>It sounded pretty good to the players. Heck, it sounded pretty good to
>me, too, until I did the math. Even with a rich gold strike, the
>players _entire_ share of the gold went to their troops, plus a bit
>extra. And they've only hired 200 men, much fewer than they would like
>to have.
>So now they are trying to figure out how to make ends meet without using
>up all their savings.
The usual strategy to make fighting men earn their pay is to use them in a lucrative way. Apart from patrolling a region, they could support (replace?) the tax collectors or take tolls.
When I opined that Karse might have a greater than usual city guard because it is a port city, I didn't just think about the increased trouble foreign sailors provide, but also about the increased revenues to be gained from trade and visitors. If the city watch plays a roll in collecting these revenues, like taking gate tolls, custom duties, or weapon permits/storage, they will provide some of the money they are paid through their service, and it gets less of an economical strain to support a standing fighting force ready in case of emergency. A major part of their pay will still come from general tax revenues, but every little bit helps to increase their strength.
In a warband, especially mercenary warbands like those roaming Ralios and
the Manirian New Coast, the quartermaster is almost as important as the
commander for the success of the warband. Active duty may see loot to
increase the pay,
or help provide the pay, and some of the equipment, but more often some sort
of garrison or guard duty will be sought by a mercenary band te get over
periods of decreased activity.
Only a few commanders mastered the art of making war pay. Wallenstein is a prime example for the real world, Fazzur Wideread for Glorantha.
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