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--- thistletop:citadel [2025/06/06 07:56] – [Simple Defences] johnb
+++ thistletop:citadel [2025/08/01 11:52] (current) – [Garrison] johnb
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 Investment cost: 177gp
-**Active Patrols:** Guards will only defend an area, we need soldiers to actually go out and look for, and engage, enemies.  Upgrading the military guard to soldiers (Cost 120gp) means we can have simple patrols around the area.  However, they are Warrior-1 and not well armed or armoured, so patrols would have to be limited to areas around Thistletop.  Drusilla, her dogs and a couple of Soldiers make up a basic patrol unit.  That still leaves 3x soldiers and 5x civilian guards at Thistletop.  One or two could also be deployed as caravan guards to facilitate Able’s trade plans.\\
+**Active Patrols:** Guards will only defend an area, we need soldiers to actually go out and look for, and engage, enemies.  Upgrading the military guard to soldiers (Costs an extra 120gp) means we can have simple patrols around the area.   Drusilla, her dogs and a couple of Soldiers make up a basic patrol unit.  That still leaves 3x soldiers and 5x civilian guards at Thistletop/Bramblewarren.  One or two could also be deployed as caravan guards to facilitate Able’s trade plans.\\
 Investment Cost: 120gp
-That is probably enough (supplemented by Sir Robyn, Dru and Velma) to defend the Thistletop as a citadel.  But not enough to  keep the road and forest clear, or build a settlement.
+That is probably enough (supplemented by Sir Robyn, Dru and Velma) to guard Thistletop and Bramblewarren.  But not enough to  keep the road and forest clear, or build a settlement.
-===== Improved Defences =====
+===== Improved Patrols =====
-If we want to improve defence, we must undertake further building work.  However, there is no space left on the ground floor, and the basement (and catacombs) are not really a viable option, so we will have to build new.  To improve the guards, we need another bunk room and an armoury, which is much cheaper than buying decent gear separately.  However, as soon as we have an armoury, we can upgrade the equipment for our existing soldiers (scale mail, a longsword, a heavy wooden shield, and javelins), but retain their lighter equipment for later use.
+If we choose to develop Bramblewarren, we will need to  provide security for the people who live there and the goods they produce.  So extra guard patrols around bramble warren  and regular road patrols, to keep the road to Sandpoint clear of bandits and other threats.  That means more troops, which means we must undertake further building work.  I would like to have those troops based on Thistletop itself, as that add to the security of the Citadel. However, there is no space left on the ground floor, and the basement (and catacombs) are not really a viable option, so we will have to build new (which we would have to do, if we put the extra troops in Bramble Warren).  This means another bunk room and an armoury.  , which is much cheaper than buying decent gear separately.  However, as soon as we have an armoury, we can upgrade the equipment for our existing soldiers (eg: scale mail, a longsword, a heavy wooden shield, and javelins), but retain their lighter equipment for later use.
-If we build the Armoury in the ‘notch’ between C11 and C15, we can build a Bunk Room as a second floor above that and C15, that will cost 790gp.  That gives us a single high point to defend the bridge as well as gear and accommodation for another 10x troops.    That is probably sufficient for our needs.
+The Bunk room costs 400gp and (if Artifex is being nice) might fit in the upper section of the tower (C15)  Which is described as being 30' high.  We would need to count the space provided in C14, C15 (ground) & C15 (Upper) together, to give us enough space.  It might also get us a discount, as much of the infrastructure is in place. That gives us accommodation for another 10x troops.    That is probably sufficient for our needs.
-If we decide we need more security and better access control, we can guild a gatehouse, which will give an extra high point, and give us the option to add heavier doors, portcullis etc.  This could be done later, or at the same time.  A gatehouse costs 630gp.  It could be developed by building a guard post (320gp) and upgrading later.  A gate house provides us with 5x more civilian guards, but it is unlikely that we will have room for them.  Both the gatehouse and the upper barracks could have Guard Posts built on their roofs, which gives defenders a small bonus to perception and initiative.
-Thistletop is described as a //'Goblin Stockade'//  created from scavenged ship's timbers - which implies that the outer wall is the equivalent of a Downtime Rules defensive wall.  The two towers are described as //'30-foot-tall'//, implying that they are two storeys, or at least, could be converted to two storeys, fairly easily.    If Artifex agrees with my interpretation, it might add a couple of possibilities.  1) we might be able to use the fortification enhancement on the outer walls, making them a fair bit tougher and more fire-resistant.  I estimate this will cost between 600 and 1000gp.  2) if the towers are 30 feet tall already,  we might be able to get a discount on developing the second barracks.
+The Armoury cost 390gp, and won't get much of a discount - if any.  There is no suitable space, however we could build the Armoury in the ‘notch’ between C11 and C15.  We dismantle the outer wall, and rebuild it 10 feet further out, then add and internal wall.     However, as soon as we have an armoury, we can upgrade the equipment for our existing soldiers (eg: scale mail, a longsword, a heavy wooden shield, and javelins), but retain their lighter equipment for later use.  This is much cheaper than buying decent gear separately.
-**Personnel:** I think a garrison of twenty would be sufficient –  However, these extra troops could be added gradually.
+===== Strengthen Thistletop =====
-  * 5x Civilian Guards (Commoner1 or Expert1) with truncheons and slings act as museum guards and guides.  Note:  We can equip commoners like this, even though they might have attack penalties.  (we already have these from the Simple Defence plans)
+There are a few options that we could use to strengthen Thistletop and make it more defensible.
-  * 5x Guards (warrior1, with our light gear) to act as the guard for Thistletop and the Bramble Bailey.   (cost 100gp)
-  * 5x Soldiers (Warrior1, with armoury gear) to conduct local area patrols (including any outlaying buildings, such as a hamlet or village) and help guard Able’s caravans. (we already have the personnel from the Simple Defence plans)
-  * 5x Skirmishers (Warrior3, with armoury gear) who keep the forest clear of threats and help guard Able’s caravans.  (cost 360gp)  (we could start with guards, upgrade to soldiers and then Skirmishers, if we did want to spend it all at once)
-Ideally, I would like to spend another 120gp to upgrade the Guards to soldiers (still with our light gear)  just to add a bit more flexibility.
+Guard Posts give a  +1 bonus on Initiative checks and on Perception checks against intruders at the Guard Post and cost 320gp.  One on top of the Barracks Tower, might give extra warning of attack -  but that seems like high cost for a low return.  Especially  when we will (most likely)  have people in Bramblewarren anyway.  Probably not a good option - see Gatehouse below.
- at
+Thistletop is described as a //'Goblin Stockade'//  created from scavenged ship's timbers - which implies that the outer wall is the equivalent of a Downtime Rules defensive wall.  If Artifex agrees with that interpretation, we might  be able to use the fortification enhancement on the outer walls, making them a fair bit tougher and more fire-resistant.  I estimate this will cost between 600 and 1000gp.  A nice idea, perhaps, for the long-term.
+We could build a gatehouse (630gp), if we decide we need more security and better access control.  It adds an extra high point, with the benefits of a Guard Post, as well as the option to add strong doors, portcullis etc.  Another long term option, which along with  Fortification (earlier)  makes Thistletop into a simple castle.
+===== Garrison =====
+This section needed rethinking.  It was written without consideration to wages - L3 warriors are really expensive -  even if we take board and lodging into account.  Reduced to a garrison of fifteen, all at L1.  Possibly rising to 20, but adding more L1 soldiers.
+We might need to negotiate non-standard gear for soldiers and  guards.  The normal gear isn't particularly suitable for our needs and terrain.  Lighter gear, perhaps with a missile weapon (at least for some of the troops)  would be better.  Perhaps something like  Studded Leather, Buckler, Light Cross Bow and short sword?  However, I have to check on costs and make sure they are equivalent and within range for the NPCs level.
+I think a garrison of <del>twenty</del> fifteen will be sufficient –  However, these extra troops could be added gradually.
+  * 5x Civilian Guards (Commoner1 or Expert1) with truncheons and slings act as museum guards, guides and house guards for Thistletop.  Note:  We can equip commoners like this, even though they might have attack penalties, It we have experts, we can arm them more effectively, in case of attack.  (we already have these from the Simple Defence plans)
+  * 5x Guards (warrior1, with our light gear) to act as Guards for Thistletop and bramble Bramblewarren. That upgrade to armoury gear, when we get it)  (cost 100gp plus wages)
+  * 5x Soldiers (Warrior1, with armoury gear) to conduct local area patrols and help guard Able’s trade caravans. (cost 220gp plus wages)
+  * <del>5x Skirmishers (Warrior3, with armoury gear) who keep the forest clear of threats and help guard Able’s caravans.  (cost 360gp)</del>
+  * Ideally, I would like another 5x Soldiers (Warrior1, with armoury gear) to strengthen  local area patrols and help guard Able’s trade caravans. (cost 220gp plus wages)
+We start with Commoner watchmen, upgrade to Expert Security Guards, guards, and finally soldiers  - which adds a nice little ++Career Development path|(Yeah.  I know I take things to extremes sometimes)++ for our troops  :).