Modding Help: Not Connected

Atrocities · #1 January 24th, 2005, 02:26 AM

I am working on the STM Research files and wanted to know what the "Not Connected" function was, and how best to use it, or if and when I need to use it.

Right now none of the files use the Not Connected AI State.

So does this affect the how the AI researches, and if so how should I use the Not Connected AI State to improve the AI's resarch ability?

Thanks.

Fyron · #2 January 24th, 2005, 02:32 AM

It is the state used by the AI when it is not connected to any other empires via a path of warp points. Yes, it cheats and knows if there are no WP paths to any other empires. It is primarily used in games where the No Warp Points option or the Not All Systems Connected option is enabled. The purpose is to research and design a WP opening ship much earlier than the AI would normally, so that it can expand.

Atrocities · #3 January 24th, 2005, 02:44 AM

So it is not vital to the Research file then? Thank Fyron. [img]/threads/images/graemlins/Smile.gif[/img]

One for the mod works. [img]/threads/images/graemlins/Smile.gif[/img]

Fyron · #4 January 24th, 2005, 03:03 AM

Yes, it is most certainly vital. All states need to be present. They don't technically need to be different, but they must be there, otherwise the AI will not be able to follow the research file when it enters the missing state and will research semi-random technologies.

Atrocities · #5 January 24th, 2005, 03:34 AM

So what should I do? Include a few Not Connected AI States?

So I must expect the AI to enter into a Not Connected State and have several technologies, or all technologyies listed as Not Connected in addtion to their current AI State?

Fyron · #6 January 24th, 2005, 05:13 AM

You can probably just have the Not Connected techs the same as the other states (list it in all states), except maybe add an extra Not Connected entry for whatever WP openers require earlier in the file than the normal one is located. This extra WP opener tech entry would only have Not Connected as its state, and placed in a much more reasonable position for a non-connected start.

Atrocities · #7 January 24th, 2005, 08:50 AM

Thanks, I went ahead and add a Not Connected state for all techs to be on the safe side.