I just wanted to know whether it was safe to give the boys the ale if you are going for the ranger stronghold. (I know it is not safe to give them the swords).

No it is not

Giving ale and swords to the kids doesn't affect your way to get the stronghold..i gave them the staff they aked for and i still managed to get it...just complete the quest and here you are a brand new stronghold for you only!!

Sorry if I don't understand what you say fully, but do you mean that giving the ale to the boys WILL or WILL NOT have any repecursions on the ranger stronghold.

no it WILL NOT....no offense taken....:)!!!

I heard you shouldn't give either. I did that when I was a ranger and everything went fine.

I also remember reading somewhere that giving the swords and/or ale to the boys will mess up your stronghold. Never tried it myself, though. Weird!

I've only done the Ranger Stronghold once, and chose to take the safe route and not to supply the Imnesvale Three.

However, once thing I've noticed in my non-Ranger games is:
1) If you give them their swords & ale, and later on (before you kill the Shade Lord) you visit the Inn and talk to people, you'll find out that a couple of parent-type figures are mad about what you did to contribute to the delinquency of minors.
2) If you then beat the Shade Lord and re-explore the Umar Cave, you can go back to the parents--and they're pleased as punch at what you've done to help give their kids a Life Lesson.

Theoretically, it shouldn't matter what class you are, or what course you take with the boys, as long as you complete it <u>before</u> you talk to the mayor and get your stronghold. That way, even if giving the boys their swords and ale meant that you LOST the Cabin, then talking to the Mayor means you get it right back again.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with giving the boys swords & ale. I myself have "barely fuzz on my chin," but I'm certainly able to handle a weapon without accidentally inflicting bodily harm to anyone, and I'm over legal drinking age anywhere on the planet.