I've tried a few things and have searched to no avail--how do I program the AI to take advantage of the ascendant subclass?

I would really advice you to look at the More Custom AI Conditions mod (https://www.nexusmods.com/pillarsofeternity2/mods/88).

It adds the condition "Self : Focus at maximum" under the cipher category, making it really easy to program an Ascendant.

 

Edited July 23, 20205 yr by Heukalyptus

Thanks, Heukalyptus, for the reply. Have you used this? I ask because when Ascended, focus is at zero. Or is it a condition that is worded as such but is really intended specifically for being ascended?

Also, do you (or anyone) know if the mod will work mid-game?

I don't know about this mod, but in my game Focus is at max when Ascended. 

If I remember correctly, when ascended one's focus is at the maximum, but zero is listed as the focus cost of all powers.

Cool. Thanks.