In the newest video of Civilization VI‘s leader introduction series, we get to see the Italian Queen of France, Catherine de’ Medici. She specializes in espionage, using a network of lady spies she gets extra diplomatic information from any Civ she comes across. While other civilizations might get an early edge with buildings, France’s specialization with Wonders makes them a competitive force.
https://youtu.be/mx19mhqlZi4
Her introduction on Steam sheds light on her importance to the country’s history.
Born an Italian noblewoman, Catherine de’ Medici was wed to King Henry II of France and served as Queen from 1547 until her husband’s death in 1559. Her influence would extend beyond this brief period as Queen, however, as she went on to bear three sons who would each become King of France during her lifetime.
Her offspring each ruled France during a period of continuous civil and religious war. Despite the constant threat of complex and seemingly insurmountable conflict, Catherine kept the French monarchy intact as she championed both policies of compromise with the rebellious Protestant class and later more hardline stances against them. She was one of the most powerful women in Europe during her lifetime and was known to be a ruthless individual whose efforts inarguably kept the French monarchy in power during one of France’s most tumultuous periods.
As with all the countries in Civilization VI, they come with a unique unit and improvement that help distinguish themselves as a nation.
The unique unit serving under France’s banner is the Garde Imperiale. They were an elite force formed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799. Their role caused a rift with the rest of the military forces during the war because of their overall better treatment. They served alongside Napoleon all the way until the Battle of Waterloo, where the Middle group retreated and left the Old and Young Garde Imperiale to defend Napoleon’s withdraw attempts. They get a starting bonus when they’re fighting on the starting capital’s home continent, and great general points via kills.
The unique improvement specific to the French is the Château. These were the grand homes and manors that France was known for having all accross their countryside in the 1600s. You have to build it by rivers, but they provide special bonuses to culture for being near wonders.
Civilization VI comes out on October 21st for PC. For more information about the game check out their website, Twitter, and Facebook.
