Mercenaries

[rohirrimelf]

I know it is comfirmed that mercenaries will play a part in RTW2. Carthage mentiones them in the factions page. They were very handy in the first Rome when you wanted to push forward into enemy lands or defend against an incoming threat. Plus they provide the player with additional unit types.

Will mercenaries work the same way as in Rome 1 or will there be improvements on which they can be used?

- Can mercenaries be bribed and walk over to the enemy before or during battles. The consequenses might be that the battle can play out way differently then you would think. Maybe give the faction which looses troops this way a morale penalty or a boost to the side which gains extra manpower. This is historically correct as mercenaries somethimes go to the highest bidder.

- Will mercenaries be less relyable then regular in troops when it comes down to morale? Maybe give the side that has a bigger chance to loose the battle a chance that merceneries would flee.

- Will there be changes to the units upkeep. I disliked how much money it costed in RTW1 to buy mercenaries. But the upkeep was not much higher than regular troops. Ill rather see in RTW that when u buy troops the initial cost would be like a double price but higher upkeep. Rather than a big amount to pay them and low upkeep.

- Will there be more different kinds of mercenaries to hire in RTW2. I liked that they were somewhat scarce so it is not to overpowering. But many different units like in Europa Barbarorum is very nice. with maybe a limited amount which can be bought at the time.

- Will the traits be different for generals/legions who relied heavely on mercenaries.

- Will factions like Carthage have a bonus when relying on mercenaries.

- Will there be special technologys to upgrade for mercenaries on the tech tree.

[Karnil Vark Khaitan]

I would really like a mechanic so we can bride mercs. With a agent!

[Hannarr]

Some mercenaries could be bribed, some were steadfastly loyal, holding fast when regular troops broke. the same could be said of units in any army but. Money talks, but not always loud enough.

[RGA]

Swiss mercenaries fought to the last man to protect their reputation, when all hope was lost and the levied troops were long gone. Money was definitely a factor, but not the only one. Esprit de corps should not be underestimated.

When we looked at the history of Carthage, some interesting points arise:
- Mercenaries were paid not during the war but after. Carthage was unable to pay after the First Punic war, which lead to the bloody Mercenary war.
- Mercenaries were employed from everywhere, not just your provinces. In their wars against Syracuse, Carthage secured the right to recruit mercenaries in Italy, which was then under Roman control.
- While population was often the limiting factor deciding the number of troops on the field, the same thing could not be said for mercenaries. In the First Punic war, Carthage was capable of matching Rome's massive man power with their massive purse They lost battles after battles but could always send new troops to Sicilly. That's why the First Punic war was that long and indecisive (at least on land).

[rohirrimelf]

Ah thanx for the info RGA. Mercenarys could be very interesting for this game. If only some new mechanics would be put in. I hope it is not just only a way to get a lot of troops out whith a large purse. Maybe some different ways to pay them like you said with how carthage did it. Like after x turns or after the conquest of province x. Maybe a reputation system for both the faction and for the different mercenary units.