Stronghold Discussion Thread
In reply to DM (msg # 1):
I think one of the first things to get out of the way is this--which source books are we using as guidelines?
The DMG is very sparse in this regard.
There was a Castles resource book, but it's very specific to actual Castles. I don't think anyone here is talking about doing that. Are there even any functioning castles in the Dalelands? Moreover--I don't think you can build a castle that can resist a wizard. Just like Europeans stopped building castles (except for aesthetic purposes) after the advent of artillery.
3E's Stronghold Builder's Guide is a fairly robust resource with a variety of different kinds of buildings, but there was a certain amount of inflation that transpired between 2E and 3E so the prices would have to be adjusted.
Matt Coleville's Strongholds and Followers is currently in vogue among 5E players, but is considerably more fantastic than our current campaign. In the context of 1E/2E I think Coleville is borderline Monty Haul.
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Corym's Vision
The motivating factor for Corym to approach a blank slate site like 3RL is the prospect of creating an integrated community that balances sustainability, security, and plurality effectively.
Sustainability--most of his people's problems with human development is that it's slipshod and uses up the natural resources. He has a Malthusian sense that overpopulation leads to conflict and that a well-designed community has to keep this in mind. Over-reliance on magic is unsustainable in his world view as it tends to weaken the strength and moral fiber of the people over time, and the requisite level of magical talent is difficult to maintain over time. There's a place for magic--but soaring crystal towers and Mythals are counterproductive. He's strongly influenced by the settlement patterns and construction techniques of Halflings and Gnomes which tend to have extremely low impact on the natural beauty, but don't seem to infringe on the vigor of life. To this end, Corym wants to use his knowledge of engineering and architechture, along with the expertise of Silvanus' and Chauntea's Abbeys in Mistledale to create a master plan for development of the region that balances these concerns.
Security--Your perfectly designed society won't last long if the next conqueror, horde, or dragon lays it to waste. Corym is skeptical of walls and castles. A fortified Manor would probably be the biggest 'build' he'd attempt for these purposes. On the other hand, dry moats, the development of bocage, use of softscape to obscure impede, and funnel aggression should be perfectly acceptable as well as maintaining a regular militia practice that informs the residents both of weapon use and the utilization of the natural terrain.
Plurality--Corym (and many elves) are currently concerned that they are being driven to extinction. Where most elves seek Retreat, Corym believes that it is their aloofness that caused the envy of their neighbors. Steps must be taken to ensure the survival of those that remain--true. That's why he's plundering and returning elven lore and artifacts as quickly as he can. Strengthen the remnant! But that remnant must then be integrated effectively into a sustainable community and have a role. So this isn't really an ELF dale--it'll be a melting pot. Bring 'em in--as long as they understand that they're joining a model community that has a peculiar set of community standards.
