We'll start with a big WELCOME! [img]graemlins/thewave.gif[/img] to IW!
Okay, first of all a stronghold is a place where your specific class can rest, do tasks and just be a part of that little group, or whatever you might call it.
For example, if you're a thief you get to take Mae-Var's (sp?) place at his thief stronghold, after you kill him of course
If you're a cleric you get hired by the temple of your specific god and get to do some quests and eventually get a symbol of your god.
If you're a fighter, you get to rule over the De' Arnise keep.
So, to know what your stronghold is, you have to tell us your PC's class
Second, go with the "be strong" answer with Aerie, she'll tell you later that she was wrong for lashing at you or something like that
Third, you can remove a NPC for as many times as you want. If you're not, then it's a bug.
And finally, I think Delon or the Valygar quest is the only ways to learn about Umar Hills, but I'm not sure about this one...
Anyway, good luck with your game [img]smile.gif[/img]