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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Rising Star

CAMPAIGNS & SCENARIOS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

CAMPAIGN · DYNASTIES OF INDIA

Rising Star

A diplomatic mission crosses dangerous seas to reach Rajendra, after which the campaign opens into a broad contest for Prestige. Protect the Envoy and ceremonial Chariot during the voyage, then build prestige through alliances, trade, and strategic objectives while advancing the Chola realm.

Rising Star Age of Empires II campaign artwork
Rising Star Age of Empires II campaign artwork

Overview

A diplomatic mission crosses dangerous seas to reach Rajendra, after which the campaign opens into a broad contest for Prestige. Protect the Envoy and ceremonial Chariot during the voyage, then build prestige through alliances, trade, and strategic objectives while advancing the Chola realm.

Player approach

Rising Star can be won through Prestige objectives, making alliances and vassalage more efficient than conquering every faction. The voyage to Rajendra Chola also requires a route choice that balances deep-water damage against pirate ambushes.

Step-by-step plan

Prioritize the secondary objectives that raise Prestige and unlock the ship technology needed to cross deep water safely. On the conventional route, load the army into the transport, use the central island to gather wood and repair, and maneuver the fleet through the pirate attack rather than sending the transport ahead alone. Alternatively, hug the northern shallows and use the fortified island outpost to draw hostile ships into its defenses, then follow the mangrove coast to the repair beach. After reaching Rajendra’s base, protect the key economy and continue completing Prestige objectives toward the victory threshold.

Risks and adjustments

The repair stop can trigger a pirate ambush, while the shallow route still contains hostile ships. Keep the fleet together and avoid lingering in deep water before the protective technology is available. Do not overdefend the small western base if it cannot be held; prioritize a sustainable core and the objectives that advance Prestige.

Focused strategy page

For a dedicated version of this plan, open Rising Star prestige-and-voyage plan.

Mission overview

A diplomatic mission crosses dangerous seas to reach Rajendra, after which the campaign opens into a broad contest for Prestige. Protect the Envoy and ceremonial Chariot during the voyage, then build prestige through alliances, trade, and strategic objectives while advancing the Chola realm.

Objectives

  1. Keep the Envoy and Grand Chariot safe on their voyage to Rajendra Chola.
  2. Earn 10 Prestige to secure victory, or defeat all enemy factions.
  3. Optional: complete diplomatic, trading, and territorial tasks to gain Prestige and unlock support.
Focus
Scenario · Rajendra
Signature / category
Story & scenarios
Release / context
Dynasties of India
Classification
Scenarios
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