Unit Costs

[AntfromSpace]

Has anyone explored the idea of making units' maintenance costs higher than purchase costs? It seems that in the past, before certain reforms, that large standing armies were quite rare. Perhaps purchasing the units in winter, spawning and strategically moving with the army in spring, battle in summer, then in fall becoming too expensive, since the men in the unit aren't contributing to the local economy (farming, mining, etc.) Does this make sense? It seems more realistic. Might keep the blitz down, as well. It would be based on individual unit types, of course, and some factions wouldn't be affected by it, but farming societies would, to various degrees. I'm sure a cumulative maintenance cost would be unworkable, but ideal. Perhaps plateauing? What if levies were 50 mnai to hire, but 600 to maintain?

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

The AI probably wouldn't be able to handle that and would drive themselves further into debt. Plus, the AI can't disband units, so their only option is a standing army. The game engine's military system really doesn't match the militaries of the ancient world...

[AntfromSpace]

damn engine. guess we'll all have to wait a few years to get something that realistic.

[iluvatar77]

a question.

is is possible to make the upkeep costs vary with the season? (i.e. cheaper in spring, more expensive in winter)

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Not without scripting. And if it is scripted, you'll see a cheap amount every turn and simply mysteriously loose money in the winter without being told why.

[Huron]

the cost was not in recruiting the armies but miantaining them
why do you think carthage had so many mercenary armies rebel

[Paul d]

on this subject, some of the unit costs bewilder me. why are parthian spearmen more expensive than theureoporoi? is it to represent a different society they are being recruited from, or just an imbalance?

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Don't the Parthian Spearmen have 240 men while the Theorophoroi have 160, and the increased cost is because you are paying more men?

[Paul d]

theureoporoi have 160, the parthian one is 200. still, though, theureoporoi are better equipped and trained.