[Freeciv-Dev] Re: rfc: autoattack

[Jason Dorje Short <vze49r5w@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Per I. Mathisen wrote:
> Since my suggestion of dropping the autoattack code didn't meet with
> approval, I want to change it so that it actually works and is useful.
>
> So my new suggestion is:
> For any unit that is moved, check adjacent squares for autoattack units.
> For each of these, if the moved unit is hostile (at war) and weaker,
> attack it. If the autoattack unit is a diplomat/spy, instead try bribing
> the moved unit, and if that is impossible, try sabotage.
>
> This should at least make autoattack useful. The question is: Too useful?
Very useful, yes.  Too useful?  I don't think so.

Note that this could be done client-side as well, but only for clients 
with a sufficiently fast connection.  Thus, as Pille points out, it 
benefits players with a slow connection.
Keep in mind that at some point Freeciv may implement "alternating unit 
movement" (PR#576), and so whatever you come up with should be 
compatible with that (IMO).  But it sounds like this idea would be: it 
would make sense to set up autoattack during other players' turns to 
move, and there would be a greater cost in doing so since it would mean 
their movement points would be lost.
jason