Civilians

[GeneralOctavian]

Would it be possible for some civilians to appear as your empire grows? They spawn at houses and if killed, take a little while to "respawn"? They would walk around and go to places such as the market and such. They wouldn't be controllable but if you were attacked they would run around in panic and possibly get killed.

[plumo]

Topic Moved.

In my opinion this would add more micromanagement to the game. What would the benefit be of those civilians, except realism?

[Mythos_Ruler]

Topic Moved.

In my opinion this would add more micromanagement to the game. What would the benefit be of those civilians, except realism?

I think he means them to be purely eye candy. Thing is, that type of thing is better for a game like Settlers, not 0 A.D., where you control all your units for very specific purposes.

[Unarmed]

If I may say my opinion:

I like eye candy. Would love to see more type of animals, plants, objects (mole hills, beaver lodges, ruins, etc.). Might try to learn modelling and contribute those myself.

But these kind of civilians you suggest I think don't fit in a Age of Empires type game, like said, it would fit better to a Settlers type of game or what I used to play when I was little; Ceasar 3 and Knights and Merchants.

And to me it seems like it would be more computer demanding.

[sanderd17]

I think units moving around freely would interfere too much with gameplay. Certainly if you can kill them.

Something that would maybe be nicer are animated units on the building grounds (with of course, different variations). Like a blacksmith walking around in the blacksmith building, going inside sometimes, hammering the anvil other times. Or a woman sitting on the civil center court, making some clothes, also going inside sometimes. A merchant in the market going from side to side, waiving with some objects.

If it could react to the environment (fleeing inside when under attack, doing a shooting animation for defensive buildings) it would even be better. These units would die with the building btw, and they can't be attacked separately.

But there is much more important eyecandy to be done than just this (s.a. more animals and plants).

[oshron]

some editor-only units for male civilians would probably be good, though, for the purposes of scenario design. like your soldiers are marching through your town on the way to war as male and female civilians (and maybe some children, too) are watching and wishing them well

[chaosislife]

What men? The elderly? I'm pretty sure if they were able bodied they were the ones going to war. I don't think they'd have much choice in that unless they were craftsmen.

[Unarmed]

What men? The elderly? I'm pretty sure if they were able bodied they were the ones going to war. I don't think they'd have much choice in that unless they were craftsmen.

That got me thinking. What about the children (boys)?

I read that in the American independency war or civil war 15 years was the lowest age of a soldier. I assume this was even lower in ancient times. A quick search gives me this:

The Spartans of Ancient Greece built an extremely militaristic society, with boys as young as seven being taken from home and brought up with military training.

In the early years of human history, the violent nature of existence ensured that the military would be the most popular and attractive industry. There was seldom a problem in recruiting (or kidnapping) children into the armed forces. The great need to call up military forces quickly revealed the desirability of child soldiers. With adult males often gone abroad, youth were counted on to protect the home city and families. The smaller children who were unable to wield heavy weaponry were used as scouts and spies.

http://suite101.com/article/the-history-of-child-soldiers-a59619

Another source:

The Ancient Roman Army would not knowingly allow boys under 16 to enlist in the army. They had military and philosophical reasons for this. The Roman soldiers were not just fighters, but each was also a specialized technician. A blacksmith, carpenter, concrete specialist, hunter, physician, cook, engineer, etc. The Roman Army required mature men, educated in the technologies of the times. However almost all the other armies of the ancient world included male children. However before them, the Greeks used child soldiers. The Spartans started military training at age 7 and from then on boys were soldiers.

http://scriptamus.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/child-soldiers-are-unfortunately-nothing-new/

Wikipedia:

Throughout history and in many cultures, children have been extensively involved in military campaigns.

The earliest mentions of minors being involved in wars come from antiquity. It was customary for youths in the Mediterranean basin to serve as aides, charioteers and armor bearers to adult warriors. Examples of this practice can be found in the Bible (such as David's service to King Saul), in Hittite and Egyptian art, and in Greek mythology (such as the story of Hercules and Hylas), philosophy and literature.

Also in a practice dating back to antiquity, children were routinely taken on campaign, together with the rest of a military man's family, as part of the baggage.

The Romans also made use of youths in war, though it was understood that it was unwise and cruel to use children in war, and Plutarch implies that regulations required youths to be at least sixteen years of age.

Facinating dark history. And no I'm not advocating for child soldiers even if it's historical accurate because I can see the outrages it would cause.

[Lion.Kanzen]

Even in some entertainment media you see very young soldier, for example in HBO's Rome series. Some legionaries are very young and see very weak and that's why XIII Legion invades Italy and defeat Optimates in Italy.

I don't remember the chapter. But may be 2 or 3.

[greenknight32]

Spartan boys, from age 7, were raised in barracks-like conditions and given military training - but they didn't become soldiers at that age. At around age 18 they became reserves, became full-fledged soldiers about age 20.

It wasn't just some boys, but all of them - this was the only way to attain full Spartan citizenship.

Edited June 26, 2013 by greenknight32

[oshron]

well i think there'd probably be just one kind of Greek Male Citizen, if we consider them being editor-only units. such units would only be for design purposes. i know that all the citizen-soldiers are supposed to represent the entire male populace of your civ, but that really only counts for the random maps, and having completely aesthetic male citizens could be beneficial. for example, if one wants to make a scene of some Greek politicians standing around and debating, a Greek Male Citizen unit could be useful