and powerful. Furthermore, French troops have conquered a large amount of lands in America. The whole Mississippi valley along with Quebec in the north are currently under French rule. Last but not least, The Kingdom France has acquired some land in South America which could possibly serve as a base for future campaigns.
+
[[File:France_flag.jpg|200px|Monarchy]] [[File:FranceAlternate_FlagETW.png‎|200px|Republic]]
  
In conclusion, France is a strong faction with important and powerful allies such as [[Spain (ETW Faction)|Spain]]. The Catholic nation owns many colonies in the Americas and boasts both a powerful navy and army. Unfortunately for the French, Great Britain poses a major threat. The [[Great Britain (ETW Faction)|Great Britain]] navy is still the strongest in the world and may be a danger for the French kingdom. Furthermore, [[Austria (ETW Faction)|Austria]] will surely be looking to regain its dominance in Europe and has certainly not forgotten of its past wars and various conflicts with the French Kingdom. Lastly, the Italian States at the southern French border are a powder keg and have the ability cause a lot of trouble for the kingdom. France is a country with many opportunities but also many possible enemies. And who knows for how long the ordinary man on the street will accept having no say at all in his country's politics?
+
France has had fifty years of military and administrative excellence under Louis XIV, the Sun King and his servants. They achieved this in spite of a backdrop of strife and rebellion sparked by France’s involvement in the Thirty Years War. Louis and his able ministers, Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin, were able to steer France away from the feudal struggles that hampered growth, and they created a centralised government where the King’s power is absolute.
 +
In 1700, France is the pre-eminent power in Western Europe, with an unrivalled army, vast colonies and a King who is respected and feared by all, both at home and abroad. Few nations pose any real threat to his well-equipped armies and heavily fortified borders.
 +
 
 +
The French Bourbon dynasty is strong, even though Louis XIV is aging. There are sons and relations aplenty, with legitimate claims to many titles. To the south, the lack of a Hapsburg heir in Spain – and the feeble-mindedness of Charles II – means that a Bourbon could one day rule in Madrid. A course of action that brings this about has much to recommend it. Of course, not all offshoots of the Hapsburg line are weak as their Spanish cousins. The Austrian Habsburgs, and other European nations, may not be entirely willing to see a Frenchman or French nominee as King of Spain. No matter.
 +
 
 +
France is surrounded by possibilities, and beyond Europe there are other continents to conquer and colonise: New France in North America, and the riches of India. The untrustworthy British may have to be swept aside or crushed, but what is wrong with that?
 +
 
 +
==Details==
 +
 
 +
France's major strengths are its unique artillery pieces, the guard artillery. France can build 18-pounder horse guard artillery, a substantial improvement over the standard 6-pounders. France can also recruit 24-pounder guard artillery, upgrades over regular 24-pounders with superior accuracy and reload times. In the campaign, the French do not have access to regular 24 pounders, forcing them to rely on 12-pounders for most of their foot artillery firepower. The French field good cavalry and excellent line infantry (3rd best after Britain and Prussia); in particular, it fields Chevaux-Leger cavalry, lancers with inferior melee stats but superior charge bonuses. France also has the opportunity to train a variety of unique, more expensive, and higher quality line infantry such as the Swiss Guard, Petite-Vieux infantry, Royal Eccosais, Regiments Etrangers, and Infanterie Vieux.
  
 
==Starting Position==
 
==Starting Position==
  
France starts the game with regions in both the European and the American theater. In Europe, the French own France and its capital, Paris, along with Alsace-Lorraine and the province's capital, Strasburg. In America, the French control several regions and also have a protectorate which can become part of the French kingdom after completing a specific mission. The French colonies border the Iroquois Confederacy and the 13 British Colonies. The Kingdom does not hold any provinces in the India Theater.
+
France starts the game with regions in both the European and the American theatre. In Europe, the French own France and its capital, Paris, along with Alsace-Lorraine and the province's capital, Strasbourg. In America, the French control several regions and also have a protectorate (Louisiana) which can become part of the French Empire after completing the assigned mission. The French colonies border the Iroquois Confederacy and the 13 British Colonies. France does not possess any colonies in the Indian theatre. France has a college at Orleans and a gentlemen near it. France also has some excellent ministers and the best starting monarch in the game, Louis XIV. However, Louis is quite old and it won't be long before he is replaced by his ineffectual son, Louis XV.
  
In the Europe Theater, France borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are surrounded by the Spanish kingdom in the south and their province, Flanders, in the north. Furthermore, France borders Wurttemberg in Central Europe and Savoy in the southeast. Across the English Channel lies France's biggest rival, the United Kingdom.  
+
In Europe, France borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are bordered by the Kingdom of Spain in the south, and Flanders, a Spanish province, in the north. Furthermore, France borders Württemberg in Central Europe and Savoy in the southeast. Across the English Channel lies France's bitter rival, Great Britain. France is allies with the Spanish in the beginning, meaning that its position is actually quite secure. France has relatively powerful navies in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, allowing it to take the fight to the Barbary States and Britain if it chooses to.
 +
 
 +
In the Americas: France has a unique advantage no other playable nation possesses: they have a major city. This means that with proper investment, France has immediate access to almost the full roster of units with which to complete their mission in the Americas, and beyond.
 +
 
 +
France faces quite a lot of civil unrest as the game progresses and (as is historically appropriate) may become a republic, in which case it will receive massive relations penalties with most of the other European nations and potentially make an enemy out of its longtime ally, Spain.  
  
 
===Victory Conditions===
 
===Victory Conditions===
  
 +
<u>'''Short Campaign'''</u>
 +
 +
Capture and hold 20 regions by the end of the year 1750, including: '''New France''', '''Corsica''', '''New York''', '''Confederation of New England''', '''Leeward Islands''', '''Pennsylvania''', '''Cherokee Territory''', '''Savoy''', '''Algonquin Territory''', '''Liguria''', '''Michigan Territory''', and '''France'''.
 +
 +
<u>'''Long Campaign'''</u>
 +
 +
Capture and hold 30 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: '''New France''', '''Corsica''', '''New York''', '''Confederation of New England''', '''Leeward Islands''', '''Pennsylvania''', '''Cherokee Territory''', '''Savoy''', '''Algonquin Territory''', '''Liguria''', '''Michigan Territory''', '''France''', '''Orissa & Circars''', '''Carnatica''', '''Flanders''', '''Hindustan''', and '''Egypt'''.
 +
 +
<u>'''World domination'''</u>
  
'''Short Campaign'''
+
Capture and hold 50 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: '''France'''.
  
Capture and hold 20 regions by the end of the year 1750, including: New France, Corsica, New York, Confederation of New England, Leeward Islands, Pennsylvania, Cherokee Territory, Savoy, Algonquin Territory, Liguria, Michigan Territory, and France.
+
===Basics at start===
 +
*<u>'''Protectorates'''</u> – '''Louisiana'''
 +
*<u>'''Allies'''</u> – '''Spain'''
 +
*<u>'''Trade Partners'''</u> – '''Spain''', '''Louisiana''', '''Savoy''', '''Sweden'''
 +
*<u>'''Enemies'''</u> – '''Barbary States''', '''Pirates'''
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholic
 +
*<u>'''Government'''</u> – Absolute Monarchy
 +
*<u>'''Ruler'''</u> – Louis XIV (King)
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 26,059,676
 +
*<u>'''Prosperity'''</u> – Spectacular
 +
*<u>'''Prestige'''</u> – Sublime
 +
*<u>'''Treasury'''</u> – 8000
 +
*<u>'''Technology'''</u> - Physiocracy
 +
*<u>'''Missionaries'''</u> – Guillaume Vasser ('''Upper Canada'''), Guillaume Chretien ('''France''')
 +
*<u>'''Rakes'''</u> – Roger Fouquet ('''Michigan Territory'''), Urbain Despreaux ('''France''')
 +
*<u>'''Gentlemen'''</u> – Bernard le Bovier de Foutanelle ('''France''')
  
'''Long Campaign'''
+
====Europe Theatre====
  
Capture and hold 30 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: New France, Corsica, New York, Confederation of New England, Leeward Islands, Pennsylvania, Cherokee Territory, Savoy, Algonquin Territory, Liguria, Michigan Territory, France, Orissa & Circars, Carnatica, Flanders, Hindustan, and Egypt.
+
=====Paris, France=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Buildings'''</u> – Barracks, Royal Palace, Opera House, Admiralty, Cannon Foundry
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> - Basic Roads
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 24,567,308
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 6278
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 80.0%, Protestantism 20.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Poitou Farmland''' (Not Developed), '''Brittany Farmland''' (Not Developed), '''Bordeaux Vineyards''' (Vineyard), '''Loire Vineyards''' (Vineyard), '''Auvergne Mines''' (Iron Mine), '''Lille''' (Coaching Inn), '''Brest''' (Shipyard), '''Orleans''' (School), '''Clermont-Ferrand''' (Craft Workshops Smiths), '''Dijon''' (Church School), '''Marseille''' (Trading Port), '''Bordeaux''' (Craft Workshops Weavers), '''Le Havre''' (Trading Port)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – '''Calais''' (Port), '''Lyon''' (Village), '''Nantes''' (Village), '''Toulouse''' (Village)
  
'''World domination'''
+
=====Strasbourg, Alsace-Lorraine=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Buildings'''</u> – Military Governor’s Encampment, Settlement Fortification
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> - Basic Roads
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 1,442,152
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 2625
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 80.0%, Protestantism 20.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Metz Mines''' (Iron Mines), '''Nancy''' (Craft Workshops Smiths)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> - None
  
Capture and hold 50 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: France.
+
====America Theatre====
 +
 
 +
=====Quebec, New France=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Buildings'''</u> – Army Encampment, Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> - Basic Roads
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 16,044
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 1307
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 95.0%, Animism 5.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''St. Jean Trapper Post''' (Fur Trader), '''St. Lazare Farmland''' (Peasant Farms), '''Mont-Laurier Mines''' (Not Developed), '''Marsoui Forests''' (Logging Camp), '''Tadoussac''' (Trading Port)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – '''Trois-Rivieres''' (Village), '''Gaspe''' (Village)
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> - None
 +
 
 +
=====Montreal, Upper Canada=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Building'''</u> – Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> - Not Developed
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 8,100
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 39
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 30.0%, Animism 70.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Ahmic Trapper Post''' (Fur Trader), '''Conestoga Farmland''' (Not Developed)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – '''Fort Frontenac''' (Village), '''Tkaronto''' (Village), '''Fort Sault Sainte-Marie''' (Village).
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> – None
 +
 
 +
=====Fort Nashwaak, Acadia=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Building'''</u> – Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> - Not Developed
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 6,706
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 1428
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 70.0%, Protestantism 20.0%, Animism 10.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Northesk Mines''' (Silver Mine), '''Nova Scotia Farmland''' (Peasant Farms)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – '''Bathurst''' (Village), '''Cap Fourchu''' (Port), '''Louisbourg''' (Port)
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> – None
 +
 
 +
=====Martinique, Windward Islands=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Building'''</u> – Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> – Not Developed
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 8,151
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 372
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 90.0%, Animism 10.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Barbados''' (Trading Port)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – None
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> – '''St. Vincent''' (Small Sugar Plantation)
 +
 
 +
=====Plaissance, Newfoundland=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Building'''</u> – Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> – Not Developed
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 7,031
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 1246
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 70.0%, Protestantism 25.0%, Animism 5.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Badger Trapper Post''' (Fur Trader), '''St. George’s Forests''' (Logging Camp), '''Burgeo Farmland''' (Not Developed), '''St. John’s''' (Trading Post)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – '''Bonavista''' (Village)
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> – None
 +
 
 +
=====Cayenne, French Guyana=====
 +
*<u>'''Starting Building'''</u> – Magistrate
 +
*<u>'''Infrastructure'''</u> – Not Developed
 +
*<u>'''Population'''</u> – 4,184
 +
*<u>'''Wealth'''</u> – 257
 +
*<u>'''Religion'''</u> – Catholicism 85.0%, Animism 15.0%
 +
*<u>'''Starting Towns/Ports'''</u> – '''Camopi Mines''' (Not Developed), '''Sinnamary''' (Trading Post)
 +
*<u>'''Later Villages/Ports'''</u> – None
 +
*<u>'''Plantations'''</u> – '''Maroni''' (Small Spice Plantation)
  
 
==Units==
 
==Units==
 +
===Artillery===
 +
*[[Sakers (ETW Unit)|Sakers]]
 +
*[[Demi-Cannons (ETW Unit)|Demi-Cannons]]
 +
*[[4-inch Mortar Battery (ETW Unit)|4-Inch Mortar Battery]]
 +
*[[Rocket Troop (ETW Unit)|Rocket Troop]]
 +
*[[12-lber Foot Artillery (ETW Unit)|12-lber Foot Artillery]]
 +
*[[24-lber Foot Artillery (ETW Unit)|24-lber Foot Artillery]]
 +
*[[12-lber Howitzer Foot Artillery (ETW Unit)|12-lber Howitzer Foot Artillery]]
 +
*[[24-lber Howitzer Foot Artillery (ETW Unit)|24-lber Howitzer Foot Artillery]]
 +
*[[24-lber Guard Artillery (ETW Unit)|24-lber Guard Artillery]]
 +
*[[3-lber Horse Artillery (ETW Unit)|3-lber Horse Artillery]]
 +
*[[6-lber Horse Artillery (ETW Unit)|6-lber Horse Artillery]]
 +
*[[18-lber Horse Guard Artillery (ETW Unit)|18-lber Horse Guard Artillery]]
 +
*[[Puckle Guns (ETW Unit) | Puckle Guns]]
  
France fields a typical western European army, similar to that of its surrounding states. The faction's army consists of units such as line infantry, light infantry, hussars, chevaux légers, militia and several standard artillery units. Later on, the French gain access to other, more advanced units such as guards and household cavalry. If a lower-class revolution succeeds, with the Absolute Monarchy giving its place to a Republic as a result, France will be able to train weak conscript units as well. The French army consists of strong soldiers which are generally well-trained. One example would be the kingdom's line infantry which has a higher accuracy and firing rate over other units of the same type.
+
===Cavalry===
 +
*[[Cuirassiers (ETW Unit) | Cuirassiers]]
 +
*[[Garde du Corp (ETW Unit) | Garde du Corp]]
 +
*[[Chevaux-légers (ETW Unit) | Chevaux-légers]]
 +
*[[Chasseurs à Cheval (ETW Unit) | Chasseurs à Cheval]]
 +
*[[Carabineers (ETW Unit) | Carabineers]]
 +
*[[Gendarmerie (ETW Unit) | Gendarmerie]]
 +
*[[Dragoons (ETW Unit)| Dragoons]]
 +
*[[General's Bodyguard (ETW Unit) | General's Bodyguard]]
 +
*[[French East India Co. Cavalry (ETW Unit) | French East India Co. Cavalry]]
 +
*[[Native Indian Cavalry (ETW Unit) | Native Indian Cavalry ]]
 +
*[[Colonial Light Cavalry (ETW Unit) | Colonial Light Cavalry]]
 +
*[[Mounted Tribal Auxiliary (ETW Unit) | Mounted Tribal Auxiliary]]
 +
*[[Colonial Dragoons (ETW Unit) | Colonial Dragoons]]
  
France's navy is frankly nothing special and consists of the standard lineup which most other factions share. The French fleet includes trade ships, weaker ships such as brigs and sloops, but also relatively strong first and second rate frigates.  
+
===Infantry===
 +
*[[Pikemen (ETW Unit)| Pikemen]]
 +
*[[Militia (ETW Unit)| Militia]]
 +
*[[Line Infantry (ETW Unit)| Line Infantry]]
 +
*[[Infanterie Petit-Vieux (ETW Unit)| Infanterie Petit-Vieux]]
 +
*[[Infanterie Vieux (ETW Unit)| Infanterie Vieux]]
 +
*[[Royal Ecossais (ETW Unit)| Royal Ecossais]]
 +
*[[Maison du Roi (ETW Unit)| Maison du Roi]]
 +
*[[Republican Guard (ETW Unit)| Republican Guard]]
 +
*[[Swiss Guard (ETW Unit)| Swiss Guard]]
 +
*[[Grenadiers (ETW Unit)| Grenadiers]]
 +
*[[Chasseurs à Pied (ETW Unit)| Chasseurs à Pied]]
 +
*[[Tirailleurs (ETW Unit)| Tirailleurs]]
 +
*[[Marines (ETW Unit)| Marines]]
 +
*[[Régiments Étrangers (ETW Unit)| Régiments Étrangers]]
 +
*[[Bulkeley's Regiment (ETW Unit)| Bulkeley's Regiment]]
 +
*[[French East India Co. Infantry (ETW Unit)| French East India Co. Infantry]]
 +
*[[Colonial Line Infantry (ETW Unit)| Colonial Line Infantry]]
 +
*[[Colonial Militia (ETW Unit)| Colonial Militia]]
 +
*[[Pandours (ETW Unit)| Pandours]]
 +
*[[Sepoys (ETW Unit)| Sepoys]]
 +
*[[Ghoorkas (ETW Unit)| Ghoorkas]]
 +
*[[African Native Infantry (ETW Unit)| African Native Infantry]]
 +
*[[Native Bowmen Auxiliary (ETW Unit)| Native Bowmen Auxiliary]]
 +
*[[Native Musketmen Auxiliary (ETW Unit)| Native Musketmen Auxiliary]]
 +
*[[Native American Musketeers (ETW Unit)| Native American Musketeers]]
 +
*[[Native Warrior Auxiliary (ETW Unit)| Native Warrior Auxiliary]]
 +
*[[Dahomey Amazons (ETW Unit)| Dahomey Amazons]]
 +
*[[Coureurs de Bois (ETW Unit)| Coureurs de Bois]]
  
 +
===Navy===
 +
*[[Brig (ETW Unit)|Brig]]
 +
*[[Sloop (ETW Unit)|Sloop]]
 +
*[[Razee (ETW Unit)|Razee]]
 +
*[[Sixth Rate (ETW Unit)|Sixth Rate]]
 +
*[[Fifth Rate (ETW Unit)|Fifth Rate]]
 +
*[[Admiral's Flagship, 5th Rate (ETW Unit)|Admiral's Flagship, 5th Rate]]
 +
*[[Fourth Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)|Fourth Rate Ship of the Line]]
 +
*[[Third Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)|Third Rate Ship of the Line]]
 +
*[[Admiral's Flagship, 3rd Rate (ETW Unit)|Admiral's Flagship, 3rd Rate]]
 +
*[[Second Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)|Second Rate Ship of the Line]]
 +
*[[First Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)|First Rate Ship of the Line]]
 +
*[[Heavy First Rate (ETW Unit)|Heavy First Rate]]
 +
*[[Admiral's Flagship, 1st Rate (ETW Unit)|Admiral's Flagship, 1st Rate]]
 +
*[[Carronade Frigate (ETW Unit)|Carronade Frigate]]
 +
*[[Steamship (ETW Unit)|Steamship]]
 +
*[[Galley (ETW Unit)|Galley]]
 +
*[[Light Galley (ETW Unit)|Light Galley]]
 +
*[[Indiaman (ETW Unit)|Indiaman]]
 +
*[[Bomb Ketch (ETW Unit)|Bomb Ketch]]
 +
*[[Rocket Ship (ETW Unit)|Rocket Ship]]
  
===Special Units===
+
{{ETW Factions}}
France is the only country with the 18-pounder horse artillery. It is slightly more expensive than the 24-pounder foot and has an accuracy of 65.
 
  
[[Category: Empire Total War Factions]]
+
[[Category:ETW Factions]]
{{ETW Factions}}
 

Latest revision as of 12:43, 13 July 2020

France (ETW Faction)
France flag.jpg
Name: France
From Game: Empire: Total War
Religion:Catholic
Culture: European
Playable:


France is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.

Overview

Monarchy Republic

France has had fifty years of military and administrative excellence under Louis XIV, the Sun King and his servants. They achieved this in spite of a backdrop of strife and rebellion sparked by France’s involvement in the Thirty Years War. Louis and his able ministers, Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin, were able to steer France away from the feudal struggles that hampered growth, and they created a centralised government where the King’s power is absolute. In 1700, France is the pre-eminent power in Western Europe, with an unrivalled army, vast colonies and a King who is respected and feared by all, both at home and abroad. Few nations pose any real threat to his well-equipped armies and heavily fortified borders.

The French Bourbon dynasty is strong, even though Louis XIV is aging. There are sons and relations aplenty, with legitimate claims to many titles. To the south, the lack of a Hapsburg heir in Spain – and the feeble-mindedness of Charles II – means that a Bourbon could one day rule in Madrid. A course of action that brings this about has much to recommend it. Of course, not all offshoots of the Hapsburg line are weak as their Spanish cousins. The Austrian Habsburgs, and other European nations, may not be entirely willing to see a Frenchman or French nominee as King of Spain. No matter.

France is surrounded by possibilities, and beyond Europe there are other continents to conquer and colonise: New France in North America, and the riches of India. The untrustworthy British may have to be swept aside or crushed, but what is wrong with that?

Details

France's major strengths are its unique artillery pieces, the guard artillery. France can build 18-pounder horse guard artillery, a substantial improvement over the standard 6-pounders. France can also recruit 24-pounder guard artillery, upgrades over regular 24-pounders with superior accuracy and reload times. In the campaign, the French do not have access to regular 24 pounders, forcing them to rely on 12-pounders for most of their foot artillery firepower. The French field good cavalry and excellent line infantry (3rd best after Britain and Prussia); in particular, it fields Chevaux-Leger cavalry, lancers with inferior melee stats but superior charge bonuses. France also has the opportunity to train a variety of unique, more expensive, and higher quality line infantry such as the Swiss Guard, Petite-Vieux infantry, Royal Eccosais, Regiments Etrangers, and Infanterie Vieux.

Starting Position

France starts the game with regions in both the European and the American theatre. In Europe, the French own France and its capital, Paris, along with Alsace-Lorraine and the province's capital, Strasbourg. In America, the French control several regions and also have a protectorate (Louisiana) which can become part of the French Empire after completing the assigned mission. The French colonies border the Iroquois Confederacy and the 13 British Colonies. France does not possess any colonies in the Indian theatre. France has a college at Orleans and a gentlemen near it. France also has some excellent ministers and the best starting monarch in the game, Louis XIV. However, Louis is quite old and it won't be long before he is replaced by his ineffectual son, Louis XV.

In Europe, France borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are bordered by the Kingdom of Spain in the south, and Flanders, a Spanish province, in the north. Furthermore, France borders Württemberg in Central Europe and Savoy in the southeast. Across the English Channel lies France's bitter rival, Great Britain. France is allies with the Spanish in the beginning, meaning that its position is actually quite secure. France has relatively powerful navies in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, allowing it to take the fight to the Barbary States and Britain if it chooses to.

In the Americas: France has a unique advantage no other playable nation possesses: they have a major city. This means that with proper investment, France has immediate access to almost the full roster of units with which to complete their mission in the Americas, and beyond.

France faces quite a lot of civil unrest as the game progresses and (as is historically appropriate) may become a republic, in which case it will receive massive relations penalties with most of the other European nations and potentially make an enemy out of its longtime ally, Spain.

Victory Conditions

Short Campaign

Capture and hold 20 regions by the end of the year 1750, including: New France, Corsica, New York, Confederation of New England, Leeward Islands, Pennsylvania, Cherokee Territory, Savoy, Algonquin Territory, Liguria, Michigan Territory, and France.

Long Campaign

Capture and hold 30 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: New France, Corsica, New York, Confederation of New England, Leeward Islands, Pennsylvania, Cherokee Territory, Savoy, Algonquin Territory, Liguria, Michigan Territory, France, Orissa & Circars, Carnatica, Flanders, Hindustan, and Egypt.

World domination

Capture and hold 50 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: France.

Basics at start

  • ProtectoratesLouisiana
  • AlliesSpain
  • Trade PartnersSpain, Louisiana, Savoy, Sweden
  • EnemiesBarbary States, Pirates
  • Religion – Catholic
  • Government – Absolute Monarchy
  • Ruler – Louis XIV (King)
  • Population – 26,059,676
  • Prosperity – Spectacular
  • Prestige – Sublime
  • Treasury – 8000
  • Technology - Physiocracy
  • Missionaries – Guillaume Vasser (Upper Canada), Guillaume Chretien (France)
  • Rakes – Roger Fouquet (Michigan Territory), Urbain Despreaux (France)
  • Gentlemen – Bernard le Bovier de Foutanelle (France)

Europe Theatre

Paris, France
  • Starting Buildings – Barracks, Royal Palace, Opera House, Admiralty, Cannon Foundry
  • Infrastructure - Basic Roads
  • Population – 24,567,308
  • Wealth – 6278
  • Religion – Catholicism 80.0%, Protestantism 20.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsPoitou Farmland (Not Developed), Brittany Farmland (Not Developed), Bordeaux Vineyards (Vineyard), Loire Vineyards (Vineyard), Auvergne Mines (Iron Mine), Lille (Coaching Inn), Brest (Shipyard), Orleans (School), Clermont-Ferrand (Craft Workshops Smiths), Dijon (Church School), Marseille (Trading Port), Bordeaux (Craft Workshops Weavers), Le Havre (Trading Port)
  • Later Villages/PortsCalais (Port), Lyon (Village), Nantes (Village), Toulouse (Village)
Strasbourg, Alsace-Lorraine
  • Starting Buildings – Military Governor’s Encampment, Settlement Fortification
  • Infrastructure - Basic Roads
  • Population – 1,442,152
  • Wealth – 2625
  • Religion – Catholicism 80.0%, Protestantism 20.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsMetz Mines (Iron Mines), Nancy (Craft Workshops Smiths)
  • Later Villages/Ports - None

America Theatre

Quebec, New France
  • Starting Buildings – Army Encampment, Magistrate
  • Infrastructure - Basic Roads
  • Population – 16,044
  • Wealth – 1307
  • Religion – Catholicism 95.0%, Animism 5.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsSt. Jean Trapper Post (Fur Trader), St. Lazare Farmland (Peasant Farms), Mont-Laurier Mines (Not Developed), Marsoui Forests (Logging Camp), Tadoussac (Trading Port)
  • Later Villages/PortsTrois-Rivieres (Village), Gaspe (Village)
  • Plantations - None
Montreal, Upper Canada
  • Starting Building – Magistrate
  • Infrastructure - Not Developed
  • Population – 8,100
  • Wealth – 39
  • Religion – Catholicism 30.0%, Animism 70.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsAhmic Trapper Post (Fur Trader), Conestoga Farmland (Not Developed)
  • Later Villages/PortsFort Frontenac (Village), Tkaronto (Village), Fort Sault Sainte-Marie (Village).
  • Plantations – None
Fort Nashwaak, Acadia
  • Starting Building – Magistrate
  • Infrastructure - Not Developed
  • Population – 6,706
  • Wealth – 1428
  • Religion – Catholicism 70.0%, Protestantism 20.0%, Animism 10.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsNorthesk Mines (Silver Mine), Nova Scotia Farmland (Peasant Farms)
  • Later Villages/PortsBathurst (Village), Cap Fourchu (Port), Louisbourg (Port)
  • Plantations – None
Martinique, Windward Islands
  • Starting Building – Magistrate
  • Infrastructure – Not Developed
  • Population – 8,151
  • Wealth – 372
  • Religion – Catholicism 90.0%, Animism 10.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsBarbados (Trading Port)
  • Later Villages/Ports – None
  • PlantationsSt. Vincent (Small Sugar Plantation)
Plaissance, Newfoundland
  • Starting Building – Magistrate
  • Infrastructure – Not Developed
  • Population – 7,031
  • Wealth – 1246
  • Religion – Catholicism 70.0%, Protestantism 25.0%, Animism 5.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsBadger Trapper Post (Fur Trader), St. George’s Forests (Logging Camp), Burgeo Farmland (Not Developed), St. John’s (Trading Post)
  • Later Villages/PortsBonavista (Village)
  • Plantations – None
Cayenne, French Guyana
  • Starting Building – Magistrate
  • Infrastructure – Not Developed
  • Population – 4,184
  • Wealth – 257
  • Religion – Catholicism 85.0%, Animism 15.0%
  • Starting Towns/PortsCamopi Mines (Not Developed), Sinnamary (Trading Post)
  • Later Villages/Ports – None
  • PlantationsMaroni (Small Spice Plantation)

Units

Artillery

Cavalry

Infantry

Navy

Empire: Total War | Factions | Playable Factions:
Austria | France | Great Britain | Marathas | Ottoman Empire | Poland-Lithuania | Prussia | Russia | Spain | Sweden | United Provinces | United States* *Must complete Road to Independence to unlock United States
Non-playable Factions:
Barbary States | Bavaria | Cherokee Nations | Courland | Crimean Khanate | Dagestan | Denmark | Genoa | Georgia | Hannover | Huron Confederacy | Inuit Nations | Iroquois Confederacy | Italian States | Knights of St. John | Morocco | Mughal Empire | Mysore | Plains Nations | Portugal | Pueblo Nations | Persia | Pirates | Savoy | Venice | Westphalia | Wurttemberg
Protectorate Factions:
Barbary States | Courland | Crimean Khanate | Louisiana | New Spain | Saxony | Thirteen Colonies
Emergent Factions:
Afghanistan | Gran Colombia | Greece | Hessen | Hungary | Ireland | Mamelukes | Mexico | Naples & Sicily | Norway | Punjab | Quebec | Scotland | United States
Cancelled Factions:
Khanate of Khiva | Tuscany | Mecklenburg | Schleswig-Holstein | Swiss Confederation
Tutorial Factions:
Virginia Colonists | Powahatan Confederacy