Is it possible to have more than 2 factions without the AI automatically killing

[NovaTitan]

I'd like to set up a game where there is AI for more than 2 factions where the AI can ally with the other faction or stay neutral and the player could command to attack or support a faction.

 

[Gilwe]

The diplomacy mod has some of the features you mentionned. Factions can enter diplomacy if they have a high faction relation with each other:

You can conclude a non-agression pact. This means that both factions cannot attack each other and have a 20-day long truce.

You can have a trade agreement with another faction.

You can have a defensive pact with another faction. This means whenever a faction declares war on you, the faction you made a pact with will declare war on the enemy.

Lastly, you can have an alliance. This means your faction goes to war with any faction your friends are at war with and vice versa.

 

[NovaTitan]

But is it possible in a multiplayer matchup with AI not attacking each other but attacking other factions based on command alone? I want to setup a custom game mode of sorts or find/build a mod for it in the near future.

 

[Hidole555]

So an example of what you're saying is 3 players command 3 armies (Let's say Vaegir, Khergit, and Rhodok)
The Vaegir could have his troops hold position hoping to fight defensively so that the other 2 would fight each other. The Khergit would use commands to tell his troops to attack only the Vaegirs because he reasons that if he tries to take on the Rhodoks he won't have much luck. The cunning Rhodok pauses only a moment so that the Khergirs and Vaegirs are focussing on each others' throats rather than his, and then commits his troops to seek out the distracted Vaegirs. What ensues is a cataclysmic battle that will leave the land horribly scarred for ages to come...

Nope. Can't think of a thing. I only play single player.

 

[NovaTitan]

So an example of what you're saying is 3 players command 3 armies (Let's say Vaegir, Khergit, and Rhodok)
The Vaegir could have his troops hold position hoping to fight defensively so that the other 2 would fight each other. The Khergit would use commands to tell his troops to attack only the Vaegirs because he reasons that if he tries to take on the Rhodoks he won't have much luck. The cunning Rhodok pauses only a moment so that the Khergirs and Vaegirs are focussing on each others' throats rather than his, and then commits his troops to seek out the distracted Vaegirs. What ensues is a cataclysmic battle that will leave the land horribly scarred for ages to come...

Nope. Can't think of a thing. I only play single player.

Awwww, man that's exactly what I was thinking of! Damn.... that would be so fun in multiplayer. Have three commanders with several captains ordering their little skirmish units (after all it's not a battle when you only have 100-400 troops). People ally together beforehand only to betray mid-battle to win the day.

 

[Hidole555]

If you want 3 or more-way battles I suggest checking out The Eagle and Radiant cross mod. I only played a version for the first M&B but it had amazing custom battle capabilities where I had around 5 factions fighting each other in a giant slobberknocker for supremacy.

Since it's the AI doing most of the work, though, don't expect much in the way of tactics and strategy. Still fun, anyway.