Board Thread:Suggestions forum/@comment-27200931-20160510164624

Mechanics
Mercenaries are NPCs neutral to all other NPCs. You can hire them in barracks all over Middle Earth. They mostly wear chainmail and use iron weapons in combat. As humans, their HP and equipment stats are the same of other human factions, like Dale or the Dunlendings.

Because they are neutral to everyone (or enemies to factions the player is negative aligned, if such thing is "code-able"), the player won't feel restricted to a faction. Would be a great addition for pacifist players in needed of protection against other players. As they are neutral, they attack the mobs you personally attack and if you use a Sword of Command.

Also, they can't invade biomes but the player can buy a horn to summon one.

NPCs
You don't need alignment to hire them because they aren't part of any faction, but they cost way more than other troops. For example, a Vintner Guard requires 40 coins to be hired, then a Mercenary Warrior would cost 60 coins. (Would it feel weird having a new faction called "Mercenaries"?)

Mercenary Arbalester >> Same as Dorwinion Crossbowers.

Mercenary Warrior >> Same as Dorwinion Guards.

Mercenary Cavalry >> They fight on horses (you don't say?) using melee iron weapons or ranged weapons.

Mercenary Captain >> Only appears inside Barracks. The player can hire Mercs from him.

Spawning
NPCs >> They spawn inside a barracks building or uncommonly in groups around biomes like Eriador, Wildlands, Taiga, Enedwaith and sometimes in the Anduin Vale. I think they should be restricted to more secluded biomes because... well, kingdoms of Rohan and Gondor probably wouldn't be happy with independent armed men operating inside their borders.

Barracks >> These buildings spawn in the same biomes I named earlier ^^. They are mainly made of stone and the entrance is protected by a wooden gate. Inside the player can find a Mercenary Captain to hire mercenaries from him.

Barracks types:  