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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shades of Green" data-source="post: 4486067" data-attributes="member: 3297">You probably have to strike a balance between believability and heroism. On one hand, if the common types of rampaging monsters (the types attacking settlements relatively often) could easily tear through most settlement defenses, then the monsters would rule and settlements would either be ruined or enslaved - surviving in such a harsh world without protection would hurt the setting's believability. On the other hand, PC heroes need plenty opportunities to shine and do heroic deeds; if the town watch or king's men could easily deal with all major threats to civilization, heroes won't be needed - after all, if King Hrothgar's knights could slay Grendel, Beowulf would get no chance to perform his heroic deed.So I'd probably divide guards, soldiers and so on into three main types: soldiers (or guards), shock troops and special forces.Soldiers would be just strong enough to deal with the really common threats of the surrounding area; that depends on how common higher-level monsters are, but well-organized level 1-3 warriors with decent equipment (chainmail, shields, long swords, bows) would be sufficient to deal with kobolds and goblins, while for stronger humanoids like hobgoblins and orcs you'll probably want level 2-4 warriors or level 1-2 fighters. These forces would also have a handful of higher-level leaders and support, especially casters. Soldiers would exist in sufficient number to more or less protect the major settlements and main roads, but the frontier would get coverage at best due to their limited number.Shock Troops would be called to deal with somewhat more significant threats, such as ogres, orc/goblinoid heroes (i.e. orcs/goblinoids with several class levels), resourceful criminals and so on. Again, their capabilities should depend on the opposition which they are expected to fight, but level 4-7 NPCs (mostly Fighters with a few casters) would probably work well. Shock Troops would come in far fewer numbers than Soldiers, and thus couldn't be everywhere at once.Special Forces would be high-level NPC adventurers (of sorts) employed by the state for high-level missions. While very few in number they'd have very good capabilities, and could tackle some of the major threats to the realm. But they definitely can't be everywhere at once. They'll probably be level 8-11 and have good magical gear. They'll still be outclassed by really high-level PCs, but at that stage the PCs would be real superheroes - and would go against things that could eat th king's best knights for dinner.</blockquote>

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