Newbie questions about independents...

[earwicker7]

Do independents ever enter your provinces to attack, or will they always stay in the provinces in which they start?

Does the number of independents in a given province grow with time, or does it stay the same as it is in the beginning of the game (minus any attrition from unsuccessful attacks)?

[thejeff]

Essentially no. The independent defenders stay put and do not change, other than being killed.

That said there are a couple of things that can change them. Most commonly, independent provinces can get events. If they get an independent attack (barbarians or knights or whatever) those will join with the original defenders.

More rarely, but neat and dangerous enough to mention, indy commanders can be generated with magic items. On occasion, one of those items is a Soul Contract. If you see an indy province with Devils, be careful. Most likely he's been getting one devil a turn since the start of the game.

[earwicker7]

Thanks!

[Gandalf Parker]

It is possible to "turn on" the AI for independents. But its complicated and usually just a server thing. I use it in a couple of the game gametypes that run on my server. Its a real fun surprise for them to do hiring and attacking other provinces.

BUT the reason its a surprise is that usually it doesnt happen and people get used to the game doing that. It should never catch you off guard. Any game doing that will probably announce it ahead of time

[Gregstrom]

Of course, if you like the idea of independents attacking you, then Gandalf Parker's server on game.dom3minions.com can supply this through one of its Chaos games.

[Gandalf Parker]

speaking of newbies and independents
TIP: if the game is kicking your tail, do NOT turn DOWN the independents to make it easier. Tuen them UP. To about 5 is good. Turning down the indepts just makes he computer players rush you faster. But the AI doesnt make as good a decisions as you do so turning the AIs up will cause the AI to fail against them instead of marching their army straight to you

[Edi]

I would add that if you play large maps with impossible AIs, they will steamroll strength 5 independents like they weren't there, but indies at 7 or higher will give you more breathing space. That's relative, though.

[earwicker7]

Good to know!