Interested in purchasing an existing stronghold, or building one from scratch? This section provides a guideline that DMs can use to help a party with their stronghold needs. The DM can choose to build a new structure, using
rooms and stronghold parts, or they can choose a preexisting template, structure or cluster of rooms (see the table below). In addition, you can find
staff for your stronghold, their monthly wages and their appropriate equipment.
This page provides example stronghold structures, using a collection of sub-structures and rooms (or stronghold "parts"), grouped together and given a single price for your convenience. You can use these examples to quickly create a stronghold for use in your game.
Maintenance & Wages: For simplification (since D&D is more about adventuring, than management), it is best to keep expenses simple. Most DMs choose only use staff wages in monthly maintenance. And, if the player(s) decide to rent, adding in rental costs. However, some DMs may wish to add taxes for owned properties (recommended: 0.2% of the building cost per month; more in large cities and evil kingdoms). For businesses, a DM may wish to roll for
business profits/loses every time the players return.
Building Materials: Most aboveground structures are built using wood, and underground rooms are built using hewn stone. You can choose to change the material using the dropdowns below (for a list of wall materials and their pricing, see our
stronghold walls.
Adventure Hooks: Strongholds are great a source for adventuring ideas. Mansions can be raided, robbed or siezed by the ruling class. They can be overrun by monsters or vermin, or be inhabited by cultists or bandits while the adventurers are away. Businessness may need the adventurer's help to avoid calamity and ruin.
Structure
Map
Cost to Buy
Monthly Rent
Approx Sq.Ft.
Parts
Staff †
Map:
Cost to Buy:
800 gp
Monthly Rent:
4 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
800 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Bedroom (1)
Basic Common Area (1)
Staff:
This is a 1 bedroom apartment, with a simple living room and a separate sleeping chamber. The furnishing is modest and unadorned, with little wall decorations. There is a small fireplace in the living room, with a square common table and two chairs, a small bench and end table, and some shelves for storage. The bedroom has a straw-stuffed mattress with a simple wooden frame, flanked by an end table. A wooden dresser sits against the far wall.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Map:
Cost to Buy:
1,100 gp
Monthly Rent:
6 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
1,300 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Bedroom Suite (1)
Basic Common Area (1)
Staff:
This is a 2 bedroom apartment, with a simple living room and two separate sleeping chambers. The furnishing is modest and unadorned, with little wall decorations. There is a small fireplace in the living room, with a square common table and two chairs, a small bench and end table, and some shelves for storage. Each bedroom has a straw-stuffed mattress with a simple wooden frame, flanked by an end table. One room has a wooden dresser, and the other has a standing wardrobe closet. There is a tiny bathroom with a latrine, just off the common area.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Map:
Cost to Buy:
500 gp
Monthly Rent:
3 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
400 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Bedroom (1)
Staff:
This is a small studio apartment. The small room is a modest living space with rough furnishing. There is a straw bed on a low frame, a single chest of drawers, and a small mirror hanging on one wall. A rough bench sits infront of a small table. The room does not have a kitchen or fireplace. There bathroom in the hall that is shared by everyone on this floor.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Cost to Buy:
7,000 gp
Monthly Rent:
39 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
1,300 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Bedroom (1)
Fancy Common Area (1)
Staff:
This well-appointed 1-bedroom apartment has a fine living room with a separate bedroom, including a walk-in closet and a tastefully adorned privy. The bed rests on a handsome frame and includes a mattress made of cotton batting. The living room has an upholstered couch, a quality dining table for four and a small writing desk.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Cost to Buy:
8,000 gp
Monthly Rent:
44 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
1,300 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Bedroom Suite (1)
Fancy Common Area (1)
Staff:
This is a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood, with an fine living room and two separate sleeping chambers, each with a nice-sized closet. There is a fireplace in the living room, with a four-person dining table, a plush couch made of soft cotton. A kitchen area is located in the far corner, separated from the rest of the apartment by a tall bar area. There is a tasteful privy off of the living room.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Cost to Buy:
4,000 gp
Monthly Rent:
22 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
900 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Bedroom (1)
Staff:
This is a small studio apartment, with it's own privy. The furnishing is sparse, but made of fine material. There is a soft cotton bed, a padded armchair, a small dining table, and a cute little fireplace in the corner.
Note: Purchasing an apartment is much more common than building a single apartment onto an existing structure. The DM can use their discretion when determining the apartment pricing, as many factors may influence the cost: Is the apartment on a high floor, and are there stairs (no lift)? Is there a private bathroom in the room, or is it shared by everyone on the floor? What area of the city/town is the building located in (rougher neighborhoods will cost less)?
Map:
Cost to Buy:
27,800 gp
Monthly Rent:
150 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
19,400 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Barracks (10)
Combat Training Areas (5)
Guard Posts (3)
Basic Armorys (4)
Basic Dining Halls (2)
Basic Kitchens (3)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Basic Storages (2)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
3 Guards
3 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
14 gp/month
This allows you to quarter one hundred infantry. Up to forty can train in the drill yard at once, and up to sixty can take meals simultaneously in the mess hall. Note that the cost listed does not include the soldiers' equipment.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
21,300 gp
Monthly Rent:
110 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
8,075 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Dining Hall (1)
Basic Kitchen (1)
Basic Shops (2)
Fancy Storages (3)
Basic Workshops (2)
Fancy Bedroom (1)
Fancy Bath (1)
Fancy Library (1)
Luxury Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
1 Cook
2 Clerks
Minimum Wages:
18 gp/month
A nobles cottage with a full artist studio/shop. Includes a cellar with secret vault.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
14,500 gp
Monthly Rent:
81 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
7,200 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Dining Halls (3)
Basic Kitchens (3)
Servants' Quarters (2)
Basic Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
3 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
6 gp/month
This moderate-sized dining hall and kitchen complex feeds 90 people. Simple wooden tables and chairs are scattered about, and the décor is modest, with a few modest hunting trophies hanging around.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
126,300 gp
Monthly Rent:
700 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
13,125 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Dining Halls (5)
Fancy Kitchens (5)
Servants' Quarters (2)
Fancy Storages (3)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
5 Servants
10 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
18 gp/month
This vast dining hall and kitchen complex feeds one hundred fifty people in a pleasant, richly appointed atmosphere.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
43,800 gp
Monthly Rent:
240 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
33,800 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Barracks (10)
Combat Training Areas (5)
Guard Posts (3)
Basic Armorys (4)
Basic Dining Halls (2)
Basic Kitchens (3)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Basic Stables (16)
Basic Storages (2)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
3 Guards
3 Cooks
16 Animal tender/grooms
Minimum Wages:
20 gp/month
Similar to an Army Base, but it also includes stables for up to one hundred cavalry units. Note that the cost listed does not include the soldiers' equipment.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
800 gp
Monthly Rent:
4 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
800 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Guard Post (1)
Basic Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
1 Guard
Minimum Wages:
8 gp/month
This independent 30-foot tall tower of hewn stone comes complete with a guard post on top. Note that the cost listed does not include the soldiers' equipment.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
23,400 gp
Monthly Rent:
130 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
8,025 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Taverns (2)
Basic Stables (2)
Basic Bedrooms (10)
Fancy Kitchen (1)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Basic Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
4 Servants
2 Animal tender/grooms
2 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
30 gp/month
This traveler's inn can comfortably host up to twenty guests and a dozen mounts.
Cost to Buy:
22,900 gp
Monthly Rent:
120 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
7,525 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Taverns (2)
Basic Stable (1)
Basic Dock (1)
Basic Bedrooms (10)
Fancy Kitchen (1)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Basic Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
4 Servants
1 Animal tender/groom
2 Laborers
2 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
42 gp/month
Much like a basic inn, but this structure swaps out one of its stables for a small dock to service its boating customers.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
14,400 gp
Monthly Rent:
80 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
8,200 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Prison Cells (10)
Basic Kitchens (2)
Barracks (2)
Guard Posts (2)
Basic Study/Office (1)
Torture Chamber (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
10 Guards
2 Cooks
2 Guards
1 Torturer/Inquisitor
1 Guard
Minimum Wages:
42 gp/month
This prison holds up to sixty captives. Note that the cost listed does not include the guards' equipment.
Cost to Buy:
12,500 gp
Monthly Rent:
69 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
5,825 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Bedrooms (8)
Basic Kitchens (2)
Basic Dining Hall (1)
Basic Bath (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
2 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
6 gp/month
This structure provides for all the needs of thirty people in comfort, if not luxury. This cluster assumes that residents sleep two to a bedroom, and that the two kitchen servants share a bedroom of their own.
Cost to Buy:
66,900 gp
Monthly Rent:
370 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
12,250 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Bedrooms (10)
Fancy Kitchen (1)
Fancy Dining Hall (1)
Fancy Bath (1)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
2 Cooks
1 Servant
Minimum Wages:
18 gp/month
Similar to a basic residential building, but the bedrooms, dining hall, and bath have nice art, architectural details, and high-quality furnishings. This structure holds thirty people comfortably; half get their own bed-rooms and half sleep two to a room.
Cost to Buy:
411,600 gp
Monthly Rent:
2,200 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
30,400 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Luxury Bedrooms (15)
Luxury Dining Hall (1)
Luxury Kitchen (1)
Luxury Bath (1)
Servants' Quarters (4)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
15 Valet/Lackeys
2 Servants
6 Cooks
1 Servant
1 Valet/Lackey
Minimum Wages:
66 gp/month
Similar to the fancy residential structure, but thirty people live in the lap of opulent luxury.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
186,200 gp
Monthly Rent:
1,000 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
8,700 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Luxury Taverns (6)
Fancy Stables (3)
Luxury Kitchen (1)
Servants' Quarters (3)
Luxury Storages (2)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
24 Servants
3 Animal tender/grooms
6 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
66 gp/month
A glamourous establishment for the elite, with plush padded furniture and ornately engraved tables. Plenty of space and privacy.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
31,800 gp
Monthly Rent:
170 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
5,225 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Taverns (4)
Basic Stables (2)
Fancy Kitchen (1)
Servants' Quarters (2)
Fancy Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
12 Servants
2 Animal tender/grooms
2 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
36 gp/month
A respectable tavern that caters to merchants and skilled craftsment, offering food and drink, with no bedrooms for lodging.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
7,300 gp
Monthly Rent:
41 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
4,200 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Basic Taverns (3)
Basic Stables (2)
Basic Kitchen (1)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Basic Storage (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
6 Servants
2 Animal tender/grooms
1 Cook
Minimum Wages:
24 gp/month
A simple tavern that caters to food and drink, with no bedrooms for lodging.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
14,500 gp
Monthly Rent:
81 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
3,525 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Chapel (1)
Fancy Library (1)
Fancy Study/Office (1)
Fancy Storage (1)
Staff:
An elegant structure with a modest common worship area.
Map:
Cost to Buy:
31,800 gp
Monthly Rent:
170 gp
Approx Sq. Ft.:
5,950 sq. ft.
Rooms/Parts:
Fancy Alchemical Laboratory (1)
Fancy Library (1)
Fancy Magic Laboratory (1)
Fancy Study/Office (1)
Fancy Kitchen (1)
Fancy Storages (2)
Basic Bedroom (1)
Fancy Bedroom (1)
Servants' Quarters (1)
Staff:
Minimum Staff:
1 Alchemist
1 Apprentice spellcaster
2 Cooks
Minimum Wages:
132 gp/month
This well-appointed 3-story tower has everything a wizard would need for arcane experiments and spell research.
† Monthly wages do not include staff gear (which must be purchased separately). Monthly wages do not include any business expenses or inventory as it is assumed that most businesses are self-sufficient. However, a DM may wish to roll for profits/losses for a business every so often.
Note: Building over 2 stories have additional costs, as described in the stronghold parts section. Some structures, such as the wizard tower and guard tower have additional fees for being 3 stories tall.