Stupid AI...

[captainbloodloss]

I have noticed that in every time I fight Gauls or other barbarian factions on the battle map they always make a fatal mistake. The AI for those factions seems to like taking the unit that is in the center of their line and pulling it out to try to flank me. I catch the unit on the flank (it is only ever one unit too...) and easily win by shooting up the center even when I am outnumbered 2 or 3 to 1.

Now, my question is how can I fix this?

Note: I play SPQR so Sinuhet's formations are already being used to modify the AI, not sure if that has anything to do with it.

[BigJake]

what difficulty?

[Aradan]

I think there is no way around. The AI sometimes when changing from a defensive formation to a defense/attack (approaching in Sin's terms) formations, re-assigns the units in the blocks with for no apparent reason. Or perhaps, if some units have died, it chooses a marching/attacking/approaching formation that doesn't fit the defensive one and again reassigns the central unit.

If you are certain that the situation is specific to barbarians then go to the relevant attacking formations and try to change the default_melee_stance from fire_at_will_and_engage_at_will to fire_at_will only or outcomment the whole line (default stance). Perhaps this will make them behave more rationally.

[captainbloodloss]

I think it was the "engage_at_will" command line that made them do that. I took it out and suddenly they had a cohesive battle line.

Thanks for the advice.