[1.2][AI Unit Design] Skirmisher has armor proficiency

from Elemental Forums

So the Unit_Defender_RACENAME_AI - with the unit name skirmisher

 has the abilities

        <SelectedAbilityBonusOption>ArmorProficiency2</SelectedAbilityBonusOption>
        <SelectedAbilityBonusOption>Defender</SelectedAbilityBonusOption>
        <SelectedAbilityBonusOption>Constitution</SelectedAbilityBonusOption>

But looking at the equipment, the unit only uses leather armor and doesn't have an armor upgrade definition. So, it will never upgrade beyond the stock armor that it is given. Hence ArmorProficiency2 is a wasted ability for the skirmisher and is costing the AI 10 extra training turns for that trait (times the number of units it trains obviously)

Might I suggest that one drops that ArmorProficiency2. I would recommend replacing it with the ability Fast. (There are a few others that do this, but I'll have to search for them again)

12,602 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

All of the old AI troops need an overhaul imo. Too much junk everywhere. I tried doing it myself, but after seeing the mammoth file, I gave up ;) (hint hint, modder with too much free time)

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting sjaminei, reply 1
All of the old AI troops need an overhaul imo. Too much junk everywhere. I tried doing it myself, but after seeing the mammoth file, I gave up (hint hint, modder with too much free time)

How do you think that I noticed that little thing ;) I found it while working on Armor Attributes. That is specifically addressing one thing, armor. In the process I've noticed quite a few little unit problems and I probably will go back through outside the mod and produce a Unit update for the whole thing.

Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

That would be awesome. Has Stardock hired you yet? ^^

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Btw, since you seem to be the AI units upgrade expert atm, if I add several magic items for troops, will they be used in the game by AI upgrades? (thinking shields, glyphed leather etc. in the magic tree) 

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting sjaminei, reply 3
Has Stardock hired you yet? ^^

Not yet.  ;) I would of course have to apply and probably have to move to Michigan.

As to your other question...

Yes, most of the generic troops have a simple upgrade option based on armor type and such. Namely you will see EquipmentUpgradeDef and if it were the EquipmentSlot of say Defense. That is associated with the offhand i.e. shield. With Champion stuff, I'm not exactly sure how the AI decides what equipment to use. I think it is based on the AI values in the actual equipment xml.

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top


The slave archer for Quendar - Unit_Quendar_AI6

Has an armor proficiency and no armor (not even in the upgrade equipment section)