Forts good defensive idea?

[Vladimir]

That's good so now my merchants can share the 719 FL exploit, in that example.
A single merchant can make more than that in 1.10.

I would have liked to see the concept expanded, and the AI use this as well. I've hardly ever seen the AI use a fort.
I mentioned already if someone is using this as an exploit why don't they just change other factors in the simple text files to suit them. Modify the stat file...etc. This is a lot simpler way to cheat.

Besides if anyone needs exploits to win this game, well, then they obviously have a lot more pressing issues to worry about.

If you're not cheating you're not trying. If you get caught, you're not trying hard enough. Seriously though, in VH/VH, you're already being cheated against by EVERYONE. Try to maintain merchants in northern Italy. You'll either use forts or a whole lot of assassins.

I'm pretty sure watchtowers are cheaper than spies. I like to place one ahead of my forts for the extra visibility.

I would like to see the option for more than one kind of fort. From a simple fortified field camp to something meant to hold the pass. Forts are really great in more open terrain. I love the reinforcement system in M2. It's now possible to attack a bridge from both sides (as Venice).