Age of Strategy Forums

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?

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?

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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