Mike,

Prowling around the forum, and I found your note from January 2010 (almost a year back) about possible changes to the Haven Map. And you make a point that Dargaard Keep is in the middle of 5 powers, but that none of which can reach it with a land unit in 01 --

This is not quite true. I see two ways to get an Army there in Fall 01:

1. Rogue Fleet Ashan -> Pool of Radiance, Turn 2 Fleet Pool Radiance convoy Convoy Rogue Army to Dargaard Keep (from Moominvally/The Silver City/Ashan - take your pick).
2. Magi Fleet Ergoth -> ESS, Turn 2 Fleet ESS Convoy Undead Army to Dargaard Keep from either Evergoth or Ishtar.

The second is less likely, since it requires cooperation between players.

Having only studied the games that have been played so far, and starting up in DC354, I can't say I am much of an authority on these suggestions. But I would feel a link for Devils Canyon to Ice Reach provides a back door into both the north and south -- Requires at least one unit to sit and defend... I would say something like:

Break Devils Canyon into to regions (East/West), and place two connections (one from Ice Reach, other from Cathal to each.

This would require more coordinated assaults and defense... and less "Edges" to have at anyone's back.

Krazick