Hello, FreeHolders! I said I would post another update today but in combination with several obligations and the relative complexity of parsing in bandit tile occupation, I've not quite managed to get it all together in time. I'm unfortunately also going to be pretty busy throughout the day tomorrow, but you should be seeing the next test build up either late tomorrow or early Sunday.
The deal is: bandits will not tastefully stay on the towns map as before but will move into your villa tiles, blocking your access to resources until you dislodge them. Furthermore, if you sit on your hands for too long, they will dig in with camps and fortresses, making your life very difficult. Eventually you will not only be able to fight them off but can draw upon magic, espionage skills, and assistance from your faction to drive them away. Your faction will help keep bandits away as long as you qualify for protection.
Once this is implemented, I just have to put in faction armies and events, and we will be sitting pretty for alpha 3. We'll be furiously hotfixing after release, like the good old days, especially since I suspect balancing will be very important.
Sorry about not getting on the forums yet, I've been swamped. I will get back there as soon as I can, but know that I am working away here and will get to your bugs and suggestions ASAP.
Cheers,
Chris