Bidding on Mercs

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by tinkthank:
How much more do you bid on mercs in MP games -- especially during the beginning of the game (turns 1-3)? Do you bid +3, +5, +10, or what?

In Doms 1 bids like 2-3 times the asked price were not uncommon. In Doms 2 with the nerfed econ it's much harder to achieve, but I've lost a bid at 200 + 54 once (in turn 10-15). But I've not played that many Doms 2 MP games yet.

Your opinions and reasons for them are greatly appreciated!

Obvious reason: more troops means faster expansion with less casualties to attrittion.

... does this half-price-for-continuing-deal also halve your "extra" bid (e.g. your bidding 104 is considered to be only "two" more than he is asking, or "eight" more?).

No idea, but I see no logical reason why the +4 extra on the second bid should be halved. 100+4 counting as full double (ie, 200+8) vs other players' bids makes more sense to me.