Recap pages are Spoilers Off by default, so in all these pages all spoilers are unmarked. Proceed with caution. You Have Been Warned
The Aztecs were a great power of Central America, anchored by the majestic city of Tenochtitlan and shaped by the various conquests of the surrounding tribes. And then when the Spanish fleet arrived from the Caribbean Sea, there was apprehension as to whether they are the gods of prophecy, or conquerors seeking to subjugate the people. In time, they would have to fight the armored men with guns and horses, as well as their Tlaxcalan allies. The player is in control of the Aztecs, the color being Green. Scenarios
1. Reign of Blood
Eagle Warrior Cuauhtémoc had come across an omen, and initially wasn't sure about its meaning. The Aztec Empire had long interpreted omens as a sign of a need of additional sacrifice, and they consistently expand their borders in order to obtain prisoners to sacrifice in order to have the sun rise in each day. The message eventually relayed to Montezuma, whose priests took the omen to mean that the god Quetzalcoatl will arrive. Tenochtitlan sought to consolidate control of the jungle shrines and keep them protected while awaiting the arrival of their god.2. The Triple Alliance
The priests had interpreted an omen that appeared as a usual sign that the gods were angry and demanding a sacrifice, so Tenochtitlan sought to enlist the assistance of its partners of the Triple Alliance - Texcoco and Tlacopan - as it sought to attack its blood enemies, the Tlaxcala.3. Quetzalcoatl
The Spanish had landed in Mexico, and initiated contact with the Aztecs. At first things seemed rather cordial, with the presentation of gifts to the new arrivals, though Hernan Cortez had taken interest in the gold ornaments, wondering if there's more of that in Tenochtitlan itself. The Spanish also made their venture into Tlaxcalan lands, at first in conflict with them, but hearing of their mutual distrust of the Aztecs, and in awe of the various stories of Tenochtitlan, the two united.4. La Noche Triste
The Spanish had arrived in Tenochtitlan, treated to the hospitality of Montezuma and in awe of the splendor of the city and its riches. In time, Montezuma wasn't sure if Cortez was a god or just a man, and for whatever reason didn't take action as he was being closely scrutinized; the Spanish took the city without a fight. It was becoming increasingly clear that the Spanish were only interested in the gold, and outlawing further sacrifices. People had grown increasingly restless and rioted in the streets, to a degree that not even Montezuma could quell the riots and himself got killed. The people left decided to take matters into their own hands and drive the false gods out of the city.5. The Boiling Lake
Cuauhtémoc was now made to succeed Montezuma, whose death further served as a catalyst for vengeance against the Spanish. The Spanish weren't terribly far ahead, weighed down by the gold they had aquired, and Cuauhtémoc brought his people into hot pursuit of the retreating forces. The Aztecs planned to cut them off in their retreat before they could reach the safety of their Tlaxcalan allies to the north.6. Broken Spears
The Spanish didn't flee from Mexico as the Aztecs hoped, instead regrouping and fully intending to return to Tenochtitlan and claim its wealth for Spain. They assembled various boats with which they can assemble and break down on their journey to Lake Texcoco; Cortez knew full well that Tenochtitlan was more vulnerable on water. Cuauhtémoc summoned his men to make a last stand, as they wait on the siege being initiated by a combined Spanish-Tlaxcalan force.This campaign contains examples of:
- Anachronism Stew: The Aztecs can find Korean Turtle Ships, or at least a weapon that is best represented by them, to face the onslaught of the Spanish Navy. The Definitive Edition replaces them with Cannon Galleons abandoned by the Spanish Navy themselves."What are these? Gifts from the gods?"
- Arch-Enemy: Cortés and Tlaxcala for Montezuma.
- Artistic License – History:
- Tenochtitlan did fell to the Spanish.
- "Reign of Blood" wasn't based on a particular historical event, since it was originally designed for the expansion's demo to showcase the new tile set and wildlife, as well as the Mesoamerican civilizations.
- There actually was one emperor between Montezuma and Cuauhtémoc, for all of eighty days. Montezuma's brother Cuitláhuac assumed the role after the former died, before he himself died, most likely to Smallpox.
- The Battle of Otumba, the basis of "Boiling Lake", actually ended poorly for the Aztecs. The Spanish retreat to Tlaxcala was successful with light casualties, while the Aztec pursuers lost their commandernote among several others.
- Chekhov's Gun: In "La Noche Triste", your soldiers talk about an island covered with gold on Lake Texcoco. Given as how the island you're currently on is absolutely lousy with gold, you'll probably leave the gold island alone. In "Broken Spears", however, you find yourself defending Tenochtitlan from a three-way siege, and suddenly an island of gold in the middle of the lake becomes a very valuable asset.
- Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: "The Triple Alliance", where your objective is to defeat an enemy with the help of two allied civs — which will turn on you without warning (though not entirely without foreshadowing) once you have defeated your common enemy, forcing you to defeat them, too, in order to win the scenario.
- Cosmetic Award:
- The HD Edition has "Montezuma Campaign Completed":
"By following along with Cuauhtémoc in the battles against Cortés you have used alliance building and subtlety in addition to your skills in battle. Skillful use of forces and alliances can overcome the greatest odds. Remember these lessons in your next conquest."- Definitive Edition has "Emperor of Tenochtitlan", for completing the campaign, replacing the HD achievement.
- DE has another achievement for this campaign: "Hot & Spicy"note .
- Cutting the Knot: In "La Noche Triste" the Aztec army is expected to gather their scattered forces and fail in the attempt to siege Tenochtitlan before retreating to another corner of the map and rebuild before fighting back, all before the Spanish could secure a Wonder victory. By destroying one of Tenochtitlan's gates with the gathered army, the Aztecs has a chance to destroy the Spanish Wonder long before it is supposed to be finished.
- Downer Ending: The state of the Aztecs at the end of the Montezuma campaign. Cuauhtemoc has rallied the defenders of Tenochtitlan and repelled the Spanish, but the city is in ruins, a plague is decimating the population, and the invaders are sure to be back. The Aztecs will survive another day, but probably not for long after.
- Evil All Along: Texcoco and Tlacopan betray you and become the antagonists after the main enemy factions are defeated.
- Face–Heel Turn: Texcoco and Tlacopan will turn on the player in "The Triple Alliance", upon the defeat of Tlaxcala. Upon defeating them, Hernán Cortés will show up.
- Failure Is the Only Option: In "Quetzalcoatl", you're tasked with defending the weakly defended allied town of Tabasco from the Spanish. However, this happens so early in the mission that there's effectively no way to defend them. Even if you manage to get troops up to Tabasco, it's still scripted to be destroyed.
- Gameplay and Story Segregation: A weapon represented by Turtle Ships could be found and utilized for "Broken Spears", although they are not even in the right part of the world. They were replaced by Cannon Galleons in the Definitive Editon with justification that they were abandoned by the Spanish. Also, the original release didn't have a Native American horse unit, so when the Aztecs capture horses in The Boiling Lake, they receive Tarkans. The Definitive Edition replaces them with beefed-up versions of Xolotl Warriorsnote .
- The Hero Dies: Montezuma dies halfway through the campaign.
- Hoist by His Own Petard: In "Boiling Lake" you can capture horses and trade carts full of gunpowder from the spanish, use them to create cavalry and cannons, units usually unavailable to the Aztecs, and use them to attack the spaniards that brought them to the new continent in the first place.
- Outside-Context Problem: The Aztecs' constant warring and conquests had earned them a lot of enemies, and that was before Hernan Cortez's expedition arrived and eventually took advantage of that fact.
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: "La Noche Triste" is based around gathering enough of the scattered Aztec army to force the Spanish and Tlaxcala out of Tenochtitlan. The mission immediately afterwards continues the rampage, focusing on destroying a Spanish and Tlaxcalan fortress to the north.
- Rule of Fun: In "Boiling Lake", the Aztecs can gain the ability to use cavalry and cannons by capturing Spanish horses and gunpowder respectively. The scenario notes flat out state that this would never have happened in Real Life and was included simply to provide a fun gameplay gimmick. In "Broken Spears", they can find a weapon represented by Korean Turtle Ships, or in Definitive Edition, Cannon Galleons abandoned by the Spanish navy, to fight them, which are included for the same reason.
- The Siege: On "Broken Spears", as a defender.
- Tempting Fate: Pops up in some dialogue at the end of "The Triple Alliance."Aztec Warrior: None shall challenge the will of Montezuma and the Aztec Empire! ... But wait, what is this that approaches?
Hernán Cortés: I claim these lands and all the gold they have in the name of Charles of Spain. Until all the gold is brought to me, I shall not return home. To prove it, I am sinking my ships. - Timed Mission: In "La Noche Triste", the Spanish would start building a Wonder as soon as scenario begins, and if they actually finish it, you would be on a time limit. Destroying it is the main objective.
- Vestigial Empire: The Aztecs are reduced to this at the end of the campaign.
- Wham Episode: "La Noche Triste" had the Spanish firmly entrenched in Tenochtitlan, and with Montezuma dead, the Aztecs must regroup from the outside and wrest control of the city back. Furthermore, the Spanish are building a wonder to establish their control, and the Aztecs must hurry to keep it from being constructed.
