They're apparently the laughing-stock of the mercenary world. Army of Thieves and Whores: What we know of most of the histories and personalities of the Mercs suggests that they've made huge mistakes in the past that has resulted in them taking any job they can get.Soldier and Pyro in particular would qualify as tragic villains, considering their very severe mental illness if the game didn't entirely have it be Played for Laughs. The Mercs are by large violently murderous and property destroying, but they genuinely care about their families and friends, try to avoid implicating civilians in the Gravel Wars, and are universally shown to be much better than either their employers (Who they have no allegiance to, and simply perform the jobs for money.) or the truly repulsive Gray Mann and TFC team.
