The Lórivanda Dictum

[AstriaS 3720]

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THE LÓRIVANDA DICTUM

Issued the 22nd of Snow’s Maiden, in the Year 151 of the Second Age

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BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE

 

   Many well know of the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr and its place and purpose among our people. It is the Oath which defines one as Númenedain, for one can be an Adunian, or even live within the white walls of Númenost, and yet be not counted amongst the number of the Númenedain. Likewise, we have named as Númenedain those of the blood of the Middlemen and even of the blood of Malin's kin, for we are defined not by blood, but by our deeds and by our oaths. And yet still there exists neither law nor decree which rightly notes the distinction between the oathed and unoathed. As of this moment, that is to be amended.

 

NOW THEREFORE SHALL THIS PROCLAMATION STAND HENCEFORTH AS THE LAW OF THE NÚMENARANYË, 

 

I – The Oaths of the Númenedain 

   Hereafter are enumerated and defined the oaths that shall be upheld as matters of law.

 

The Oath of Tar-Númenatâr

   Sworn first atop the great mountain Alkayaban by Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor, following the victory over the Sharadûn, this oath marked the founding of the Kingdom of Númendil. Ever after shall it serve as the guiding precept of our law and our people.

 

 

The Oaths of Chivalry

   These are the oaths taken upon a squire's ascension to Knighthood, and serve as the foundation of Númendil's law and custom, just as they served in the Barrowlands and in the times before.

 

 

The Oaths of GOD

  These shall include any and all oaths made to the Lord's Church, be it the oath of matrimony, an oath made in penance or otherwise.

 

II – The Law of Oaths

   Hereafter are listed those laws and amendments which shall, in line with this edict, be added to the Royal Laws of the Númenaranyë.

 

Regarding the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr

1. Only those who have sworn the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr shall be known as Númenedain.

2. Only Númenedain shall be eligible for elevation to the peerage of the Kingdom, and likewise to be granted a deed of enfeoffment.

3. No title or holding held by an oathed Númenedan shall be inherited by nor bequeathed to one of the unoathed.

4. To falsely claim the name of the Númenedain shall carry the sentence of banishment.

5. To break the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr shall carry the sentence of death, for to fail it would be to align oneself with the Archdevil.

6. Should the reigning monarch break the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, nominate as his successor one who refuses the Oath, or refuse the Oath himself, all oathed Númenedain are obligated to put him to death.

 

Regarding the Oaths of Chivalry

1. To break the Oaths of Chivalry shall see the offending Knight stripped of his station and branded as an oathbreaker. 

2. Depending on the severity of the offense incurred, disgraced Knights shall be sent to the church for penance, banished, or put to death.

 

Regarding Oaths Generally 

1. To break a minor oath shall carry the punishment of branding and a fine.

2. Should one break an oath to GOD, authority on the matter shall be deferred to the authority of the Church.

 

III – The Great Book of Oaths

   In the effort to better enforce our oaths as a matter of law, the Crown shall establish a Great Book of Oaths to record all oaths, great or small, that are undertaken by the Númenedain. In accordance with this, the following shall be established as a matter of law:

 

1. Any swearing of the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, the Oaths of Chivalry, or an Oath of GOD, shall be recorded, alongside the date upon which the oath was sworn.

2. Any subject of the White Throne, Númenedain or otherwise, shall hold the right to have a minor oath recorded.

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BY ORDER OF,

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm