I got to thinking, wouldn't it be nice if players had more options to manipulate the board, and to create more tension for the other players, and one thought crossed my mind... what if players could build strongholds ala monopoly.
Here's how I thought it might work:
There are 4 fields and 4 plains in the outer region. Lets say these are the only spaces that can be developed.
When a player lands on one of these spaces, he can choose to pay 10 gold to build a stronghold there. For the remainder of the game, the stronghold can house any excess items, gold and followers the player wishes to leave there. While there, the items and followers are protected and cannot be lost. When the player returns to his stronghold space, he can choose to draw up to two cards. If he draws a monster, he gets a +1 to his combat roll.
Any other player landing on the stronghold space MUST draw two cards instead of one. If he draws an item, he must offer it to the owner of the stronghold first. If he draws two items, he must give the owner of the stronghold one of the two items (active player's choice). If the player draws a monster, he must fight it as usual. If he fails to beat the monster, the own of the stronghold can immediately fight the monster with a +1 advantage to his roll.
If anyone, including the owner of the stronghold, draws a Place or Event card on the developed space, the Event or Place card is moved to the discard pile and the owner of the stronghold receives 1 gold coin in taxes.
Finally, if a monster of 8 or higher strength or craft is drawn on the stronghold space and is not defeated in combat, it immediately attacks and destroys the stronghold. All objects and followers housed within the stronghold are placed on the board.
Sound interesting? Ideas?