So I thought I'd make the thread about allowing access to Stronghold items in solo play, and see if people thought whether this was a good or bad idea. As you can't recruit companions going full solo, I'd imagine you could have an option to hire people (that don't class as companions - kind of like how you can often hire people in the new Stronghold dilemma scenarios) to go get them for you. Whether this would incur some sort of penalty (more turns taken as random minions aren't as resourceful as a companion, or less cash loot demonstrating the hired blade pocketing some for themselves) would really be up to the devs, though obviously suggestions are welcome.
I will say this isn't about making solo play "easier", none of the new items really would make things dramatically easier or different to current solo play. However there certainly are a few which if in play allow for more role-playing and/or build options - the Belt of Chimes/Swaddling Sheet would allow for many more low RES builds to be viable on solo play other than kite builds (for those who wanted to play someone weak willed), the Crossed Patch could allow a solo Powder Burns Ranger to be much more viable, the Helwax Mold could allow for duplication of an attribute boosting weapon (i.e. Whispers of Yenwood) to allow for a significant and cool stacking affect, etc.
This isn't to say I'm not fine with the current situation, just that it feels a little like an arbitrary restriction rather than something which makes logical sense for it being in place. Thoughts one way or the other would be greatly appreciated, sorry if a specific thread was already produced for this and had been shelved - I guess if there was I need to brush up on my search-fu.