======Programing Mecha Bots======

=====Getting Bots to do stuff=====
[[MechabotsProgram2|Alternative Rules]]
Bots don't just move about randomly, they require programs to get them moving unless they are equipped with a remote control - or if the Mad Scientist is seated on the Bot, or in the same hex as the Bot.  Each bot requires three programming cards.  One for when it senses another Bot (**Active** Cards), or Mad Scientist if under **Killer** programming. The second card is for when it doesn't sense something to possibly shoot at (**Passive** Cards) and the third for how it attacks enemy targets (**Attack** Cards).  The priority of the cards is Attack, Active, Passive.  Attack cards override Active, which in turn override Passive cards.
===Programming===
If at any time during the Mad Scientist's move, it enters the same hex as their bot, or moves within range of the remote control for a bot, the player may choose to either-
  -  directly control the Bot, or 
  -  reprogram the Bot - by playing three cards for the Bot.
  * When **directly controlling their Bot**, the Mad Scientist forfeits the rest of their phase and stays where they are.  
    * The player has total control of the Bots movements and what it fires at.
    * If the controlled Bot moves out of range of control, it stops moving for the rest of its phase.
  * When **reprogramming their Bot**, the Mad Scientist must place target counters if necessary.
    * targeted hexes on the board are placed immediately, anywhere on the board that the player wishes.
    * if the target is a Bot or Mad Scientist, it must be within sensor range and arc.
      * if the target is not, the counter is not placed until a valid target is sensed.
====Attack Cards====
  * **Shoot**---Bot will attack the nearest bot within range but will otherwise behave according to the Active card until it no longer senses a bot.
  * **Pursue**---Bot will attack the nearest bot within range and will pursue to stay within weapon range of the nearest sensed Bot.
  * **Flee**---Bot will attack the nearest bot within range and will move to as far away as possible from the nearest sensed Bot.
    * Once no bot is sensed, it will return to Passive mode.
  * **Killer**---Bot will ignore any bot and shoot at the nearest sensed Mad Scientist. 
    * If the Mad Scientist is seated inside a bot, it will shoot the bot.
    * If no Mad Scientist is sensed, it will revert to Active mode cards until one is sensed.
====Active Cards====
  * **Follow Me**---The Bot will always move so as to stay in the same hex as the Mad Scientist, if possible.  Otherwise it will move to the closest hex.  
  * **Follow Target**---The Bot will always move so as to stay in the same hex as the target, if possible.  Otherwise it will move to the closest hex.
  * **Take and Hold**---The Bot will move towards the target hex by the fastest method.  
  * **Return Home**---The Bot will move towards the player's lab hex by the fastest method.  
====Passive Cards====
  * **Follow Me**---The Bot will always move so as to stay in the same hex as the Mad Scientist, if possible.  Otherwise it will move to the closest hex.
  * **Follow Target**---The Bot will always move so as to stay in the same hex as the target, if possible.  Otherwise it will move to the closest hex.
  * **Take and Hold**---The Bot will move towards the target hex by the fastest method.
  * **Return Home**---The Bot will move towards the player's lab hex by the fastest method.  
=====Interpretation=====
Interpreting how programming cards affect a Bot is up to the players involved - but you should always err on the side of intelligence.  If Bots have a choice of movement between ways that may injure them, or destroy property the player doesn't want to destroy - the Bot can choose to go another way.
  * "Fastest Method" should be interpreted as - the quickest way to get there at the time.  Not necessarily the shortest path.
  * "move to stay in the same hex" primarily means closing the distance between the target and the bot.
  * Bots can't do the opposite (ie move away from the target) and they should not stay still.
  * Bots do not have telepathic sensors.  If a target is outside of sensor range or arc (including the Bot's own Mad Scientist) - the Bot won't know where to go if it has orders that require that target (or Mad Scientist).
    * Bots do contain maps of the city, and may target any hex on the city whether it is in sensor range/arc or not.
===Cards===
300DPI 2.5x3.5" (Magic card size)
{{gallery>:mechabotsprogram}}