I really like this idea and my tired mind has came up with some more suggestions. What about abandoning that idol shop thing and making idols player level dependent only?
Let's say you are level 1 and start with all tier 1 idols. My idea is that on third level you would get an offer of upgrading one idol to higher tier. Then you would get the same offer every second level. This way you could max one idol on level 7 and all idols on level 19. Variability would be guaranteed, because you could upgrade whatever type of idol you would need in the moment.
Example:
I start with tier 1 minotaur, archer and monk, and i can jump right into action with this and start leveling. On level 3 i get one "idol upgrade point" and i spend it on tier 2 monks, because i need more healing power in the field. When i hit level 5, i spend a point on minotaurs and decide to rush them to tier 4, which i achieve on level 9. Finally i put the points from levels 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 to equally upgrade archers and monks.
Pros:
- Generals would have more money for gear and citadel upgrades
- Generals would have firepower matching their level, so they could challenge assassins
- Generals wouldn't have to break a fight to go back to shop and buy new idols
- The stronger is general, the stronger are his minions
Cons:
- Firepower matching general's level may not be matching enemy's level, but in current system if enemy kicks your ass you won't have money for better minions
- more cons are a subject of discussion