Prisoners of war rules ruin this game

[FStovall]

The manner in which prisoners of war are handled is ludicrous and ruins an otherwise good game. The idea that prisoners of war are reconstituted into active military units if liberated is idiotic. If anything, they should be repatriated as manpower that can be rebuilt as units through the regular unit construction process. Its probably more accurate to do away with prisoners of war as units altogether. Where are the muskets, powder and organization coming from to reconstitute these units in enemy territory? Unfortunately, I would recommend prospective purchasers hold off until this glaring problem is fixed, because it leads to incredibly bizarre results.

[Clausel]

Its a fair point to raise about automatic reconstitution but its not something that hinders my enjoyment of an outstanding game. Remember that prisoners do take a morale hit, artillery can be captured and cavalry only ever return as infantry. Also prisoner numbers will suffer attrition over time in captivity. The main issue for me is that no account is taken of prisoner totals in morale/glory outcomes (except indirectly) and on a country's ability to keep recruiting. I like being forced to deal with prisoners - it introduces a genuine operational constraint.

[Grande]

Yes but what is the use of having prisoners units? You cant use them for anything, right?? At least they should be used for forced labour or something!

[GalacticOrigins]

This is not too big of a problem. Actually, I like this feature.

According to the rules, PoW units do increase a province's economics somewhat, albeit a low amount. I usually move any captured PoW units to my capitol, since that province is my most productive. Of course, these units need to be guarded.

Still, I think it is kinda cool to have these. On occasion, they get released when an ally or original owner recaptures the PoW units. A strategic message appears when this happens in the province, and I like to think it helps me keep track of two rivals who are at war.

Also, when first captured, many of the guns and quite a few horses get added to the capturing side's stockpiles, which is kinda neat. And, all PoW units are infantry, anyway. Sometimes I get to liberate my PoW from enemy hands when I could use the extra units in that theatre. All in all, PoW's tend to spice things up.

Note: There usually are not too many PoW units around, although they can add up in a very long war. It is also nice to see my capitol province empty out after Peace. [8D]