Opinions on this unit?

[jhogun]

Had an idea for a Mercenary unit. It would be stong and cheap, but would have the "destroyed after attacking" attribute. The idea is that they are hired for one battle and once they fight that battle they leave your service and must be "rehired". It would be for a pre-gunpowder level of technology, so think of it as a a unit about as strong as a Legion but as cheap as a Warrior.

-Would you use a unit like that?

-Would it be too weak because it can only be used once and isn't masively more powerful than other units?

-Would it be too strong because you could garrison your cities or augment your army with strong units for cheap?

-Would the AI have trouble using it properly?

 

[McMonkey]

The trick would be finding the right ballance between cost and effectiveness. If could be worthwhile buying a load of cheap mercs to take a city than risk a few expensive units. Once they are gone they no longer take up shields from your cities production. I have never been a big user of Missile type units though. This idea has been used in many scenarios in the past

 

[jhogun]

This idea has been used in many scenarios in the past

Really? I've played quite a few and never come across it. Can you give me some examples? I'd like to check it out.

 

[McMonkey]

One good example would be The Age of Basilius by Masis Panos. He uses the destroyed after attacking flag for the Slinger, Immam, Plague, Sapper and Thematic Infantry. I have used it dfor V1 and V2 missiles, SAM, Artillery shells certain diplomats and ambushes in different games.