Bandit groups should merge when in proximity to each other

[aka1nas]

Currently, bandit groups are only a threat to the player or other NPCs in the very early game.  Their troops are relatively weak to begin with, and they usually max out in size in the low 30's. 

Often, they spawn in very small single-digit groups (or are reduced to these sizes through attrition) and are too fast for any normal-sized group to catch.  These groups don't add much to the game at the moment, as they just distract Lords but can never actually be engaged.

I think it would be an improvement if when two or more bandit groups come into proximity of each other, they merge into a larger group.  This would clean up the small "useless" groups, and would potentially create larger groups that would offer a greater challenge for the player later in the game.  The player and NPC lords also then have the option to patrol their territory more often to keep the bandit population from building up.  If they do not do so, say if they are called away from home on a campaign, then they might find that the bandits have grown more bold and have formed larger groups that can possibly pose a threat to medium to large-sized armies.

Optionally, it would also be nice if this idea worked between different types of bandits and possibly also deserters.  This would round out the bandit armies and possibly make them a greater threat.

 

[Professor Jumbo]

Yes! Excellent!  Probably already suggested, but still excellent.  Of course there would have to be a scaling max size for them or else they would eventually all merge into one monster bandit army, which would actually be pretty awesome.

 

[baronvonshober]

Yes a monster bandit army would be an awesome sight to see, and to fight.  Especially if different troop types of bandits joined together.  Of course there is then the possibility of encountering them after a bloody battle while your forces are wounded and travelling slowly.  That would suck.

 

[PrinceGhaldir]

But it should not be at the start of the game, when those groups are one of few you can kill at the time.

 

[Ironic]

Nice idea! But have to agree with PrinceGhaldir

 

[aka1nas]

But it should not be at the start of the game, when those groups are one of few you can kill at the time.

I'm sure it could be balanced so that you will still be able to find small groups.  When you are starting out and have a smaller army,you can be fast enough to overrun the smaller to medium sized groups and outrun very large groups. 

If spawning amount and frequency are tweaked, you can have something like a bias towards spawning more small groups that may gradually merge into large groups if left alone.

 

[PrinceGhaldir]

Ok, agree!

 

[original]

Well this already works for AI Lords where numerous bandit groups would group up on them, so I don't see why it isn't currently working for the player.

 

[aka1nas]

Well this already works for AI Lords where numerous bandit groups would group up on them, so I don't see why it isn't currently working for the player.

I've never seen multiple bandit groups assist each other in battles the way lords of the same faction do.  Have you had this happen lately?

 

[original]

Well this already works for AI Lords where numerous bandit groups would group up on them, so I don't see why it isn't currently working for the player.

I've never seen multiple bandit groups assist each other in battles the way lords of the same faction do.  Have you had this happen lately?

Yes I've seen bandits attack Lords and caravans in this manner. You could also see the different groups when hovering your mouse over them, kinda like how you can see the troops of different Lords with a mouse hover.

 

[lord ezio]

good idea

 

[Hanreas]

I'd of thought bandits wouldn't be so eager to split their profit, one thing I've seen quite often though is bandits and the like escaping from lords after loosing a number of troops, perhaps instead of them running away to slowly regain their numbers, they could instead merge with another group at that point?

 

[vota dc]

Well this already works for AI Lords where numerous bandit groups would group up on them, so I don't see why it isn't currently working for the player.

I've never seen multiple bandit groups assist each other in battles the way lords of the same faction do.  Have you had this happen lately?

Yes I've seen bandits attack Lords and caravans in this manner. You could also see the different groups when hovering your mouse over them, kinda like how you can see the troops of different Lords with a mouse hover.

Usually lords attack bandits, but sometimes bandits will group and win. Or the lord will win but with few troops remaining, and only then bandits will attack. It could be fixed if you change the speed of AI combat.

 

[IgorACLisboa]

Seria bom para o jogo mas penso que não seria realistico acho até que poderia ser o contrário, se bandidos se cruzassem poderiam até batalhar porque eles não olham quem vai saquear a única coisa que eles querem saber é de lucrar.

TRANSLATE

It would be good for the game but I think it is unrealistic to think that could be otherwise, if bandits crossed paths could even fight because they do not look at who will plunder the only thing they want to know is to profit.

 

[funk]

maybe some bandit lords/kings that can:
raise an army,
plunder towns,pillaging villages, raid traders,
get hired by lords to do some dirty jobs,

and let you join up with them.
as a member of their gang you can:
hire bandits both at bases and roaming,
take evil quests,
you get morale from evil acts,

some evil quests:
kidnap a trader,noble man /lady,
enslave peasants,
raid X village,
rob X trade caravan,
sneak in to some were and steal a item/item's.

 

[PrinceGhaldir]

1. Why dont you use capitals and punctuation?
2. Why did he post in russian?
3. No bandit lords/kings, thats rubbish. Arent bandits bandits because they dont want to have someone commanding them, without knowing that person?

 

[funk]

ok, if no lords or kings then Chiefs just so there is some bandit with a plan for bigger and greater thing.

most bandits shoud stay as thay are, only fight for them selves but some join a good leader for money and strength in numbers.

 

[PrinceGhaldir]

Sounds better.

 

[Morgot]

ok, if no lords or kings then Chiefs just so there is some bandit with a plan for bigger and greater thing.

most bandits shoud stay as thay are, only fight for them selves but some join a good leader for money and strength in numbers.

Few years ago I have posted the suggestion about it.
http://forums.taleworlds.com/index.php/topic,29822.msg764708.html

Please comment if somebody interested.