With all due respect, you're wrong.
Mercenaries are extremely expensive, and keeping a full army of mercenaries (which I did twice) is incredibly expensive, unless you hire street junk, or unskilled warriors. I was lucky enough to be able to hire some of the best assassins and mercenaries in this game at my service and the prices were not affordable for almost anyone.
Just keeping an entire army operating, which participated in sieges and others, cost me thousands of golds a day.
It's not just the pay. They are weapons, horses, catapults, ammunition, diverse equipment. Of everything.
It is within the reach of very few people to maintain a mercenary contingent, believe me.
I only met about 5-6 players capable of holding mercenaries.
Although yes, perhaps it is possible to keep a small operation for a while.
I am eager to see how mercenary companies develop in MO2, I have always had an interest in private security, although I could not develop my plan in MO1, since there was little population.
And I hate low prices! Hahaha.
For the rest I will assist with interest in the development of your plans, all ideas and projects are welcome.
We shall see as time goes on!! Remember, I'm a crafter and fairly knowledgeable on MO1. Let's see... calling to mercs looking through this post.
Would you take steel sets(or mage set) w/ weapons and mounts in exchange for payment?
Once again main post moved to feedback and suggestions, its not regulated as much as monitored for noobs to know what they need to even make deals with veterans on a "fair" level. Doesnt mean you cant sell high, although i dont know about buying much cuase I only sell when in need of gold... which is rare, very rare. Or when it comes to defending, I'll pay out in gear, weapons, mounts, pots, and all trade is welcome.
End all goal, if the perception is a unified group, not under one guild. Then I'll be happy to assist, eventhough the real goal is for everyone to be on their own. While guilds and solo players can trade and mingle with some sense of "safety " from outsiders.... well... no one is safe, it's still gunna be dangerous. But could be fun if leaders can get along and agree to dispute the issues they have in waged war. Instead of ganking over a small dispute, creating a whole new issue that could have been solved with a fun fair 3v3(or how ever many).
Ehh who knows, I'm just excited to rebuild a factory. ?