In Europa Universalis 5, Conquistadors are commissioned military leaders who establish overseas territories through exploration and conquest. Exclusive to specific nations, these commanders operate semi-independently to claim lands in the Americas, requiring authorization from their sovereign. Successful campaigns grant them governance rights over conquered regions in exchange for resource-sharing agreements.
Mechanics of Colonial Commanders in EU5
Recruiting these military leaders demands strict prerequisites:
- Active Age of Exploration
- State religion must align with Roman Catholicism
- Royal seat located within the Iberian Peninsula
- Unwed status of selected commander
Commissioning Process
Select a non-aligned religious territory in the Americas and designate an eligible commander to lead the expedition. Deployment costs include 2,000 military personnel and 50 gold coins. Preparation at coastal docks requires one shipment of:
- Steeds
- Textiles
- Animal hides
- Armaments
- Spirits
Establishing Colonial Governance
After three months’ voyage, the commander arrives in designated territories, forming a militant state with two specialist regiments. This entity can conscript local populations regardless of cultural affiliations. Upon securing strategic locations or concluding hostilities, the military outpost transforms into an autonomous colonial domain.
The resultant colony contributes 10% of its manpower reserves, 33% of commercial throughput, and 20% fiscal revenue to the parent nation. This system enables efficient territorial expansion with minimal direct oversight from the commissioning state.
