SHARK
First Post
Greetings!
Mercenaries have been a standard feature of warfare throughout human history. Mercenaries have provided significant forces in many battles and wars, occasionally proving to be decisive in a particular conflict. Mercenaries are warriors and soldiers that serve in wars typically fighting for whoever happens to pay them the highest, usually arranged by a specific contract before the campaign begins. Howver, merely because mercenaries are primarily motivated by significant wages paid to them in coin--as well as rights and entitlements to booty and plunder during the campaign--mercenaries may have additional standards and requirements, and more than a few mercenary regiments, companies, or forces did in fact embrace particular standards of who they would fight for, against what kind of enemies, and where or under what kind of circumstances.
Mercenary training, equipment, and skills historically varied significantly--however, mercenaries' combat and battle effectiveness was generally equal or superior to any regular or professional army unit or force. Operationally, there was some reason for regular army forces to always be dismissive, hostile, and belligerent towards mercenary forces simply because mercenary forces were much more individualized, and less prone to rigid discipline and unquestioning obedience--this factor also meant that at times, mercenary forces would not necessarily follow the prescribed strategy, and thus gained the historically hostile attitude seen throughout history by most professional armies and soldiers.
Relationships between various leading nobles, kings, professional military commanders and so on have often been smooth, respectful, and successful--though such relationships have also been often marred by hostility, suspicion, and violence--as well as treachery, and deception. Oftentimes, these problems developed because some noble, king, or commander sought to hire the mercenaries, and have them do the fighting required--and then shaft them by not paying them what was promised. Historically, more than a few mercenary units have gone on savage rampages, slaughtering, burning, and looting, because they were betrayed by their employers.
Frequently, the nobles, king, or professional military commander that hired the mercenaries to begin with, secretly never intended to pay the mercenaries, because the mercenaries were deliberately placed at the hottest, hardest point of fighting--and occasionally not supported by nearby military units--so that the mercenaries would not only do more of the hard, bloody fighting, but also suffer far higher casualties. This, conveniently of course, also meant that the mercenaries' employers would--"sadly"--be required to pay the mercenaries less, because they were purposely misused and intentionally placed in the battle to maximize their own casualties. Thus, mercenaries learned that the noble employers--whether nobles, kings, or professional military commanders could often not be trusted very well at all, and the mercenary commanders and officers were always alert to their troops being callously and needlessly sacrificed. At the back of every mercenary commander's mind was always the awareness and suspicion that the mercenaries' employers could--and probably would at the earliest and most advantageous time--betray the mercenaries.
Historically, there have been many mercenary units and forces that developed ferocious and outstanding reputations as excellent warriors, and utterly ruthless and loyal. Ceasar had several elite units of Germanic Barbarian cavalry that he used throughout his epic campaign in Gaul fighting against the Celts. Greek Kings often hired various mercenary forces from around Greece, and the wider Mediterranean for campaigns both at home and abroad. The Persian Empire had hired Xenophon, and his 10,000 Greek Mercenary Hoplites to fight for them in various campaigns. Xenophon then led the Greek expedition on an epic journey marching out of Persia, to finally reach their homes in Greece. The British Empire famously hired and formed various mercenary regiments of Scottish Highlanders, as well as German Hessians, and Indian Gurkas from the mountainous lands and jungles of India.
In a campaign, mercenary units can easily be just as colourful, interesting, and significant to the milieu. Player characters can serve as mercenaries, as well as hiring mercenaries in the campaign for various kinds of expeditions, whether such campaigns are a full-scale military conflict, laying siege to an enemy castle, or something smaller like escorting a caravan through a long, dangerous journey, or helping the player characters fight deep inside mysterious caverns and ancient dungeons--mercenaries can prove themselves both interesting and very effective.
Provided below is a content section of questions set in order that the detailed sections appear providing the relevant information and tables.
(1) How much do Mercenaries cost?
(2) Who is the commander of the mercenary unit?
(3) Who are the leading officers of the mercenary unit?
(4) What kind of reputation and campaign history does the mercenary unit enjoy?
(5) How large are the mercenary troops or forces?
(6) What kind of morale, training, and discipline do the mercenaries have?
(7) What kind of mercenaries are they?
HOW MUCH DO MERCENARY UNITS COST?
Mercenary units can be very expensive. Mercenary units typically command various contract wages based on their reputation and campaign history, as well as by the reputation and skill of the mercenary unit's commander, as well as various modifications and concessions based on the nature of the campaign the mercenary unit is expected to deploy in.
WHO IS THE COMMANDER OF THE MERCENARY UNIT?
Commanders of mercenary units usually do not gain such position and status by being arrogant, incompetent morons. However, that is not to say that such commanders do not have or may not possess some serious flaw, or several distinct flaws,--for in fact, they can, and do, and it would be extraordinary to find a commanding officer without flaws whatsoever. The DM should roll or select a combination of appropriate traits, providing the character with a minimum required skills to lead reasonably competently, and allowing other traits to be rolled more randomly.
WHO ARE THE LEADING OFFICERS OF THE MERCENARY UNIT?
Mercenary units--like other professional military and combat forces alike--are highly dependent upon not just their weapons, equipment, supplies, training and discipline--but also the skills and capabilities of the mercenary unit's leading officers. The mercenary unit's leading officers are essential for the successful operation of the whole unit in combat, and the commander of the unit must have a skilled, professional, and dynamic staff of officers if the mercenary unit is to be successful in any campaign it is serving in.
A particular mercenary unit possesses a minimum staff of officers and non-commisssioned officers (Corporals, Sergeants, Master Sergeants, etc) in order to run and operate efficiently and effectively. The following unit types are detailed with their minimum staff of officers required. The DM may allow or add additional officers and NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers) as needed or desired.
Leading Officers of the Mercenary Unit
Small Mercenary Team: Contains 3-8 troops (Roll 1d6+2); 1 NCO
Mercenary Squad: Contains 11-16 troops (Roll 1d6+10); 1-3 NCO's
Mercenary Platoon: Contains 4 Squads; 44-64 troops; (Roll 4d6+40); 1 Officer; 4-12 NCO's.
Mercenary Company: Contains 4 Platoons; 188-260 troops; (Roll 8d10+180); 4-6 Officers, 16-48 NCO's.
Mercenary Battalion: Contains 4 Companies; 900-1200 troops; (Roll 1d4x100+800); 20-30 Officers, 70-200 NCO's.
Mercenary Regiment: Contains 4 Battalions; 4,000-5000 troops; (Roll 1d12x100+3800); 84-124 Officers, 300-880 NCO's.
The following Simple Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Table offers merely a basic selection of potential officers and non-commissioned officers, built with the following scales; the table that follows afterwards is the Complex Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Table, and provides a more complex range, requiring the DM to either choose each trait, or roll individually to gain specific results. Again, both such tables are relatively simple; the DM can create truly individualistic officers and NCO's by going through each of the six subtables, and either choosing a trait, or rolling randomly. That process will supply a range of much more interesting and nuanced characters as officers and non-commissioned officers.
Simple Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Types
01-05% 30-Point Officer/NCO: (5-point Traits from each of the six categories)
06-25% 60-point Officer/NCO: (10-point Traits from each of the six categories)
26-75% 90-point Officer/NCO: (15-point Traits from each of the six categories)
76-95% 120-point Officer/NCO: (20-point Traits from each of the six categories)
96-00% 150-point Officer/NCO: (25-point Traits from each of the six categories)
Complex Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Types
01-05% 30-Point Officer/NCO: (5-point Traits from each of the six categories)
06-15% 45-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
16-25% 60-point Officer/NCO: (10-point Traits from each of the six categories)
26-40% 75-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
41-60% 90-point Officer/NCO: (15-point Traits from each of the six categories)
61-75% 105-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
76-85% 120-point Officer/NCO: (20-point Traits from each of the six categories)
86-95% 135-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
96-00% 150-point Officer/NCO: (25-point Traits from each of the six categories)
WHAT MILITARY TRAITS AND QUALITIES DOES THE UNIT COMMANDER AND OFFICERS POSSESS?
The mercenary unit's commander and officers possess specialized military traits and qualities that have a significant impact and influence on the troops' and the entire mercenary unit's morale, discipline, and performance. The Military Traits and Qualities Tables can be used to gain a good idea of the commander and the officer's personalities, as well as their skills, capabilities and potentials as successful combat leaders. As desired, the tables may also be used effectively to determine the same abilities and traits in any individual soldier serving in the mercenary unit, as well as other NPC's, easily and to good effect.
A particular or individual commander or officer has an overall Combat Leader Rating, ranging from a score of zero, to 150. There are six categories of Military Traits and Qualities, with each such category possessing a selection of five different rated descriptors, ranging in value from 5 points to 25 points. Each descriptor trait scales through the category in 5-point increments. Thus, by using the tables provided, the DM can quickly and easily create appropriate military characters ranging from 30point value, which is the lowest, up to 150 point value, which is the highest. Using the Military Traits and Categories Tables allows the DM to easily create an endless range of military commanders, officers, and soldiers that are distinct, memorable, and entertaining.
The Military Traits and Qualities Tables are also used to determine the military traits and qualities of appropriate NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers).
Military Traits and Qualities
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable I: Personal Combat Prowess and Skills
01-20% Clumsy: (5 points)
21-40% Experienced: (10 points)
41-60% Skilled: (15 points)
61-80% Deadly: (20 points)
81-00% Ruthless: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable II: Personal Discipline and Training Methods
01-20% Poor: (5 points)
21-40% Compromising: (10 points)
41-60% Rigid: (15 points)
61-80% Harsh: (20 points)
81-00% Strict: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable III: Tactical Skills and Situational Awareness
01-20% Foolish: (5 points)
21-40% Idealistic: (10 points)
41-60% Conventional: (15 points)
61-80% Sharp: (20 points)
81-00% Brilliant: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable IV: Personal Bearing and Demeanor
01-20% Exacting: (5 points)
21-40% Grim: (10 points)
41-60% Calm: (15 points)
61-80% Cheerful: (20 points)
81-00% Compassionate: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable V: Professional Ambition and Conduct
01-20% Reckless: (5 points)
21-40% Prideful: (10 points)
41-60% Orthodox: (15 points)
61-80% Prudent: (20 points)
81-00% Daring: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable VI: Courage and Leadership
01-20% Cowardly: (5 points)
21-40% Timid: (10 points)
41-60% Conservative: (15 points)
61-80% Intrepid: (20 points)
81-00% Heroic: (25 points)
WHAT KIND OF REPUTATION AND CAMPAIGN HISTORY DOES THE MERCENARY UNIT ENJOY?
Mercenary units' reputation and history may vary somewhat from their actual capability and potential. A mercenary unit's performance--and ultimate campaign fate--on the battlefield is dependent upon several factors that are essentially independent of the rank and file mercenary soldier's capability, and many such factors are often entirely beyond the soldier's control or often even beyond their knowledge or awareness. The mercenary unit's reputation often rests entirely--or at least significantly--upon the shoulders of their officers and their commander, and the particular strategy and skills they possess and use in prosecuting the campaign and conducting the battle with the forces under their command.
A mercenary unit's particular reputation will have an enormous impact on the contract fees and wages that the mercenary unit can expect to negotiate for when they are involved in contract negotiations with a potential employer. Furthermore, the mercenary unit's reputation and particular campaign history will have a significant influence on the booty and looting rights that they can expect to gain during the negotiations as well.
Mercenary units that enjoy higher reputations and more illustrious campaign histories command greater booty and looting rights, and are typically given more shares of the campaign's booty gained from the campaign, or for example, given more time to engage in looting of the battlefield, castle, town or city. Such booty and looting rights can be in terms of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or whatever is appropriate--even in some cases determined in hours. Special Booty and Looting boons can also be awarded or given during the contract negotiations, specifying how many slaves can be taken, how many beast herds, and so on can be gained by the mercenary unit during the upcoming campaign.
Mercenary Unit Reputation and History
01-25% Green Reputation and History:
The mercenary unit has a Green reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of few victories, numerous draws, and numerous defeats.
26-50% Standard Reputation and History:
The Mercenary unit has a Standard reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of some victories, many draws, and many defeats.
51-75% Veteran Reputation and History:
The Mercenary Unit has a Veteran reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of many excellent victories, some draws, and some defeats.
76-00% Elite Reputation and History:
The Mercenary Unit has an Elite reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of numerous outstanding victories, few draws, and few defeats.
HOW LARGE ARE THE MERCENARY TROOPS AND FORCES?
Mercenary troops and forces are typically organized along the same lines as professional military forces, and usually have the same or similar ranks, structure, and organization. Operationally, and availability-wise, mercenary forces often exist in somewhat smaller organizational units than the largest professional military forces, typically because while mercenaries lead an exciting, dangerous, and adventurous lifestyle, and are usually very well paid, the skills demanded of any mercenary and the survival rate of mercenaries tends to weed out many, and of the mercenaries that actually sign up and serve in the mercenary units either do not survive for long, or once they acheive whatever personal wealth and goals they desire, tend to leave the mercenary life and enter a relatively prosperous and enjoyable retirement. It is for such reasons that most mercenary forces on not found to be huge armies and entire army groups, but more typically tend to be regiments, battalions, companies and platoons, as well as squads and small teams of individuals.
Mercenary Organization and Size
Small Mercenary Team: Contains 3-8 troops (Roll 1d6+2)
Mercenary Squad: Contains 11-16 troops (Roll 1d6+10)
Mercenary Platoon: Contains 4 Squads; 44-64 troops; (Roll 4d6+40)
Mercenary Company: Contains 4 Platoons; 188-260 troops; (Roll 8d10+180)
Mercenary Battalion: Contains 4 Companies; 900-1200 troops; (Roll 1d4x100+800)
Mercenary Regiment: Contains 4 Battalions; 4,000-5000 troops; (Roll 1d12x100+3800)
Within the military organization of units and formations, the exact number of troops begins to exceed lower orders of organization specifically, as larger units add additional administrative, support, and specialist troops that enhance the larger organization and aid in its operational and battlefied management and handling.
WHAT KIND OF MORALE, TRAINING, AND DISCIPLINE DO THE MERCENARIES HAVE?
Mercenary units possess specific ratings for morale, training, and discipline. Such ratings are known of--and circulate through the military, noble, and mercenary social and professional networks, and can occasionally become known to the general population as well, as the mercenary unit's reputation and campaign history spreads--for good or ill. Each of the specific morale ratings provides some idea of the mercenary unit's reputation, training, and performance during its campaign history in response to combat operations, stress, obstacles and challenges, as well as its overall standards of military discipline.
Mercenary Quality
01-20% Green
21-70% Standard
71-90% Veteran
91-00% Elite
WHAT KIND OF MERCENARY TROOPS ARE THEY?
Mercenary Troops/Unit Composition
01-10% Archers
11-15% Crossbowmen
16-30% Skirmishers
31-45% Light Infantry
46-55% Medium Infantry
56-60% Heavy Infantry
61-75% Light Cavalry
76-85% Medium Cavalry
86-90% Heavy Cavalry
91-00% Elite Special Forces
Mercenary Special Forces
01-04% Elite Adventurers
05-08% Elite Gladiators
09-12% Elite Skirmishers--Peltasts
13-16% Elite Human Archers
17-20% Elite Human Crossbowmen
21-24% Elite Woodsmen/Hunters/Forest Raiders
25-28% Elite Heavy Infantry--Phalanx Warriors
29-32% Elite Heavy Infantry--Myrmidon Warriors
33-36% Elite Human Siege Engineers/Shock Troops/Artillery Crews
37-40% Elite Human Heavy Cavalry--Armoured Knights
41-44% Elite Barbarian Medium Infantry--Sea Raiders/Marauders
45-48% Elite Barbarian Forest Raiders
49-52% Elite Barbarian Desert Raiders
53-56% Elite Barbarian Marsh Raiders
57-60% Elite Barbarian Mountain Raiders
61-64% Elite Barbarian Cavalry Archers
65-68% Elite Barbarian Cavalry Shock Troops/Raiders
69-72% Elite Dwarf Siege Engineers
73-76% Elite Dwarf Heavy Crossbowmen
77-80% Elite Dwarf Heavy Infantry
81-84% Elite Elf Archers
85-88% Elite Elf Forest Raiders
89-92% Elite Elf Heavy Cavalry
93-96% Elite Half-Ogre Heavy Infantry
97-00% Elite Minotaur Heavy Infantry
Mercenaries have been a standard feature of warfare throughout human history. Mercenaries have provided significant forces in many battles and wars, occasionally proving to be decisive in a particular conflict. Mercenaries are warriors and soldiers that serve in wars typically fighting for whoever happens to pay them the highest, usually arranged by a specific contract before the campaign begins. Howver, merely because mercenaries are primarily motivated by significant wages paid to them in coin--as well as rights and entitlements to booty and plunder during the campaign--mercenaries may have additional standards and requirements, and more than a few mercenary regiments, companies, or forces did in fact embrace particular standards of who they would fight for, against what kind of enemies, and where or under what kind of circumstances.
Mercenary training, equipment, and skills historically varied significantly--however, mercenaries' combat and battle effectiveness was generally equal or superior to any regular or professional army unit or force. Operationally, there was some reason for regular army forces to always be dismissive, hostile, and belligerent towards mercenary forces simply because mercenary forces were much more individualized, and less prone to rigid discipline and unquestioning obedience--this factor also meant that at times, mercenary forces would not necessarily follow the prescribed strategy, and thus gained the historically hostile attitude seen throughout history by most professional armies and soldiers.
Relationships between various leading nobles, kings, professional military commanders and so on have often been smooth, respectful, and successful--though such relationships have also been often marred by hostility, suspicion, and violence--as well as treachery, and deception. Oftentimes, these problems developed because some noble, king, or commander sought to hire the mercenaries, and have them do the fighting required--and then shaft them by not paying them what was promised. Historically, more than a few mercenary units have gone on savage rampages, slaughtering, burning, and looting, because they were betrayed by their employers.
Frequently, the nobles, king, or professional military commander that hired the mercenaries to begin with, secretly never intended to pay the mercenaries, because the mercenaries were deliberately placed at the hottest, hardest point of fighting--and occasionally not supported by nearby military units--so that the mercenaries would not only do more of the hard, bloody fighting, but also suffer far higher casualties. This, conveniently of course, also meant that the mercenaries' employers would--"sadly"--be required to pay the mercenaries less, because they were purposely misused and intentionally placed in the battle to maximize their own casualties. Thus, mercenaries learned that the noble employers--whether nobles, kings, or professional military commanders could often not be trusted very well at all, and the mercenary commanders and officers were always alert to their troops being callously and needlessly sacrificed. At the back of every mercenary commander's mind was always the awareness and suspicion that the mercenaries' employers could--and probably would at the earliest and most advantageous time--betray the mercenaries.
Historically, there have been many mercenary units and forces that developed ferocious and outstanding reputations as excellent warriors, and utterly ruthless and loyal. Ceasar had several elite units of Germanic Barbarian cavalry that he used throughout his epic campaign in Gaul fighting against the Celts. Greek Kings often hired various mercenary forces from around Greece, and the wider Mediterranean for campaigns both at home and abroad. The Persian Empire had hired Xenophon, and his 10,000 Greek Mercenary Hoplites to fight for them in various campaigns. Xenophon then led the Greek expedition on an epic journey marching out of Persia, to finally reach their homes in Greece. The British Empire famously hired and formed various mercenary regiments of Scottish Highlanders, as well as German Hessians, and Indian Gurkas from the mountainous lands and jungles of India.
In a campaign, mercenary units can easily be just as colourful, interesting, and significant to the milieu. Player characters can serve as mercenaries, as well as hiring mercenaries in the campaign for various kinds of expeditions, whether such campaigns are a full-scale military conflict, laying siege to an enemy castle, or something smaller like escorting a caravan through a long, dangerous journey, or helping the player characters fight deep inside mysterious caverns and ancient dungeons--mercenaries can prove themselves both interesting and very effective.
Provided below is a content section of questions set in order that the detailed sections appear providing the relevant information and tables.
(1) How much do Mercenaries cost?
(2) Who is the commander of the mercenary unit?
(3) Who are the leading officers of the mercenary unit?
(4) What kind of reputation and campaign history does the mercenary unit enjoy?
(5) How large are the mercenary troops or forces?
(6) What kind of morale, training, and discipline do the mercenaries have?
(7) What kind of mercenaries are they?
HOW MUCH DO MERCENARY UNITS COST?
Mercenary units can be very expensive. Mercenary units typically command various contract wages based on their reputation and campaign history, as well as by the reputation and skill of the mercenary unit's commander, as well as various modifications and concessions based on the nature of the campaign the mercenary unit is expected to deploy in.
WHO IS THE COMMANDER OF THE MERCENARY UNIT?
Commanders of mercenary units usually do not gain such position and status by being arrogant, incompetent morons. However, that is not to say that such commanders do not have or may not possess some serious flaw, or several distinct flaws,--for in fact, they can, and do, and it would be extraordinary to find a commanding officer without flaws whatsoever. The DM should roll or select a combination of appropriate traits, providing the character with a minimum required skills to lead reasonably competently, and allowing other traits to be rolled more randomly.
WHO ARE THE LEADING OFFICERS OF THE MERCENARY UNIT?
Mercenary units--like other professional military and combat forces alike--are highly dependent upon not just their weapons, equipment, supplies, training and discipline--but also the skills and capabilities of the mercenary unit's leading officers. The mercenary unit's leading officers are essential for the successful operation of the whole unit in combat, and the commander of the unit must have a skilled, professional, and dynamic staff of officers if the mercenary unit is to be successful in any campaign it is serving in.
A particular mercenary unit possesses a minimum staff of officers and non-commisssioned officers (Corporals, Sergeants, Master Sergeants, etc) in order to run and operate efficiently and effectively. The following unit types are detailed with their minimum staff of officers required. The DM may allow or add additional officers and NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers) as needed or desired.
Leading Officers of the Mercenary Unit
Small Mercenary Team: Contains 3-8 troops (Roll 1d6+2); 1 NCO
Mercenary Squad: Contains 11-16 troops (Roll 1d6+10); 1-3 NCO's
Mercenary Platoon: Contains 4 Squads; 44-64 troops; (Roll 4d6+40); 1 Officer; 4-12 NCO's.
Mercenary Company: Contains 4 Platoons; 188-260 troops; (Roll 8d10+180); 4-6 Officers, 16-48 NCO's.
Mercenary Battalion: Contains 4 Companies; 900-1200 troops; (Roll 1d4x100+800); 20-30 Officers, 70-200 NCO's.
Mercenary Regiment: Contains 4 Battalions; 4,000-5000 troops; (Roll 1d12x100+3800); 84-124 Officers, 300-880 NCO's.
The following Simple Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Table offers merely a basic selection of potential officers and non-commissioned officers, built with the following scales; the table that follows afterwards is the Complex Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Table, and provides a more complex range, requiring the DM to either choose each trait, or roll individually to gain specific results. Again, both such tables are relatively simple; the DM can create truly individualistic officers and NCO's by going through each of the six subtables, and either choosing a trait, or rolling randomly. That process will supply a range of much more interesting and nuanced characters as officers and non-commissioned officers.
Simple Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Types
01-05% 30-Point Officer/NCO: (5-point Traits from each of the six categories)
06-25% 60-point Officer/NCO: (10-point Traits from each of the six categories)
26-75% 90-point Officer/NCO: (15-point Traits from each of the six categories)
76-95% 120-point Officer/NCO: (20-point Traits from each of the six categories)
96-00% 150-point Officer/NCO: (25-point Traits from each of the six categories)
Complex Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Types
01-05% 30-Point Officer/NCO: (5-point Traits from each of the six categories)
06-15% 45-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
16-25% 60-point Officer/NCO: (10-point Traits from each of the six categories)
26-40% 75-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
41-60% 90-point Officer/NCO: (15-point Traits from each of the six categories)
61-75% 105-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
76-85% 120-point Officer/NCO: (20-point Traits from each of the six categories)
86-95% 135-point Officer/NCO: (Roll/Choose Traits from each of the six categories)
96-00% 150-point Officer/NCO: (25-point Traits from each of the six categories)
WHAT MILITARY TRAITS AND QUALITIES DOES THE UNIT COMMANDER AND OFFICERS POSSESS?
The mercenary unit's commander and officers possess specialized military traits and qualities that have a significant impact and influence on the troops' and the entire mercenary unit's morale, discipline, and performance. The Military Traits and Qualities Tables can be used to gain a good idea of the commander and the officer's personalities, as well as their skills, capabilities and potentials as successful combat leaders. As desired, the tables may also be used effectively to determine the same abilities and traits in any individual soldier serving in the mercenary unit, as well as other NPC's, easily and to good effect.
A particular or individual commander or officer has an overall Combat Leader Rating, ranging from a score of zero, to 150. There are six categories of Military Traits and Qualities, with each such category possessing a selection of five different rated descriptors, ranging in value from 5 points to 25 points. Each descriptor trait scales through the category in 5-point increments. Thus, by using the tables provided, the DM can quickly and easily create appropriate military characters ranging from 30point value, which is the lowest, up to 150 point value, which is the highest. Using the Military Traits and Categories Tables allows the DM to easily create an endless range of military commanders, officers, and soldiers that are distinct, memorable, and entertaining.
The Military Traits and Qualities Tables are also used to determine the military traits and qualities of appropriate NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers).
Military Traits and Qualities
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable I: Personal Combat Prowess and Skills
01-20% Clumsy: (5 points)
21-40% Experienced: (10 points)
41-60% Skilled: (15 points)
61-80% Deadly: (20 points)
81-00% Ruthless: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable II: Personal Discipline and Training Methods
01-20% Poor: (5 points)
21-40% Compromising: (10 points)
41-60% Rigid: (15 points)
61-80% Harsh: (20 points)
81-00% Strict: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable III: Tactical Skills and Situational Awareness
01-20% Foolish: (5 points)
21-40% Idealistic: (10 points)
41-60% Conventional: (15 points)
61-80% Sharp: (20 points)
81-00% Brilliant: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable IV: Personal Bearing and Demeanor
01-20% Exacting: (5 points)
21-40% Grim: (10 points)
41-60% Calm: (15 points)
61-80% Cheerful: (20 points)
81-00% Compassionate: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable V: Professional Ambition and Conduct
01-20% Reckless: (5 points)
21-40% Prideful: (10 points)
41-60% Orthodox: (15 points)
61-80% Prudent: (20 points)
81-00% Daring: (25 points)
Military Traits and Qualities Subtable VI: Courage and Leadership
01-20% Cowardly: (5 points)
21-40% Timid: (10 points)
41-60% Conservative: (15 points)
61-80% Intrepid: (20 points)
81-00% Heroic: (25 points)
WHAT KIND OF REPUTATION AND CAMPAIGN HISTORY DOES THE MERCENARY UNIT ENJOY?
Mercenary units' reputation and history may vary somewhat from their actual capability and potential. A mercenary unit's performance--and ultimate campaign fate--on the battlefield is dependent upon several factors that are essentially independent of the rank and file mercenary soldier's capability, and many such factors are often entirely beyond the soldier's control or often even beyond their knowledge or awareness. The mercenary unit's reputation often rests entirely--or at least significantly--upon the shoulders of their officers and their commander, and the particular strategy and skills they possess and use in prosecuting the campaign and conducting the battle with the forces under their command.
A mercenary unit's particular reputation will have an enormous impact on the contract fees and wages that the mercenary unit can expect to negotiate for when they are involved in contract negotiations with a potential employer. Furthermore, the mercenary unit's reputation and particular campaign history will have a significant influence on the booty and looting rights that they can expect to gain during the negotiations as well.
Mercenary units that enjoy higher reputations and more illustrious campaign histories command greater booty and looting rights, and are typically given more shares of the campaign's booty gained from the campaign, or for example, given more time to engage in looting of the battlefield, castle, town or city. Such booty and looting rights can be in terms of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or whatever is appropriate--even in some cases determined in hours. Special Booty and Looting boons can also be awarded or given during the contract negotiations, specifying how many slaves can be taken, how many beast herds, and so on can be gained by the mercenary unit during the upcoming campaign.
Mercenary Unit Reputation and History
01-25% Green Reputation and History:
The mercenary unit has a Green reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of few victories, numerous draws, and numerous defeats.
26-50% Standard Reputation and History:
The Mercenary unit has a Standard reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of some victories, many draws, and many defeats.
51-75% Veteran Reputation and History:
The Mercenary Unit has a Veteran reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of many excellent victories, some draws, and some defeats.
76-00% Elite Reputation and History:
The Mercenary Unit has an Elite reputation for discipline and morale. The mercenary unit has a campaign history of numerous outstanding victories, few draws, and few defeats.
HOW LARGE ARE THE MERCENARY TROOPS AND FORCES?
Mercenary troops and forces are typically organized along the same lines as professional military forces, and usually have the same or similar ranks, structure, and organization. Operationally, and availability-wise, mercenary forces often exist in somewhat smaller organizational units than the largest professional military forces, typically because while mercenaries lead an exciting, dangerous, and adventurous lifestyle, and are usually very well paid, the skills demanded of any mercenary and the survival rate of mercenaries tends to weed out many, and of the mercenaries that actually sign up and serve in the mercenary units either do not survive for long, or once they acheive whatever personal wealth and goals they desire, tend to leave the mercenary life and enter a relatively prosperous and enjoyable retirement. It is for such reasons that most mercenary forces on not found to be huge armies and entire army groups, but more typically tend to be regiments, battalions, companies and platoons, as well as squads and small teams of individuals.
Mercenary Organization and Size
Small Mercenary Team: Contains 3-8 troops (Roll 1d6+2)
Mercenary Squad: Contains 11-16 troops (Roll 1d6+10)
Mercenary Platoon: Contains 4 Squads; 44-64 troops; (Roll 4d6+40)
Mercenary Company: Contains 4 Platoons; 188-260 troops; (Roll 8d10+180)
Mercenary Battalion: Contains 4 Companies; 900-1200 troops; (Roll 1d4x100+800)
Mercenary Regiment: Contains 4 Battalions; 4,000-5000 troops; (Roll 1d12x100+3800)
Within the military organization of units and formations, the exact number of troops begins to exceed lower orders of organization specifically, as larger units add additional administrative, support, and specialist troops that enhance the larger organization and aid in its operational and battlefied management and handling.
WHAT KIND OF MORALE, TRAINING, AND DISCIPLINE DO THE MERCENARIES HAVE?
Mercenary units possess specific ratings for morale, training, and discipline. Such ratings are known of--and circulate through the military, noble, and mercenary social and professional networks, and can occasionally become known to the general population as well, as the mercenary unit's reputation and campaign history spreads--for good or ill. Each of the specific morale ratings provides some idea of the mercenary unit's reputation, training, and performance during its campaign history in response to combat operations, stress, obstacles and challenges, as well as its overall standards of military discipline.
Mercenary Quality
01-20% Green
21-70% Standard
71-90% Veteran
91-00% Elite
WHAT KIND OF MERCENARY TROOPS ARE THEY?
Mercenary Troops/Unit Composition
01-10% Archers
11-15% Crossbowmen
16-30% Skirmishers
31-45% Light Infantry
46-55% Medium Infantry
56-60% Heavy Infantry
61-75% Light Cavalry
76-85% Medium Cavalry
86-90% Heavy Cavalry
91-00% Elite Special Forces
Mercenary Special Forces
01-04% Elite Adventurers
05-08% Elite Gladiators
09-12% Elite Skirmishers--Peltasts
13-16% Elite Human Archers
17-20% Elite Human Crossbowmen
21-24% Elite Woodsmen/Hunters/Forest Raiders
25-28% Elite Heavy Infantry--Phalanx Warriors
29-32% Elite Heavy Infantry--Myrmidon Warriors
33-36% Elite Human Siege Engineers/Shock Troops/Artillery Crews
37-40% Elite Human Heavy Cavalry--Armoured Knights
41-44% Elite Barbarian Medium Infantry--Sea Raiders/Marauders
45-48% Elite Barbarian Forest Raiders
49-52% Elite Barbarian Desert Raiders
53-56% Elite Barbarian Marsh Raiders
57-60% Elite Barbarian Mountain Raiders
61-64% Elite Barbarian Cavalry Archers
65-68% Elite Barbarian Cavalry Shock Troops/Raiders
69-72% Elite Dwarf Siege Engineers
73-76% Elite Dwarf Heavy Crossbowmen
77-80% Elite Dwarf Heavy Infantry
81-84% Elite Elf Archers
85-88% Elite Elf Forest Raiders
89-92% Elite Elf Heavy Cavalry
93-96% Elite Half-Ogre Heavy Infantry
97-00% Elite Minotaur Heavy Infantry
). They were (and are) also amazingly effective warriors, I would say almost on par with the Ghurkas. They weren't mercenaries but did (and do fight) for the militarireis of other nations Some links:
