Nice mod, but unfortunately shield units can't move into bushes etc. with this mod. Might be a combination of mods that causes this, but it got fixed for me by removing this mod.
I think also the bug is fairly old, since I remember seeing this a year ago as well. Didn't think much about it until I had a very dense forest map. ^^

I just want to say thanks for this mod. I've been using it since the very beginning; A simple, but essential mod.

- Updated for Ways of War!

@kurgan2, - Updated for Eldritch Realms!

For some reason, this mod and True Strike for all Ranged mess with starting race traits and culture choices. The Syron ability Empowered by Magic vanishes from the list, and in the mystic culture, the abilities where it says 'Units gain' is blank, not showing what they gain. I am using Eldrich Realms, so it's quite possible it just needs an update.

Doesn't seem to work for shield units added by tomes from mods. Not criticising though. Thanks again for making this.

Thanks for making this! Is it saved game compatible? Or do you need to start a new game for it to work?

Well, Bastion already has Watchful anyways since the recent patch, and arguably really doesn't need much else with his new kit of Inspiring Defence and Defensive Sweep (and potentially a mount as well). Taunt by itself if perfectly fine in fact.

@eharper256, What passive ability should I give Bastion to make up for his lost identity then?

It's a good start.

I'm still of the opinion that Def Masters should be limited to Industrial as super tanking is part of their identity which they've lost.

Adding Watchful is no-where near as valuable since tanks generally have fairly bad counter strikes anyways (and First Strike should be limited to spears as it's their thing).

Moreover, you're actually making the already kinda busted Tome of Enchantment even better; since Spell Tempered Shields is adding even more Resistance to your Shield Wall.

@eharper256, Made another adjustment, Taunt Action is no longer free. Defensive Masters simply made Free Action redundant.

Shocks are the natural counter for Shields. They themselves are countered by Spears. Two shield units with Area of control should be able to block 6 spaces.

By "delete" I was talking about rendering them functionally useless as it's usually fairly easy to prevent the taunted unit from reaching its destination if it's melee, just wasting its time.

I also really dislike Seduce and Convert, but Seduce has base 60% and only on Nymph, and Convert is only on the squishy Lightbringer. Both are also Range 3 and Single Action rather than free, so they're giving up a turn for it and having to get slightly closer.

Like I say, I defo agree taunt on them is good; but just not to the magnitude here.

@eharper256, I understand your concerns but let me explain why I made all the changes:

1. Shock units automatically Cancel Defense Mode and Remove Retaliation Attacks. That 2 Free Actions so making Taunt Action free is fair in my opinion.

2. Defensive Masters passive allows Shield units to survive the Taunt.

3. 4 is the standard Range for most abilities. Giving Taunt 4 Range allows tanks to protect your fragile Range and Support units.

4. There are currently far more Tier III & IV Shock units than Shield units. In fact we only have 1 Tier III Cultural Shield unit, Bastion. You won't be seeing Tanks deleting anything anytime soon.

5. Seduce and Convert will turn your units against you for 3 turns, that is worse than Taunt in my opinion.

The whole point of this mod is to allow Shield units to do their jobs, Tanking!

I once really liked this mod (you can see me being happy in the comments below!); but now I think you've made taunts WAY too strong.

Literally just adding it to all shield units (and giving the Industrial units Defensive Masters) with 2 range was perfectly fine.

Free action, 4 range, and everyone getting Def Masters is basically turning tanks into a "delete 1 unit from the combat for 3 turns", and removes any thought and positioning from them (notably, taunting a melee enemy from far off and then preventing it from getting to you just makes that unit waste its turn constantly whilst you whale on it). Plus guaranteed 52% damage reduction on a Tier 1 is mental.

Any chance you can provide an alt-version more similar to the old one?

Ah, I see. Thanks for the attempt.

@Videogamer40000, I tried but you can only put passive abilities on Unit Type. Thanks for the idea though.

Would it be possible to add it to the shield unit type as a base ability rather than each unit individually? As it is currently, any modded shield units do not receive the taunt ability.

- Updated for Primal Fury!

The idea of a group of iron golems going "oi fuck you." is great.

- Updated for Empires & Ashes!

- Updated for Dragon Dawn!

Thanks for this, it's brilliant. Anvil Guard and Bastion also still maintain being the best as well due to Defensive Mastery being a big buff for them.

I just wish it would also apply to some modded tomes, but that's asking too much. :D

I think this needs an update due to the animal and elemental bug.

Still works as far as taunting goes. I haven't tested the evolve ability yet.

Animals and elementals lose their ability to evolve at Champion rank with this mod

This is great! I didn't like that I had to stand next to somebody to taunt them. Being able to yell at the liver-bellied coward from across the field creates opportunities to exploit.

@Sumutherguy, Anvil Guard now has Defensive Master passive.

If everyone gets taunt, did you buff the t1 industrial shield unit to compensate?