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Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:18 am
by Irongron
I can't easily express just how grateful I am for this latest update. AI has been a major issue with Arelith for me as long as I can remember.

Recently I gained a tool to set up patrols for certain creatures, and have gradually been rolling that out in places like the Lowedark, but what we've seen today is a much larger step in bringing the Arelith experience into the 21st century (because NPC behaviour really was on par with games from the 80s)

No matter what improvements we made elsewhere, poor AI just made the game feel predictable and all too easy. While I hope to see more of such things soon this is a fantastic start.

Properly thrilled about this update, it had been bubbling away in Arelith secret underground lab for some time, and I'm really excited to see it finally live.

Well done Mithreas!

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:32 am
by Tyrantos
Thank you. Thank you. I love this.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:45 pm
by Pavor Nocturnus
Finally, the luring issue has been fixed. It looked so stupid. Thank you so much.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:54 pm
by Irongron
Ending luring is great, but I'm extremely pleased it has been done in a thoughtful way, rather than a blanket removal of the system.

The other aspects of this change are also significant though, such as stopping NPCs failing to act, or sitting down mid-fight. The switch to detect mode is also excellent!

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:54 pm
by Dunshine
Neat work!

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:15 pm
by Borin Drakkmurl
You mean to say I can no longer fill an orc's skull with twenty five flaming arrows while his friends watch in drooling apathy?

How dare you!


(This is awesome)

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:18 pm
by Irongron
Borin Drakkmurl wrote:You mean to say I can no longer fill an orc's skull with twenty five flaming arrows while his friends watch in drooling apathy?

How dare you!


(This is awesome)
Orcs are pretty dumb, and not exactly known for their empathy. Likely the majority still wouldn't do anything.

I love the fact that we can design intelligent mobs that work in a more organised fashion. I think its now even less wise to tackle illithids and beholders...

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:30 pm
by Borin Drakkmurl
Irongron wrote:
Borin Drakkmurl wrote:You mean to say I can no longer fill an orc's skull with twenty five flaming arrows while his friends watch in drooling apathy?

How dare you!


(This is awesome)
Orcs are pretty dumb, and not exactly known for their empathy. Likely the majority still wouldn't do anything.

I love the fact that we can design intelligent mobs that work in a more organised fashion. I think its now even less wise to tackle illithids and beholders...
Yes!

But even a herd of deer runs away if one of them is hit by so much as a rock. Having a chance of some reaction now is awesome.

(...this gave me an idea for a possible suggestion. If the monsters fail some manner of check against whatever it is that just killed/hurt one of their own..they'd flee.)


Anyway, kudos. Awesome update.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:11 pm
by Orian_666
It really great to see this change.
I havent been in game to see it in action yet but reading the update I really like it, anything that will make fighting a bit more tactically and aware is always good. Kudos Mith (and team?) for the fixes =D

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:49 pm
by Bran Bree
+5
I think I might have gotten a taste of this today while traveling alone on the road, and encountering a mob. The unexpectedly sentient monsters figured out who was causing their allies to drop asleep, turned from fighting my elemental, and I found myself running for my life. Which sent me straight to the fugue plane. And rightly so, given the odds realistically.
Didn't understand at the time, but now I know there's an update, I think this is super awesome! :D

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:09 pm
by Arise_Gargantua
This is making it harder to solo... but not impossible. It means as a Ranger I always have to have a summon and a companion, and be quick on the ball with animal empathy when the attack dogs come. Fights got a lot more interesting and feel a lot more realistic. Love it.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:29 pm
by 3d6InOrder
I'm going to say this (and not my incompetence) is why I've died twice today. But it's great! Stalking / hunting is now - suddenly - infinitely more tactical.

Thank you!

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:56 pm
by Mithreas
3d6InOrder wrote:I'm going to say this (and not my incompetence) is why I've died twice today.
To be fair, I have always enjoyed killing PCs. This sort of update lets me do it on a grand scale... :mrgreen:

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 2:20 am
by Intrepid42
Yes, well done. I have already noticed how the creatures are more likely to gang up me. Which is eminently sensible of them. It really helps me suspend disbelief and create a sense that this imaginary world is alive.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:56 pm
by nobs3
Irongron wrote:Ending luring is great, but I'm extremely pleased it has been done in a thoughtful way, rather than a blanket removal of the system.
I agree completely! Smart change!
Irongron wrote:I think its now even less wise to tackle illithids and beholders...
I had some great fun with cloakers...

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:13 pm
by CoastalSurf
FURTHER AI IMPROVEMENT

Certain NPC hostile rogues may now sometimes lay traps against PCs. This will not be the case with low CR (Starter Level) hostiles.

This has been greatly amusing

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:22 pm
by DMTemplate
Mithreas wrote:To be fair, I have always enjoyed killing PCs. This sort of update lets me do it on a grand scale... :mrgreen:
I'll miss those good old days when the DM's would give NPC's just enough smarts to wipe out a whole party. ;) We are now made obsolete.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:42 pm
by Ambigue
Not sure if it's supposed to have been addressed in the update or if it's intentional, but the hobgoblins in the Bramble Wood will still routinely spend a round doing nothing. Their stance is neutral, so that would seem to imply that they're not simply re-targeting their attacks.

Otherwise, it's been pretty interesting! Definitely like it.

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 4:30 pm
by Xantor_Stromgate
Oh. God. YES!!!!

Enemies with and INT greater than 3!? Yes, please! Settin' traps? Check! Resources drying up and new ones unearthed on the norm? You got it! You can now have the option of creating a character simply for crafting and gain levels? Uh-huh-HUH soul sister!!!

Finally, no more Drow Matrons with a supposed WIS of 18-21 saying, "You hear that? I'm gonna go over in that dark tunnel where no one can see me. You all stay here and if you hear or see anything, just stand there and do absolutely nothing. Especially if shot by an arrow."

X

Re: Improved AI

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:54 pm
by Iceborn
A new era is upon us.
REJOICE.