Quote Originally Posted by Brandy Blue
Personally, I see no reason why bodyguard units shouldn't be counted as mercinaries. The Varangian guards were bodyguards (though they don't function as such in the game) and are normally considered mercinaries.
Actually, when it comes to mercenaries serving as royal bodyguards in the medieval period, my understanding is that the phenomenon was fairly rare -- thus, the Varangians were the exception rather than the rule. Not that they're the only example -- I believe a few of the Spanish Moorish princes employed mercs as personal guards, for instance -- but I don't believe the practice was that common overall. (Note that I'm referring to the medieval period only.)