The General´s Bodyguard units

**David** · 10-11-2004, 13:24

I tried changing the class of the bodyguard units to spearmen (and the ones with ranged attacks to missile), which seems to work quite well, didnt test it really yet. The general stays behind their main line until your lines clash. Dont know if changing them to spearmen gives them bonus to cavalry though.

I also decreased their attack and charge value a little, but that doesnt seem to make a difference. Decreasing their charge range might also help, because then its less likely they are the first one into enemy lines.

Giving them 3 HP is too much imo. Especially the retinue of a king (twice as big as normal?) is a tough nut to crack with 3 HP.

**Spino** · 10-11-2004, 18:20

Originally Posted by David

I tried changing the class of the bodyguard units to spearmen (and the ones with ranged attacks to missile), which seems to work quite well, didnt test it really yet. The general stays behind their main line until your lines clash. Dont know if changing them to spearmen gives them bonus to cavalry though.

I also decreased their attack and charge value a little, but that doesnt seem to make a difference. Decreasing their charge range might also help, because then its less likely they are the first one into enemy lines.

Giving them 3 HP is too much imo. Especially the retinue of a king (twice as big as normal?) is a tough nut to crack with 3 HP.

So what's the verdict David? Have you done enough testing to determine whether this was an adequate fix?

**Spino** · 10-11-2004, 19:29

Arrgh! Double post! Mods, please delete!

**JeromeGrasdyke** · 10-11-2004, 19:39

Originally Posted by David

I tried changing the class of the bodyguard units to spearmen (and the ones with ranged attacks to missile), which seems to work quite well, didnt test it really yet. The general stays behind their main line until your lines clash. Dont know if changing them to spearmen gives them bonus to cavalry though.

I also decreased their attack and charge value a little, but that doesnt seem to make a difference. Decreasing their charge range might also help, because then its less likely they are the first one into enemy lines.

The category and class items are used to determine the unit's placing in the group formations which the AI uses, so changing them should have an effect. Other than that, DJ was right in saying that the AI uses stats-based evaluation functions to determine wether or not to attack, and increasing the hp should make them more likely to attack rather than less, as the unit will evaluate as being even stronger -- although it will survive longer once in combat. The spear bonuses are governed by the 'spear' weapon attribute, rather than unit category or class.

Hope that helps.

**Jambo** · 10-11-2004, 23:04

So, if we were to decrease the attack value and proportionally increase the defence value of the general unit, the AI should control the general unit in a more defensive manner?

**Vercingetorix** · 10-12-2004, 01:16

I was thinking, some units are by default in guard mode such as most phalanx troops. Surely somewhere you can specify the default the mode of the troop? Thought I'd throw the idea out.

edit: I suppose that's what David did, but could it be done with cavalry?

**David** · 10-12-2004, 10:06

Thanks Jerome

Tried it some more and it works pretty good. During sieges AI general also tends to stay on the town square, which is a good thing i think. However it only works with family members, so all the other generals will still charge too early. But at least some of the generals behave normal.

**Turbo** · 10-12-2004, 21:24

Originally Posted by David

Thanks Jerome

Tried it some more and it works pretty good. During sieges AI general also tends to stay on the town square, which is a good thing i think. However it only works with family members, so all the other generals will still charge too early. But at least some of the generals behave normal.

David,

Could you explain exactly what you did that works?

Thanks

**David** · 10-12-2004, 22:39

Originally Posted by David

I tried changing the class of the bodyguard units to spearmen (and the ones with ranged attacks to missile), which seems to work quite well, didnt test it really yet. The general stays behind their main line until your lines clash. Dont know if changing them to spearmen gives them bonus to cavalry though.

I also decreased their attack and charge value a little, but that doesnt seem to make a difference. Decreasing their charge range might also help, because then its less likely they are the first one into enemy lines.

Giving them 3 HP is too much imo. Especially the retinue of a king (twice as big as normal?) is a tough nut to crack with 3 HP.

But perhaps you'd better try realism mod

**Turbo** · 10-16-2004, 00:48

I tested reducing the stat_charge to 20 (50% lower than default). Most infantry have a stat_charge of 30, so the general unit does linger behind during attacks and rarely charges ahead of the infantry.

**Jambo** · 10-19-2004, 00:50

Hmm, i tried that one Turbo and it didn't really give great results. AI still charges the general into the fray.

Would changing the category of AI generals to 'missile' help? I noticed that the standard Egyptian Chariots have the missile category, however, the Egyptian general (also Egyptian chariot) has the 'heavy' category even though it's a unit with missiles...!?!

I think I might give this a shot and see what happens...