Defending vs. stronger neighbor early attacks

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by alexti:
The problems start when the mercenaries leave (or, worse, bought out by your neighbour), and while Hector's Heavy Horse for 220 wouldn't be a bad deal, it's not likely to get them that cheap. Having to pay something like 350 is more likely.

If your opponents are willing to pay twice what you are paying to get mercenary companies that are almost wiped out, then let them have them. Otherwise there's not much chance of them winning a bidding war without spending far too much money on it. Hector's Horse are still a good deal at 350 gold pieces, but I can't imagine that someone would spend their entire first turn's income on mercenaries.