Developing the Sandbox: Strongholds

This post is part of my series on developing the sandbox. You can read other posts in the series here. The series will, when necessary, go into detail on the development of my sandbox for Dungeon Module B1: In Search of the Unknown, but will also discuss sandbox development more generally. You can read play reports from my B1 campaign here.In this post, I'll discuss the development of those strongholds in your sandbox which are ruled by NPCs. These are your classic fighters' bastions, wizards' towers, clerics' temple fortresses, and thieves' dens and hideouts, but it doesn't stop there. Paladins will rule strongholds somewhere between that of a fighter and a cleric. Rangers may rule fortified compounds in a more wilderness locale. Illusionists will disguise their strongholds to appear mightier than they truly are, or as simple earthen mounds or other natural features. Druids will rule secure woodland groves. Monks build monasteries. Assassins rule imposing wilderness…