Routing armies and friendly fire

[PvK]

I was pretty sure the ranged AI was already programmed to switch to non-routing targets, once their current target routs...

PvK

[Norfleet]

With the exception of archers, I haven't noticed that units tend to persistently chase routing units, to the point of ignoring active threats, even when being attacked by another unit: If they become engaged with another unit, they usually start fighting again and ignore the routing unit.

This may have something to do with my thinking: In Medieval: Total War, for instance, I'd often deliberately keep a unit of fast cavalry in reserve SPECIFICALLY to chase and slaughter routing units, just to slaughter them so I never have to fight them again.

[tinkthank]

I noticed that I have actually killed some communion slaves when casting overkill spells on large routing but slow-moving independent armies. (Of course I am new to this and used too few slaves, but still....)

It would be nice if the AI recognized "routing" as a factor and decided to de-prioritize those units. I hate killing my own units when I dont have to.

[General Tacticus]

Originally posted by PvK:
I was pretty sure the ranged AI was already programmed to switch to non-routing targets, once their current target routs...

PvK

It does, if you let the AI choose the target (no orders, or attack/fire none). But if you tell it to attack a specific target (attack closest), it will stay on that target until it's completely destroyed, even if the target is fasster and routing... Hey, it's obeying order, like a good soldier should, isn't it ?

[PDF]

BTW did someone figure what are the targeting priorities of "targetless" firers ? Don't they always go for closest ?

If you don't put an order the units default are:

Ranged (Including Javelins) = Fire Closest
Non-Ranged = Attack Closest

Commanders = Stay Behind Troops