Recap pages are Spoilers Off by default, so in all these pages all spoilers are unmarked. Proceed with caution. You Have Been Warned
For centuries, the Portuguese kingdom has strived to survive in the Old World, brought to its knees by the war against the Moors and the Christian kingdoms of Spain. However, news from brave explorers are raising the morale of the people, and the opportunity to claim new lands and obtain fabulous wealth is at hand, in the great expanses of Africa and remote Asia. The wise explorer and warrior Francisco de Almeida prepares to lead the Portuguese Armada in the conquest of a domain spanning three continents and two oceans.The player is in control of the Portuguese and the color is Blue.
Scenarios
1. The Old World
After the death of Henry IV of Castille, the throne went to his daughter Juana, who married Alfonso V of Portugal in order to reinforce her kingdom. However, Juana's aunt, Queen Isabella of Aragon, covets the domain of Castille, and so the armies of King Ferdinand II soon invade the land. The Portuguese army marches to protect what's theirs, and encounters their fierce opponents near the city of Toro, lead by Prince Juan.2. Lion of Africa
Fifteen years have passed since the victory over the Aragonese at Toro. Now, the focus of the Portuguese is Africa: the Barbary Pirates are raiding the coast, while desert people are attacking from the dunes. In order to re-establish a firm control over this region, Alfonso de Albuquerque has established a base on a small island on the Loukkos river: surrounded on all sides by hostile tribesmen, bloodthirsty pirates and the shifty Emir, Alfonso will have to use all his skills to make sure Portugal's rule is secured.3. Ruins of Empires
King Manuel has appointed Francisco de Almeida Vicerey of India for his trouble. As he and his army navigates the long and difficult route across the ocean and beyond the southern tip of Africa, they reach the Swahili Coast, looking for rest. However, the local rich and powerful usurper refuses to help them. What's more, Francisco's soldiers run into the rebellious prince Muhammad ibn Rukn ad Din, who's planning to raise a rebellion and overthrown the tyrant. Angered by the local's arrogance and bekoned by their riches, Francisco is determinated to conquer the Swahili coast, but he has to decide if to help Muhammad or sell him to his enemies...4. Estado da India
Having defeated the African leaders, Francisco has finally arrived in India and took possession of his charge. However, the peace isn't destinated to last for long. A mysterious Indian prince known as the Zamorin of Calcutta has no intention to let the Malabar Coast in the hands of foreigners and has made preparations. All of sudden, the Portuguese base is surrounded by hostile Indian troops and the very city they were established in is now hostile, the natives bought by the Zamorin's gold and out for blood. Surrounded and able to count only on the local pirates, Francisco must put down these rebellious curs and retake control of Malabar.5. A Son's Blood
The Zamorin was defeated, but managed to escape to Gujara, where armies of Egyptians, Turks and even soldiers serving under a Russian renegade gathered under his control. However, petty officers, jealous of Francisco's success, have lied to the King, who sends Alfonso of Albuquerque to relieve Francisco of his title and take him back to Portugal, by force if necessary. Francisco however is aghast to learn that his beloved son Lourenco is dead, killed by a Mamluke Admiral. Sorrow leads to rage, as the former Vicerey swears to avenge his son, even if he has to defy the orders of his king to do so.This Campaign contains examples of:
- Anti-Hero: Francisco is not exactly a nice guy, especially seen in the third scenario, where he pretty plays all the Swahili cities before ransacking and destroying them anyway.
- Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: Except for the first scenario in Spain, pretty much all the others features Allies who'll backstab you before you know it.
- Lion of Africa: the Emir is an Aloof Ally, but he will agree to fight the pirates and will do so efficiently if you provide him with an Organ Gun so that he can make Bombard Towers to counter the pirate ships. Once the Barbary Pirates are forced to surrender, he will turn on you, forcing you to put an end to the Emir by destroying his castle.
- Ruins of Empires: Except the Bantu, all the local African cities are allied with you... but you yourself must choose whether to help Muhammad or deliver him to Kilwa for execution, which causes one faction or the other to turn on you. And once you get rid of them... your ally turn on you. Natch...
- Estado da India starts with your garrison betrayed and pushed in a corner as the rebels bought off by Zamorin advance on you.
- A Son's Blood you start off allied with everyone, even your enemies, but Alfonso will turn Neutral to you after talking to Francisco. Then, if you manage to convert enough enemy soldiers and Alfonso himself, the enemies will decide that the truce is over and will come to get you, while the city of Diu will immediately produce a Wonder.
- Cosmetic Award:
- The HD Edition has "Francisco de Almeida Campaign Completed". DE replaced the achievement with "Age of Discovery".
- DE has also "Friends, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Ears"note .
- Downer Ending: The narration of the first chapter already implies it, but it becomes clearer as you play as Francisco.note
- Evil All Along: The Emir will betray you and become the antagonist after the main enemy factions are defeated.
- Face–Heel Turn: The Emir does this in "Lion of Africa".
- The Hero Dies: Francisco de Almeida dies in the opening cutscene, making the rest of the campaign narration How We Got Here.
- Kick the Dog: In the third scenario, Francisco can eschew the rebellion entirely and deliver Muhammad to Kilwa to be executed.
- Mythology Gag: The achievement for completing the campaign in Definitive Edition is "Age of Discovery", the starting age of Age of Empires III, which was also the first in-series appearance of the Portuguese as a playable faction.
- No Plans, No Prototype, No Backup: In the fourth mission, the Zamorin will start with a Cannon Galleon in his possession at the docks. Soon enough, Francisco will notice and order you to destroy it immediately before they can make more. If you manage to sink it in 10 minutes, they will be unable to make more and thus their fleet will be at the mercy of your superior naval defenses.
- Pirate:
- Mission 2 has you fighting the Barbary Pirates with the help of a treacherous Emir. A small Turkish fleet is also present in the open sea, with a bonus objective being sinking their flagship, a souped-up Fast Fireship.
- In Mission 4, the Malagar pirates are your only ally. If you manage to recover and convert their flagship, they will submit all their troops to you, granting you bonus resources whenever you destroy a building.
- Plot Tailored to the Party: Several times you end up in a resource-bare land where the Feitoria come in handy.
- Puzzle Boss: In the last scenario, you're alone and pitted against three super-powerful cities... which are allied with you until a certain event. The trick consist in building up a respectable force and fortify the right places before fulfilling the condition that turns them hostile.
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: The final scenario is Francisco's revenge against the armies which caused the death of his son. Oddly enough, a Wonder Victory is considered acceptable.
- This Is Unforgivable!: Francisco de Almeida didn't take the Emir's Face–Heel Turn very well.
- Video Game Caring Potential: The achievement "Friends, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Ears" requires you to convert Afonso de Albuquerque without killing a single Portuguese unit in "A Son's Blood".
- What the Hell, Player?: In "The Old World" you're given the option of either destroying the enemy's military buildings or their mills to win the scenario. If you destroy the mills, the narrator announces that while the armies limp away, many peasants will die of hunger in the coming months.
