How do you set monsters to equip weapons?

Hi foody, I am but a newbie here, but I am the only one around at this time for now. :) So I hope I understood ur question well:

1. u want the monster to attack with a specific weapon-->in the monster editor (menu-database-edit monster) u will have to change the damage amount the monster does with that weapon (e.g. an orc equipped with shortsword will do 1d6 and so on). That changes the damage amount for all the specified monsters in the design, but u can add another orc (for example), doin 1d8 (longsword) if u wish and name him 'Orc-Raider' or soemething. Remember that any new monster in the design must have an individual name.

2. u want the monster to drop a specific weapon when dying, --> add new combat event --> add ur monster --> specify the item via the 'extra item' button.

I hope that has answered ur question...

What about letting the monster shoot from far? Meaning I want the monster to equip a sling or something, how do I go about doing that?

In the Monster Editor (database menue), u can equip the monster with 'default items'. Just give em a sling or dart, then they will use it. It worx with bow or crossbow if u also equip Bolts or arrows to the edited monster...

[ 04-16-2002, 05:31 AM: Message edited by: Gundorac ]

I did...but it doesn't work. The monster refuses to equip the weapon and use it.

Please make sure u added the missile weapon in the Monster Editor (database) for the whole monster type and NOT in the Combat event itself. I assure u: it does work! :) Did it many times before. The change has to be made for all the specific monsters in the design.

That is the funny thing, I did that and still refuses to work.

For the simple AI we have right now,

A monster will try to pick the most damaging weapon it can equip that is usable at the current range to target. Once a target is picked it tends to stay with it until the target dies. Some ranged weapons need a launcher and ammo that are matched (that is, usable together). The class restrictions for the items must allow fighters before a monster can use it. The monster will use a ranged weapon even if by doing so it uses up it's only weapon (such as throwing an axe, which can be thrown or used close up). If a weapon has a damage value of zero, it probably won't get used.

All what you said is there, so really the only thing left is AI. Can you work on the AI and um...no offence but I don't like the spell editor at all. It is not and I repeat not user friendly.

The spell editor isn't finished, but it's final form should be close to what you see now. I'm always open to suggestions. I make this stuff up as I go along, and certainly don't mind changing things based on user input.

Which parts do you find unfriendly, and how would you arrange things?