Minor Natives Guide

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Basic overview

The Chinese have a good number of native cards, and although they don’t rival the French, they come close to that of the Iroquois. However, for the Chinese and all Asian civilizations there is a problem in that they cannot build native embassies. On the upside for the Chinese, minor natives remove one potential problem for their civilization: banner armies. By building what natives are available, you can then build your banner army based on what you don't already have. You'll thus have an army that is more capable, and there is less risk of ending up with a lot of one unit type that you do not need.

In age 4 the Chinese have a card which greatly improves Chu Ku No and Qiang Pikeman attack. The Carib technology helps both of these units, and gives the Chinese Monk the ability to train both Disciples and Blowgun Ambushers. He can also be put into cover mode while he trains these units in the middle of battle.

There is a Chinese age 3 card that boosts native attack by 30%. The Klamath get a technology which improves the attack by 25% already, so putting them both together can make Klamath terrors at range. Even in age 2 they can save you from training armies that use Chu Ku No, while you focus on other armies - so you don’t end up with too many of one particular unit type. Don't forget either that the Klamath can give a minor boost to your economy.

Cavalry- type natives are invaluable to the Chinese, because in age 2 it can be difficult for the Chinese to get access to cavalry- like units without training more Chu Ku No. Not only that, your economy is much easier to arrange - if you build Old Han armies to produce Chu Ku No and Qiang Pikeman, you only need to gather wood and food. You can then use the Cheyenne to create a three-unit-army that should be capable of dealing with most things your opponent can throw at you in age 2.