Ok so four hours into the patch and testing it and let me say first off, wow, just wow.
The new skill system? *chef kiss* Absolutely amazing. Before in 1.7.2 I really hadn't a single clue how to train some of those skills. Things like scouting? Leadership before Tier 2? Never happen. In 1.8? Amazing, I am actually skilling these up.
Combat skills are flying by and I admit I was somewhat surprised when I saw the numbers just speeding by on my screen. Now after 4 hours? No, this is perfect. This is how it should have been before. Great job.
The mercenary invitations? I got my first one. by Rhagea. It was pretty straight forward in that it told me what I was getting hired for and how that translated into influence gained. Really nice however may I also put in that I believe if they're not in a war they should not be worried about hiring mercenaries. Also, when they're done with a war they should release the mercenaries and focus on peace time things. Unless they're hiring the mercenaries to kill bandits and keep their roads cleared then that's ok. Actually, how about we do that? What if you guys find a way to make it so when a leader hires you, they hire you for a purpose. This can be reflected in the contract. Say if it's a defensive contract it explains that you are being hired to patrol her lands and defend towns, defend peasants, etc. Furthermore a contract of this sort would have less weight when they go to recruit your parties into their armies for offensive stuff. And for offensive contracts make it so you are expected to go out and harass caravans, raid, and attack nobles and peasants in their lands.
You know, let's go a step further with this:
I get hired by Rhagea on a defensive contract. This contract says in a nutshell - I want you to defend my lands from bandits and keep my towns safe. How about we get a 'quest' while were under this contact from her randomly using the same mercenary contact notification that is her offering you specific goals for money and influence?
Just food for thought.