the freakin TC makes a settlement a settlement, and a settlement is only an enclosure!!!!
So yes, you can use the settlement as a forward base of operations while maintaining a larger farming and resource base.
At least that's what i've heard. Personally, I figure a settlement should only be a TC, an enclosure of walls w/ or w/out gates, and MAYBE a house or something minimal. That way, You can put out a huge settlement for farms, and a small, middle-of-map base for military movements. I think it would be better to refer to these forward posts as bases, but because there was no determination between a settlement and just a big bunch of buildings in the middle of nowhere, that couldn't be done previously.
I believe that a town center can only be built along with a settlement. (That's what i've heard.) This sounds like a REALLY bad idea. I think we should be able to differ the sizes of the settlement depending upon what occurs there. For instance, if after conquering an enemy's main base and capturing his settlement, will it be "yours?" Will it show up in the minimap under your color, or his previous one? And if it is yours, do you get all the buildings he had in it after destroying his buildings around it? What about his TC?
All of these questions need to be asked to some sort of ES rep, maybe like David, and then we might be able to get an answer as to what we can do with a settlement.
I'd suggest keeping this thread alive for a while, at least until these questions are answered.
To any of you who have already answered my own questions, thx.
BeN FoLdS FiVe
<<<SHAM ON>>>
YOU SUCK AT ALL GAMES. I AM GOD. YOU WILL WORSHIP ME. HA.