Thinking with you here. In case quite a few people join.
What about a citadel construction.
Leaders or potential ones (longest/most experienced members) live in the middle, lets say the town claim.
Around that there are claims of the civilian class, forming a large square around the city.
With enough people it would be difficult to succesfully raid the city.
The inner city concerns itself with the millitairy and protection and defense.
The outer city provides supplies, food, weapons etc (like a form of tax for protection).
If strong and big enough it doesnt matter people know where it is.
People can come and trade and if someone gets murdered retribution can be enforced.
Some people like the combat aspect of the game. Focussing on a beefy fighter, where others like to craft and dont want to be concerned with combat.
The center/citadel can have a main leader and under him/her ministers of crafts. One that makes sure enough food is produced etc.
If someone wants to leave they can. If someone wants to join they must settle in the outer ring and are not allowed in the inner ring etc. Done by claim permissions.
Can go on for hours on structure design and dream away on the perfect defense and settlement.
Issues can be solved the same way they used to do it during that time. A duel! Depending on both parties, either until knockout or death. I mean, the game has pistols now

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