i want to start my game on a story line that doesn't let you start off as a ruler, is their a way to recruit the characters i made in edit mode after i become a ruler or is it impossible

I would think it's possible since if you make alot they seem to appear in side missions alot more (for me atleast). Don't take my word for it though.

yes, turn created characters on at the start menu, then they should be easy to come by unless u have a lot of em and only want certain ones, but beyond that, i assume the game realizes u wanna see & use ur CAWs so it makes em easy to get to, side missions on ur merc quests r the best way to become friends...

Yep, your best bet is to look for them in the mercenaries help list. After helping them enough they should want to be friends with you. :]

Yes, custom characters can be recruited. In Mercernary quests

I never ever seem to find my created characters in the campaigns and I do have them switched on. It doesn't really matter though, I suppose...

Really Pangtong? I hardly have any dynasty warriors characters or generic officers show up in my battles, its basically just CAW's.