The General´s Bodyguard units

[Scorpion]

The AI seems to think that the bodyguard units are just like regular heavy cavalry units, and to be used in such a manner.

Well, I´ve modified them to be what they think they are, ie. full strength (the same as other cavalry) cavalry units, that have the in-built attack bonus (+3), a new defence bonus (+3) but lose the 2 HP they had.

Have yet to test it though. Thoughts?

Combined with my 66% kill rate mod, I hope this will mean less dead generals due to them rushing into battle before the infantry arrives.

[Spino]

The AI seems to think that the bodyguard units are just like regular heavy cavalry units, and to be used in such a manner.

Well, I´ve modified them to be what they think they are, ie. full strength (the same as other cavalry) cavalry units, that have the in-built attack bonus (+3), a new defence bonus (+3) but lose the 2 HP they had.

Have yet to test it though. Thoughts?

Combined with my 66% kill rate mod, I hope this will mean less dead generals due to them rushing into battle before the infantry arrives.

Turn them into eastern style heavy cavalry with plenty of javelins and they'll avoid charging unless absolutely necessary.

[Scorpion]

Turn them into eastern style heavy cavalry with plenty of javelins and they'll avoid charging unless absolutely necessary.

Good idea!

They could even become archers for added safety.

Or would there be other ways to make the units avoid battle? Perhaps taking away the whole unit, leaving just the general with plenty o´HP, would he then avoid battle like the plague? Or would he charge into battle alone?

[Duke John]

The R:TW engine somehow determines which units are strong enough to charge a front line. This is probably either done by very high stats or attributes, ie heavy infantry/cavalry. You could try lowering the attack stat, or change the unit to light infantry or something.

[Spino]

Good idea!

They could even become archers for added safety.

Or would there be other ways to make the units avoid battle? Perhaps taking away the whole unit, leaving just the general with plenty o´HP, would he then avoid battle like the plague? Or would he charge into battle alone?

As far as I know that's the only way really to keep them from going kamikaze. Turning all general units into tough horse archers with generous missile ranges and high ammo counts will certainly keep them out of the action unless chased towards a map edge where they could be cornered and forced to fight it out. Personally I would rather keep them a little closer to the action.

The R:TW engine somehow determines which units are strong enough to charge a front line. This is probably either done by very high stats or attributes, ie heavy infantry/cavalry. You could try lowering the attack stat, or change the unit to light infantry or something.

I don't think the engine makes a judgment call based on attack/defense stats for a unit's general behavior. I believe the unit's type (inf, cav, etc.), class (light or heavy) and primary weapon type determine it's behavior. I think the AI may act just as irresponsibly regardless of whether it's classified as light or heavy cavalry. I'll do some more testing tonight.

[Jambo]

hmm, changing the class to light cavalry might be a grand idea!¬!

[Scorpion]

So, any news on this front?

[Turbo]

hmm, changing the class to light cavalry might be a grand idea!¬!

This accomplishes nothing. The AI charges all cavalry. The trick is to find a unit that hangs back like real generals do.