The Role of Leadership

[Lehesu]

I have a feature that I think would heighten the byzantine political aspect of Total War and help the vices&virtues element as well. We all know that leadership of armies is determined by various leader stats such as leadership etc. We also know that if there are similar leaders, the "noble" unit and general gets command of the army. One possible inclusion into Rome that I would like to bring forward is the possibility to choose leaders of an army. For example, whereas the general with 4 command stars would get leadership, despite having very low loyalty, the player could pick another possibly less skilled but more loyal general. This, in turn, would give the shunned leader a vice, as anybody who is deliberatly turned down for a leadership role is probably going to feel a bit resentful. Players would have to make sure that the correct generals are installed, without offending a possibly rebbellious general. Consequently, the picked leader might receive virtues because he was picked as a leader. Those who are unexpectantly promoted might earn some loyalty virtues or even some vices For example, an unprepared general might not be very efficient or well-liked by the troops and might suffer a leadership or morale penalty.
Here is an example. The General of the Danes is not a good leader. Only maintaining two leadership stars and having the inept defender vice, as well as many other morale and valour killing vices, this general would be in trouble when the germans attack. However, the King of the Danes sees this and appoints a new general to the post. This new general recieves a virtue of being "King's Choice" which gives him +2 to valor or whatever. The shunned general, consequently, recieves the "Bitter" vice and has his loyalty reduced by 2.
I think that this would be a logical implementation, and, hopefully, doable. Another possible change, failing the above, would be to allow players to move their generals to a different unit A general who starts off as a peasant and then gains 8 stars and great loyalty would surely be promoted to a different unit, say a unit of Chivalric Knights. Other one time vice&virtues could also could be coincided with this, as moving a general around constantly to get virtues is probably not realistic.
Just my two cents. Questions? Comments? Concerns?

~Lehesu

[Lehesu]

I guess everybody likes my idea

[RisingSun]

yup.

[scsscsfanfan]

My personal feeling is that if they could add a unique general unit - a small number of body guards, something like a Royal Knight unit would be good. I always feel it's a bit odd to have a peasant/ F-M-A general and kinghts under their command. I modded all the unit to be discouraged for general unit except a few.
I also suggested long time ago that there could be mersenary generals if we have a unique general unit, you can hire them or pay a certain money for them to join your side permatantly. This may not be historical, but can be fun and adds a bit more color to the game.

[ChaosShade]

Lehesu- I think both are your ideas are great and should be implemented

[Hakonarson]

I don't like it all that much.

Roman generals, for example, were favourites of the people (eg elected consuls) or were sonetimes appointed by superior commanders, but invariably some sort of rank or privilege mattered rather than ability.

throuoghout history there have been generals who commanded by virtue of anythign EXCEPT miitary ability, and allowing players to cherry pick generals would ruin this aspect.

[Lehesu]

Well, it depends on your playing style. If you like loyalty more than command stars you will appoint that general. I just think it adds some more politics to the game.