The House Militias
The House Militias are the primary source of law and order within the city around the Tarrasque. Each Meridian House is charged with “paying, provisioning, and organizing no less than 250 soldiers to enforce the laws of the township and contribute to the general welfare of Salt in Wounds.” Interpretation and implementation of this edict varies greatly depending on house however on one end of the spectrum there are houses who outfit their militia with the bare minimum and then leave these individuals to their own devices, usually acting like traditional city watches one might find in any large settlement. In the extreme opposite, 6th House outfits a militia of 7,000 armed and trained more for war than policing. Complicating matters further, many Meridian Houses also run House Guards who are distinct from House Militias with House Militias having a duty to enforce laws while House Guards do not. Despite this House Militias while technically serving the city as a whole as opposed to their respective house still often act as an extension of their house and instrument of its machinations. Each Meridian House manages hiring, firing, and promotion within their militia. Meanwhile House Militias are held to a code of behavior which includes (amongst other things) prohibitions against favoring one house over the law of the city with severe mutilation penalties doled out by the largely independent courts for failure to serve the law. These twin influences lead to rampant secretive conflict, intrigue, sabotage, and checks and balances between the House Militias which are in part an extension of and yet distinct from the power games played amongst the Meridian Houses themselves. Typical armament for House Militia is a suit of studded leather armor, round shield, hand-axe, and crows-beak. Notable Militia Captains and Sergeant-at-Arms are listed under their respective Meridian Houses.