Independence Flux
 

I've noticed the strengths of neighboring independants fluctuate up and down and wanted to know what's happening. They don't seem to be moving to other provinces so I have three ideas:

1) Independant provinces roll their strength against a chart every turn and get whichever forces their roll indicates.

2) There's some sort of resource derived boom/bust cycle for independant armies.

3) The only thing cycling is my level of intelligence on the armies in the province and the armies themselves aren't growing/shrinking.

Anyone care to point me in the right direction?

~Aldin

Re: Independence Flux
 

Number 3 is correct. At least from what I have heard here. (I'm sort of a newb myself.)

Re: Independence Flux
 

Yes, #3 is correct. If you have a scout or spy in the province you will have lower intelligence error.

Re: Independence Flux
 

Kewl, thanks!

~Aldin

Re: Independence Flux
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">You can also just record the successive estimates over several turns and average them for a somewhat more accurate guess.

This doesn't help when the force you're trying to assess isn't independent, though, as it may move, recruit, split up or have reinforcements join it. If you want an accurate assessment of another nation's army, you will need a scout, spy, Bard, or other stealthy unit.

Re: Independence Flux
 

Astral Projection, Astral Window, and Eyes of God work too.

Re: Independence Flux
 

So you think there isn't a sort of "gorwing" in independents ? I rarely seen 70-80 units on an Inependent province the first few turns, but often later in the game... and I think it will be quite unusual (silly) if the player forces increase turn by turn while the independents stay as they are in the beginning ...

Re: Independence Flux
 

Arcoscephale's dominion also provides very accurate scouting reports.

Re: Independence Flux
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Liga,

I think I've seen some growth over time in independant provinces. But I'm not convinced it isn't just my fluctuating info on the province (as I get better info I see MORE of the defenders).

On a related note, have you noticed whether or not independant armies "grow back" to full strength after they sucessfully defend a province? I'm starting to think independants might be like province garrisons that spring immediately back to full strength if they suceed in defending the province.

~Aldin

Re: Independence Flux
 

Independent provinces don't appear to recruit or summon troops. That doesn't mean they won't grow, however; for instance, if a leader starts with a Soul Contract that gives one devil a turn, he'll benefit from it independent or no.