Got to Cad Nua relatively early on, and managed to get the stronghold at level 4-5. Soon after, while exploring elsewhere, I got a message that Brutish Warrior had showed up at the Stronghold. At this point I hadn't yet fixed the Main Keep (didn't have the money, so chose something else first), and certainly not the Barracks. There was no mention of how long the guy would stay, but by the time I got back to talk to the guy, he had left. But even had I got back in time, surely I wouldn't be able to hire the guy, without a main keep nor barracks? Found it very odd. Is this a bug, or have you seen this before?

As an aside, I was extremely surprised by that first tax collection. Must be an enormous random effect here? Even with everything upgraded (and 8/8 hirelings) for a loooong time in the first time through the game, never did we get to keep that much away from pesky bandits.

Hirelings and other guests will still turn up even if you don't have the barracks. Visitors are attracted based on your keep's prestige. He may turn up again at some point. It's not a bug.

Thanks. Found it odd given the Main Keep wasn't fixed yet. And the description for the keep mentions that we can then get visitors. Guess that just refers to the more unique types then. Hopefully the Brutish Warrior comes back later, as he's quite handy to have around.