Mercs

[Veho Nex]

I think a decent way to balance mercs would be if you had them sitting in a province playing police force then you could expect higher corruption and lower upkeep. If they were constantly on the attack then you get lower income from sacking a city while again reduced cost. The only time when you have the stupid high upkeep is when they arent in a city or on the attack.

[Sp4]

So paying for them in other ways than simply upkeep lowers their cost? Interesting, I'd like to do business with you.

[Kamakazi]

I have a few merc units I consistently keep just to have them. My economy can sustain them so I might as well keep em around. Ill pick up extras if I need more ass in an assault but after that its back to the woods for the little mercs

[nearchos]

On a slightly related note, anyone able to merge units? I tried to a few times but no luck.

I tried too with the same results, nothing.
I believe there isnt such option at all.

[ReluctantSamurai]

Perhaps if the auto-replenishment was a bit less aggressive ie took longer like 4-5 turns + extra length the further from nearest base you are, then mercs would be a lot more useful.

An excellent idea, IMO

[Myth]

On a slightly related note, anyone able to merge units? I tried to a few times but no luck.

Can't be done because of the Shogun 2 auto replenishment feature. I hate both of these. I'd rather merge units and recruit new ones than having double gold chevrons Pretorians replenish in the Sahhara desert.

[Hooahguy]

Can't be done because of the Shogun 2 auto replenishment feature. I hate both of these. I'd rather merge units and recruit new ones than having double gold chevrons Pretorians replenish in the Sahhara desert.

Apparently you can now, its ctrl-m.

[Slaists]

1. There are technologies, buildings, faction features, army traditions and generals' skills that lower the cost of mercs
2. Without the above, mercs seem to be a cheap option to boost your assault armies (or any armies before a battle). Their hiring cost is low, but upkeep is huge. So, hire them, fight the battle and disband

As to merging, CTRL-M works. Need to select the two units that you want to merge, then press CTRL-M. Unfortunately, does not seem to work with the whole army selected.

[Sp4]

Why would you ever want to merge if it takes literally 2 turns for even an elite stack to replenish fully after a crushing defeat around mid game?

[Myth]

Yes, if you have the food surplus to support it. If not, and you need to win a do or die battle, you want to merge. Also, i'd rather defend a major settlement with 10 full units who have experience chevrons than a 20 stack of mostly depleted units.

[ReluctantSamurai]

As far as merging merc units is concerned, I would rather see a system where you can only merge units that were recruited from the same province.

For merging organic units, any two alike should be ok.

And this is insanely stupid:

having double gold chevrons Pretorians replenish in the Sahhara desert.

[Myth]

Or having Royal Spartans replenish on their own in the Alps as my latest campaign can attest