Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Magnus1986 01-31-04, 09:55 AM	I'm currently playing a NE Shade Sor6/Sha2, and my financial status is secure, to say the very least. I'm playing with the thought of constructing some sort of stronghold, preferrably in the Underdark somewhere. I have some questions about this. 1. How much would it cost? I don't need an entire city to my self, but would like something reprecentative. A tower or something like that. 2. May I use followers I have gained with the Leadership feat as cheap labourers? I think this would help very much on keeping the price low. 3. If any of you people out there are some sort of architectual geniouses (or just have some good ideas), I would be thankful for any ideas or thoughts on interior or exterior design and the likes of it.
Bardrick 01-31-04, 10:20 AM	Lots of ideas, but I'd start with questions. The answers will probably start to reveal features you wish to have. --How many people will it house? --Is it mainly a home or a place of fortification? How fortified? --How will you house troops/servants? --As a person of power, or even a noble, will you be sponsoring artists, artisans, craftsmen, or magic users, etc? If so they will need space to work. --Will you need a large hall for banquets, audiences, balls, etc? --When initial design is in place. Take a look at it thru the eyes of one who would breach your security, then make some minor modifications. --What do you see as the coolest features to build? --The attitude the structure will give? As for followers, I'm sure they would be willing to roll up their sleeves right along with you...but I'd use them as team leaders not as the grunts. Bad karma otherwise.
strange_person 01-31-04, 12:41 PM	First of all, get the Stronghold Builder's Guidebook. You'll find that getting anything better than a masterwork hut for under 5,000 GP is completely out of the question, and the REALLY good stuff is well into the millions. If you're going to build underground, height isn't an issue (the foundation, after all, can be both above and below, and a few cheap levitation and telekinesis spells for heavy lifting, not to mention Feather Fall, do wonders for job safety). However, always remember that Xorns and other such creatures can travel easily through rock, so you'll need a means to stop them from just walking(?) in and looting the place. Iron, or even wood paneling, goes a long way. Also, you'll need to worry about earthquakes, natural and magical alike. They can rapidly reduce even well-built underground strongholds to expensive deathtraps. Consider building inside a large cavern, with angled force walls to deflect falling rubble away from the main structure.
Trydan 02-02-04, 02:59 AM	Underground fortresses are either access through tunnels or are built in an natural expanse (i.e. massive cavern, underground sea, etc.) In the latter case, just apply the prinicples of surface fortresses, but be aware of tunnelling in from above, to then drop down within the walls. For tunnel-based fortresses, all you need to consider is how many tunnels lead to-from the fortress and how are you going to guard them. The more tunnels, the harder it is to patrol them all, but the easier it is have at least one escape route. The use of water could help prevent the enemy burrowing in, but at the same time would present a risk to the defenders. And consider how you would watch tunnels for approaching soldiers. Magic would be good, but if that isn't an option, then what. Hmm... the more I think about this, the more interesting the problem becomes. Good luck with it!
Magnus1986 02-03-04, 06:31 AM	Thank you very much for your ideas and thoughts. However, I have laid my eyes on the Twin Towers of the Eternal Eclipse in southern Amn. Let's just say they'll soon change owner! But Underdark expansion is still an idea, so I'll hopefully have some use of your ideas. See You!!!
Tovam 02-03-04, 03:52 PM	Wards are always fun (if you have enough money) The Tornado's Eye from Draconomicon creates a tornado with the eye centered on the device Might be some good protection against siege weapons and even creatures that come to close (fort dc 30 to save against 6d6 - 60d6 damage) The stronghold builders guidebook also has information about creating wards