These buildings are the base for your military and peacekeeping forces. There isn't a separate Police Force, Guard Unit, Army, Navy etc - In this system those are all part of the same set up. Think of your town guards as a cross between a French Gendarme and a Local Guard Unit. In peace time they patrol your towns and cities, during a siege they lead the defence and they go out to fight wars as well. The navy will consist of Sailor/Marines who provide Coast Guard duties, military transport, defence etc …

• P - Policing means the guys who carry out your day-to-day patrols and guard duties combined with simple security measures - such as chasing a small band of goblins away from the farms, or sorting out punch-ups when the taverns close. These light troops are cheap and cheerful - but they keep your lands clear and well organised. However, they also form the bulk of your army, should you go to war.
• M - Military Buildings can be home to your standing army, although they may also house light ‘policing’ troops. These guys have heavier armour and better weapons, and get called out to deal with larger groups of goblins, adventurers kicking off - or other large threats that that ‘light’ troops can’t handle. They are the ‘special team’ sent into resolve larger conflicts. They also for the most effective parts of your army, if you go to war.
• H - Homes are generally somewhere an Aristocrat or ruler lives - but also provides security or policing of some sort. EG Henry leMaistre has a Fortified Manor in the Tusk Hinterlands as a second home – the troops here are purely private guards (so probably Light Troops). Cyrus and Val Lebeda-Ondari have a fortified manor in Ringbridge, and it was (at one point) the only defensive building they had. It had to provide policing services to the town and surrounding areas, and was restricted to light troops. The Keep in Tusk now serves as a military building, but could also serve as a home for the Marshal of Tusk – it could house any combination of light, medium or heavy troops.

• Jetty - A Military Jetty is used as a base for small patrol vessels and can support up to 6bp worth of vessels up to 30 feet in length. It comes with a small contingent of troops to guard the Jetty.
  • Local Patrol Boat. A Launch crewed by a unit of marines, used for local and harbour patrols. It isn't designed for long voyages and doesn't (generally) stay away overnight. Because of its large crew it can achieve a speed of 35. Think Harbour Guard, rather than Navy. Local patrol boats must normally be berthed at a Military Jetty, although a Community Jetty may give over one slot for a local patrol boat.
  • Area Patrol Boat. A shallop crewed by marines, used to patrol the wider area. It has larger sails, which give speed 30, and the hold area is converted to basic cabin space, which is used for bedding down and storage of weaponry. It is cramped and uncomfortable, but it works. Think Coast Guard, rather than Navy. Area Patrol boats must be berthed at a Military Jetty.
• Watchtower – Little more than three or four rooms stacked on top of each other, with a guard post at the top. Often placed near roads or gates they provide basic protection when required. Very basic accommodation for the troops, but better than being in the field. Troops (1x Light Foot).
• Fort - a small, lightly defended complex, designed to house light troops. It might be the defensive heart of a village or be a lone outpost in the wilderness.
• Barracks – This building is large enough to house a unit of soldiers and provide them with decent facilities. It is normally under the command of a Lieutenant and is the basic building block of an army. ★★ accommodation for troops, ★★★ for the officer.
• Garrison – A barrack for a larger unit. It has better facilities and is normally under the command of a Lt–Commander. ★★ accommodation for troops, ★★★ for the officers.
• Keep – A strong building that provides a home for a minor noble – and includes a barracks for troops. The troops are normally commanded by a Lieutenant. ★★ accommodation for troops, ★★★ for the officers, with a ★★★ apartment for the local lord.
• Castle (Small) - A strong building that provides a home for a noble and includes a Garrison for troops. The troops are normally commanded by a Lieutenant–Commander. ★★ accommodation for troops, ★★★ for the officers, ★★★★ apartment for the local lord.
• Castle (large) - A strong building that provides a home for a noble and includes a Large Garrison for troops. The troops are normally commanded by a full Commander. ★★ accommodation for troops, ★★★ for the officers, ★★★★ apartment for the local lord.

See Residential Classifications for a description of the ★ based accommodation rating system.

The cost of a military building includes and element to pay for troops. All Military buildings have light footmen. Buildings with +3 defence (or more) may have upgraded troops as well. See Troop Templates for descriptions of troops types.

Not all troops will be in the same building - a Lt-Commander in charge of a Keep, may well be in command of the barracks (and its Lt) in a neighbouring town. That Lt might well oversee watch-towers in two nearby villages. That is how your military structure builds up :)

Defence Points can come together to reward you with a Noble Title.

See Residential Classifications for a description of the ★ rating system.

The Mass Combat rules that are used to resolve military disputes are based on a nation's defence points

See the Military Ranks page to get an understanding of the abilities of different officer grades.