The armed forces of Majora Proper.

The armed forces are split into 3 major groups, each more-or-less operationally independent. They generally respect each other’s boundaries, although feuding is known to occur at times.

The primary force is the Majoran Guard, the origins of which are long lost to history. While called a “Guard” the force isn’t really a strictly defensive force, and numbers in the thousands. Generally they are called upon to beat off the odd fantasy-related attack when the local authorities can’t handle it, and have garrisons in all major centres. The Majoran Guard numbers in the tens of thousands, and the soldiers can be conscript or volunteer depending on their role. Every citizen is required to spend some time- generally four years- in the guard. Many choose to stay, and specialize. These volunteers form the real weight of the force, while the conscripts are mainly used for support duties and the never-ending task of keeping an eye on the wide valley. This force has a rather large budget, some would say bloated, and is generally commanded by bored aristocrats that want to feel special. Valaroria is officially the head of the Majoran Guard, but in practice it is led by a Captain, based in Majora Proper. Said captain is chosen by Bellaria, and so command of the force cannot be pulled unilaterally.

The secondary force is the Majoran Border Guard, commonly just called the Border Guard, or even The Guard in border towns. This forces task is solely to ensure that the outside regions are placated and any threat posed by them is destroyed before it can prove a serious problem. The Border Guard is geared more towards rapid offence, with Valaroria understanding that a rapid thrust into the heart of any threat before it can secure itself is best. They do also get called in from time to time internally, but this is exceptionally rare and only in the most serious case. The people of the Border Guard are almost all pulled from the volunteer corps of the Majoran Guard. The best and the brightest of that force will find themselves here- and it’s not a request. These people will serve until death, or the age of 50, in which case they retire with a sizable state pension and generally either advise, or entire politics. A few have been known to emigrate with their riches. This force is complimented by the “prisoners of the guard”. Petty criminals too untrustworthy to let loose, and not hardened enough to justify capital punishment. They generally function as cannon fodder. These people will either serve their time, die, or in the odd case remain as a volunteer.  The Border Guard is funded mostly through taxing the border itself, and operates totally independently of the rest of the state. They can almost be seen as their own state entirely.

The third force is less a “force” and more a secret society of sorts. The Hands of the Sun are Bellaria’s eyes and ears throughout the province, ensuring her orders are followed and no threat to herself can emerge. The population is far and large happy with her rule, and in practice this group serves as more of a compliment to the police force, and spends most of their time tracking down illegal immigrants and keeping close watch on the Border Guard.  Funded by Bellaria herself, and each recruit is handpicked for loyalty. While the possibility is there for a brutal secret police to emerge, thus far it has not. Time will tell if it will.

In addition to all this there are the militias of each city, responsible for local defense, and the Watchers, which are the mages that have been given the task of “listening” for any magical disturbances, and dealing with those behind them. These other forces often work closely together with themselves and the Majoran Guard, while the Border Guard and Hands of the Sun keep mostly to themselves.