Question on earthworks trenches and such

[ZIM!!]

I remember some time ago in my current game that some of my infantry and artillery units were able to build earthworks and other like obstacles but now they dont seem to have that ability does any one know what happened? what us this function associated with

Technology- did I advance past this ability?

My General?

Unit experience?

Thanks for any help.

[Quillan]

If you have an army on the campaign map that doesn't move for 2 consecutive turns, you'll see a circular ring of stakes appear around the army on the campaign map. This indicates that they are "dug in". If an army that is dug in is attacked, they'll have the option of deploying defenses during the setup phase. That's the only time it happens.

[quadalpha]

On a sort of related note, anyone know definitively if it's only the native Americans who can ambush from any terrain on the campaign map?

[Quillan]

Definitely? No. However, certain units have an ability called "Paths seldom trod". All the native units have it, but so do Rangers or the faction equivalents of others. This makes the unit "harder to spot on the campaign map". I know I've made an army of all rangers, and once the army has been stationary long enough to be dug in, the graphic changes. The man that represents the army is no longer standing at attention, he's bent over like he's sneaking and looking around.