Question about independent castles.
 

In one of my games, I am besieging an independent castle. It's a fortified city.
I assume that once I breach the walls, I will face defenders. I fully intend
to waste one turn sending a commander to probe their strength, but I would still
like to hear what I am likely to find. Random independents? A preset army,
probably made out of elite forces? Nothing whatsoever?

This castle is not one left by a defeated player, I am sure of it. I am reasonably
sure it was there before anyone took the province and searched it, although I admit
that I did not see the province when it was independent - another player was
besieging the castle before I came.

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

Normally independent castles are due to magic sites of the non-magic variety. Inside you usually find whatever independent units that the province can make, there's usually nothing special in there.

Although, in one of my games recently I attacked a province with 60ish Lion Tribe guys and when the turn came back Bogus and his merry band of heroes was there defending it. So you never really know, right? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

First send in something cheap, like a scout. You can even position him way at the back of the formation, and have him set to do an immeadiate retreat. It will usually give you back that unit, and a peek at what is waiting for you inside.

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

This is very good advice, but as I mentioned, this castle is actually near the
front lines. In order to begin the siege, I had to chase a player away, and I
would like to put my besiegers back into the war as soon as possible. I am
weighting the risks associated with launching a blind assault.

What weapons do independent castle defenders use from the walls and towers?
Crossbows? Short bows? Slings?

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

Scry the fort to see what's inside (Astral Window).

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

Gandalf and I still hunger for the #patrol command, so one group can guard the outside and another guard the inside. We could then make more interesting maps.

Re: Question about independent castles.
 

Endoperez already found a great workaround.

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
| OUTSIDE THE CASTLE |
----------------------------------
#owner 23 -- after this, units are owned by special monsters
----------------------------------
| INSIDE THE CASTLE |
</pre><hr />