Formations have an importance in the game for performing realistic and strategic tactics. Can you stick a female worker in a testudo formation or do the priests take the front position in the formation? I think not! That is why we need to specify what is allowed and in what position for each entity.
Example:
<Traits>
<Formation>
<Category>Melee</Category>
<Curr>Loose</Curr>
<List>
<Loose/>
<Box/>
<Column_C/>
<Line_C/>
<Column_O/>
<Line_O/>
<Flank/>
<Skirmish/>
<Wedge/>
<Testudo/>
<Phalanx/>
</List>
</Formation>
</Traits>
Category
BRIEF DESCRIPTION :: The entity will occupy this position when in formation.
Each entity that can enter a formation is assigned a category. The entity's category defines what position it takes in the formation. These are the categories available:
** protected - takes the safest position in the formation (usually in the back or middle).
- melee - takes the position to shield the protected/ranged entities from attack. Usually melee type units.
- ranged - takes the position that is most optimal for using a ranged weapon.
- lead - takes the position of leadership. There is only one (if any) of these positions in each formation type.
Curr
''BRIEF DESCRIPTION *
'' The name of the formation the entity is currently using, or its default when it is first spawned.
List
BRIEF DESCRIPTION :: List of formations that the entity is allowed to perform.
This defines what formations the entity may use. If this is not defined, then the unit may not enter a formation.
For more information abou these formations, see the Formations document.