Hired soldiers who will guard, patrol, and otherwise serve in wilderness settings, but only as part of a larger force, not an adventuring party. Mercenaries do not accompany characters on adventures.
Note that as mercenaries are hired by a character to perform specific services, they are not treated as retainers and thus do not count toward a character’s maximum number of retainers.
Mercenaries can be located by posting notices of help wanted. The response will depend on the availability of suitable troops in the area and the offer made.
Outside of wartime: As listed opposite. During wartime: All wages are doubled.
The monthly rate of pay includes food and basic gear. Most mercenaries already have weapons and armour when hired, though their employer may give them additional gear. Note that armourers are required to repair mercenaries’ armour and weapons (see Specialists, p234).
| Type | AC | Morale | Wage per Month | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human | Dwarf | Elf | Orc | Goblin | |||
| Archer | 6 [13] | 8 | 5gp | – | 10gp | 3gp | 2gp |
| Archer, mounted | 9 [10] | 9 | 15gp | – | 30gp | – | – |
| Crossbowman | 5 [14] | 8 | 4gp | 6gp | – | 2gp | – |
| Crossbowman, mounted | 9 [10] | 9 | – | 15gp | – | – | – |
| Footman, light | 6 [13] | 8 | 2gp | – | 4gp | 1gp | 5sp |
| Footman, heavy | 4 [15] | 8 | 3gp | 5gp | 6gp | 15sp | – |
| Horseman, light | 7 [12] | 9 | 10gp | – | 20gp | – | – |
| Horseman, medium | 5 [14] | 9 | 15gp | – | – | – | – |
| Horseman, heavy | 3 [16] | 9 | 20gp | – | – | – | – |
| Longbowman | 5 [14] | 8 | 10gp | – | 20gp | – | – |
| Peasant | 9 [10] | 6 | 1gp | – | – | – | – |
| Wolf rider | 7 [12] | 9 | – | – | – | – | 5gp |
Equipped with a shortbow, leather armour, and a shield.
Mounted on a riding horse. Equipped with a shortbow.
Equipped with a crossbow and chainmail.
Mounted on a mule. Equipped with a crossbow.
Equipped with a sword, leather armour, and a shield.
Equipped with a sword, chainmail, and a shield.
Mounted on a riding horse. Equipped with a lance and leather armour.
Mounted on a warhorse. Equipped with a lance and chainmail.
Mounted on a warhorse. Equipped with a sword, a lance, and plate mail.
Equipped with a longbow, a sword, and chainmail.
Unarmed.
Mounted on a wolf. Equipped with a spear and leather armour.