i read this on the thread about the Basileia total war mod, but they plan on integrating towns and castles in the same province. as they picture it - cant test it yet since it isn't out yet - holding the town means holding the province, but to completely control it you also need the castle, otherwise you lose half your revenues.
so basically that allows another faction to incapacitate your economy by taking the castle, or you keeping a foot between the door upon losing the town by retreating your army in the well-defended castle.
this feature - if it truly can be done - sounds like one of the most awesome ones i've ever heard. just imagine, depending on region they could be located closer or further away from the town. like in italy they would be close while in other farther off/bigger region they could be located more strategically near river crossings, mountain passes, etc.
even cooler it would enable you to attack and incapacitate foes without having to actually conquer settlements. just handicap them military and economically by taking the castle.
wonder if its really possible though... :hmmm: