Depends on how rowdy the natives are. If you split it into daywatch and nightwatch, do you really have a city that needs 250 people in weapons and armour trotting around keeping the peace?
> Would an additional 500 make up a decent militia?
Again, depends on the threat at the time. I would think that to put on a show of strength against an invader that the official don't want in the city, a city of 10,000 could manage to have 3000-3500 heads bobbing around (esp. if it's frontier like Pavis). Effectively though, IMHO only about 1500 could fight - and probably 500 of those would faint or run before their first blow!
> Is 500 soldiers excessive for a Palace Guard?
Hmm, how is a ruler of only 10,000 (+farmers) going to *afford* to have 500
armed and armoured people sitting around doing naff all? I think they'd be
a bit paranoid with this many... IMveryHO, I would give them about 50 elite
guard, and a city-basedHO (very)
>
> In an emergency, would it be exessive to think that a good 4,000 people
> could come to the defence of the city?
Perhaps, but over half would run when the arrows started, let alone when the swords and spears got close enough.
No student of medieval warface, but always with an opinion. btw, i firmly believe that the addition of magic makes comparisons between some parts of the RW and Glorantha tenuous at best.
Robert McArthur
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