Mercenary should be something else than templar.
I like the bandits , but you should add more different kind of mercenary. In fact, maybe the lower tier of mercenary ( such as bandits , thieves... ) should be recruited from the tavern, while the higher mercanary thier should be hired from another place. Or maybe an option when you talk to the tavern keeper. Or a new NPC .
Mercenary of all kind : "gothic" knight and dismounted, Mercenary sergeant ( 1 handed weapon and shield ), M. spearman , M. archer... Pikeman.. Maceman , 2 handed weapon ( any kind )...
And you should add a cheap "celtic cavalry" as mercenary. Irish, scott and welch really need that kind of mercenary to fight the british.