[Culture] Idunian, The Redeemed Harrenites

[Lenny 1615]

            

                    

The Idunians are the contemporary inheritors of Exilic Númendil, the old kingdoms of Adunia, and the ancient holy city of Alduun. Called also by the Tribe of Harren, or Harrenites, after the forefather Harren, firstborn son of Horen, who had formed the ancient kingdom of Idunia in the early centuries of the world. Harren's City was great, though distracted from the true vocation, too focused on self. Owyn was sent to redeem it, and Harren repented; but in his wroth, Owyn slew him anyways.

 

After the slaying of Harren, the Harrenites had been scattered for centuries, falling into depravity and disarray. With the Edict of Idunia, an Age of Renewal was born

 

The Idunians, also known as ‘Harrenites’, are evolved inheritors of Númendil, born from older Adunian lineages first united beneath both Tar-Númenatâr and Tar-Caraneth. Now, under the leadership of Tar-Carandir, which set them upon the path and enabled the Kingdom to stand stalwart, they are following the path of the True Faith, which allowed for victories to be claimed in its name. His heir-son, Tar-Zorzagar, brought it to its next great epoch where The High Kingdom of Idunia was founded.

 

Idunia, rising out of Númendil, stands as both a continuation and renewed covenant of Adunian cultural unity by affirming their sovereignty and their right to stand as a distinct civilization by blending both the recovered heritage of Ancient Idunia and the living traditions forged by the Númenedain and its long struggle to redeem the sins of Harren. Where once the Númenedain sought absolution for their people’s past, the Idunians now look forward, seeking to build, shape and thrive in this new era.

 

To call oneself an Idunian is to claim lineage from the vision and legacy established by the progenitors of the Kingdom, the descendants of blood and the initial creators of Barrowton which was founded as the very first Adunian Kingdom, Númendil.

 

The current age, The Age of Renewal, heralds in a new chapter of Adunian history; the path forward as Idunia has declared itself the spiritual and cultural successor of all Adunian realms and reasserted its position as a beacon for Adunians across the world as they seek to properly establish themselves, by reviving their ancient tongue, expansions of their own craft and law, and settling the new identity

 

 

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† Heritage of the Light, The Idunian believe they inherit the legacy of Harren’s court, but redeemed; justice, mercy, and courage. Striving to embody the virtues embodied by the golden age of Aeradar, even when the world seems to darken and chaos could loom.

“We are the children and grandchildren of those who came first. Our king kept the richness of those days in his heart, yet he raged too greatly at their loss. . . The soul of Harren Horenson felt all things as such. He mourned greater than any man, and made merry greater as well. He had the richness of the world in him and the blood of the prophet.” - Quote from an Ancient Harrenite

† Restoration and Continuity, the Idunians value recovering the lost lore, arts and lineages of yore. Ancient rites, old ruins, and relics are treated with great reverence. 

† Harmony of Might and Wisdom, Military strength and the martial capability of the people remains essential, but now subordinate to governance, scholarship and stewardship of land. The High Kingdom emphasizes and values learned rules and magistrates as much as warrior-kings.

† Stewardship of Nature, Idunians consider land, forests, rivers and wildlife as sacred trusts. Many noble estates are expected to maintain Wardgroves, which are sacred forest preserves, where logging, hunting and extraction of resources is regulated by covenant. Additionally, for the Lords of the land, a white tree shall be raised in each city as a symbol of their leadership and to revere upon Aeradar’s (GOD) creation.

“If a man should hew a tree or plough a field in the lands of the Echiadain, he is to be cloven in two with the same tool. If a sower should utter words in the tongue of the Echiadain, his tongue is to be cut out, unless he is a herald.” - The Hammaduni Codex, copied from the Black Stele of Ar-Bethril

† Balanced Commerce, Trade is embraced but mercantilism is carefully tempered with. Luxury goods, exotic spices and crafts are valued, greatly so, but ostentation is often looked down upon. The sin of pride and gluttony is one prevalent in the history of the people, and being witness to it so freely is insulting.

 

† The Common Tongue, (also known as Jrentic) spoken in everyday discourse among all the people of Idunia. It is the language of the courtly hall, tavern, market, and the sprawling streets of Idunia as it is the most simple. 

† High Idunic (formerly Adunic), a more erudite register preserved in royal decrees, liturgy, high law, naming and ritual. This language is deliberately reformed to re-align with Idunian linguistic roots as it draws upon its roots from recovered inscriptions, fragments and dialects. Few of the Idunian and Adunian speak the tongue outside of dedicated linguistic scholars, having been reserved almost entirely to them and the Royal House of Arthalionath and sparsely travelled beyond those groups. 

† Low Idunic (formerly Low Adunic), a more common variant of the Adunic tongue and spoken by many houses in the Idunian lands. The tongue is not as elegant, but more usable and flexible in comparison to the higher and more revered variant. Some houses, like the Glennmaer, are known for their usage of this tongue and have long put it to work. 

Spoiler

 

 

Idunians are, usually, devout believers in the True Faith but with a strong foundation of ancestral reverence. The halls of ancestry, the reverence put upon Owyn and their patron, Malchediael, it all combines into a great mixture of what makes an Adunian, Idunian. 

Therefore, though in the past there have been few traditions, the Idunian people have taken to develop many of their own and with the time of settling upon the autumn island, they have naturally come to be on their own with traits drawn from both Numenedain and ancient Adunian.

Idunian Knighthood and Thalion Ritual
“Hark, the past is a realm afar; its denizens abide by laws unknown to us.” - Ser Amadeus

The Knighthood of Idunia is finalized with a specific ritual which is performed after one has been deemed fit through the trials set forth. At its conclusion, the aspirant (the squire), will stand before the fire-well of Malchediael and prepare to commence the ritual.

The aspirant will bring forth a token of sacrifice, something dear to them which will bring forth the new dawn and settle the age as something of great importance as it takes a cost.

Thereafter, the aspirant will kneel and recite the oath and affirm their vows to both the King and Realm as a whole as a Ring of the Order will be heated by the divine flames.

Upon the conclusion of the reciting, by binding their soul to their word and the Lord GOD, Aeradar, the gleaming hot ring will then be placed upon the index finger of the aspirant and allowing it to sear itself onto their being as it becomes a permanent symbol of their dedication.

Lastly, the aspirant--now Knight-- will rise to their feet and, assuming their recovery, will stand as a Knight of the Realm.

 

For the Knights which exceed their efforts in specific fields, there is an additional path which one may undergo should they be deemed fit.

The Scholarly Oath, Calad
“Byrlady!”  - Camulos Goldaer Brúnor, Poet of The White Court of Númendil

Though great reverence is put upon the Knight, the Scholar is unique in its own way; the ability to spread stories, joy, and knowledge.

 

The Scholarly Oath, or more commonly known as the ‘Oath of Calad’, is a vow which is taken by Idunians who choose the path of wisdom, lorekeeping and upholding the station of spiritual insight over the sword or plough. By swearing, it marks the initiation of one’s future by binding the voice, hand and mind to Aeradar’s path and committing oneself to the pursuit of truth above all else.

 

The Scholar must stand before the White Tree, Caladhril, where they shall recite the Oath before a gathering, and a Royal of Idunia to ensure it has been performed. Additionally, the oath-stone which shall serve as its reminder will receive a sacrifice to the new path of the Scholar, often having a weapon or tool left alongside it.
 

“By the Light of Aeradar, the Creator, I shall dedicate myself to uncovering the ancient truths as sacred breath, I shall raise my voice for nothing but the truth, and I shall not dwell in the presence of ignorance.”   “I bind myself to wisdom, by Jophiael’s guidance, I kneel. My blade shall be reserved in place for the pen, and a lie shall no longer be spoken.”   “For this I swear, in the presence of the forefathers of this Realm, under Aeradar’s ever-seeing gaze, and before Malchediael and Jophiael’s enduring flame. Aeradar, heed my words, and remember my vow.”

 

Thereafter, the Scholar shall carve their truth into the oath-stone, and see it placed within the sacred lands of Idunia. 

 

A scholar which has taken upon this Oath is expected to reserve their weaponry for only when called upon or required, and favor their voice and pen in its place. The Scholar, too, is expected to receive a ceremonial dagger after its complexion which they shall use in future rites and inscriptions and act as a piece of their efforts, similarly to a Knight’s blade.

 

Unique to the Scholar, they are allowed to wear reserved pieces of clothing within Idunia. The Circlet, specifically the Calad Circlet, is a uniquely colored and shaped piece of headwear which has been dipped within a pool of aurum. This piece of headwear is allowed to be worn by one who has completed the oath, to act as a statement piece for the Scholar.

 

Coupled with the circlet, a chain of silver links shall be worn to represent the knowledge passed from teachers or mastered text, where in the instance they are caught lying, a link shall be removed and submitted to penance. Each link shall be engraved by the ceremonial dagger with the name or sigil of the mentor, predecessor, or key texts.

 

Though, one does not simply take the oath as they must’ve proven themselves to be capable of the path ahead first. Upon approaching a Royal who can host it, the aspirant will be given a quest to prove themselves, and upon its completion, be offered the opportunity.

The Silvering
“Steel guards the young; silver guards the people.”  - An elder Numenedain

Once an Idunian reaches the age of fifty, it is likely that their hair has turned, or is turning to silver. Such a symbol of proud heritage is honored with a sacred rite by the Dolmens.

 

Before dawn, participants assemble by the sacred oath stones to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Tar. Carrying no weapon on them, they shall be granted a dagger blessed by a priest to serve as both a symbol of their devotion and a tool to carve their name and the date of their oath into the dolmen, marking their place among honored elders.

Harvest and Renewal Festival
“Though the spring flower withers and the fruit of the tree falls to the ground, My Word lasts into the eve of the world, and the fruit of virtue cannot rot.” - † 7:2, Canticle of Humility, Scroll of Virtue 

At the backbone of Idunian culture stands the importance of  amity. By the time of each first harvest of the saint’s year, Idunian houses gather by a dolmen to give offerings from their harvests to Aeradar. For each offering the Idunian is granted a sip from a goblet that has been sanctified by a clergyman or cleric.

The Golden Cup, representing a goblet similar to the Holy Grail †, is meant to symbolize renewal for the drinker, granting them renewed spirits for the seasons ahead. Once the offerings and prayers have been brought to completion, the festivities end with a grand feast where each present house has brought forth a dish to share with one another.

Wardgroves

The Wardgrove is one of the most sacred and enduring institutions of Adunian culture, as a covenant born from even before the Age of Renewal. Every province and noble estate within the High Kingdom maintains such a grove, as a consecrated woodland tended to and guarded as both a sanctuary and shrine for Aeradar and to ensure they remain grounded within His creation.

 

To the Idunians, the Wardgrove is the living covenant between man, creation and Creator. It stands as a reminder to the Adunian people to protect the land they once scarred with their progenitor’s defilement. Through stewardship, that promise of redemption is fulfilled and renewed. 

 

The first Wardgrove trace their roots back to the reign of Tar-Númenatâr , who, in his establishment of Númendil's way, decreed that the Kingswood, or Godswood, shall be this grand sanctuary. These sanctuaries were meant to serve as a testimony of existence in harmony. When Tar-Zorzagar established the High Kingdom of Idunia, he reaffirmed this practice and expanded upon its purpose within the realm.

The Oath of Tar-Númenatâr 
“So long as the grove endures, the covenant between Creator, creation, and steward shall not be broken.”

Having been one of the greatest foundational traditions of Númendil, the Oath of the creator of the  first Adunic Kingdom naturally was pulled into Idunia. This, still, remains the staple oath one must swear to receive their High-Idunic name, taking place beneath the White Tree in the Royal Capital of Alduun where the recipient kneels before a member of the royal family as the ceremony takes place and concludes with the granting of the epithet.

The Path of Owyn
“In the face of all; only the Path grants absolution.”

The Adunian people, long, have been Owynist foundationally and because of this, the Path of Owyn has been a requirement for some positions (mostly Knighthood or related). Penned by the Lectorate, the Path was mainly proposed and handled by Tar-Carandir, who heavily aligned the Adunians with the Owynist roots once more and pushed forth the faith. Many others followed in the steps of his guidance, and soon after, many figureheads of the nation embarked on the same path, with some of them being: Ser Viago Vourkehardt, Ser Amdirveren Amadeus, Safiyaa Vourkehardt, Therin of Petra, and many more.

 

The Path of Owyn takes place over Seven Saint’s days, each day will have a new task set to it, with each task representing steps of Owyn’s life and mirroring the tasks given to him by the Lord GOD.

 

The First Day: The aspirant shall meet with a priest of Idunia, there the Path will be explained to them and a blessing will be bestowed upon them. From there they embark upon a pilgrimage to several churches, all the churches in Idunia and any others in outlying lands be they under Empire or otherwise, but no less than seven churches should be visited, one for each year of Owyn’s service to Harren.

 

The Second Day: The aspirant shall stand beside the flame of a great pyre, stoking it for one Saint’s hour. In recent tradition the intense flames of a Flamewell, created by the powers of the chosen of Saint Micheal, have been chosen for the aspirant to tend to. This is to reflect the labors of Owyn across the seven years of service, and his discomfort at serving the man who slew his father.

 

The Third Day: The aspirant shall seek out a priest again, with whom they will speak at length about the life of Owyn. The aspirant should be studied for this, as they will be expected to be knowledgeable about many aspects about Owyn’s life including the admonishments he delivered in the Scroll of Spirit, his service to Harren, his sin, his establishment of the church, and any other relevant information.

 

The Fourth Day: The aspirant shall give an Owynist confession before a priest. They are to be judged in public, proclaiming their sins not only to GOD, but to their peers. This is to show their imperfections, that they may be born again before GOD. This mimics Owyn’s realization that he slew Harren his kin, and how he sought forgiveness with GOD.

 

The Fifth Day: The aspirant shall then embark on the quest of penance given to them on the fourth day. Each task will be different, as each sin is different and born uniquely from the wickedness of every heart. The aspirant is expected to learn their own weaknesses on this penance, and meet the tasks given to them with strength. This is to reflect the penance of Owyn given to him by GOD after he slew his uncle Harren.

 

The Sixth Day: The aspirant shall find a priest once more, and confess to the priest privately the weaknesses they found within themselves upon their journey. This is to reflect Owyn’s own confrontation with his weaknesses upon the completion of his penance. After the confession, the aspirant is to go into solitude until the seventh day and final ritual.

 

The Seventh Day: Upon the final day the aspirant shall emerge from their solitude. From there they will make their way to a Temple, once inside they will crawl upon their hands and knees down the aisle until they face a pyre. There they will be baptized by a priest with an oil made from the rinds of a lemon and given the chance to take a new name. This is the final step, and upon its completion the Path of Owyn is complete. Just as Owyn was taken into the arms of the Lord GOD, so too shall the aspirant be redeemed and born again.

Oath Stones & Dolmens
“Memory made manifest, and to endure beyond even our lives.”

“The Sarndaer, the Adunian Stelae of the Echedain Period are infamous throughout the North, and after the fall of the Hegemony, were either ritually buried or destroyed, or left to be overgrown. Many Highlander cultures have superstitions and mythologies about these stones, most of them referring to them as cursed places, or the haunts of witches and spirits.”

 

The stones of the land are held to a great regard as they are raised by the most notable of Idunians, despite their appearance and seemingly abandoned look, they are frequently tended to and kept standing. 

 

Each oath stone stone, or congregation of them; Dolmens, has been carefully laid within the land by one who has completed one of their sacred duties, be it to have taken the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr and to carve one's name into stonework to ensure it endures for all time, or the rise to Knighthood with a circle of stones raised in a small area of great honor. There are many reasons for why an oath or purpose has been injected into the boulder, and all are different.

Due to the differences applied, there is no one way to correctly identify all of them, one must traverse the lands and keep a keen eye for carvings of scripture, signs, and insignia carved upon its surface. Though, usually, there are sometimes items offered over in sacrifice to ensure the oath remains stalwart in Aeradar’s eyes and may have some items littering its station.

Idunian core values naturally fall toward honor, truth, loyalty, mercy and wisdom. Charity is a factor which is often brought to light, and is even naturally included in the Idunian Knights code written by Tar-Númenatâr from his time as a hedgeknight; to serve the people, aiding in rebuilding villages, healing the sick, and protecting travelers.

 

The Idunian people are captivated by myth and adventure, looking for avenues to learn more of the world, take on challenges, and see them till the end.  

 

Festivals are often tied to seasonal cycles, like the Harvest Festival, where the people will join in a 

harvest rite.

 

Clogs are established as part of the Idunian flock in recent times, and in the Royal Palace of Minas Arador, the feast hall is sometimes described as emanating the sound of clogs tapping and clicking as a sign of celebration. It is a common quality to those who take part in this tradition to test the click of another’s clogs, and to partake in the dance of one’s step.

 

Jaw Harps is specifically highlighted due to its rarity, yet a key part of the musical aesthetic. It is rarely seen, yet it is an important part of the history of the Idunian as were at times seen playing this small but cheerful instrument in times when stationed elsewhere, or during times of war.

 

The Circlet refers to the Calad Circlet, it is reserved as a statement piece worn by those who have taken the pledge of the Scholarly Oath, or share the blood of Arthalion. There is a notable difference in the sight of this circlet, where the Scholars are restricted to a singular shade of theirs, whilst the Royal Arthalion one can engage in all.

 

Ducal Rings which are forged of steel and feature the four pointed star of Malchediael are offered to those of ducal blood, for example the Vourkehardts. 

 

The Silvering is the biological trait of Adunians, which also acts as a cultural rite on its own. When an Idunian reaches the age deemed for their blood, their hair will become silver. This is honored as a symbol of heritage and encouraged to be celebrated by family.

 

The Radiant Star is a four pointed star of Malchediael which is emblazoned on every Idunian banner as attestation to the realm’s devotion. Furthermore, it is often found in branding rituals for knights, where the star is seared onto the aspirant. 

 

The Greencloak is an exclusive item for the Rangers. Hailing from Adunian make, this cloak allows the individuals to blend in with their surroundings, and become nearly invisible in grass or trees.

†  Tar- / Ar- (High Idunic) = The royal prefix, meaning ‘King’ or ‘Monarch’. Traditionally added to the Flexio or Adunic name of the monarch, but never Common. Specifically denoting the regnant monarch, male or female, but never taken by a consort.

† Tári- (High Idunic) = The royal prefix referring specifically to queen consort and never queen regnant.

† Hîr (High Idunic) = The Adunic word for Lord, pertaining only to Lords of the Adunians, not used when referring to foreign rulers. The feminine form is Hîril.

† Aran-în-Eryn (High Idunic) = ‘The King’s Forest’. Used in reference to the protected forests which are the direct property of the royal house, wherein hunting and logging both are limited.

†  Alduun (Ancient, lost) = The name ‘Alduun’ originates from the times of yore, far into the days of Harren’s reign and the times of the Four brothers. Though, despite the lack of scripture upon the language and its meanings from that time, the name has always been carried through to the current age, alongside ‘Idunia’.

† Arglîmir  = The island of which the High Kingdom resides, and its capital, Alduun.

† Aurë Entuluva! (High Idunic) = ‘Day shall come again!’ informal battlecry of the Adunians during the fall of Almaris, remains popular to this day. Sometimes answered by “Utúlie'n aurë!” meaning ‘the day has come!’

† Caladhril (High Idunic) = ‘Radiant Tree’ the name of the White Tree of Númenost, the first of its kind since the fall of Fai’O Thauid. An ancient symbol among the Adunians, the White Tree once represented the Kingship of the Elendils, but with Caladhril’s seed having been found by Tar-Númenatâr at the summit of Mount Alkayaban, such was interpreted as a sign of divine favor, and thus has come to represent the divine right of the King of the Númenedain and now theRulership of Idunia.

† Carnowindil (High Idunic) = ‘Red Pale-Tree’ the name of the Heart Tree of Númenost, and regarded as a sibling to Caladhril. Heart Trees are alleged to be inhabited by aggressive and territorial land-spirits which are said to ward off mischievous fey and unwelcomed Druids, so long as proper respect is owed, for this reason, they are often kept in the center of a Godswood. Carnowindil is the child of the unnamed Heart-Tree kept in Barrowton by Tar-Númenatâr (then Tar-Uriel) prior to the fall of Almaris.

† Caledfwlch (Low Adunic) = ‘Hard-Cleaver’. A Carbarum broadsword wielded by Tar-Númenatâr after the slaying of a Cold Drake, has since become the ancestral weapon of House Arthalionath, and associated with the Kingship of that house.

† Trugaredd (Low Adunic) = ‘Mercy’ A famous battleaxe which is the ancestral weapon of House Glennmaer.

† Men of Darkness (Common) = A name used in reference to any and all humans who practice or accept the practice of Dark Magics, also used to refer to human Xionists, followers of Azdromoth, and occasionally non-canonists.

 

Spoiler

Credits
TomFunks for writing & review
Tainga for writing & review
Jqsmlne for writing
Sujilicious for Templarism insight
Nooblius for the Church & Some Numenedain / Templar
SimplySeo & Astria, and the rest of their group for the Numenedain culture, spearheading the Adunian playerbase and much of the reference material.
Hanrahan for old-head Adunian folklore

 

[Random 1690]

“Hrm.” Adunakhôr scratched his chin. For some reason every second image was broken!

[jihsoo 746]

27 minutes ago, Lenny said:

† Low Idunic (formerly Low Adunic), a more common variant of the Adunic tongue and spoken by many houses in the Idunian lands. The tongue is not as elegant, but more usable and flexible in comparison to the higher and more revered variant. Some houses, like the Glennmaer, are known for their usage of this tongue and have long put it to work. 

 

 

Lady Safiyaa Vourkehardt Glennmaer reads the excerpt with much a hum, and a jovial smile of approval as her husband's House is once more mentioned upon the historic records on Idunian Culture.

 

Meanwhile, 

 

27 minutes ago, Lenny said:

The Circlet refers to the Calad Circlet, it is reserved as a statement piece worn by those who have taken the pledge of the Scholarly Oath, or share the blood of Arthalion. There is a notable difference in the sight of this circlet, where the Scholars are restricted to a singular shade of theirs, whilst the Royal Arthalion one can engage in all.

 

 

The recently oathed, Medliel-Isilmë Mithrenion questions why she had taken off her circlet in her youth, eyeing her twin brother's colourful floral circlet once more.

"How're you able to wear that again?"

[Cally 1080]

Maerîl O'Rourke wonders why the great house of Rourke and Marsyr, major building blocks for current Idunian culture have been an afterthought once more.

[SimplySeo 6999]

*Númenatâr, pls fix.

'Culture writing' is still to this day an activation phrase that ignites my fight or flight response. The Numenedain were my (in some cases hamfisted) attempt at writing an expansive one. I cannot tell you how many times I completely burnt myself out trying to do so. A near-constant anxiety of mine is that it would end up being overlooked if/when I left LOTC and discarded in favor of something unrelated.

I cannot tell you how elated it makes me to see the foundation I laid being used for something much more fleshed out and 'alive' feeling. Cultures are never meant to be stagnant, and to see things expanded upon makes the narrative feel a lot more, for lack of a better term, alive. It still hits the same narrative/themes, as far as I can tell, and for that I am happy.

Thank u guys for keeping the dream alive. I look forward to participating next time I come poking my head in.

Much love <3 Lothron I arat car Arthalionath vedui uir.

[TomFunks 756]

Pharazôn was proud to be wearing his Princely clogs, a staple of Idunian fashion.

[Cupper 61]

 

Vârdamir Auranion Harren Arthalion gently played his Adunian jawharp with a peaceful hum next to the White Tree, Caladhril. His authentic royal house Arthalionath clogs would proudly be heard clicking and clacking among the floor, as he taps his foot to the beat of the jawharp's art upon the ears.

[AstriaS 4988]

Camulos mentioned. Goated post.