07-25-2006, 04:11 AM
Morrowind Mercenary Guide
by Percius Mercius
by Percius Mercius
In Morrowind, we all know who's who. The Redoran have good frontline warriors and militia that are already well-trained and can fight toe to toe with most enemies. Hlaalu have good light soldiery and skirmishers, one of the things they brought with them from their old homeland on the southern plains. The Dres make good foot-raiders and ambushers from their wars with Argonians who are equally skilled or even surpass them in stealth-war. The Indoril excell in siege and strongholds, as well as having warriors second only to the Redoran but having numbers second to none. The Telvanni have skilled mage-warriors and war-wizards, though they rarely engage in large wars. However there comes a time when a general sees a sort of flaw in his army. Whether it is in the Telvanni's case where they don't have enough, or in the Dres' where their noble-born or caste-born warriors aren't as easily replaced and need to have a shield, or in the Hlaalu's case where their soldiers are fewer in number and less skilled mercenaries can fill the niche.
But mercenaries differ, and this guide will help you chose the right mercenaries...
Altmer
The Altmer rarely serve others as mercenaries as when they fight they fight for Summerset, not those they feel are below them. However Altmeri hirelings tend to be extremely skilled but demand high pay and generaly are not worth the cost in the long run as one skilled warrior outnumbered is useless.
Argonian
The People of the Root excell at guerilla warfare as well as skirmishing. They are possibly the best skirmisher and light infantry on Tamriel and fight best in wooded areas or where it is swampy or wet. They have little loyalty except with friends whom they will die protecting, so if you choose to hire them, befriend them. Telvanni are beginning to see these often former slaves becoming good skirmishers in their mushroom woods and are beginning to hire them. However they are a newer stock as for centuries Dunmer have been fighting them instead, and still do.
Bosmer
The wood elves are a very specialized type. They are great archers and should be used as such. Infact they are so effective the Telvanni are the main contractors of the Bosmeri archer companies and has set many binding contracts with Bosmer mercenary lords.
Breton
These folk are also favored by the Telvanni for their magical abilities. They make good warriors in mountainous terrain as High Rock is full of hills and rocky lands. They tend to serve alongside Telvanni warriors, giving magical assistance as well as using weapons. They are generally decent warriors and skilled magicians.
Dunmer
It is rare to see Dunmer hire Dunmer as most dark elves have their clan and House alliegances. However outcast Ashlanders and Velothi migrants tend to make a very desperate and vicious lot. They will fight to the death as to them, fighting means earning gold, which they need to survive. Many are poor and will fight for those who will shelter them and pay them.
Goblin
These vile creatures make surprisingly good soldiery when well trained. Goblins come in all shapes and sizes, some resembling frogs, and other resembling green men, some with horns and some with fangs. Some are as small as Bosmer and some taller than Nords. However when under Orcish or Altmeri trainers, who have been training them for a long time, they can be disciplined and very loyal to their masters, though if pushed to the brink and abused, they will rise up and rebel.
Imperial
Imperials tend to make decent footsoldiers. They also can provide skilled horsemen, but those are less useful in Morrowind. Though not as skilled as some other types of mercenaries, Cyrodiilics work well with formations and follow orders. They tend not to defect and are steady, best for an army needing solid and reliable troops to hold the line, though not espeically skilled nor powerful.
Khajiit
It is rare to see Khajiit mercenaries in abundance in Morrowind, as with Argonians, however Khajiit hirelings are useful. They are hardy troops and quiet, as well as being able to coordinate well. However, though very reliable in battle, they fight for the highest bidder, they loyalty lies in gold, or moonsugar. It is not rare to see a Khajiit bring you victory one day and be at your throat the next. Nevertheless they are a newer and promising stock of hirelings for Morrowind.
Nord
Nords are disliked in Morrowind as they and Argonians and sometimes Orcs are the traditional enemies of Dunmer. However they are hardy though dislike the hot weather, and though barbaric will fight to the bitter end in most cases. They are perfect for backing up lighter armies like the Hlaalu, but are less disciplined and less loyal than would be preferred. However if shock-troops are needed, the Nords are the best route.
Orc
The orsimer are skilledwarriors, great armorers, and excellent architects. A hireling army of them would be great for helping to construct fortified camps, they are great frontline warriors, and are disciplined and follow orders. The only draw back is that they are fewer in number though large in number where they can be found. Centuries of constant warfare with enemies has made the life expectancy of the orc race lower then it should be, nevertheless, they are one of the better mercenary types.
Redguard
The Redguards are good warriors and scouts however do not serve well in a formal army. This is because of the Redguard's fierce sense of freedom and is less inclined to follow orders he doesn't want to follow. However they are lighter warriors and are often found bolstering Redoran armies, possibly because of Athyn Sarethi's connection with a few Redguard clans.
Sload
It is rare for one of these slug-men to offer their services, however they cost a lot and should only be hired in the direst of times, though it is so rare, you should not count on their availability. If the Sload does agree to be a hireling, expect him/her to help you recycle yur army as it is killed since these necromancers can raise the dead with ease. If you don't mind a horrible reputation and spending a lot of gold to win a battle, then the sload is one for you.