No it's one of his rules, as can be found on it's homepage on http://www.variantbank.org/results/rules/h/hundred.htm. Those rules could/should be mentioned on vdiplomacy, ne pas? You should at least read them I think on variantbank.
6a) To represent the reliance on underpaid mercenary units, France begins the game with more units than it can afford. The army in Provence is considered a mercenary unit, and as Provence does not start in a Supply Center, France must capture at least one Supply Center in 1425 to maintain all 5 units. Should France fail to capture a Supply Center, it will be forced to remove one unit, however, it need not be the actual unit that starts in Provence. Instead, if it wishes, the French ruler may discharge other troops and
keep the Provincial unit in his service.
6b) Other than this first year of no support, the unit in Provence is identical to all other French units, and its entry into conflict is at equal strength with all other units. Even in 1425, the unit moves and supports at full strength.