[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by Pocus:
hill fortress is an hell to assault (big defence to bring down, then narrow passage & 32 arrows when you assault), coupled with miasma disease, (...) Dont take the dark citadel anyway, too costly, and no arrows when assaulted.

Pros & cons, as Mr G. would say. The higher defense of the cheaper citadels may delay the storming by a turn, sometimes two - more diseases in enemy ranks , and most importantly more time for you to gather reinforcements to lift the siege. Although I certainly would think twice before picking a 600+ gp castle without earth magic (either on the pretender or the national mages).

and some city guards should be a good deterrent...

Hmmm, yes. I usually leave the first 10 in the capital, and I recruit more only when I see the enemy coming.