Expansion 2 civilizations + 4 variant civilizations (The Abbasid Dynasty, Chinese, French and Holy Roman Empire)

[Categorical-Imperative]

"We’re also adding re-imagined variants of four existing civilizations, with exciting new heroes, units, and strategies. The Abbasid Dynasty, Chinese, French and Holy Roman Empire will receive these new Variant Civilizations and players will have new ways to play as seasoned favorite civilizations."
https://www.ageofempires.com/news/aoeiv-the-sultans-ascend-pre-order-now/

My variant bets:

The Abbasid Dynasty = Saracens
Chinese = Koreans
French = Normans (French Vikings)
Holy Roman Empire = Teutonic

[James3157]

Not entirely correct. I would say French=Franks (because they were the only civilization variant specifically mentioned from trailer), Chinese=Koreans (I doubt this, but perhaps), and Abbasid Dynasty=Ayyubid Dynasty instead of Saracens. Holy Roman Empire civilization variant is best described as confusing and unclear. Is it Templar Order, Knights Hospitaller, or Teutons? While Normans might seem like it makes perfect sense there are a few problems with this. Number 1, the trailer specifically mentions "Franks" instead of "Normans" and number 2, on the English campaign the English are also renamed Normans as well.

[0zzie]

I"m guessing the variants are new factions which are similar to some existing ones just with a handful of specific unique units its roster. Ayyubid Sultanate, Duchy of Normandy, Teutonic Order, and perhaps Goryeo ?

[Ekko Tek]

The variant civilizations are The Sultan’s Army, Empire of Jade, Jeanne d’Arc, and the Order of the Dragon.

[Fuchsgeist]

I hope we somehow get to play the Templars too :)

[Many-Named]

Chinese?? What does China have to do with the new campaign?

[Marshall of the Templars]

Given the Middle Eastern centric nature of the expansion, and that the campaign seems to be focusing on the Crusades, I think that at least one of the variant civilizations has to be a Crusader State. My guess is:

French = The Kingdom of Jerusalem
HRE = Teutonic Order

Of course, it is possible that the Knights Hospitaller could be a variant faction since they did rule over Rhodes from 1310-1522.

[James3157]

If anyone actually watched the Sultans Ascend trailer it specifically mentions Franks (Kingdom of Jerusalem?) and not Normans. While it is supposed to include Franks (French variant) it is probably not going to include both Franks and Normans meaning that Normans are probably not going to be included from this dlc. Also, as mentioned previously if the campaign involves Saladin their is a chance you might be playing as Abbasid Dynasty renamed as Ayyubid Dynasty for the campaign (similar to the English being renamed Norman for William Wallace) or playing as an actual Ayyubid civilization variant of Abbassid Dynasty. It would not make sense for this dlc to not include Ayyubid Dynasty as a civilization variant for Abbasid Dynasty since it specifically involves the Middle East.

[Pev]

I think 4 new variants civs is exactly a faction that will presents in Crusader theme campaign

[James3157]

Originally posted by APHRODITE:

I think 4 new variants civs is exactly a faction that will presents in Crusader theme campaign

The question is that why would it be limited to only just the campaign? That is technically reskins correct and not actual "civilization variants"? What if these variants are included for multiplayer and skirmishes as well and not only just for the campaign?

[LePetitPrince]

Regarding China, I think it may be the nomadic dynasties in northern China in history, Liao and Jin, which focused on cavalry and offense.

[Categorical-Imperative]

Originally posted by Ekko Tek:

The variant civilizations are The Sultan’s Army, Empire of Jade, Jeanne d’Arc, and the Order of the Dragon.

I just saw an insider video that confirms these 4 variant civilizations. You are probably an insider, thank you very much for revealing it to us before the official announcement. Here is the Insider video that confirms the 4 new variant factions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX7rdMrUUHo

[Who_ci]

Originally posted by Categorical-Imperative:

Originally posted by Ekko Tek:

The variant civilizations are The Sultan’s Army, Empire of Jade, Jeanne d’Arc, and the Order of the Dragon.

I just saw an insider video that confirms these 4 variant civilizations. You are probably an insider, thank you very much for revealing it to us before the official announcement. Here is the Insider video that confirms the 4 new variant factions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX7rdMrUUHo

Why they decided to add those ambigous subfactions instead ones more recognizable?
They could add other kingdoms or territories but they decided to add stuff like the "Army of Jean D' Arc"...

I am bit confused.

[Categorical-Imperative]

Of all the variants, the only one I didn't like was "Jeanne d’Arc". I hope they change that.

[PeteSkTemplar]

I guess skins as subfactions, perhaps "language".

[James3157]

Originally posted by Ekko Tek:

The variant civilizations are The Sultan’s Army, Empire of Jade, Jeanne d’Arc, and the Order of the Dragon.

(Edit) It is the correct answer after I found confirmation about this, but at the same time I am a little disappointed. Also, none of these are recognizable either that an average person would be familiar with. I do not like secrets being withheld from the trailer, but why does the trailer specifically mention "Franks"?

So Franks being an actual civilization variant for the French from the trailer is "false advertising"? Burgundians for example were actually French while Franks is an older naming that is now outdated (similar to Burgundians) for French. Perhaps Jeanne d'Arc is in other words the same thing as Franks?

Also, I was expecting something more unique than Empire of Jade since it is actually Chinese that most people (including even some people who are Chinese as well probably and not just people who are not Chinese) are probably not familiar with and would have been more interesting if it was Korean being a variant for the Chinese instead. As for The Sultan's Army that is pretty much the same thing as Ayyubid Dynasty involving Saladin, but with a different naming. As for Order of the Dragon that is less recognizable than Knights Hospitaller, Teutons, or Templars.

The only evidence I could find about Empire of Jade is from this link. Apparently, it is largely based on mythology and superstition instead of an actual civilization that can be distinguished specifically from the Chinese that is not even a "dynasty". https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_Emperor