Difference between revisions of "Combat Style"

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==Overview==
Combat Styles are used to govern the durations of some actions (or lack of any action) and the choices made in combat, such as attacking, dodging, blocking, and so on. In the Construction Set Object Window, the Combat Styles entry is located under the Miscellaneous section.


Combat Styles are used to govern the choices made in the MELEE and MANEUVER decisions. In the TESCS Object Window under MISC, you’ll find the Combat Styles entry. Click on that, and a list of Combat Styles is displayed in the Object Window. You can create, modify, and delete Combat Styles using this view.
The Combat Style menu is divided into four sections:


*Melee Decision: This is where you define values used in the Melee Decision (blocking and attacking.)


The Combat Style dialog is divided into four sections:
*Maneuver Decision: This is where you define values used in the Maneuver (dodge) Decision.
*Melee Decision: This is where you define values used in the Melee Decision
*Maneuver Decision: This is where you define values used in the Maneuver Decision
*Ranged Combat: This is where you define values used to determine when the actor will switch between Ranged and Melee combat
*Flags: This section contains checkboxes controlling various combat flags.
*Advanced: This section contains values used in the Maneuver and Melee Decisions. Most often, the default values shown are fine. But they can be altered to provide dramatic differences in combat behavior. See the Advanced Settings section below for more information.


*Ranged Combat: This is where you define values used to determine when the actor will switch between Ranged and Melee combat, and what is considered the actor's preferred ranged combat distance.
*Flags: This section contains check-boxes, which modify the behavior of an actor in combat.
*Advanced: This section contains values used to modify the chance to dodge, block or attack in special ways. This can only be modified if the Advanced tag is checked. If the tag is not checked, the generic modifiers to dodge, block, and attack % chance is used.




==The Combat Style Dialogue==
==The Combat Style Dialogue==


===Melee Decision===
===Melee Decision===
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The Melee Decision section is where you define how the Melee Decision is made, including how Power Attacks are handled & selected.  
The Melee Decision section is where you define how the Melee Decision is made, including how Power Attacks are handled & selected.  


*'''Block % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will block when a Melee Decision is made. This is modified by the actor's Block skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more information when regarding advanced modifiers.
*'''Attack % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will attack when a Melee Decision is made. There are three modifiers that are added to this percentage chance - the percentage chance is modified based on the actor's relevant Attack skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking.
*'''Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. An actor is recoiling when their strike is blocked. An actor staggers when the opponent hits them for a certain amount of damage. The chance of being staggered is modified by the amount of agility an actor has. Increasing this number will cause an actor to be more likely to attack their opponent if the foe is recoiling or staggering.
*'''Unconscious Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when their opponent is down. A negative number would make an actor less likely to attack when their opponent is unconscious.


*'''Block % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will BLOCK with a Melee Decision is made. This is modified by the actor's Block skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more info on these modifiers.  
*'''Hand-To-Hand Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the actor is not wielding a weapon - this does not increase the chance of an actor to attack unarmed foes. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when using hand-to-hand. Best used for when you wish for an actor to behave more aggressively when unarmed.  


*'''Attack % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will ATTACK when a Melee Decision is made. There are three modifiers that are added to this percentage chance as described below. In addition to those modifiers, the percentage chance is modified based on the actor's relevant Attack skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking.
===Power Attacks===


*'''Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. An actor is recoiling when their strike is blocked by the opponent's shield. An actor staggers when the opponent hits them for a certain amount of damage, based also on the actor's agility. Increasing this number will cause an actor to be more likely to an attack in the event their opponent is recoiling or staggering.  
*'''Power Attacks:''' If an actor decides to do an attack, the Melee Decision will also decide whether to do a Power Attack or a normal attack.
:'''Power Attack % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that an actor, having decided to attack, will do a Power Attack. If you want to have an actor that only does power attacks, set this number to 100.  


*'''Unconscious Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when their opponent is down. Alternatively, a low negative number would make an actor LESS likely to attack when their opponent is down.  
*'''Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Power Attack:''' This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to perform a Power Attack when the opponent is recoiling or staggering.


*'''Hand-To-Hand Bonus to Attack:''' This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the actor (NOT the opponent) is using hand-to-hand. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when using hand-to-hand. The idea here is to make an actor attack more often when using hand-to-hand than when they're using a weapon.  
*'''Unconscious Bonus to Power Attack:''' This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to perform a Power Attack when the opponent is unconscious.


*'''Power Attacks:''' If an actor decides to do an attack, the Melee Decision will also decide whether to do a Power Attack or a "normal" left or right attack.
*'''Choose Attack Using Movement:''' If this check box is active, the actor will decide which Power Attack to perform based on their current movement direction at the time the Melee Decision is made.
**'''Power Attack % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that an actor, having decided to attack, will do a Power Attack. If you want to have an actor that ONLY does power attacks, set this number to 100.
:If the actor is moving left or right, a left or right power attack is performed, and if the actor is moving forward or backward, a forward or backward power attack is performed. If the actor is not moving, a standard power attack is performed.
**'''Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Power Attack:''' This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to do a Power Attack when the opponent is momentarily defenseless in a recoil or stagger. This is an excellent strategy!
::If this check box is selected, it is necessary that the actor in question has the strafing (left/right) animations, and all power attack variations.  
**'''Unconscious Bonus to Power Attack:''' This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to do a Power Attack when the opponent is unconscious.
:::If the "Movement" check box is selected and the actor doesn't have strafing animations, left and right power attacks will not be performed.
**'''Choose Attack Using Movement:''' If you click on this check box, the actor will decide which Power Attack to perform based on their current movement direction at the time the Melee Decision is made. If the actor's moving forward, a forward power attack is performed. If the actor is moving left or right, a left or right power attack is performed, respectively. If the actor is moving forward or backward, a forward or backward power attack is performed, and if the actor is standing still, a "normal" power attack is performed. If this check box is selected, it is crucial that the actor have animations for moving in all directions, including "strafing" left and right. If the "Movement" check box is selected and the actor doesn't have a left or right movement animation, left and right power attacks will not be performed.  
**'''Choose Attack Using % Chance:''' If this check box is clicked, the actor will choose which power attack to perform based on percentage chance values specified for each power attack type. To decide which power attack is performed a random number from 1-100 is chosen. Then the following is done in this order:
**#If the random number is between 1 and the "Normal" percentage chance value, a normal power attack is chosen. 
**#If the random number is between 1 and the sum of the "Normal" and "Forward" percentage chance values, a "Forward" power attack is chosen. 
**#If the random number is between 1 and the sum of the "Normal", "Forward" and "Backward" percentage chance values, a "Backward" power attack is chosen. 
**#If the random number is between 1 and the sum of the "Normal", "Forward", "Backward" and "Left" percentage chance values, a "Left" power attack is chosen. 
**#Otherwise, a "Right" power attack is chosen. 


:You can enter 0 in any of the 5 percentage chance fields and that power attack type will never be performed. Note also that if the sums total up to greater than 100, some of the later power attack types (based on the order Normal, Forward, Backward, Left and Right) may not ever be chosen. You should try to make the numbers add up to 100.  
*'''Choose Attack Using % Chance:''' If this check box is clicked, the actor will choose which power attack to perform based on percentage chance values specified for each power attack type. To decide which power attack is performed a random number from 1-100 is chosen.
:If 0 is entered, the power attack in question is never performed. If the chance of all power attacks adds up to a value over 100, certain power attacks may never be chosen during an attack cycle.


*'''Hold Timer:'''  
*'''Hold Timer:''' If the Melee Decision results in a decision to hold, that is, neither attack nor block, the actor will hold for a random amount of time between the minimum and maximum values entered here. The time is in real-world seconds.
If the Melee Decision results in a decision to HOLD, that is, neither attack nor block, the actor will keep holding for a random amount of time between the minimum and maximum values entered here. The time is in real-world seconds.


===Maneuver Decision===
===Maneuver Decision===


The Maneuver Decision section of the Combat Style dialog box allows you to specify values that govern the Maneuver Decision – either DODGING or IDLING.
The Maneuver Decision section of the Combat Style dialog box allows you to specify values that govern the Maneuver Decision – either dodging or idling.


*'''Dodge % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will dodge in any direction. This will be modified based on the actor's speed, fatigue, and whether or not the opponent is attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more information.  
*'''Buff Standoff Distance:''' Buff distance is the distance a weapon/hand-to-hand reliant actor will stay away from foes when casting spells on themselves upon starting combat.


*'''Left/Right % Chance:''' If the decision is made to dodge left or right, a second decision is made whether to dodge left or right or to just stand still for the time being. The reason for this is to reduce the frequency of an actor circling around their opponent without reducing their frequency of movement overall. Here's how it works. If the decision is made to dodge either left or right, as opposed to forward or backward, a random number from 1 to 100 is chosen. If that number is less than or equal to the Left/Right % Chance entered here, the actor will either dodge left or right. If the random number is greater than the Left/Right % Chance, the actor will not dodge based on this Maneuver Decision. Set the number to 100 if you don't care if your actors dodge left or right as often as they dodge forward or backward.  
*'''Group Standoff Distance:''' Group Standoff Distance is the distance an actor attempts to keep between itself and foes in combat. 0.000 Standoff Distance equates to 'in melee attack range.'


*'''Idle Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should remain IDLE, the actor will remain in the IDLE state for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.  
*'''Dodge % Chance:''' This is the base percentage chance that the actor will dodge. This is be modified based on the actor's speed, fatigue, and whether or not the opponent is attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more information.  


*'''Dodge L/R Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge either left or right, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds. Increase the values if your actor has long animation cycles or if you want them to move a lot.  
*'''Left/Right % Chance:''' If a chance to dodge left or right is specified, the actor will appropriately strafe left or right (usually attempting to circle around their opponents), unless the strafing animations are not present. Setting the number to 100 means an actor will dodge left and right exclusively.


*'''Dodge Forward Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge forward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.  
*'''Acrobatic Dodge % Chance''' If a chance to perform an acrobatic dodge is specified, the actor will use the 'acrobatic' dodging animations. For NPCs, this means they use the 'dodge' abilities the player gains when becoming a Journeyman of Acrobatics. For creatures, this means they will use whatever 'acrobatic' dodge animations are assigned to them. Asides from special animations, Acrobatic Dodge % Chance is no different than any normal dodge.  
: The Acrobatic Dodge % Chance is 0% by default.


*'''Dodge Back Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge backward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.  
*'''Idle Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should remain idle, the actor will remain not perform a Maneuver Decision for the time stated. The time is in real-world seconds.  


*'''Dodge L/R Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge either left or right, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.
:If their is enough time specified in the Dodge L/R timer, and if the actor moves quickly enough, the actor will move in a complete circle around their foe when strafing left or right.


*'''Dodge Forward Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge forward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.
*'''Dodge Back Timer:''' If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge backward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.


===Ranged Combat===
===Ranged Combat===
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The Ranged Combat section determines when the actor decides to switch between Ranged and Melee combat. Ranged combat includes both ranged magic and bows.
The Ranged Combat section determines when the actor decides to switch between Ranged and Melee combat. Ranged combat includes both ranged magic and bows.


*'''Range Mult''': multipliers on the standard optimal and max range (see [[:Category: Ranged Combat|Ranged Combat]]) that actors using ranged combat will attempt to maintain. Making the multiplier less than 1 will make the actor stay closer to the target during ranged combat; making it greater than 1 will cause the actor to stay at a greater range from the target.
*'''Range Mult''': Values used to define what is the maximum range an actor allows, and what the distance an actor attempts to maintain is. (See also; [[:Category: Ranged Combat|Ranged Combat]])
*'''Switch Dist''': Melee is the distance where the actor will switch from ranged to melee combat (if the target closes to less than that range). Ranged is the distance where the actor will switch from melee to ranged (if the target opens the range to greater than that distance).
:If the multipliers are less than one, the actor stay closer to the target during ranged combat; multipliers greater than one will cause the actor to stay at a greater distance from the target.
*'''Switch Dist''': This value is used to define when an actor should sheathe their ranged weapon, and equip their melee weapon (and is used for the reverse as well).  
:'Melee' is used to define the distance necessary for a ranged fighter to unsheathe their melee weapon, which is 250 by default. This means an actor will unsheathe their melee weapon at 250 units away.
::'Ranged' is the value used to define the distance required for the actor to unsheathe their ranged weapon, which is 1,000 by default. This means an actor will unsheathe their ranged weapon at 1,000 units away.
 
*'''Ranged Standoff Distance''': Distance the actor will attempt to maintain during ranged combat.
*'''Ranged Standoff Distance''': Distance the actor will attempt to maintain during ranged combat.


===Advanced Settings===
===Advanced Settings===


If you want to use the default values for the “Advanced” settings do NOT click on the “Advanced” checkbox. Leave it unchecked, so the fields are grayed-out.
If you want to use the default values for the “Advanced” settings do NOT click on the “Advanced” checkbox. Leave it unchecked, so the fields are grayed-out. The Advanced settings are used to modify the chance to dodge, block, or attack as a result of certain conditions. Most special modifiers are based on whether or not the actor is attacking or being attacked.
 


The Advanced settings are used in the Melee and Maneuver decision formulas. They are kept separate in order to simplify the Combat Style dialog as much as possible. Most of the time, you can leave these settings alone. However, they can give you even more control over NPC and creature combat AI.


*'''Melee Decision modifiers'''


'''Melee Settings'''
The left column in the Advanced Setting area has modifier and multipliers used for modifying the chance of a Melee Decision being made.


The left column in the Advanced Setting area has modifier and multipliers used in the Melee Decision.
*'''Block Skill Modifier''' – fAIDefaultBlockSkillBase, fAIDefaultBlockSkillMult


 
The blocking actor’s Block skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula which modifies the actor’s base percent chance to block. The formula is:
'''Block Skill Modifier''' – fAIDefaultBlockSkillBase, fAIDefaultBlockSkillMult
 
The blocking actor’s Block skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula the result of which is added to the actor’s base percent chance to block. The formula is:


:: Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )
:: Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )


Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the blocking chance. For example, the default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the Block Skill modifier ranges from 0 to 10.
Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the blocking chance. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the chance to block is can be improved to 10% at most.




'''Attack Skill Modifier''' – fAIDefaultAttackSkillBase, fAIDefaultAttackSkillMult
'''Attack Skill Modifier''' – fAIDefaultAttackSkillBase, fAIDefaultAttackSkillMult


The attacking actor’s relevant Attack skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to attack, after the Recoil/Stagger, Unconscious, and Hand-to-Hand bonuses are added. The formula is:
The attacking actor’s relevant Attack skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula to improve or decrease actor total chance to attack. The bonuses are applied after Recoil/Stagger, Unconscious, and Hand-to-Hand bonuses are applied. The formula is:


:: Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )
:: Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )


Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the attack chance. For example, the default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the Attack Skill modifier ranges from 0 to 10.
Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the attack chance. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the chance to attack is improved by 10% at most.




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:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent
:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent


Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the power attack chance. For example, the default value for Base is 5 and for Mult is -10. This means the Power Attack Fatigue modifier ranges from -5 to 5, meaning that a fully fatigued actor (100% Fatigue Percent, which is 1.0) will have 5 subtracted from the actor’s percent chance of doing a power attack. An actor that is 0% fatigued will have 5 added to the percent chance of doing a power attack.
Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the power attack chance when no special circumstances exist. The default value for Base is 5 and for Mult is -10. This means the Power Attack Fatigue modifier ranges from -10% to +5%. An actor with no fatigue left will be 10% less likely to perform a power attack. An actor with no fatigue lost will be 5% more likely to perform a power attack.




'''Attack While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultAttackDuringAttackMult
'''Attack While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultAttackDuringAttackMult


The total chance to attack – that is the sum of the base percent chance to attack, plus the Recoil/Stagger, Unconscious, Hand-to-Hand, and Attack Skill modifiers – is multiplied by this number if the actor is being attacked when a Melee decision is made. The result is the FINAL Attack chance, and that number is compared to a random number from 1-100. Blocking is checked first if the actor has a shield. The Attack While Under Attack Multiplier defaults to 0.75, meaning the actor is less likely to start an attack while an opponent is in mid-attack.
This modifies the chance to attack when an actor is being attacked. The Attack While Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75% (75%) by default. This means the actor is 25% less likely to attack while being attacked.




'''Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultAttackNoAttackMult
'''Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultAttackNoAttackMult


The total chance to attack – that is the sum of the base percent chance to attack, plus the Recoil/Stagger, Unconscious, Hand-to-Hand, and Attack Skill modifiers – is multiplied by this number if the actor is NOT being attacked when a Melee decision is made. The result is the FINAL Attack chance, and that number is compared to a random number from 1-100. Blocking is checked first if the actor has a shield. The Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier defaults to 1.0, meaning the actor is more likely to start an attack while an opponent is in mid-attack.
This modifies the chance to attack when an actor is not being attacked. The Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0% (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more likely or less likely to attack when itself is not being attacked.




'''Block While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultBlockDuringAttackMult
'''Block While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultBlockDuringAttackMult


The total chance to block – that is the sum of the base percent chance to block plus the Block Skill modifier – is multiplied by this number if the actor is being attacked when a Melee decision is made. The result is the FINAL Block chance, and that number is compared to a random number from 1-100. Blocking is checked first if the actor has a shield. The Block While Under Attack Multiplier defaults to 5.0, meaning the actor is very likely to start blocking while an opponent is in mid-attack.
This modifies the chance to block when an actor is being attacked. The Block While Under Attack Multiplier is 5.0% (500%) by default. This means the actor is 5 times more likely to block while under attack.




'''Block Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultBlockNoAttackMult
'''Block Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultBlockNoAttackMult


The total chance to block – that is the sum of the base percent chance to block plus the Block Skill modifier – is multiplied by this number if the actor is NOT being attacked when a Melee decision is made. The result is the FINAL Block chance, and that number is compared to a random number from 1-100. Blocking is checked first if the actor has a shield. The Block Not Under Attack Multiplier defaults to 1.0, meaning the actor is more likely to start an attack while an opponent is in mid-attack.
This modifies the chance to block when an actor is being attacked. The Block Not Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0% (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more likely or less likely to block when itself is not being attacked.
 




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:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent
:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent


Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the dodge chance. For example, the default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is -20. This means the Dodge Fatigue modifier ranges from -20 to 0, meaning that a fully fatigued actor (100% Fatigue Percent, which is 1.0) will have 20 subtracted from the actor’s percent chance of dodging. An actor that is 0% fatigued will have 0 added to the percent chance of dodging. The net effect is that a highly fatigued actor is very unlikely to dodge at all.
Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the dodge chance when no special circumstances exist. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is -20. This means the Dodge Fatigue modifier ranges from -20% to 0%. An actor who has no fatigue will be 20% less likely to dodge. An actor with no fatigue lost is is 0% more likely or less likely to dodge.




'''Encumbered Speed Modifier''' – fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedBase, fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedMult
'''Encumbered Speed Modifier''' – fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedBase, fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedMult


The attacking actor’s encumbered walking speed value is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to dodge. Encumbered Speed is usually somewhere around 110. You can find out an actor’s encumbered speed using the script command “getwalkspeed” in the console. The formula is:
The actor’s encumbered walking speed value is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to dodge. Encumbered Speed is usually somewhere near 110. You can find out an actor’s encumbered speed using the script command “getwalkspeed” in the console. The formula is:


:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Encumbered Speed
:: Modifier = Base + Mult * Encumbered Speed


Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the dodge chance. For example, the default value for Base is -110 and for Mult is 1. This means that for an actor with an encumbered speed of 110, the modifier will be 0. But an actor with a walk speed of 105 will have 5 points subtracted from the total chance to dodge, and an actor with a walk speed of 115 will have 5 points added to the total chance to dodge. Basically this means that faster, less encumbered actors will dodge more often than slower, more heavily encumbered actors.
Altering the base will give you a 'default' Encumbered Walking Speed value which, when this value is achieved by an actor, results in no special modifiers to the dodge chance. The default value for Base is -110 and for Mult is 1. This means that an actor's chance to dodge is reduced by 1 for each point of Walk Speed lost, and improved by 1 for each point of Walk Speed gained. If the Encumbered Walk Speed is 110, this means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge.




'''Dodge While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeDuringAttackMult
'''Dodge While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeDuringAttackMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is under attack when the Maneuver decision is being made. Basically, the higher this number is, the more likely an actor is to decide to dodge while under attack. The value defaults to 1.0.
This modifies the chance to dodge while under attack. The Dodge While Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge while under attack.




'''Dodge Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeNoAttackMult
'''Dodge Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeNoAttackMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is NOT under attack when the Maneuver decision is being made. Basically, the lower this number is, the less likely an actor is to decide to dodge while not under attack. The value defaults to 0.75, effectively reducing the final chance to dodge.
This modifies the chance to dodge while not being attacked. The Dodge Not Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge while not under attack.




'''Dodge Back While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackDuringAttackMult
'''Dodge Back While Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackDuringAttackMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is under attack when the Maneuver decision is being made, and this number is used to help decide whether or not to dodge backwards. Basically, the higher this number is, the more likely an actor is to decide to dodge backwards while under attack. The value defaults to 1.0.
This modifies the chance to dodge backwards while under attack. The Dodge Back While Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge backwards while not under attack.




'''Dodge Back Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackNoAttackMult
'''Dodge Back Not Under Attack Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackNoAttackMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is NOT under attack when the Maneuver decision is being made, and this number is used to help decide whether or not to dodge backwards. Basically, the lower this number is, the less likely an actor is to decide to dodge backwards while not under attack. The value defaults to 0.75, effectively reducing the final chance to dodge backwards.
This modifies the chance to dodge backwards while not under attack. The Dodge Back Not Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge backwards while under attack.




'''Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardWhileWattackingMult
'''Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardWhileWattackingMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is currently performing an attack when the Maneuver decision is being made, and this number is used to help decide whether or not to dodge forwards. Basically, the higher this number is, the more likely an actor is to decide to dodge forwards while performing an attack. The value defaults to 1.0.
This modifies the chance to dodge forward while attacking. The Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge forward while attacking.




'''Dodge Forward Not Attacking Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardNotAttackingMult
'''Dodge Forward Not Attacking Multiplier''' -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardNotAttackingMult


The sum of the base Dodge % Chance plus the Dodge Fatigue Modifier and Encumbered Speed Modifier is calculated and multiplied by this number if the actor is NOT performing an attack when the Maneuver decision is being made, and this number is used to help decide whether or not to dodge forwards. Basically, the lower this number is, the less likely an actor is to decide to dodge forwards while performing an attack. The value defaults to 0.75, effectively reducing the final chance to dodge forwards.
This modifies the chance to dodge forward while attacking. The Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge forward while not attacking.




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==Notes:==
==Notes:==
You can essentially force an NPC to always use a bow if you give him a combat style with ''Prefers Ranged'' and set the ''Switch Dist (melee, ranged)'' to 0.0000, 0.0001
If an actor's combat style has the ''Prefers Ranged'' tag active, and the ''Switch Dist (melee, ranged)'' values set to to 0.0000, 0.0001, the actor will never refrain from using ranged combat. An actor may sheathe and immediately unsheathe their ranged weapon upon entering melee combat.
 
Sometimes he'll sheath his bow if his enemy gets right on top of him, but he pulls it out again and fires it.


[[Category:Miscellaneous]]
[[Category:Miscellaneous]]
[[Category:Combat]]
[[Category:Combat]]

Latest revision as of 04:45, 29 November 2009

Combat Styles are used to govern the durations of some actions (or lack of any action) and the choices made in combat, such as attacking, dodging, blocking, and so on. In the Construction Set Object Window, the Combat Styles entry is located under the Miscellaneous section.

The Combat Style menu is divided into four sections:

  • Melee Decision: This is where you define values used in the Melee Decision (blocking and attacking.)
  • Maneuver Decision: This is where you define values used in the Maneuver (dodge) Decision.
  • Ranged Combat: This is where you define values used to determine when the actor will switch between Ranged and Melee combat, and what is considered the actor's preferred ranged combat distance.
  • Flags: This section contains check-boxes, which modify the behavior of an actor in combat.
  • Advanced: This section contains values used to modify the chance to dodge, block or attack in special ways. This can only be modified if the Advanced tag is checked. If the tag is not checked, the generic modifiers to dodge, block, and attack % chance is used.


The Combat Style Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Melee Decision[edit | edit source]

The Melee Decision section is where you define how the Melee Decision is made, including how Power Attacks are handled & selected.

  • Block % Chance: This is the base percentage chance that the actor will block when a Melee Decision is made. This is modified by the actor's Block skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more information when regarding advanced modifiers.
  • Attack % Chance: This is the base percentage chance that the actor will attack when a Melee Decision is made. There are three modifiers that are added to this percentage chance - the percentage chance is modified based on the actor's relevant Attack skill and whether or not the opponent is currently attacking.
  • Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Attack: This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. An actor is recoiling when their strike is blocked. An actor staggers when the opponent hits them for a certain amount of damage. The chance of being staggered is modified by the amount of agility an actor has. Increasing this number will cause an actor to be more likely to attack their opponent if the foe is recoiling or staggering.
  • Unconscious Bonus to Attack: This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when their opponent is down. A negative number would make an actor less likely to attack when their opponent is unconscious.
  • Hand-To-Hand Bonus to Attack: This number is added to the Attack % Chance only if the actor is not wielding a weapon - this does not increase the chance of an actor to attack unarmed foes. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to attack when using hand-to-hand. Best used for when you wish for an actor to behave more aggressively when unarmed.

Power Attacks[edit | edit source]

  • Power Attacks: If an actor decides to do an attack, the Melee Decision will also decide whether to do a Power Attack or a normal attack.
Power Attack % Chance: This is the base percentage chance that an actor, having decided to attack, will do a Power Attack. If you want to have an actor that only does power attacks, set this number to 100.
  • Recoil/Stagger Bonus to Power Attack: This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is recoiling or staggering. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to perform a Power Attack when the opponent is recoiling or staggering.
  • Unconscious Bonus to Power Attack: This number is added to the Power Attack % Chance only if the opponent is unconscious. Increasing this number makes an actor more likely to perform a Power Attack when the opponent is unconscious.
  • Choose Attack Using Movement: If this check box is active, the actor will decide which Power Attack to perform based on their current movement direction at the time the Melee Decision is made.
If the actor is moving left or right, a left or right power attack is performed, and if the actor is moving forward or backward, a forward or backward power attack is performed. If the actor is not moving, a standard power attack is performed.
If this check box is selected, it is necessary that the actor in question has the strafing (left/right) animations, and all power attack variations.
If the "Movement" check box is selected and the actor doesn't have strafing animations, left and right power attacks will not be performed.
  • Choose Attack Using % Chance: If this check box is clicked, the actor will choose which power attack to perform based on percentage chance values specified for each power attack type. To decide which power attack is performed a random number from 1-100 is chosen.
If 0 is entered, the power attack in question is never performed. If the chance of all power attacks adds up to a value over 100, certain power attacks may never be chosen during an attack cycle.
  • Hold Timer: If the Melee Decision results in a decision to hold, that is, neither attack nor block, the actor will hold for a random amount of time between the minimum and maximum values entered here. The time is in real-world seconds.

Maneuver Decision[edit | edit source]

The Maneuver Decision section of the Combat Style dialog box allows you to specify values that govern the Maneuver Decision – either dodging or idling.

  • Buff Standoff Distance: Buff distance is the distance a weapon/hand-to-hand reliant actor will stay away from foes when casting spells on themselves upon starting combat.
  • Group Standoff Distance: Group Standoff Distance is the distance an actor attempts to keep between itself and foes in combat. 0.000 Standoff Distance equates to 'in melee attack range.'
  • Dodge % Chance: This is the base percentage chance that the actor will dodge. This is be modified based on the actor's speed, fatigue, and whether or not the opponent is attacking. See the Advanced Settings section for more information.
  • Left/Right % Chance: If a chance to dodge left or right is specified, the actor will appropriately strafe left or right (usually attempting to circle around their opponents), unless the strafing animations are not present. Setting the number to 100 means an actor will dodge left and right exclusively.
  • Acrobatic Dodge % Chance If a chance to perform an acrobatic dodge is specified, the actor will use the 'acrobatic' dodging animations. For NPCs, this means they use the 'dodge' abilities the player gains when becoming a Journeyman of Acrobatics. For creatures, this means they will use whatever 'acrobatic' dodge animations are assigned to them. Asides from special animations, Acrobatic Dodge % Chance is no different than any normal dodge.
The Acrobatic Dodge % Chance is 0% by default.
  • Idle Timer: If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should remain idle, the actor will remain not perform a Maneuver Decision for the time stated. The time is in real-world seconds.
  • Dodge L/R Timer: If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge either left or right, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.
If their is enough time specified in the Dodge L/R timer, and if the actor moves quickly enough, the actor will move in a complete circle around their foe when strafing left or right.
  • Dodge Forward Timer: If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge forward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.
  • Dodge Back Timer: If the Maneuver Decision indicates the actor should dodge backward, the actor will do so for a random period of time between the given minimum and maximum values. The time is in real-world seconds.

Ranged Combat[edit | edit source]

The Ranged Combat section determines when the actor decides to switch between Ranged and Melee combat. Ranged combat includes both ranged magic and bows.

  • Range Mult: Values used to define what is the maximum range an actor allows, and what the distance an actor attempts to maintain is. (See also; Ranged Combat)
If the multipliers are less than one, the actor stay closer to the target during ranged combat; multipliers greater than one will cause the actor to stay at a greater distance from the target.
  • Switch Dist: This value is used to define when an actor should sheathe their ranged weapon, and equip their melee weapon (and is used for the reverse as well).
'Melee' is used to define the distance necessary for a ranged fighter to unsheathe their melee weapon, which is 250 by default. This means an actor will unsheathe their melee weapon at 250 units away.
'Ranged' is the value used to define the distance required for the actor to unsheathe their ranged weapon, which is 1,000 by default. This means an actor will unsheathe their ranged weapon at 1,000 units away.
  • Ranged Standoff Distance: Distance the actor will attempt to maintain during ranged combat.

Advanced Settings[edit | edit source]

If you want to use the default values for the “Advanced” settings do NOT click on the “Advanced” checkbox. Leave it unchecked, so the fields are grayed-out. The Advanced settings are used to modify the chance to dodge, block, or attack as a result of certain conditions. Most special modifiers are based on whether or not the actor is attacking or being attacked.


  • Melee Decision modifiers

The left column in the Advanced Setting area has modifier and multipliers used for modifying the chance of a Melee Decision being made.

  • Block Skill Modifier – fAIDefaultBlockSkillBase, fAIDefaultBlockSkillMult

The blocking actor’s Block skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula which modifies the actor’s base percent chance to block. The formula is:

Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )

Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the blocking chance. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the chance to block is can be improved to 10% at most.


Attack Skill Modifier – fAIDefaultAttackSkillBase, fAIDefaultAttackSkillMult

The attacking actor’s relevant Attack skill, as modified by the actor’s luck, is used in a formula to improve or decrease actor total chance to attack. The bonuses are applied after Recoil/Stagger, Unconscious, and Hand-to-Hand bonuses are applied. The formula is:

Modifier = Base + Mult * ( Skill / 100 )

Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the attack chance. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is 10. This means the chance to attack is improved by 10% at most.


Power Attack Fatigue Modifier – fAIDefaultPowerAttackFatigueBase, fAIDefaultPowerAttackFatigueMult

The attacking actor’s fatigue percentage is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to perform a power attack. The formula is:

Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent

Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the power attack chance when no special circumstances exist. The default value for Base is 5 and for Mult is -10. This means the Power Attack Fatigue modifier ranges from -10% to +5%. An actor with no fatigue left will be 10% less likely to perform a power attack. An actor with no fatigue lost will be 5% more likely to perform a power attack.


Attack While Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultAttackDuringAttackMult

This modifies the chance to attack when an actor is being attacked. The Attack While Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75% (75%) by default. This means the actor is 25% less likely to attack while being attacked.


Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultAttackNoAttackMult

This modifies the chance to attack when an actor is not being attacked. The Attack Not Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0% (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more likely or less likely to attack when itself is not being attacked.


Block While Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultBlockDuringAttackMult

This modifies the chance to block when an actor is being attacked. The Block While Under Attack Multiplier is 5.0% (500%) by default. This means the actor is 5 times more likely to block while under attack.


Block Not Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultBlockNoAttackMult

This modifies the chance to block when an actor is being attacked. The Block Not Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0% (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more likely or less likely to block when itself is not being attacked.


Maneuver Settings

The right column in the Advanced Settings area contains values used in the Maneuver Decision.


Dodge Fatigue Modifier – fAIDefaultDodgeFatigueBase, fAIDefaultDodgeFatigueMult

The attacking actor’s fatigue percentage is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to dodge. The formula is:

Modifier = Base + Mult * Fatigue Percent

Altering the base will give you a minimum bonus value that is always added to the dodge chance when no special circumstances exist. The default value for Base is 0 and for Mult is -20. This means the Dodge Fatigue modifier ranges from -20% to 0%. An actor who has no fatigue will be 20% less likely to dodge. An actor with no fatigue lost is is 0% more likely or less likely to dodge.


Encumbered Speed Modifier – fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedBase, fAIDefaultDodgeSpeedMult

The actor’s encumbered walking speed value is used in a formula to calculate a value that is added to the actor’s base percent chance to dodge. Encumbered Speed is usually somewhere near 110. You can find out an actor’s encumbered speed using the script command “getwalkspeed” in the console. The formula is:

Modifier = Base + Mult * Encumbered Speed

Altering the base will give you a 'default' Encumbered Walking Speed value which, when this value is achieved by an actor, results in no special modifiers to the dodge chance. The default value for Base is -110 and for Mult is 1. This means that an actor's chance to dodge is reduced by 1 for each point of Walk Speed lost, and improved by 1 for each point of Walk Speed gained. If the Encumbered Walk Speed is 110, this means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge.


Dodge While Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeDuringAttackMult

This modifies the chance to dodge while under attack. The Dodge While Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge while under attack.


Dodge Not Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeNoAttackMult

This modifies the chance to dodge while not being attacked. The Dodge Not Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge while not under attack.


Dodge Back While Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackDuringAttackMult

This modifies the chance to dodge backwards while under attack. The Dodge Back While Under Attack Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge backwards while not under attack.


Dodge Back Not Under Attack Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeBackNoAttackMult

This modifies the chance to dodge backwards while not under attack. The Dodge Back Not Under Attack Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge backwards while under attack.


Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardWhileWattackingMult

This modifies the chance to dodge forward while attacking. The Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier is 1.0 (100%) by default. This means an actor is 0% more or less likely to dodge forward while attacking.


Dodge Forward Not Attacking Multiplier -- fAIDefaultDodgeForwardNotAttackingMult

This modifies the chance to dodge forward while attacking. The Dodge Forward While Attacking Multiplier is 0.75 (75%) by default. This means an actor is 25% less likely to dodge forward while not attacking.


Script Interface[edit | edit source]

You can swap combat styles in & out very easily using the script command SetCombatStyle.

The default Combat Style can be temporarily altered in game by modifying the game settings used for each field. To do this, use the setgs command in the console:

setgs {game setting} value

The game settings for all the values are listed with the description of all of the combat style values above. They all start with either “iAIDefault” for percent chance values or “fAIDefault” for other values. Remember that setting a game setting’s value in the game will not save out the new value, so be sure to write down what you do. You can use “getgs {game setting}” to see the value of a game setting in the console. This is a handy way to create new Combat Styles.

Notes:[edit | edit source]

If an actor's combat style has the Prefers Ranged tag active, and the Switch Dist (melee, ranged) values set to to 0.0000, 0.0001, the actor will never refrain from using ranged combat. An actor may sheathe and immediately unsheathe their ranged weapon upon entering melee combat.

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