Unique Troops & Mercenaries

While the backbone of any army in Warband will be composed of the standard factional troops, a savvy commander knows the value of supplementing their forces with unique, powerful units and adaptable mercenaries. These specialized troops can fill crucial gaps in your army composition, provide an early-game power spike, or simply add a touch of flair to your warband.

Recruiting Mercenaries

Mercenaries are a fantastic way to bolster your early to mid-game army without committing to a specific faction's troop tree. They often come with better equipment and higher stats than entry-level recruits, making them invaluable for new players or those looking to quickly expand their fighting force.

Where to Find Them: Mercenaries can be found in two primary locations:
- Taverns: Visit the "Tavern" option in any town. Look for characters labeled "Mercenary Captain" or "Recruiter." They will offer you a selection of mercenary troops for a fee. The types and quantities available vary by town and refresh over time.
- Villages (Rarely): Occasionally, a village might offer a small contingent of "Mercenary Swordsmen" or similar. This is less common but worth checking if you're passing through.
Cost and Upkeep: Mercenaries are generally more expensive to recruit than peasant levies and have higher weekly wages. Factor this into your budget, especially in the early game. However, their superior combat prowess often justifies the cost.
Types of Mercenaries:
- Mercenary Swordsmen: A solid, well-armored infantry unit, often equipped with a sword and shield. Excellent for holding a line.
- Mercenary Cavalry: Mounted units that can provide a much-needed shock charge or flank enemies. Their effectiveness depends on their equipment, which can vary.
- Mercenary Crossbowmen/Archers: Ranged units that can supplement your firepower. Often better equipped than basic peasant archers.
Strategy for Early Game: As a new player, consider recruiting a small contingent of Mercenary Swordsmen. They can significantly improve your chances against bandits and small enemy parties, allowing you to gain experience and loot more effectively. This can help bridge the gap before you have a large enough force of upgraded faction troops.

Unique Troops: Manhunters & Slavers

Manhunters offer a unique and profitable alternative to traditional combat, focusing on capturing enemies rather than killing them. This allows you to sell prisoners for a significant profit, especially early in the game.

Recruitment:
- Location: Manhunters are primarily found in taverns within the Vaegir and Khergit territories. Specifically, towns like Curaw, Rivacheg, Ichamur, and Tulga are good places to start your search.
- Cost: They are more expensive than standard recruits but less than high-tier faction troops.
Troop Tree Progression:
1. Manhunter: The base unit. Equipped with blunt weapons (usually a cudgel or blunt axe), which are crucial for knocking out enemies.
2. Slave Driver: An upgrade from the Manhunter. Improved stats and often better blunt weapons.
3. Slaver Chief: The top-tier unit. Highly effective with blunt weapons and decent armor. These are your primary "knock-out" specialists.
Strategy for Profit:
- Target Weak Enemies: Focus on bandits (Sea Raiders, Forest Bandits, Mountain Bandits, Steppe Bandits, Deserters) and small enemy lord parties. These are easier to defeat and yield a good number of prisoners.
- Blunt Weapon Advantage: Ensure your Manhunters are using their blunt weapons. You can issue the "Use blunt weapons" command in battle (usually F3 -> F2) to maximize prisoner capture. Even your main character and companions can equip blunt weapons for this purpose.
- Selling Prisoners: Once you have prisoners, travel to any town and visit the "Slave Trader" in the tavern. Larger groups of high-level prisoners (like Sea Raiders) fetch a much better price. This is an excellent way to earn early game income and fund your growing army.
- Party Skill Synergy: Having a companion with a high Prisoner Management skill is essential to increase the number of prisoners you can hold in your party.

Unique Troops: Hired Blades & Guards

These are less common and often appear as part of specific quests or events, but they represent another category of non-factional troops that can be useful.

Hired Blades: These are powerful, well-equipped swordsmen that can sometimes be recruited from taverns, particularly in larger cities. They are expensive but can provide a significant boost to your infantry line. Think of them as elite mercenaries.
Guards: Occasionally, you might be able to recruit "Guards" from towns or castles you own, especially if you have a good relationship with the local populace. These are generally solid, mid-tier infantry units, often better equipped than basic recruits but not as specialized as Hired Blades.

By understanding and utilizing these unique troops and mercenaries, you can build a more versatile, powerful, and profitable army, giving you a significant edge in the unforgiving lands of Calradia.