Ah, scrupulously counting my opponent’s FREE actions, my favorite game mechanic from 2014. /sarcasm

if you play him will The Holy Republic of Fae limit your free actions as well?

Rule questions belong in the rules, generally, through this time the comment text in the unit section should be that horribly formatted.
Answer: Yes, the trait says player not opponent, so it applies any player including the one using Merlyn in their force.

Honestly, I think this is the best point line for him but gosh darn is it strong! Limiting FREE actions is HUGE in this game and while it does hinder your own actions, giving your action total +1 shouldn’t hurt you too bad. In the right team, he’s gonna be a huge nuisance that the enemy can’t ignore!