Zara Yaqob

[King Younk]

Let's talk about Ethiopia and Zara Yaqob - probably the coolest leader name in the game.

What do people think of him? Strengths? Weaknesses?

 

[dankok8]

Creative is his big strength and he gets lots of cheap buildings.

 

[Dragonxander PR]

Oromo warriors are extremely versatile with the two drill promotions out of the gate!

• Can be drafted, which adds value to their availability
  
  
• With two promotions (barracks + instructor/theocracy/vassalage), they can become a damage-resistant medic unit (later drill promotions protect against collateral damage) or can get four drill promotions out of the gate, essentially making them immune to collateral damage and softening up foes in the combat mechanics before actually suffering damage themselves. This makes them extremely good at surviving in combat!
  
  
• Once their prime time in the Renaissance passes, they can be built and upgraded to riflemen and infantry, and still keep their impressive survibability.

As for the unique building, the stele, it would seem like a waste because Zara already is creative (no need for early cheap culture), but the fact that they give a culture output bonus means they can be the foundation of a very early planned cultural victory.

 

[Fish Man]

Creative allows for far better city placement and dirt-cheap libraries. Organized helps with economy and with 3 critical buildings, as well as aiding in GLH if you need it. With Drill 4 Oromos, you can get 91%+ odds on units you'd normally have just 61% (barely-winning) odds with. Enough said...Ethiopia is definitely top 10 for anyone, arguably top 5 for some.

 

[FlyinJohnnyL]

Zara Yaqob was unquestionably the greatest ruler Ethiopia had seen since Ezana, during the heyday of Aksumite power, and none of his successors on the throne – excepted only the emperors Menelik II and Haile Selassie – can be compared to him.

 

[nebux]

ability to build scouts from firstturn to pop those goody huts that you love

 

[migalhone]

Aside from what has already been said about his traits and UU, Zara Yacob is IMO an easy AI to handle diplomatically speaking: he's generally a good techer and is willing to trade, rarely makes demands and isn't too much of a backstabber. Him and Hannibal are two of my favorite AIs.