What is exactly the “defense” or “local militia” of a province ?
each point spent in provincial defense brings some units (check the manual to see which) when the province is attacked. Buying 5+ defense is a cheap way to protect your land against a lone scout or a Call of the Wild/Wind. 10+ gets you a free patrol able to stop spies or stealth units (but not to quell unrest or kill brigands). 20+ gets you another unit type and a second commander. Those units are not available for other duties (ie. the player can not command them) but their maintenance is free – no supply, no upkeep. Combat losses are automatically replaced as long as you win the fight (if you lose, then the defense rating is zeroed). Militia will not pick up any items or gain any experience, or keep any afflictions. Each turn they are brand new replacements.
