diff --git a/clibs b/clibs
index d86c85254..66a891b38 160000
--- a/clibs
+++ b/clibs
@@ -1 +1 @@
-Subproject commit d86c8525489d7f11b7ba13e101bb59ecf160b871
+Subproject commit 66a891b383f1a51bb0d4e5cf002530f7f70bf7f4
diff --git a/src/.DS_Store b/src/.DS_Store
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f331cdebb
Binary files /dev/null and b/src/.DS_Store differ
diff --git a/src/CMakeLists.txt b/src/CMakeLists.txt
index 5b267c0d5..cf96cfbc2 100644
--- a/src/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ ENDIF()
 
 set (ERESSEA_SRC
   vortex.c
+  automate.c
   move.c
   piracy.c
   spells.c
@@ -187,6 +188,7 @@ set(TESTS_SRC
   tests.c
   academy.test.c
   alchemy.test.c
+  automate.test.c
   battle.test.c
   creport.test.c
   direction.test.c
diff --git a/src/academy.c b/src/academy.c
index 5df13efa4..1298e9b57 100644
--- a/src/academy.c
+++ b/src/academy.c
@@ -33,13 +33,13 @@ void academy_teaching_bonus(struct unit *u, skill_t sk, int students) {
     }
 }
 
-bool academy_can_teach(unit *teacher, unit *student, skill_t sk) {
+bool academy_can_teach(unit *teacher, unit *scholar, skill_t sk) {
     const struct building_type *btype = bt_find("academy");
-    if (active_building(teacher, btype) && active_building(student, btype)) {
-        int j = study_cost(student, sk) * 2;
+    if (active_building(teacher, btype) && active_building(scholar, btype)) {
+        int j = study_cost(scholar, sk) * 2;
         if (j < 50) j = 50;
         /* kann Einheit das zahlen? */
-        return get_pooled(student, get_resourcetype(R_SILVER), GET_DEFAULT, j) >= j;
+        return get_pooled(scholar, get_resourcetype(R_SILVER), GET_DEFAULT, j) >= j;
         /* sonst nehmen sie nicht am Unterricht teil */
     }
     return false;
diff --git a/src/academy.h b/src/academy.h
index f6af93748..3c496d8fa 100644
--- a/src/academy.h
+++ b/src/academy.h
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ extern "C" {
 
     struct unit;
     void academy_teaching_bonus(struct unit *u, skill_t sk, int academy);
-    bool academy_can_teach(struct unit *teacher, struct unit *student, skill_t sk);
+    bool academy_can_teach(struct unit *teacher, struct unit *scholar, skill_t sk);
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/src/automate.c b/src/automate.c
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a74cf770b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/automate.c
@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+#include <platform.h>
+
+#include "kernel/faction.h"
+#include "kernel/messages.h"
+#include "kernel/order.h"
+#include "kernel/region.h"
+#include "kernel/unit.h"
+
+#include "util/log.h"
+
+#include "automate.h"
+#include "keyword.h"
+#include "laws.h"
+#include "study.h"
+
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <assert.h>
+
+static int cmp_scholars(const void *lhs, const void *rhs)
+{
+    const scholar *a = (const scholar *)lhs;
+    const scholar *b = (const scholar *)rhs;
+    if (a->sk == b->sk) {
+        /* sort by level, descending: */
+        return b->level - a->level;
+    }
+    /* order by skill */
+    return (int)a->sk - (int)b->sk;
+}
+
+int autostudy_init(scholar scholars[], int max_scholars, region *r)
+{
+    unit *u;
+    int nscholars = 0;
+
+    for (u = r->units; u; u = u->next) {
+        keyword_t kwd = getkeyword(u->thisorder);
+        if (kwd == K_AUTOSTUDY) {
+            if (long_order_allowed(u) && unit_can_study(u)) {
+                scholar * st = scholars + nscholars;
+                if (++nscholars == max_scholars) {
+                    log_fatal("you must increase MAXSCHOLARS");
+                }
+                st->u = u;
+                init_order(u->thisorder, u->faction->locale);
+                st->sk = getskill(u->faction->locale);
+                st->level = effskill_study(u, st->sk);
+                st->learn = 0;
+            }
+            else {
+                ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_feedback(u, u->thisorder, "error_race_nolearn", "race",
+                    u_race(u)));
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    if (nscholars > 0) {
+        qsort(scholars, nscholars, sizeof(scholar), cmp_scholars);
+    }
+    return nscholars;
+}
+
+static void teaching(scholar *s, int n) {
+    assert(n <= s->u->number);
+    s->learn += n;
+    s->u->flags |= UFL_LONGACTION;
+}
+
+static void learning(scholar *s, int n) {
+    assert(n <= s->u->number);
+    s->learn += n;
+    s->u->flags |= UFL_LONGACTION;
+}
+
+void autostudy_run(scholar scholars[], int nscholars)
+{
+    int ti = 0;
+    while (ti != nscholars) {
+        skill_t sk = scholars[ti].sk;
+        int t, s, se, ts = 0, tt = 0, si = ti;
+        for (se = ti; se != nscholars && scholars[se].sk == sk; ++se) {
+            int mint;
+            ts += scholars[se].u->number; /* count total scholars */
+            mint = (ts + 10) / 11; /* need a minimum of ceil(ts/11) teachers */
+            for (; mint > tt && si != nscholars; ++si) {
+                tt += scholars[si].u->number;
+            }
+        }
+        /* now si splits the teachers and students 1:10 */
+        /* first student must be 2 levels below first teacher: */
+        for (; si != se && scholars[ti].level - TEACHDIFFERENCE > scholars[si].level; ++si) {
+            tt += scholars[si].u->number;
+        }
+        if (si == se) {
+            /* there are no students, so standard learning only */
+            for (t = ti; t != se; ++t) {
+                learning(scholars + t, scholars[t].u->number);
+            }
+        }
+        else {
+            /* invariant: unit ti can still teach i students */
+            int i = scholars[ti].u->number * STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER;
+            /* invariant: unit si has n students that can still be taught */
+            int n = scholars[si].u->number;
+            for (t = ti, s = si; t != si && s != se; ) {
+                if (i > n) {
+                    /* t has more than enough teaching capacity for s */
+                    i -= n;
+                    teaching(scholars + s, n);
+                    learning(scholars + s, scholars[s].u->number);
+                    /* next student, please: */
+                    if (++s == se) {
+                        continue;
+                    }
+                    n = scholars[s].u->number;
+                }
+                else {
+                    /* s gets partial credit and we need a new teacher */
+                    teaching(scholars + s, i);
+
+                    /* we are done with this teacher. any remaining people are regular learners: */
+                    if (scholars[t].u->number > 1) {
+                        /* remain = number - ceil(taught/10); */
+                        int remain = (STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER * scholars[t].u->number - i + STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER - 1) / STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER;
+                        learning(scholars + t, remain);
+                    }
+
+                    /* we want a new teacher for s. if any exists, it's next in the sequence. */
+                    if (++t == si) {
+                        continue;
+                    }
+                    if (scholars[t].level - TEACHDIFFERENCE < scholars[s].level) {
+                        /* next teacher cannot teach, we must skip students. */
+                        do {
+                            learning(scholars + s, (n - i));
+                            i = 0;
+                            if (++s == se) {
+                                continue;
+                            }
+                            n = scholars[s].u->number;
+                        } while (scholars[t].level - TEACHDIFFERENCE < scholars[s].level);
+                    }
+                    i = scholars[t].u->number * STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        ti = se;
+    }
+}
+
+#define MAXSCHOLARS 128
+
+void do_autostudy(region *r)
+{
+    scholar scholars[MAXSCHOLARS];
+    int i, nscholars = autostudy_init(scholars, MAXSCHOLARS, r);
+    autostudy_run(scholars, nscholars);
+    for (i = 0; i != nscholars; ++i) {
+        int days = STUDYDAYS * scholars[i].learn;
+        learn_skill(scholars[i].u, scholars[i].sk, days);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/automate.h b/src/automate.h
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..61fed6866
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/automate.h
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+/*
+Copyright (c) 1998-2018, Enno Rehling <enno@eressea.de>
+Katja Zedel <katze@felidae.kn-bremen.de
+Christian Schlittchen <corwin@amber.kn-bremen.de>
+
+Permission to use, copy, modify, and/or distribute this software for any
+purpose with or without fee is hereby granted, provided that the above
+copyright notice and this permission notice appear in all copies.
+
+THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES
+WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
+MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR
+ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES
+WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN
+ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF
+OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
+**/
+
+#pragma once
+
+#ifndef H_GC_AUTOMATE
+#define H_GC_AUTOMATE
+
+#include "skill.h"
+
+struct region;
+struct unit;
+
+typedef struct scholar {
+    struct unit *u;
+    skill_t sk;
+    int level;
+    int learn;
+} scholar;
+
+#define STUDENTS_PER_TEACHER 10
+
+void do_autostudy(struct region *r);
+
+int autostudy_init(scholar scholars[], int max_scholars, struct region *r);
+void autostudy_run(scholar scholars[], int nscholars);
+
+#endif
diff --git a/src/automate.test.c b/src/automate.test.c
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a77376668
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/automate.test.c
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+#ifdef _MSC_VER
+#include <platform.h>
+#endif
+
+#include "automate.h"
+
+#include "kernel/faction.h"
+#include "kernel/order.h"
+#include "kernel/region.h"
+#include "kernel/unit.h"
+
+#include "tests.h"
+
+#include <CuTest.h>
+
+static void test_autostudy_init(CuTest *tc) {
+    scholar scholars[4];
+    unit *u1, *u2, *u3;
+    faction *f;
+    region *r;
+
+    test_setup();
+    r = test_create_plain(0, 0);
+    f = test_create_faction(NULL);
+    u1 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u1->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]);
+    test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u2 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u2->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]);
+    set_level(u2, SK_ENTERTAINMENT, 2);
+    u3 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u3->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_PERCEPTION]);
+    scholars[3].u = NULL;
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 3, autostudy_init(scholars, 4, r));
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, u2, scholars[0].u);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 2, scholars[0].level);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[0].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, SK_ENTERTAINMENT, scholars[0].sk);
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, u1, scholars[1].u);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[1].level);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[1].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, SK_ENTERTAINMENT, scholars[1].sk);
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, u3, scholars[2].u);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[2].level);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[2].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, SK_PERCEPTION, scholars[2].sk);
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, NULL, scholars[3].u);
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
+static void test_autostudy_run(CuTest *tc) {
+    scholar scholars[4];
+    unit *u1, *u2, *u3;
+    faction *f;
+    region *r;
+
+    test_setup();
+    r = test_create_plain(0, 0);
+    f = test_create_faction(NULL);
+    u1 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u1->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]);
+    set_number(u1, 2);
+    set_level(u1, SK_ENTERTAINMENT, 2);
+    u2 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u2->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]);
+    set_number(u2, 10);
+    u3 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u3->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_PERCEPTION]);
+    set_number(u3, 15);
+    scholars[3].u = NULL;
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 3, autostudy_init(scholars, 4, r));
+    autostudy_run(scholars, 3);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, scholars[0].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 20, scholars[1].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 15, scholars[2].learn);
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
+static void test_autostudy_run_noteachers(CuTest *tc) {
+    scholar scholars[4];
+    unit *u1, *u2, *u3;
+    faction *f;
+    region *r;
+
+    test_setup();
+    r = test_create_plain(0, 0);
+    f = test_create_faction(NULL);
+    u1 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u1->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_LUMBERJACK]);
+    set_number(u1, 2);
+    set_level(u1, SK_ENTERTAINMENT, 2);
+    u2 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u2->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]);
+    set_number(u2, 10);
+    u3 = test_create_unit(f, r);
+    u3->thisorder = create_order(K_AUTOSTUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_PERCEPTION]);
+    set_number(u3, 15);
+    scholars[3].u = NULL;
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 3, autostudy_init(scholars, 4, r));
+    autostudy_run(scholars, 3);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 2, scholars[0].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 10, scholars[1].learn);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 15, scholars[2].learn);
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
+CuSuite *get_automate_suite(void)
+{
+    CuSuite *suite = CuSuiteNew();
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_autostudy_init);
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_autostudy_run);
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_autostudy_run_noteachers);
+    return suite;
+}
diff --git a/src/kernel/config.c b/src/kernel/config.c
index ec45ddd0d..750d406f6 100644
--- a/src/kernel/config.c
+++ b/src/kernel/config.c
@@ -135,7 +135,8 @@ const char *parameters[MAXPARAMS] = {
     "GRUPPE",
     "PARTEITARNUNG",
     "BAEUME",
-    "ALLIANZ"
+    "ALLIANZ",
+    "AUTO"
 };
 
 int findoption(const char *s, const struct locale *lang)
diff --git a/src/kernel/order.c b/src/kernel/order.c
index e660edf81..342f45577 100644
--- a/src/kernel/order.c
+++ b/src/kernel/order.c
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ char* get_command(const order *ord, const struct locale *lang, char *sbuffer, si
         sbs_strcat(&sbs, str);
         if (ord->id < 0) {
             skill_t sk = (skill_t)(100+ord->id);
-            assert(kwd == K_STUDY && sk != SK_MAGIC && sk < MAXSKILLS);
+            assert((kwd == K_STUDY || kwd == K_AUTOSTUDY) && sk != SK_MAGIC && sk < MAXSKILLS);
             str = skillname(sk, lang);
             if (str) {
                 if (strchr(str, ' ') == NULL) {
@@ -214,12 +214,12 @@ static int create_data(keyword_t kwd, const char *s,
     order_data *data;
     int id;
 
-    assert(kwd!=NOKEYWORD);
+    assert(kwd != NOKEYWORD);
 
     if (!s || *s == 0) {
         return 0;
     }
-    if (kwd==K_STUDY) {
+    if (kwd == K_STUDY || kwd == K_AUTOSTUDY) {
         const char * sptr = s;
         skill_t sk = get_skill(parse_token_depr(&sptr), lang);
         if (sk != SK_MAGIC && sk != NOSKILL) {
@@ -332,6 +332,14 @@ order *parse_order(const char *s, const struct locale * lang)
                 sptr = sp;
             }
         }
+        else if (kwd == K_STUDY) {
+            const char *sp = sptr;
+            p = parse_token_depr(&sp);
+            if (p && isparam(p, lang, P_AUTO)) {
+                kwd = K_AUTOSTUDY;
+                sptr = sp;
+            }
+        }
         if (kwd != NOKEYWORD) {
             order *ord = (order *)malloc(sizeof(order));
             create_order_i(ord, kwd, sptr, persistent, noerror, lang);
@@ -366,6 +374,7 @@ bool is_repeated(keyword_t kwd)
     case K_STEAL:
     case K_SABOTAGE:
     case K_STUDY:
+    case K_AUTOSTUDY:
     case K_TEACH:
     case K_GROW:
     case K_PLANT:
@@ -406,6 +415,7 @@ bool is_exclusive(const order * ord)
     case K_STEAL:
     case K_SABOTAGE:
     case K_STUDY:
+    case K_AUTOSTUDY:
     case K_TEACH:
     case K_GROW:
     case K_PLANT:
@@ -447,6 +457,7 @@ bool is_long(keyword_t kwd)
     case K_STEAL:
     case K_SABOTAGE:
     case K_STUDY:
+    case K_AUTOSTUDY:
     case K_TEACH:
     case K_GROW:
     case K_PLANT:
@@ -541,7 +552,7 @@ keyword_t init_order(const struct order *ord, const struct locale *lang)
 
             assert(sk < MAXSKILLS);
             assert(lang);
-            assert(kwd == K_STUDY);
+            assert(kwd == K_STUDY || kwd == K_AUTOSTUDY);
             str = skillname(sk, lang);
             if (strchr(str, ' ') == NULL) {
                 init_tokens_str(str);
@@ -575,7 +586,7 @@ keyword_t init_order_depr(const struct order *ord)
 {
     if (ord) {
         keyword_t kwd = ORD_KEYWORD(ord);
-        assert(kwd != K_STUDY);
+        assert(kwd != K_STUDY && kwd != K_AUTOSTUDY);
     }
     return init_order(ord, NULL);
 }
diff --git a/src/kernel/order.test.c b/src/kernel/order.test.c
index 3a2f44c56..d1f8b4176 100644
--- a/src/kernel/order.test.c
+++ b/src/kernel/order.test.c
@@ -113,6 +113,30 @@ static void test_parse_make(CuTest *tc) {
     test_teardown();
 }
 
+static void test_parse_autostudy(CuTest *tc) {
+    char cmd[32];
+    order *ord;
+    struct locale * lang;
+
+    test_setup();
+    lang = get_or_create_locale("en");
+    locale_setstring(lang, mkname("skill", skillnames[SK_ENTERTAINMENT]), "Entertainment");
+    locale_setstring(lang, keyword(K_STUDY), "STUDY");
+    locale_setstring(lang, keyword(K_AUTOSTUDY), "AUTOSTUDY");
+    locale_setstring(lang, parameters[P_AUTO], "AUTO");
+    init_locale(lang);
+
+    ord = parse_order("STUDY AUTO Entertainment", lang);
+    CuAssertPtrNotNull(tc, ord);
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_AUTOSTUDY, getkeyword(ord));
+    CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "AUTOSTUDY Entertainment", get_command(ord, lang, cmd, sizeof(cmd)));
+
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_AUTOSTUDY, init_order(ord, lang));
+    CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "Entertainment", getstrtoken());
+    free_order(ord);
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
 static void test_parse_make_temp(CuTest *tc) {
     char cmd[32];
     order *ord;
@@ -130,7 +154,7 @@ static void test_parse_make_temp(CuTest *tc) {
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, getkeyword(ord));
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "MAKETEMP herp", get_command(ord, lang, cmd, sizeof(cmd)));
 
-    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order_depr(ord));
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order(ord, lang));
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "herp", getstrtoken());
     free_order(ord);
     test_teardown();
@@ -153,7 +177,7 @@ static void test_parse_maketemp(CuTest *tc) {
     CuAssertPtrNotNull(tc, ord);
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "MAKETEMP herp", get_command(ord, lang, cmd, sizeof(cmd)));
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, getkeyword(ord));
-    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order_depr(ord));
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order(ord, lang));
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "herp", getstrtoken());
     free_order(ord);
     test_teardown();
@@ -167,7 +191,7 @@ static void test_init_order(CuTest *tc) {
 
     lang = get_or_create_locale("en");
     ord = create_order(K_MAKETEMP, lang, "hurr durr");
-    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order_depr(ord));
+    CuAssertIntEquals(tc, K_MAKETEMP, init_order(ord, lang));
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "hurr", getstrtoken());
     CuAssertStrEquals(tc, "durr", getstrtoken());
     free_order(ord);
@@ -548,6 +572,7 @@ CuSuite *get_order_suite(void)
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_study_order_quoted);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_parse_order);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_parse_make);
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_parse_autostudy);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_parse_make_temp);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_parse_maketemp);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_init_order);
diff --git a/src/kernel/types.h b/src/kernel/types.h
index 61f1268cc..48a4326fa 100644
--- a/src/kernel/types.h
+++ b/src/kernel/types.h
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ typedef enum {
   P_FACTIONSTEALTH,
   P_TREES,
   P_ALLIANCE,
+  P_AUTO,
   MAXPARAMS,
   NOPARAM 
 } param_t;
diff --git a/src/kernel/unit.c b/src/kernel/unit.c
index 07c6c0856..770723bea 100644
--- a/src/kernel/unit.c
+++ b/src/kernel/unit.c
@@ -1310,13 +1310,12 @@ int eff_skill(const unit * u, const skill *sv, const region *r)
     return 0;
 }
 
-int effskill_study(const unit * u, skill_t sk, const region * r)
+int effskill_study(const unit * u, skill_t sk)
 {
     skill *sv = unit_skill(u, sk);
     if (sv && sv->level > 0) {
         int mlevel = sv->level;
-        if (!r) r = u->region;
-        mlevel += get_modifier(u, sv->id, sv->level, r, true);
+        mlevel += get_modifier(u, sv->id, sv->level, u->region, true);
         if (mlevel > 0)
             return mlevel;
     }
diff --git a/src/kernel/unit.h b/src/kernel/unit.h
index ac61affde..a6135715c 100644
--- a/src/kernel/unit.h
+++ b/src/kernel/unit.h
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ extern "C" {
     void clone_men(const struct unit *src, struct unit *dst, int n); /* like transfer, but do not subtract from src */
 
     int eff_skill(const struct unit *u, const struct skill *sv, const struct region *r);
-    int effskill_study(const struct unit *u, skill_t sk, const struct region *r);
+    int effskill_study(const struct unit *u, skill_t sk);
 
     int get_modifier(const struct unit *u, skill_t sk, int level,
         const struct region *r, bool noitem);
diff --git a/src/keyword.c b/src/keyword.c
index 7519b6449..48726bcbc 100644
--- a/src/keyword.c
+++ b/src/keyword.c
@@ -149,5 +149,6 @@ const char *keywords[MAXKEYWORDS] = {
     "promote",
     "pay",
     "loot",
+    "autostudy",
 };
 
diff --git a/src/keyword.h b/src/keyword.h
index a9273c3f5..6e4832708 100644
--- a/src/keyword.h
+++ b/src/keyword.h
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ extern "C"
         K_PROMOTION,
         K_PAY,
         K_LOOT,
+        K_AUTOSTUDY,
         MAXKEYWORDS,
         NOKEYWORD
     } keyword_t;
diff --git a/src/laws.c b/src/laws.c
index 8d75b0897..68f2894b3 100644
--- a/src/laws.c
+++ b/src/laws.c
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
 #include <modules/gmcmd.h>
 
 #include "alchemy.h"
+#include "automate.h"
 #include "battle.h"
 #include "economy.h"
 #include "keyword.h"
@@ -3636,6 +3637,24 @@ void add_proc_unit(int priority, void(*process) (unit *), const char *name)
     }
 }
 
+bool long_order_allowed(const unit *u)
+{
+    const region *r = u->region;
+    if (fval(u, UFL_LONGACTION)) {
+        /* this message was already given in laws.update_long_order
+        cmistake(u, ord, 52, MSG_PRODUCE);
+        */
+        return false;
+    }
+    else if (fval(r->terrain, SEA_REGION)
+        && u_race(u) != get_race(RC_AQUARIAN)
+        && !(u_race(u)->flags & RCF_SWIM)) {
+        /* error message disabled by popular demand */
+        return false;
+    }
+    return true;
+}
+
 /* per priority, execute processors in order from PR_GLOBAL down to PR_ORDER */
 void process(void)
 {
@@ -3705,16 +3724,7 @@ void process(void)
                                         cmistake(u, ord, 224, MSG_MAGIC);
                                         ord = NULL;
                                     }
-                                    else if (fval(u, UFL_LONGACTION)) {
-                                        /* this message was already given in laws.update_long_order
-                                           cmistake(u, ord, 52, MSG_PRODUCE);
-                                           */
-                                        ord = NULL;
-                                    }
-                                    else if (fval(r->terrain, SEA_REGION)
-                                        && u_race(u) != get_race(RC_AQUARIAN)
-                                        && !(u_race(u)->flags & RCF_SWIM)) {
-                                        /* error message disabled by popular demand */
+                                    else if (!long_order_allowed(u)) {
                                         ord = NULL;
                                     }
                                 }
@@ -4001,6 +4011,7 @@ void init_processor(void)
     }
 
     p += 10;
+    add_proc_region(p, do_autostudy, "study automation");
     add_proc_order(p, K_TEACH, teach_cmd, PROC_THISORDER | PROC_LONGORDER,
         "Lehren");
     p += 10;
@@ -4155,7 +4166,7 @@ void update_subscriptions(void)
 /** determine if unit can be seen by faction
  * @param f -- the observiong faction
  * @param u -- the unit that is observed
- * @param r -- the region that u is obesrved in (see below)
+ * @param r -- the region that u is obesrved from (see below)
  * @param m -- terrain modifier to stealth
  * 
  * r kann != u->region sein, wenn es um Durchreisen geht,
diff --git a/src/laws.h b/src/laws.h
index ae2c712ca..0b5db17c7 100755
--- a/src/laws.h
+++ b/src/laws.h
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ extern "C" {
     void update_long_order(struct unit *u);
     void sinkships(struct region * r);
     void do_enter(struct region *r, bool is_final_attempt);
+    bool long_order_allowed(const struct unit *u);
 
     int password_cmd(struct unit *u, struct order *ord);
     int banner_cmd(struct unit *u, struct order *ord);
diff --git a/src/laws.test.c b/src/laws.test.c
index 8d13b7c81..c7c7a6682 100644
--- a/src/laws.test.c
+++ b/src/laws.test.c
@@ -1759,6 +1759,34 @@ static void test_nmr_timeout(CuTest *tc) {
     test_teardown();
 }
 
+static void test_long_orders(CuTest *tc) {
+    unit *u;
+
+    test_setup();
+    u = test_create_unit(test_create_faction(NULL), test_create_plain(0, 0));
+    CuAssertTrue(tc, long_order_allowed(u));
+    u->flags |= UFL_LONGACTION;
+    CuAssertTrue(tc, !long_order_allowed(u));
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
+static void test_long_order_on_ocean(CuTest *tc) {
+    unit *u;
+    race * rc;
+
+    test_setup();
+    rc = test_create_race("pikachu");
+    u = test_create_unit(test_create_faction(rc), test_create_ocean(0, 0));
+    CuAssertTrue(tc, !long_order_allowed(u));
+    rc->flags |= RCF_SWIM;
+    CuAssertTrue(tc, long_order_allowed(u));
+
+    rc = test_create_race("aquarian");
+    u = test_create_unit(test_create_faction(rc), u->region);
+    CuAssertTrue(tc, long_order_allowed(u));
+    test_teardown();
+}
+
 CuSuite *get_laws_suite(void)
 {
     CuSuite *suite = CuSuiteNew();
@@ -1831,6 +1859,8 @@ CuSuite *get_laws_suite(void)
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_cansee_ring);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_cansee_sphere);
     SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_nmr_timeout);
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_long_orders);
+    SUITE_ADD_TEST(suite, test_long_order_on_ocean);
 
     return suite;
 }
diff --git a/src/study.c b/src/study.c
index 46da90b74..bd29fc2a8 100644
--- a/src/study.c
+++ b/src/study.c
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
 #define TEACH_ALL 1
 #define TEACH_FRIENDS
 
-static skill_t getskill(const struct locale *lang)
+skill_t getskill(const struct locale *lang)
 {
     char token[128];
     const char * s = gettoken(token, sizeof(token));
@@ -195,37 +195,37 @@ const attrib_type at_learning = {
 
 #define EXPERIENCEDAYS 10
 
-static int study_days(unit * student, skill_t sk)
+static int study_days(unit * scholar, skill_t sk)
 {
     int speed = STUDYDAYS;
-    if (u_race(student)->study_speed) {
-        speed += u_race(student)->study_speed[sk];
+    if (u_race(scholar)->study_speed) {
+        speed += u_race(scholar)->study_speed[sk];
         if (speed < STUDYDAYS) {
-            skill *sv = unit_skill(student, sk);
+            skill *sv = unit_skill(scholar, sk);
             if (sv == 0) {
                 speed = STUDYDAYS;
             }
         }
     }
-    return student->number * speed;
+    return scholar->number * speed;
 }
 
 static int
-teach_unit(unit * teacher, unit * student, int nteaching, skill_t sk,
+teach_unit(unit * teacher, unit * scholar, int nteaching, skill_t sk,
     bool report, int *academy_students)
 {
     teaching_info *teach = NULL;
     attrib *a;
     int students;
 
-    if (magic_lowskill(student)) {
+    if (magic_lowskill(scholar)) {
         cmistake(teacher, teacher->thisorder, 292, MSG_EVENT);
         return 0;
     }
 
-    students = student->number;
+    students = scholar->number;
     /* subtract already taught students */
-    a = a_find(student->attribs, &at_learning);
+    a = a_find(scholar->attribs, &at_learning);
     if (a != NULL) {
         teach = (teaching_info *)a->data.v;
         students -= teach->students;
@@ -235,18 +235,18 @@ teach_unit(unit * teacher, unit * student, int nteaching, skill_t sk,
 
     if (students > 0) {
         if (teach == NULL) {
-            a = a_add(&student->attribs, a_new(&at_learning));
+            a = a_add(&scholar->attribs, a_new(&at_learning));
             teach = (teaching_info *)a->data.v;
         }
         selist_push(&teach->teachers, teacher);
         teach->days += students * STUDYDAYS;
         teach->students += students; 
 
-        if (student->building && teacher->building == student->building) {
+        if (scholar->building && teacher->building == scholar->building) {
             /* Solange Akademien groessenbeschraenkt sind, sollte Lehrer und
              * Student auch in unterschiedlichen Gebaeuden stehen duerfen */
             /* FIXME comment contradicts implementation */
-            if (academy_can_teach(teacher, student, sk)) {
+            if (academy_can_teach(teacher, scholar, sk)) {
                 /* Jeder Schueler zusaetzlich +10 Tage wenn in Uni. */
                 teach->days += students * EXPERIENCEDAYS;  /* learning erhoehen */
                 /* Lehrer zusaetzlich +1 Tag pro Schueler. */
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
 #if TEACH_ALL
     if (getparam(teacher->faction->locale) == P_ANY) {
         skill_t sk;
-        unit *student;
+        unit *scholar;
         skill_t teachskill[MAXSKILLS];
         int t = 0;
 
@@ -313,15 +313,15 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
             teachskill[t] = getskill(teacher->faction->locale);
         } while (sk != NOSKILL);
 
-        for (student = r->units; teaching > 0 && student; student = student->next) {
-            if (LongHunger(student)) {
+        for (scholar = r->units; teaching > 0 && scholar; scholar = scholar->next) {
+            if (LongHunger(scholar)) {
                 continue;
             }
-            else if (student->faction == teacher->faction) {
-                if (getkeyword(student->thisorder) == K_STUDY) {
+            else if (scholar->faction == teacher->faction) {
+                if (getkeyword(scholar->thisorder) == K_STUDY) {
                     /* Input ist nun von student->thisorder !! */
-                    init_order(student->thisorder, student->faction->locale);
-                    sk = getskill(student->faction->locale);
+                    init_order(scholar->thisorder, scholar->faction->locale);
+                    sk = getskill(scholar->faction->locale);
                     if (sk != NOSKILL && teachskill[0] != NOSKILL) {
                         for (t = 0; teachskill[t] != NOSKILL; ++t) {
                             if (sk == teachskill[t]) {
@@ -331,20 +331,20 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
                         sk = teachskill[t];
                     }
                     if (sk != NOSKILL
-                        && effskill_study(teacher, sk, 0) - TEACHDIFFERENCE > effskill_study(student, sk, 0)) {
-                        teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, student, teaching, sk, true, &academy_students);
+                        && effskill_study(teacher, sk) - TEACHDIFFERENCE > effskill_study(scholar, sk)) {
+                        teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, scholar, teaching, sk, true, &academy_students);
                     }
                 }
             }
 #ifdef TEACH_FRIENDS
-            else if (alliedunit(teacher, student->faction, HELP_GUARD)) {
-                if (getkeyword(student->thisorder) == K_STUDY) {
+            else if (alliedunit(teacher, scholar->faction, HELP_GUARD)) {
+                if (getkeyword(scholar->thisorder) == K_STUDY) {
                     /* Input ist nun von student->thisorder !! */
-                    init_order(student->thisorder, student->faction->locale);
-                    sk = getskill(student->faction->locale);
+                    init_order(scholar->thisorder, scholar->faction->locale);
+                    sk = getskill(scholar->faction->locale);
                     if (sk != NOSKILL
-                        && effskill_study(teacher, sk, 0) - TEACHDIFFERENCE >= effskill(student, sk, 0)) {
-                        teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, student, teaching, sk, true, &academy_students);
+                        && effskill_study(teacher, sk) - TEACHDIFFERENCE >= effskill(scholar, sk, NULL)) {
+                        teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, scholar, teaching, sk, true, &academy_students);
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -363,15 +363,15 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
 
         while (!parser_end()) {
             skill_t sk;
-            unit *student;
+            unit *scholar;
             bool feedback;
 
-            getunit(r, teacher->faction, &student);
+            getunit(r, teacher->faction, &scholar);
             ++count;
 
             /* Falls die Unit nicht gefunden wird, Fehler melden */
 
-            if (!student) {
+            if (!scholar) {
                 char tbuf[20];
                 const char *uid;
                 const char *token;
@@ -403,8 +403,8 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
                 continue;
             }
 
-            feedback = teacher->faction == student->faction
-                || alliedunit(student, teacher->faction, HELP_GUARD);
+            feedback = teacher->faction == scholar->faction
+                || alliedunit(scholar, teacher->faction, HELP_GUARD);
 
             /* Neuen Befehl zusammenbauen. TEMP-Einheiten werden automatisch in
              * ihre neuen Nummern uebersetzt. */
@@ -412,31 +412,31 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
                 strncat(zOrder, " ", sz - 1);
                 --sz;
             }
-            sz -= str_strlcpy(zOrder + 4096 - sz, itoa36(student->no), sz);
+            sz -= str_strlcpy(zOrder + 4096 - sz, itoa36(scholar->no), sz);
 
-            if (getkeyword(student->thisorder) != K_STUDY) {
+            if (getkeyword(scholar->thisorder) != K_STUDY) {
                 ADDMSG(&teacher->faction->msgs,
-                    msg_feedback(teacher, ord, "teach_nolearn", "student", student));
+                    msg_feedback(teacher, ord, "teach_nolearn", "student", scholar));
                 continue;
             }
 
             /* Input ist nun von student->thisorder !! */
             parser_pushstate();
-            init_order(student->thisorder, student->faction->locale);
-            sk = getskill(student->faction->locale);
+            init_order(scholar->thisorder, scholar->faction->locale);
+            sk = getskill(scholar->faction->locale);
             parser_popstate();
 
             if (sk == NOSKILL) {
                 ADDMSG(&teacher->faction->msgs,
-                    msg_feedback(teacher, ord, "teach_nolearn", "student", student));
+                    msg_feedback(teacher, ord, "teach_nolearn", "student", scholar));
                 continue;
             }
 
-            if (effskill_study(student, sk, 0) > effskill_study(teacher, sk, 0)
+            if (effskill_study(scholar, sk) > effskill_study(teacher, sk)
                 - TEACHDIFFERENCE) {
                 if (feedback) {
                     ADDMSG(&teacher->faction->msgs, msg_feedback(teacher, ord, "teach_asgood",
-                        "student", student));
+                        "student", scholar));
                 }
                 continue;
             }
@@ -444,18 +444,18 @@ int teach_cmd(unit * teacher, struct order *ord)
                 /* ist der Magier schon spezialisiert, so versteht er nur noch
                  * Lehrer seines Gebietes */
                 sc_mage *mage1 = get_mage_depr(teacher);
-                sc_mage *mage2 = get_mage_depr(student);
+                sc_mage *mage2 = get_mage_depr(scholar);
                 if (mage2 && mage1 && mage2->magietyp != M_GRAY
                     && mage1->magietyp != mage2->magietyp) {
                     if (feedback) {
                         ADDMSG(&teacher->faction->msgs, msg_feedback(teacher, ord,
-                            "error_different_magic", "target", student));
+                            "error_different_magic", "target", scholar));
                     }
                     continue;
                 }
             }
             sk_academy = sk;
-            teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, student, teaching, sk, false, &academy_students);
+            teaching -= teach_unit(teacher, scholar, teaching, sk, false, &academy_students);
         }
         new_order = create_order(K_TEACH, teacher->faction->locale, "%s", zOrder);
         replace_order(&teacher->orders, ord, new_order);
@@ -766,9 +766,6 @@ int study_cmd(unit * u, order * ord)
         days *= 2;
     }
 
-    if (fval(u, UFL_HUNGER))
-        days /= 2;
-
     learn_skill(u, sk, days);
     if (a != NULL) {
         if (teach->teachers) {
@@ -832,6 +829,9 @@ void learn_skill(unit *u, skill_t sk, int days) {
     int leveldays = STUDYDAYS * u->number;
     int weeks = 0;
 
+    if (fval(u, UFL_HUNGER)) {
+        days /= 2;
+    }
     assert(sk >= 0 && sk < MAXSKILLS);
     if (inject_learn_fun) {
         inject_learn_fun(u, sk, days);
diff --git a/src/study.h b/src/study.h
index b4b76bb8c..e99fb4808 100644
--- a/src/study.h
+++ b/src/study.h
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ extern "C" {
     int study_cmd(struct unit *u, struct order *ord);
 
     magic_t getmagicskill(const struct locale *lang);
+    skill_t getskill(const struct locale *lang);
     bool is_migrant(struct unit *u);
     int study_cost(struct unit *u, skill_t talent);
 
diff --git a/src/study.test.c b/src/study.test.c
index c1d0b0841..a63be7cf1 100644
--- a/src/study.test.c
+++ b/src/study.test.c
@@ -89,15 +89,15 @@ static void setup_teacher(study_fixture *fix, skill_t sk) {
     setup_locale(lang);
     fix->u = test_create_unit(f, r);
     assert(fix->u);
-    fix->u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, f->locale, "%s", skillnames[sk]);
+    fix->u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, f->locale, skillnames[sk]);
 
     fix->teachers[0] = test_create_unit(f, r);
     assert(fix->teachers[0]);
-    fix->teachers[0]->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, "%s", itoa36(fix->u->no));
+    fix->teachers[0]->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, itoa36(fix->u->no));
 
     fix->teachers[1] = test_create_unit(f, r);
     assert(fix->teachers[1]);
-    fix->teachers[1]->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, "%s", itoa36(fix->u->no));
+    fix->teachers[1]->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, itoa36(fix->u->no));
     test_clear_messages(f);
 }
 
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ static void test_study_no_teacher(CuTest *tc) {
     CuAssertPtrNotNull(tc, sv = unit_skill(fix.u, SK_CROSSBOW));
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 1, sv->level);
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 2, sv->weeks);
-    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, 0, test_get_last_message(fix.u->faction->msgs));
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, NULL, test_get_last_message(fix.u->faction->msgs));
     test_teardown();
 }
 
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ static void test_study_with_teacher(CuTest *tc) {
     setup_teacher(&fix, SK_CROSSBOW);
     set_level(fix.teachers[0], SK_CROSSBOW, TEACHDIFFERENCE);
     teach_cmd(fix.teachers[0], fix.teachers[0]->thisorder);
-    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, 0, test_get_last_message(fix.u->faction->msgs));
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, NULL, test_get_last_message(fix.u->faction->msgs));
     study_cmd(fix.u, fix.u->thisorder);
     CuAssertPtrNotNull(tc, sv = unit_skill(fix.u, SK_CROSSBOW));
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 1, sv->level);
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ static void test_academy_bonus(CuTest *tc) {
     u1 = test_create_unit(u->faction, u->region);
     u3 = test_create_unit(u->faction, u->region);
     u0->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, loc, "%s %s", itoa36(u3->no), itoa36(u1->no));
-    u->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, loc, "%s", itoa36(u1->no));
+    u->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, loc, itoa36(u1->no));
     u1->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, loc, skillnames[SK_CROSSBOW]);
     u3->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, loc, skillnames[SK_CROSSBOW]);
     
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ static void test_study_magic(CuTest *tc) {
     f = test_create_faction(NULL);
     lang = f->locale;
     u = test_create_unit(f, test_create_region(0, 0, NULL));
-    u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, lang, "%s", skillnames[SK_MAGIC]);
+    u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, lang, skillnames[SK_MAGIC]);
     itype = test_create_silver();
 
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, -1, study_cmd(u, u->thisorder));
@@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ static void test_study_magic(CuTest *tc) {
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, M_GWYRRD, f->magiegebiet);
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, 0, i_get(u->items, itype));
     CuAssertPtrNotNull(tc, get_mage_depr(u));
-    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, 0, test_find_messagetype(f->msgs, "error65"));
+    CuAssertPtrEquals(tc, NULL, test_find_messagetype(f->msgs, "error65"));
     CuAssertIntEquals(tc, M_GWYRRD, get_mage_depr(u)->magietyp);
 
     test_teardown();
@@ -491,12 +491,12 @@ static void test_teach_magic(CuTest *tc) {
     f = test_create_faction(NULL);
     f->magiegebiet = M_GWYRRD;
     u = test_create_unit(f, test_create_region(0, 0, NULL));
-    u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, f->locale, "%s", skillnames[SK_MAGIC]);
+    u->thisorder = create_order(K_STUDY, f->locale, skillnames[SK_MAGIC]);
     i_change(&u->items, itype, study_cost(u, SK_MAGIC));
     ut = test_create_unit(f, u->region);
     set_level(ut, SK_MAGIC, TEACHDIFFERENCE);
     create_mage(ut, M_GWYRRD);
-    ut->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, "%s", itoa36(u->no));
+    ut->thisorder = create_order(K_TEACH, f->locale, itoa36(u->no));
     learn_inject();
     teach_cmd(ut, ut->thisorder);
     study_cmd(u, u->thisorder);
diff --git a/src/test_eressea.c b/src/test_eressea.c
index c299fc09c..5684a8ad4 100644
--- a/src/test_eressea.c
+++ b/src/test_eressea.c
@@ -93,7 +93,6 @@ int RunAllTests(int argc, char *argv[])
     ADD_SUITE(xerewards);
     /* kernel */
     ADD_SUITE(academy);
-    ADD_SUITE(alchemy);
     ADD_SUITE(alliance);
     ADD_SUITE(ally);
     ADD_SUITE(building);
@@ -121,6 +120,8 @@ int RunAllTests(int argc, char *argv[])
     ADD_SUITE(spells);
     ADD_SUITE(unit);
     /* gamecode */
+    ADD_SUITE(alchemy);
+    ADD_SUITE(automate);
     ADD_SUITE(battle);
     ADD_SUITE(calendar);
     ADD_SUITE(creport);
diff --git a/src/util/.DS_Store b/src/util/.DS_Store
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5008ddfcf
Binary files /dev/null and b/src/util/.DS_Store differ