AI Modding: I have no clue, please help!

[Chronon]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times before, so thanks for your patience, but I could use a little help with modding an AI for my Verduran race style.

I am having a problem getting PDC on the Destroyer. It just won't put any on board. Here's my small ship text (I'm using the TDM Modpack):

Name := Attack Ship
Design Type := Attack Ship
Vehicle Type := Ship
Default Strategy := Maximum Weapons Range
Size Minimum Tonnage := 10
Size Maximum Tonnage := 300
Num Must Have At Least 1 Ability := 1
Must Have Ability 1 := Weapon
Minimum Speed := 4
Desired Speed := 6
Majority Weapon Family Pick 1 := 28
Majority Weapon Family Pick 2 := 2
Majority Weapon Family Pick 3 := 0
Majority Weapon Family Pick 4 := 0
Majority Weapon Family Pick 5 := 0
Secondary Weapon Family Pick 1 := 0
Secondary Weapon Family Pick 2 := 0
Secondary Weapon Family Pick 3 := 0
Secondary Weapon Family Pick 4 := 0
Secondary Weapon Family Pick 5 := 0
Shields Spaces Per One := 0
Armor Spaces Per One := 0
Majority Comp Spaces Per One := 150
Majority Comp Ability := Weapon
Secondary Comp Spaces Per One := 0
Secondary Comp Ability :=
Num Misc Abilities := 6
Misc Ability 1 Name := Armor Regeneration
Misc Ability 1 Spaces Per One := 120
Misc Ability 2 Name := Supply Storage
Misc Ability 2 Spaces Per One := 10000
Misc Ability 3 Name := Combat To Hit Defense Plus
Misc Ability 3 Spaces Per One := 10000
Misc Ability 4 Name := Self-Destruct
Misc Ability 4 Spaces Per One := 10000
Misc Ability 5 Name := Extra Movement Generation
Misc Ability 5 Spaces Per One := 10000
Misc Ability 6 Name := Point-Defense
Misc Ability 6 Spaces Per One := 200

What should I change to make it work?

PS. I don't think I understand what the "spaces per one" number means. I understand that 10000 will get you exactly one component of that type. But I don't understand how the other numbers work. If someone could explain this in more detail, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help!

PPS. FYI, This is an organic race.

[ July 15, 2003, 05:24: Message edited by: Chronon ]

[TNZ]

Is PDC a Point-Defense Cannon?

[TNZ]

Seems the AI works its way down adding components until it finishes or it runs out of room.

[ July 16, 2003, 05:29: Message edited by: TNZ ]

[Taera]

point defense is misc ability. Here's a line from my AI:
Num Misc Abilities := 7
Misc Ability 1 Name := Armor Regeneration
Misc Ability 1 Spaces Per One := 300
Misc Ability 2 Name := Point-Defense
Misc Ability 2 Spaces Per One := 200 (....)

[Taera]

and realy, the Spaces Per One, what does it mean?

[Q]

It defines how many components of this type are added according to the ship size. In you example of a destroyer (300kT):

Misc Ability 6 Name := Point-Defense
Misc Ability 6 Spaces Per One := 200

would mean that 2 PDC will be added (300 : 200 = 1.5) because it is always rounded up to the next integer.

Therefore your line:

Misc Ability 1 Name := Armor Regeneration
Misc Ability 1 Spaces Per One := 120

will give you 3 organic armors in your destroyer (300 : 120 = 2.5, rounded up to 3).

Because your PDC are at the end of the list I think there is simple not enough space on the ship to include one. I usually add organic armor at the end of the list to fill up the space.

Hope that helps.

[ July 15, 2003, 09:46: Message edited by: Q ]