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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sepulchrave II" data-source="post: 4764442" data-attributes="member: 4303">Mercenaries / RetainersAs in other cases, applying hard categories is artificial; overlap between some categories (e.g. knights and men-at-arms) is ignored. The list will expand as I have the inclination.General Notes<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> The minimum length of retention for mercenaries is generally one month; mercenaries hired for shorter periods require additional inducements.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> Certain troop types are marked with an asterisk (*). These mercenaries may also be encountered as elite troops. Elite troops add +1 Morale and cost double the listed price to retain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Retainers require no special hazard pay when routinely enforcing their employer's will: collecting taxes, intimidating farmers, administering beatings etc. If the retainers are required to engage in hazardous activities (such as warfare), double the cost. If they are repeatedly expected to place their lives in immediate danger, multiply the cost by x3, x4 or more.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Most retainers are assumed to possess their own arms and equipment. If the employer is required to equip the troops, cost should be reduced accordingly. Typically, halve the monthly cost to retain the soldier until the value of his equipment has been paid off: this may amount to 2 years of hazardous duty. At the end of this time, the mercenary owns his equipment and enjoys full pay.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Fanatic and berserk troops (who gain +2 Morale) are a special case. Fanatics are not generally available as mercenary troops, as their zeal is directed towards some specific religious or political goal or ideal. Berserkers' unpredictability make them a risky proposition at best.</li> </ul>Leaders<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">At least one sergeant or corporal (a 2nd-level Fighter) is necessary for every 20 regular troops, unless they are Armigers. Units which lack sergeants incur a –1 Morale penalty.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">One captain or knight (a 3rd-level or higher Fighter) is necessary for every 50 regular troops (except Armigers). Units which lack captains incur a –1 Morale penalty; if the unit also lacks sergeants, these penalties stack.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2nd-level leaders (esquires, sergeants and corporals) cost triple the gold of the base troop type to retain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">3rd-level leaders (knights, lieutenants and captains) cost six times the amount of the base troop to retain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Leaders higher than 3rd-level generally cost 50gp x level per month to retain, or more.</li> </ul>Armiger*Morale: 9Cost to Equip: 410gpCost to Retain: 20gp/monthEquipment: Heavy mail (100), sword (20), lance (5), shield (10), charger or courser (250), saddle (25)Note: Armored aristocrats on warhorses. Those who make themselves available for mercenary work may be otherwise destitute, feuding with their relatives, have had their estates confiscated etc. Aristocrats have expensive appetites, and are the most costly type of retainer.Heavy Horseman* Morale: 9 Cost to Equip: 350gpCost to Retain: 10gp/month Equipment: Mail (40), sword (20), lance (5), shield (10), charger (250), saddle (25)Note: Mounted men-at-arms who are not armigerous; generally the best professional soldiers.Mounted AuxiliaryMorale: 8Cost to Equip: 220gpCost to Retain: 6gp/monthEquipment: Mail (40), sword (20), shield (10), rouncy (125), saddle (25)Note: Support troops who follow through after the main charge, or medium cavalry who act in independent formations. If armed with axes instead of swords, reduce the cost to equip to 204gp.Horsed Archer* Morale: 7Cost to Equip: 134gpCost to Retain: 6gp/monthEquipment: Leather (10), shortbow (10), arrows (2), shortsword (12), riding horse (75), saddle (25)Note: Typically scouting and skirmishing units. Usually provincial, they are not the most solid of troops.Mounted Steppes ArcherMorale: 8Cost to Equip: 209gpCost to Retain: 8gp/monthEquipment: Leather (10), shortbow (10), arrows (2), shortsword (12), war pony (150), saddle (25)Note: Fierce regional irregulars. Mounted SkirmisherMorale: 7Cost to Equip: 127gpCost to Retain: 4gp/monthEquipment: Leather (10), 3 javelins (3), axe (4), shield (10), riding horse (75), saddle (25)Note: Regular or irregular skirmishers who resort to melee only at need.Armored Axeman*Morale: 8Cost to Equip: 229gpCost to Retain: 10gp/monthEquipment: Heavy mail (100), battle-axe (7), shield (10), shortsword (12), riding horse (75), saddle (25)Note: Hobilars who will switch to shortsword & shield if circumstances warrant. Huscarls would be elite units.</blockquote>

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