Orthus/Barbarian "heroes" Target

[VikingDwarf]

Is it me, or does it seem like Orthus and other Barbarian heroes will chase down the first unit they "see" regardless of their ability to catch them or the proximity of other units?

Orthus popped next to a Hunter I was exploring with, and I was able to stay ahead of him by moving around. While doing so, I moved him near some of the AI nations' units, cities, etc and he completely ignored them to chase down my Hunter. I didn't pay as much attention in a few other cases with other Barbarian heroes (lair defenders, etc) but they seemed to behave similarly.

Is this the way they're meant to function? I can see it with the lair defenders since the exploring unit is the one that disturbed their home, but I always figured Orthus more for the "pillage cities/wreck civs" type rather than the "chase down a meaningless recon unit" sort.

 

[aimlessgun]

I assumed Orthus acts like any standard barb. A little odd if he doggedly pursued your unit past a lot of distractions.

On the other hand I frequently see lair defenders sort of run off into the distance when I open dungeons :/

 

[Jabie]

Orthus recently got Yakkety Sax as a theme tune. What would have happened if you got an OB treaty and then parked your chased unit inside your "allies" city?