----- But with only 19 guys LLSS can't actually hold onto 2 extra forts: that would need 16 extra characters to pull off. So, he might be able to take it in a battle, but then what? he has to abandon it again. He also has numerous garrison locations in his home area to guard. So I'm willing to take a chance and level up a new generation of dorf lowlifes in the northern garrison.
Im not suggesting we break any sweat over it with this post, I just grabbed his SE as per request also, it is done. But:
The 'then what' if he claims them back is irrelevant. He doesnt need to have the manpower to hold it. The point is he notices, he takes action and it might lead to bigger trouble which no one can handle at this point. If it doesnt lead to anything, there is still damage, since he will consider us enemies already. The gain from these actions is small, the potential risks high - much like grabbing a bunch of red forts in the SW. They bring nothing but could lead to trouble. These actions also telegraph intentions for the future to those people.
Its possible they dont even know the forts are lost. Depends whether the whole Kingdom gets messages about them or just the owner of the King. Red has NPC King, the only active Green guy is not King, seems the King is inactive. The Forts, it seems, have to ceded to the Kingdom to make claims on land. Perhaps just the King is informed of the loss of them.
Edit:
Just mapping Orange, only 1 of 6 forts I checked are manned.
Kornk-S has a full party at Giantgard.