How to use Condotierro to hire mercs?

[goose88]

Trying to figure this out in a skirmish and just can't get it to work! I put him in an open field, tap the "hire Varangian" button, and it says "need 2 units". I tried putting other units around him and he has 6-7 turns left and could even pay himself. Do I need to have a mining cart next to him or something?

[phoenixffyrnig]

I have had the same problem. Kind of a problem in one game where we have all agreed to fight with merc units.

@Squirrel5555 - I know you enjoy using mercs - what are we doing wrong?

[Squirrel5555]

You need to have two 'pay' units adjacent to the condotierro. For example 2 carts of gold, or 2 couriers, or two salt carts. Once you choose a mercenary to summon, the carts/couriers disappear and you get to summon that mercenary on a square adjacent to the condotierro.

Hope this helps

[goose88]

Yes thank you! I just tried it out in a skirmish. Looks like at least one of the couriers can even be 2 tiles away instead of adjacent, and even the ore works.

[phoenixffyrnig]

Nice one Squirrel I was completely baffled by my merc leader who couldn't hire mercs!

So does it consume both pay units to hire one merc?

[phoenixffyrnig]

...and can you then choose exactly which adjacent square you wish to summon the new merc?

[goose88]

Yes, it consumes both. Same with a mining cart (depending on the value). Doesn't seem like it's worth it in most situations because you're using 4 turns' worth of TC building for a 2-turn unit. More useful when you have some extra mining carts available near the front lines.

[Squirrel5555]

No, I don't think you can choose which tile to summon your new merc to, unfortunately

[goose88]

Yes you can! It brings up the ghost image like other production and you can drag it around.