I was wondering the same thing.

I'm working on adding a feature where you can build a small settlement for like 1000 denars and 10 settlers. With this you ll be able to get better troops without having to own a fief or hire mercs, I want to make it so landless lords will build them to, it will hopefully work out well and release with the next update, I know a lot of you have wanted something like this I feel like it will give players an alternative path to take.
Settlers will also be able to be used to increase the base population of a fief. I ll be adding base population in the next update, this will tie in with the levy and create a way for the player to see the growth and state of a fief. Profit potential from fiefs will be larger as well.

So we're looking at a couple of weeks? by the way, i love the idea of base population. I always wanted some meaning to population that has an impact on the game.

Idk depends on my free time. A couple of weeks is a possibility.

thank you good sir for all your hard work

are settlers ready ??? or you're still progressing (if they're ready please tell me how to get them)
ty for answer

You can get them by leveling unarmed peasants. Archers, Trained Polearmed, and Shield Bearers can all upgrage into a settler. You need 10 of them and 1000 denar to build a refuge.

Can the refuge get attacked?

yes

Warning for new players playing this mod: There is not a warning system of your Refuge. It means it wont tell you if there is someone attacking it or nearby it. Be carefull with Deserters as well, since there are high tier deserters which can destroy your 100 garrison refuge if its weak.

My tip would be: Build it near towns heavily guarded by a vassal patrolling it. Jelkala for example, king almost always patrolling near there. Anyway, build it near places usually you have someone patrolling it, killing deserters and bandits (in general). Or build it in places you are guarantee to be there for sometime, this way you can always defend it, but it means you are not going to make quests for a while since you cant leave that place. Also remember Refuge is temporary, you will get Armed Elite Village (either crossbow or guard, depends on your strategy) and after you get a Town or even a Castle, you wont be needing it too much.

Bonus tip 1: You wont pay for troops in garrison of your refuge, you can use it to pay less wages weekly if timing correctly or using it a storage to keep some units you dont want to use for sometime. (Remember the warning, be carefull to not lose them).

Bonus tip 2: If you dont have a Castle or a Town, the Refuge also function as a storage of Prisioners. Did you built it near a town? The town dont have a Ransom B. ? Keep it in the prison of your refuge camp, stock it, when he appears you will sell every prisioner. (Remember the warning, be carefull to not lose them).

EDIT, UPDATE 0.5:

Now there is a purple text letting you know if there are enemies near your Refuge, usually its being attacked when this text appears.