I like that the mercenary troop trees got an overhaul in 1.9, but they can't compete with regular soldiers. Especially the sword sister troop tree, which I have long awaited it's return from Warband, just sucks due their terrible armors and no headgear. Mercenaries are both more expensive and straight up worse than regular soldiers. First, I think there should be "Northern" and "Southern" variants of the merc troop trees (probably based on Sturgia+Battania & Aserai cultures respectively), secondly, all the existing merc troop loadouts and proficiencies should be updated to be competitive with regular soldiers belonging to the same tier.
I also think that Veteran's respect should let us convert bandits into mercenary units rather than regular and noble units. Noble units should be rare and hard to acquire, especially for the player. I would be fine if we could get noble units from upgrading bandit bosses through veteran's respect though.
I'm fairly confident that people broadly already agree that mercs should be better, but my second suggestion may be unpopular. If so, please tell me.
I also think that Veteran's respect should let us convert bandits into mercenary units rather than regular and noble units. Noble units should be rare and hard to acquire, especially for the player. I would be fine if we could get noble units from upgrading bandit bosses through veteran's respect though.
I'm fairly confident that people broadly already agree that mercs should be better, but my second suggestion may be unpopular. If so, please tell me.
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