PaperMan: First, draw the battlefield grid and mark the high ground. Then, start with a concentric layout: an outer dry moat, a ditch, a rubble wall, then a second stone wall, and finally a central keep. Place a gate on the side that sees the least fire. Add a counterweight system so the gate can be raised quickly. Install arrow slits at a 45‑degree angle to cover the approaches, and make sure each wall has a murder‑hole that can drop rocks or boiling oil. Add a watchtower on each corner so every angle is covered. Finally, leave a small hidden tunnel for escape or surprise attacks. Keep the design modular so you can replace damaged sections quickly. That should give you the edge.

Good point about the thickness; a double‑layer of packed earth topped with a stone facing will do. The tunnel can have a quick‑release lock that only you can open, so it’s safe. Keep a small patrol route in mind for the exit, and make sure the corners have overlapping fields of fire. That way you can spot any breach early and respond fast.

Plan outline: 1. Outer dry moat, 2. Ditch with drainage, 3. First wall 3 metres thick, packed earth, 4. Second stone wall 2 metres thick with battlements, 5. Gate on the least exposed side with a counterweight, 6. Arrow slits at 45‑degree angles, 7. Murder‑holes over stairways, 8. Corner towers with overlapping fields of fire, 9. Hidden tunnel with a one‑man lock, 10. Patrol routes for each corner, 11. Quick‑release gates for emergency exits. That keeps the walls sturdy, the tunnel safe, and the corners watched.

I’ll set the arrow slits at 45‑degree angles from the wall so they cover the whole approach. The patrols will use the existing stairways and a short connecting corridor to move between towers quickly. Once the angles and routes are fixed, the layout will be solid. Let’s lock down the measurements.

All set: 45‑degree arrow slits, 3‑metre packed‑earth wall, 2‑metre stone wall with battlements, gate on the safest side, quick‑release exits, patrols using stairways and corridor. Time to build.