6 Kingdoms of Ederia

Structure:
- Each noble house maintains its own regiment of soldiers, equipped, trained, and loyal to their respective houses. These regiments range in size and quality depending on the wealth and influence of the house.
- In times of war, these banner bearers are called to unite under the king or queen’s command, forming the collective "Ederian Army."
Leadership:
- The king or queen serves as Commander-in-Chief, but house leaders or their appointed generals act as Field Commanders within the larger army.
- This structure allows for flexibility but can lead to tension or conflict when houses vie for influence over military decisions.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Strength: The diversity of training and specialization across houses can result in a versatile and adaptive fighting force.
- Weakness: Loyalties remain divided, and mistrust between houses can undermine coordination. In times of political strife, houses may withhold troops or sabotage efforts.
Notable Features:
- Banner Bearers from different houses may have unique heraldry, fighting styles, and traditions. For example:
  - A coastal house might field elite naval units.
  - A mountainous house may specialize in siege defense or ranged units.

Purpose:
- The Watch exists to maintain peace, enforce laws, and handle smaller-scale conflicts within Ederia’s cities.
- It is a nationalized policing force, directly loyal to the crown rather than individual houses, ensuring a semblance of impartiality.
Challenges:
- With only 2,000–3,000 soldiers spread thinly across Ederia, the Watch often struggles to respond effectively to all disturbances.
- Corruption or inefficiency can arise as the Watch must often rely on local support, which could be influenced by house loyalties or regional politics.
Hierarchy and Organization:
- The Watch is led by the Commander of the Ederian Watch. Under the Commander are Marshals, both are appointed by the crown. The Commander will assign Marshals to key regions or cities.
- Incharge of the investigation of crime are Constables (within the city) and Sheriffs (within the country).
- Below them are Captains, overseeing smaller detachments, and Patrolmen, who carry out day-to-day enforcement.
Relationship with Locals:
- The Watch is respected for its training and authority but resented in some areas for its limited presence or perceived favoritism toward wealthier cities. Those living in the undercity of Crown's Rest refer to the Ederian Watch as "Lamps" or "Lampies" due to the arcane lighting instruments that are attached to their helms when they descend into the undercity.

Purpose:
- To supplement the Watch and protect less populated or economically significant areas, the crown issues contracts to mercenary groups, adventurers, or local militias.
- These contracts are typically short-term, renewable agreements funded by the government or local lords.
Regulation:
- Mercenaries operate under strict guidelines, with penalties for misuse of authority or failure to fulfill their contracts.
- Some mercenary groups gain renown for their reliability and professionalism, becoming long-term staples in certain regions.
Perception:
- Mercenaries are seen as a necessary evil, particularly in frontier regions or the Undercity, where official forces cannot maintain a presence.
- While some groups are honorable, others exploit their power, leading to mixed reputations among the populace.
Potential for Conflict:
- Competition for contracts can lead to rivalries between mercenary groups or even conflict with the Watch.
- Unregulated or rogue groups could undermine the crown’s efforts, forcing the Watch or Banner Bearers to intervene.