Certain rebel generals hiring dozens of mercenaries.

[Tactics Mayers]

What's the deal with those guys? Some of the rebel stacks guarding certain settlements like to hire alot of mercenaries whenever you even step foot on their front yard. It makes sense for certain powerful rebel factions but.

Starting as the Saka, it becomes all too impossible to actually acquire some territory when the enemy has much more cavalry than you could possibly ever have unless you gather all of starting forces and somehow trying to reduce the number of deaths from your own forces or endure huge negatives from your treasury.

[QuintusSertorius]

Talking of the Saka, are you taking advantage of your 8 free upkeep slots in winter?