AI vs. human player attacks

[Ionaxe]

I logged in today to play a bit and for the first time in over a week of playing, I was attacked.

 

I wasn't sure if it was an AI or a person. What happened was that I was in open ocean near a port and one of my admiralty orders. I saw a ship flagged as Spanish with a main ship of a Mercury and a navy cutter inside its "fleet." As I recall, human players have names display after their country. I am playing British if it matters. Anyway the battle starts and it appears that my opponent is a person although I can not confirm for certain. Anyway, I end up running from the battle. However, shortly after I run away and become visible again, I am attacked again by the same fleet. I run away again and then the ship disappears. I know for sure I didn't accidentally trigger my admiralty order because it remained there even after the battle.

 

During this entire time, my friend who was in my group when I attacked was trying to find the battle to join in and help me. He could not find it at all although we are positive he went right over the spot I was attacked at. First, was I attacked by a person or AI? It was odd because I had never been attacked before. The difference in this attack was the sabers turned a red color and there was a 20 second countdown before it started. Is there any reason why my friend couldn't join or even find the battle?

 

[Admiral 8Q]

Heh heh! I've been attacked by the (A.I.) Spanish after I captured or sank a few of their trade ships. I like it actually. Makes it more realistic. I ran each time. It's like they put a bounty on your head. Funny thing is it would be something like a cutter or lynx that would attack me and then something like 3 huge warships with 3 decks of guns would join in. The reinforcements I guess, since I was close to Spanish ports.

 

 

 

Is there any reason why my friend couldn't join or even find the battle?

That should be an option. If not, then maybe the devs will fix it in an update.

Edited February 13, 2016 by Admiral 8Q