Let Republics hire Mercenary Generals / Admirals

[Camarada78]

Mercenary armies were common through the whole period of the game, while mercenary leaders (condottieri) were more common in the italian republics during the XV and XVI centuries. The last known battle where "condottieri" took leadership in battles, hired by the Papacy, were as late as 1650 (Wars of Castro, in Lazio region).

We could let republics and Free cities hire Mercenary Generals / Admirals:

1. They would still cost military points upkeep slot.
2. They would cost a monthly price according to army tradition, modified by contractor prestige and legitimacy.
3. They could only be hired during a war.
4. If they die an "insurance" would be paid (the same amount as dismissing an advisor in the pool).

***
Is this reasonable or too OP?

 

[Sarmatian]

I'd let anyone hire a "foreign" general for money instead of army tradition.

In fact, the entire concept of a pressing a button and "poof - here's your general" is something that should be changed.

 

[Camarada78]

It is not "poof"... Generals were usually nobles without any relevant land or with long service in the regular military. In fact we can say "nobility = military" for the most part of the timeframe of the game. The difference is that Republics, without nobles for obvious reasons, hired condottieri (professional mercenary leaders) or paristocrats raised in the military to be generals (the Médici come to mind).

 

[Fluffy_Fishy]

Mercenary armies were common through the whole period of the game, while mercenary leaders (condottieri) were more common in the italian republics during the XV and XVI centuries. The last known battle where "condottieri" took leadership in battles, hired by the Papacy, were as late as 1650 (Wars of Castro, in Lazio region).

We could let republics and Free cities hire Mercenary Generals / Admirals:

1. They would still cost military points upkeep slot.
2. They would cost a monthly price according to army tradition, modified by contractor prestige and legitimacy.
3. They could only be hired during a war.
4. If they die an "insurance" would be paid (the same amount as dismissing an advisor in the pool).

***
Is this reasonable or too OP?

I love playing as republics so dont get me wrong but I think they have enough bonuses as it is, they already get an easy ticket to masses of MP so giving the option of mercenaries, while historically accurate would possibly tip them off to be too strong to stomach.

 

[Mattius]

I think mercs should come in bands with their own generals.