With the great improvement of the utility of the mercenary system I found myself using a good deal of mercs. Especially early in the game you heavily lack certain unit-types while great specialists are available in various areas.

The utility of the various guys is of course closly related to your faction and the strategical and tactical enviroment but there are some guys out their which are IMHO a sure bid for most factions.

My vote goes to the Balearic Slinger - as Gaul you severly lack very initially like all western faction in this department and a single unit of long-range missiles is a big advantage. One of this guys does drammatically increase your tactical alternative, beside being a incredible good ranged unit

As experience does now also increase the missile skill this guys are getting better an better, and that for an upkeep of 200 IIRC. A incredible killer against advancing infantry and for static cavalry behind palisades...

Told you mine, so what is yours right now for your game?


OA