How do I change "default_melee_state" in the descr_formations_ai.txt file?

[fallen851]

I just was just wondering how exactly I use the command : "default_melee_state"

begin_block 1
unit_type non_phalanx_spear 1.0
unit_type heavy infantry 0.9
default_melee_state
block_formation line
block_relative_pos 0 -2.0 0.0
inter_unit_spacing 2.0
priority 0.5
end_block

[fallen851]

Wow, I press tab to slide my text in line, and it posts the message, and of course I can't edit it... I love this forum.

Anyway, what are the numbers or words I put after "default_melee_state" to change the melee states of units?

Thanks.

[The_Mark]

engage_at_will, skirmish, fire_at_will and defend are the options, with any combination of them, as fire_at_will_and_defend, though the game only takes the combinations in a certain order (which I don't have at hand), so defend_and_fire_at_will won't work. If they're placed in the wrong order the unit will assume default stance.

[fallen851]

Ok, I want some skirmishing units to stand their ground, what can I add to turn off their skirmish mode, and just have fire, and when the enemy gets close, engage hand to hand instead of running?

I tried engage at will...

Thanks.

[fallen851]

Note (here is where I want my edit open so I don't have to add more replies!) I don't want to add the prec ability in export_descr_units.

[The_Mark]

Using the default_melee_state works so that it first turns all states (defend, skirmish, fire at will) off and then turns on the specified toggles. E.g. giving a skirmisher unit, that'd normally have both fire at will and skirmish on, default_melee_state fire_at_will command would cause the unit be on fire at will, but all other states will be off, so no skirmishing.