Kraellin,

I'm noticing something similar in my present campaign as the Juii. I got tired of having the Gauls roam thru my lands, as well as other factions. I also got tired of being surprised.

So, I built Watch Towers at all the mountain passes leading to my lands. I did this after taking Patavilum (sp?) and the other city begining with "M". So now Moutains surround my terriroty, but there are several passes. I also built a Fort near the Junctions of the two western most passes where the largest armies would come from.

Up until quite recently, well actually, I haven't seen any "roaming" armies from anyone. In recent turns, the Gauls must have smelled some weakness, plus they got a two Ports going, consequently, I believe, they've started to send a couple of invaison forces. One stopped at the Fort and besiege it, actually two of them did.

So right now, I'd say that your Therum has merit.

I'm still trying to figure out precisely what benefit is gained from WTs. I *think* you can see an extended range, though not as far as Spys. Also, I suspecting, that they can extend the Range of Spys and Diplomats. Maybe also Generals?

This game is frustrating!

Note, I'm playing the Total Realism Mod 2.2, plus the Shield change mod (name?), so, not sure how much the change I'm noting is the Mod, and how much is a result of the WTs and Fs.