RNG and how the AI 'performs'

[SittingDuck]

OK, RNG - I think most of us get that in computer games.

What I would like to know is, what is going on with the AI that is RNG-related as to how 'tough' it will be in any given game?

Here is what I mean:

I have simmed Fall Weiss anywhere between 50-70 times in my scripting work. On any given first turn, the Polish AI is either very tough (i.e., the Germans categorically don't do all that great with combat rolls) or they are creampuffs (the Germans annihilate entire units on the first turn, and there are few Polish units left).

It's either/or.

It's not the 'strategy', as the AI - which is really cool to watch - generally pulls the same moves. I can predict what unit will do what, overall. So the combat ratios are pretty static.

Like I said, the Polish units either put up a VERY stiff defense, or they get easily destroyed.

This leads me to think that there is indeed some kind of 'AI toughness determination RNG' that is rolled prior to the start of a game, or at least a turn.

If not, then I'd love to hear an explanation. As I said, combat ratios do not account for it, nor is it weather. It's always clear on that first turn. And there are only so many units and like I said, after 50-70 sims, it's the back of my hand.

[EarlyDoors]

Your talk of 'scripting work' interests me; would be very interested in finding out more about that

As for your question, i wonder if the first combat has an oversized impact upon subsequent ones

National Morale is used in combat and i think it is adjusted after every move rather than every turn, so...

could the first contact statistically set the tone for subsequent ones via the initial national morale adjustment?

[SittingDuck]

You bring up a really interesting point. I will have to observe with this thought in mind.

I'll say more about the scripting here, hopefully soon. Right now I am trying to get a handle on the limitations of the AI, and running it through the German AI (primarily) and some via Italy. Also some French/Brit response to Fall Gelb, and a wee bit of flexibility int the Polish response.