A second 'fog of war' layer

[NinovanderMark]

Many modern strategy games have a second shroud layer that is revealed only when within living unit's sight radius, anything else is remained covered. Terrain is still visible, along with structures previously scouted, but this information is not updated until a unit's sight passes through again.

This makes it more important to keep units on the map, as you will have no knowledge of enemy troop movements, even through previous explored areas, unless your units are nearby to see them.

I believe this would add a very interesting element to strategy, as many contemporary strategy games have proven already.

[stefanhendriks]

Yes, this will be a very important feature.

In fact, I don't think keeping units on the map will do (because of the size of the map and because of the threat of worms). But, this is where the Spacing Guild can come in.

Just like in the books you should be able to bribe the Spacing Guild for revealing the map (clear fog of war).

But I also think this could have some variations, like:

• when YOU clear the fog of war, you get what you see
• when someone else clears the fog of war (ie the spacing guild) you will see what they want you to see. Enabling you to bribe the Spacing Guild to reveal map data, but also counter-bribe (if that is a word) to 'not show my buildings, only the map'. Which would make interesting strategic consequences.

[stefanhendriks]

This issue depends on #2 and #37 and #21

[NinovanderMark]

That does sound very interesting! It would also have consequences for an eventual multiplayer mode where your standing (measured in 'contributions'?) with the Spacing Guild influences how much, if any, of your units and structures are revealed to other players when they attempt to buy some vision in an area.

There is also a difference between buying an update for an area, so you can see if there are structures there or what the map looks like and buying sight range for a period of time, so you can see if units are moving through an area for the duration of that.

Maybe a choice needs to be made on which are available, or perhaps both are but for different prices?

[stefanhendriks]

This issue is ready to go. All required elements are built.