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Game Mechanics

Creatures in SWG use a complex system to detect the presence of potential enemies. Once a target is detected, a number of processes execute to determine if the creature should attack the target or not. The process of target detection and creature response are explained under the following categories:

• Awareness Checks
• Approach Trigger Events
• Aggression Checks

Awareness Checks

The ability for a creature to detect another target depends on a number of factors:

• The Target's distance from the creature
• The detecting creature being a stalker
• The target's posture
• The target's movement speed
• The usage of mask scent or camouflage

Note: There are no known formulas for detection chances.

The distance of a target from the creature is the initial trigger for creature behaviors. At 128 meters, creatures with stalking behavior will have a chance to chase after potential targets. Target's with mask scent or camouflage counter this behavior and stalking behavior cannot be initiated by creatures against targets with these effects up. Stalking behavior is not necessarily actual detection but resembles real-world hunter-prey where the hunting animal is following the scent of the potential prey, although not necessarily having spotted the prey item yet. Non stalking and stalking creatures begin actual target detection checks at 64 meters. Whenever a target enters the detection range of creatures, the system begins an awareness check cycle where at every cycle, the target's current posture, movement speed and distance are calculated into an detection response chance by the creature.Target's with mask scent or camouflage utilize their own roll check at this stage. Successful passing of the mask scent or camouflage will override any awareness checks against the target. If the creature passes the detection chance then the target's presence is made aware to the creature and awareness triggers begin.

Approach Trigger Events

Whenever an npc, creature or player enters within a 64 meter range of a creature and the creature passes an initial awareness check, several events may be triggered depending on the creature:

•  ? - awareness
•  ! - Detection
• \|/ - Fight or Flight Response

Source References