A question on AI and magic use (spell selection and gem usage)

[onomastikon]

I have been playing Man to try to get my feet wet in magic, and although I am learning a lot and liking it too, much of what seemed a good idea in the planning ("on paper") turned out to be kind of mediocre in the making. Mostly because of the way the computer casts spells for me.

I notice it prefers summoning-type spells over other ones when given no preference. And it keeps using my gems! I dont have enough for Wind Guide, which is what I wanted it to cast, because it keeps making Phantasmal Army, even when combatting tiny little troops. (Also notice priests cast Blessing over and over, even when there are no sacred troops there.)
The manual says the AI will only select big spells with gem requirements if up against a worthwhile foe, but I think this needs more work -- what do the experience people think? Will there be any hope of an AI patch in general (better fortress building and planning by foes, better tactics), or is this low on the priority list / doability list?

Besides always selecting "cast specific spell", is there a way to get mages to avoid casting certain ones?
Also, in playing Man, I have a sneaky high-magic pretender, and when behind enemy lines, her gems go out so quickly -- when trying to send sneaky people out as gem carriers, they sometimes USE the gems all up by the time they get there -- any tips here?

But also what has looked good on paper but turned out to be so-so is that I rarely have enough gems, for casting, rituals, and forging. Also, only my Pretender can cast most of the goodies I thought were going to be so hot.

I am thinking about trying out Machaka, because I like the combo of earth and nature a lot, plus they have fire too -- but all low levels, and no air magic, which I also love. Would empowerment be worth it?

So this is many questions, sorry about that, but thanks in advance for suggestions.

[ January 17, 2004, 13:43: Message edited by: onomastikon ]

[Gandalf Parker]

Partial help here. Some of the advanced players make a big habit of keeping scouts with their armys. The scouts can stay hidden thru battles and hold onto things that you dont want used quite yet. Gems, slaves that get in the way and get killed, items such as that big gate cleaver or the horn that bLasts walls. Things that you can switch to your mages and commanders just before the battle they REALLY need it for. Sneaky flyers are even better (use the boots if need be) since they can quickly go back and forth for reloads.

[ January 17, 2004, 14:03: Message edited by: Gandalf Parker ]

[Raz 24]

Do not give your mages gems without special orders ( Storm + Wrathfull skies) They will use all gems like hungry pigs , and soon they will be well gone on something like howl. Only give them gems if you have scripted something special for some special battle , or something like that

[onomastikon]

Thanks very much!

Can I script priests and stuff to stop casting "Bless"?

Yes you can ono,

But depending on the strength of your preist (If they are normal 2 holy priests) they only have 2 options, Banishment or Blessing. And if there are no undead around they cast Blessing.

It may seem useless but it doesn't actually do much harm.

If you get more powerful priests and they are casting blessing when they are supposed to be casting Sermon of Courage howerver, this can be a problem.

[Gandalf Parker]

Originally posted by Zen:
But depending on the strength of your preist (If they are normal 2 holy priests) they only have 2 options, Banishment or Blessing. And if there are no undead around they cast Blessing.

It may seem useless but it doesn't actually do much harm.

I like to give the small priests things like the red wand that does fireball or that dragon helm. Something that counts as a cast. They seem to do a fair job of deciding. Bless. If undead, then banish. If not undead, then bLast.