AstriaS

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, a certified Sigrun 'Undeadslayer' Stonehammer fan, felt great hope for future generations.

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE — An Open Letter to the Lord Sarkozic — Issued the 2nd of the Deep Cold, in the Year 164 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE I offer you fair greetings this day, and congratulations as well, for your recent promotion. It is without flattery that I say there are none whom I believe better suited to the role, especially in times such as these. We in the Númenaranyë are gladdened likewise to hear of your commitment to the path of peace. In this, our hearts are aligned. However, it is in fear for the hearts of others that I write this letter. For every man who seeks peace, there is another who seeks continued war – men seeking glory, profit and bloodshed for its own sake. And beyond even that alone, there are many who, justifiably, doubt your intentions. For my part, while I doubt not you, I cannot in good conscience look upon your countrymen in full confidence. Their commitment to lasting peace remains to be seen. The doom of men is guile and ambition, and what we shall see in the coming days shall be naught less than a grand display of exactly that. The most serpentine amongst us will scheme and conspire, and twist the pursuit of peace to their own ends. This is not something which we can avoid, or prevent, or expunge; it is simply a fact of the matter. At most, we can meet it as honestly and directly as we might. I encourage this of you, just as I encourage it of my own people, and of my allies. Therefore let it thus be known, by my station as Queen of the Númenedain, I do decree the following: FIRSTLY, The Kingdom of Númendil shall hereafter commit to the pursuit of lasting peace. No Adunian shall take part in further incursions, with the exception of necessary offensives. Should peace fail before the time of the next march, we shall take the field once more. SECONDLY, we encourage both the people of the Midlands, as well as our own allies to heed well the wisdom of the church in these matters of peace, for we must not forget the place of the Lord in our affairs. Forget not the tale of Harren, who grew comfortable in the darkness of war; whose avarice and thirst for glory and revenge damned him as quickly as it made him King. — UTÚLIE’N AURË — SIGNED, 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

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë invented a secret handshake for the sake of encouraging further conspiracy theories.

I can't tell if this is pro-Númendil or anti-Númendil, however I choose, in the spirit of friendship and goodwill, to assume that it is pro-Númendil. I appreciate your appreciation of our work.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë rolled out her maps across the great table in her solar to plan for the new offensive. "Time to finish my father's work."

An addendum was quickly published! ADDENDUM It is also the tenth birthday of Princess Eriantiel of Númenost, and she would appreciate gifts.

THE BARROWLANDER’S FEAST Issued the 10th of the Grand Harvest, in the Year 162 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE It was one Saint’s Year ago, in the year 110 of this Second Age of the World, that the first foundations of our fair Kingdom were laid. In the shadow-stained, dreary plains which came to be known as the Barrow Marches, the Pendraic Expedition, led by our once King, Númenatâr Foronathor – known then simply as Ser Uther Pendraic – set down the first holdings of a realm that would come to be a Kingdom in its own right in just a few short years’ time. It was in the Barrowlands that our people, Adunian and otherwise, were remade, reforged in the flames of war against the Mori legions and the restless dead alike. And when at last that bastion was abandoned to the torch, from its ashes rose a new people; a new identity; a new Kingdom; Númendil. Now, half a century later, we yet stand as a stronghold of the Light in an ever-dimming world. Though the evils of the world have darkened our doorstep since first we set foot in these lands, from the minions of the Archdevil, to the Horror-Wraith Delgorthad, to even the conflicts of the recent years, Númendil has endured and remains resolute and unbroken – and GOD willing, we shall endure through many more. With those sentiments in mind, now therefore the following is decreed by the Will of Her Royal Majesty Tar-Caraneth Aryantë; I. In celebration of our Kingdom’s past, present, and future victories, and to honor our nation’s founders and those others who paved our way, the Barrowlander’s Feast shall be established as a national festival, to be held on a semicentennial basis. II. The first Barrowlander’s Feast shall be held in the Great Hall of Minas Aranath in the coming Saint’s Day. Personal invitations are directed to: The Royal House Arthalionath of Númendil His Highness, Leon of the House Barclay of Minitz and his House and citizenry His Excellency, Shugo Kato Oijin of Sakuragakure and his citizenry Formal invitations are directed to: All current allies of the Kingdom of Númendil OOC: Sunday January 7, @ 6:00 PM EST Minas Aranath, Númendil 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

Upon hearing the news, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë clipped an article on the topic from her favored broadsheet. Thereafter, she placed the clipping into a box, and then had it wrapped and delivered to her father as a holiday gift. @SimplySeo

YOUR LIFE BELONGS TO GOD YOUR BLADE BELONGS TO THE QUEEN —♪♪♪— ATTEND WELL, MEN OF NÚMENOST HEREAFTER SCRIBED ARE THE WORDS OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN — Know well, o’ pious souls, that we are engaged in cruelest war against the greatest of darkness – the very hands of the Archdevil Iblees – but despair not for there is no defeat for the holiest warriors of the Lord GOD Almighty. The enemy may place you in chains, spill your blood, even feed you to the very Demons of Hell with whom they feast at eve. But never shall they take from you the love of our most beneficent Creator, for he watches us ever and always from His throne in the very pinnacle of Heaven. Though your body may break and your life’s blood stain the ground, know that you make the holiest of sacrifices and we shall forever revere you. To our enemies, know that we shall take no prisoners, nor shall we pay any ransom. Any Númenedan who has chosen life over honor has forsaken his oaths and his liege. — DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR THE LORD RESERVES THE HIGHEST ESTEEM FOR THOSE WHO DIE IN HIS NAME — MAY THE HOUSE ARTHALIONATH ENDURE TEN-THOUSAND YEARS – The Kingdom of Númendil extends its thanks to Shugo Kato of Sakuragakure for lending us his propagandists. – @Reckless Banzai Screamer

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FATHER TONITO Issued the 3rd of the Deep Cold, in the Year 157 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE As all ought by now be aware, it is with great sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Cardinal Antonius, known better to us in Númendil as Father Tonito. Slain in battle at the Siege of Breakwater, the good Father was, for many decades, a guiding light for our Kingdom, and no small few among our people were bettered, spiritually and otherwise, for his friendship and wise counsel. All shall mourn his loss, but let us not forget his resolve and his spirit, for even as age took from him vitality and strength, he followed with us nonetheless in the name of his beliefs. Though already his mortal form has been committed to the pyre in the Owynist tradition, we nonetheless shall gather to honor our lost friend and to bid our farewells. This memorial service shall be hosted in the Bastion Temple of Saint King Caius, and open to all who wish to attend. Once the service has concluded, preparations shall be made to transfer his remains to Hyspia, per his own request. Mourn for our departed comrade, weep if you are so compelled, but surrender not to despair. Forevermore shall Father Tonito be with us, not in body but in spirit, for he watches us now and ever after from the Seven Skies. In Loving Memory Paco Antonius “Tonito” Temesch de las Palmas 1862 – 1953 “May the Creator protect us, and in turn we protect others. Let Him be our shield so that we may be His hammer, ridding this world of darkness. He who stands with me shall be my brother. Amen.” OOC: Wednesday December 6, @ 7:00 PM EST Bastion Temple of Saint King Caius, Númendil 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

The Queen of the Númenedain, armor muddied and blackened with soot, held aloft Caledfwlch, its adamant blade wreathed in a torrent of holy flame. Standing before the gathered Knights of the Tower, Templar and otherwise, she gave out a bellowing call, "Utúlie'n Aurë! Day has come!"

"I don't employ any wizards... That's at least fifty-percent illegal." Remarked Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. "Ah well."

The Númenedain Queen, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë had been so consumed by the fever of battle, blade aflame with holy light, that she hadn't even noticed that she had lost track of her dear friend and spiritual guide... All too late it was by the time she heard of his fate. That night, she wept.

IN THE CAUSE OF LIGHT Issued the 13th of The First Seed, in the Year 157 of the Second Age “For this I swear, ever shall I be a foe of His foes, be they Dragonspawn or Betrayer’s Brood, or things beyond the circles of this world. I shall broker no pact with them, and I shall accept no peace save their utter defeat. May Darkness consume my House should I falter in this oath.” — THE OATH OF TAR-NÚMENATÂR, VERSE III — It is with much concern that we have observed in recent months the continuing escalation of hostilities in the upper midlands and beyond. For years, the Númenedain have pursued the course of peace and neutrality, much to the displeasure of those middlemen who would selfishly see the Adunians spill their life’s blood as pawns in wars not of their making. This has long been standing policy, even in the years of the Barrowlands and Tar-Númenatâr’s reign. Yet as the course of fate has spun along, our position has become ever strained. With ever greater frequency, the men of Veletz pursue a course of action and, in so doing, compel us to act upon our oaths, ranging from threats against our people to outright collusion with the powers of ruin, and now, for a final slight, they join undead in the raising of an Owynist church. This cannot go unanswered. Thus, by my station as Queen of the Númenedain, I do decree the following: WHEREAS, the League of Veletz has knowingly and willfully harbored and colluded with the agents of the Archdrakaar, Azdromoth; WHEREAS, the League of Veletz and their allies have knowingly and willfully hired a band of undead to serve as mercenaries against their enemies; WHEREAS, the soldiers of Veletz have desecrated and razed to its foundations a House of GOD within the Petran capital, which as well housed an Owynist pyre; NOW THEREFORE, in the name of GOD Almighty, Exalted Owyn and the Archangel Michael, and with the support of the Knights and Subjects of the White Throne of the Númenaranyë, the Kingdom of Númendil shall align itself with the Covenant cause. Effective immediately upon the promulgation of this document, the Númenedain shall enter a state of war against the League of Veletz. Until such time as this slight against GOD is avenged, there shall be no peace. — UTÚLIE'N AURË — BY ORDER OF, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, 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

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë frantically showed the invitation to her husband. "We have to go. I can't miss the gnome party." She stated, already beginning to prepare an outfit for the occasion. @HugoAntero

IX On this day of THE 18TH OF THE FIRST SEED, IN THE YEAR 155 OF THE SECOND AGE, Rupurt of Nurthrazhaim swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. He was given the name Calador.

Deed of Enfeoffment for The Lordship of Caladras Issued the 10th of The Amber Cold, in the Year 154 of the Second Age This Royal Deed of Enfeoffment is entered into on this day, the 10th of The Amber Cold, in the year 154 of the Second Age, between the reigning Monarch of Númendil, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantor," and the House Seregon, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee." WHEREAS, the Grantor holds rightful dominion over the land and territories of the Númenaranyë, and desires to establish a new vassal holding within said territory; WHEREAS, the Grantee has demonstrated loyalty deserving of recognition and reward, having served the Royal House Arthalion with honor since the fledgling days of the Barrow Marches; WHEREAS, both parties acknowledge and accept the principles and obligations of feudalism, including the duties and responsibilities inherent in vassalage; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Grantor enfeoffs the Grantee with the following rights, privileges, and duties: ARTICLE I. Grant of Land and Title The Grantor hereby grants to the Grantee the Lordship of Caladras, encompassing the north and west bound of Aran-în-Eryn. The Grantee shall rule said holding in the name of the Grantor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Deed. ARTICLE II. Rights and Privileges I. The Grantee shall have the right to govern the inhabitants of the fiefdom in the name of the Grantor, including the power to enforce royal laws and decrees within the fiefdom’s boundaries, the power to appoint a sheriff for enforcement of the law, and the power to enforce local ordinances, so long as they not be contrary to royal law or edict. II. The Grantee shall be entitled to the rents of any tenants dwelling within the bounds of their holdings. III. The Grantee shall have the right to arbitrate local disputes within the fiefdom that do not necessarily violate the law. IV. The Grantee shall have the right to evict unruly tenants at will without requiring authorization. ARTICLE III. Duties and Obligations I. The Grantee shall render homage and fealty to the Grantor, pledging loyalty, obedience, and military support in times of war or conflict. II. The Grantee shall pay the prescribed feudal dues and obligations to the Grantor, providing One Baich on a yearly basis. III. The Grantee shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the fiefdom, ensuring its prosperity, productivity, and the welfare of its inhabitants. IV. The Grantee shall attend the Grantor's court, council meetings, and other important gatherings, unless reasonably excused or otherwise instructed. ARTICLE IV. Inheritance and Succession I. The fiefdom and its associated rights shall pass to the lawful heirs of the Grantee, subject to the approval of the Grantor. II. In the event of the Grantee's demise, the appointed heir shall assume the rights, privileges, and duties associated with the fiefdom, upon the Grantor's approval. III. Should no successor be appointed by the Grantee, the Grantor reserves the right to appoint one themselves, or fully reabsorb the fiefdom and associated titles back into the personal holdings of the royal house. ARTICLE V. Reservation of Royal Rights I. The Grantor reserves the right to intervene in disputes within the fiefdom if necessary, intervene in matters of grave importance, and modify or revoke this Deed upon just cause. II. The Grantor may require the Grantee's military service outside the fiefdom in cases of national defense or emergencies. III. The Grantor retains ultimate sovereignty over the fiefdom and may demand the return of the fiefdom or alter its boundaries at their discretion. ARTICLE VI. Term and Termination This Deed shall remain in effect for an indefinite period unless terminated by mutual agreement, breach of obligations, or other lawful reasons. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Royal Deed of Enfeoffment as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, 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 Lord Elerríon of House Seregon, Lord of Caladras, Seneschal and Steward to the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Huntmaster to the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Captain for the Royal Guard of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Aengul Malchediael, and Knight of the Realm Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

Deed of Enfeoffment for the Lordship of Formindon Issued the 10th of The Amber Cold, in the Year 154 of the Second Age This Royal Deed of Enfeoffment is entered into on this day, the 10th of The Amber Cold, in the year 154 of the Second Age, between the reigning Monarch of Númendil, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantor," and Ser Galadain of the House Glennmaer, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee." WHEREAS, the Grantor holds rightful dominion over the land and territories of the Númenaranyë, and desires to establish a new vassal holding within said territory; WHEREAS, the Grantee has demonstrated loyalty deserving of recognition and reward, having served many years as the Commander of the Guard of Númendil and the Barrowton Levy before that, and his house being among the eldest in our Kingdom; WHEREAS, both parties acknowledge and accept the principles and obligations of feudalism, including the duties and responsibilities inherent in vassalage; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Grantor enfeoffs the Grantee with the following rights, privileges, and duties: ARTICLE I. Grant of Land and Title The Grantor hereby grants to the Grantee the Lordship of Formindon, consisting of the lands, buildings, and resources within the boundaries of the northwestern crownlands. The Grantee shall rule said holding in the name of the Grantor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Deed. ARTICLE II. Rights and Privileges I. The Grantee shall have the right to govern the inhabitants of the fiefdom in the name of the Grantor, including the power to enforce royal laws and decrees within the fiefdom’s boundaries, the power to appoint a sheriff for enforcement of the law, and the power to enforce local ordinances, so long as they not be contrary to royal law or edict. II. The Grantee shall be entitled to the rents of any tenants dwelling within the bounds of their holdings. III. The Grantee shall have the right to arbitrate local disputes within the fiefdom that do not necessarily violate the law. IV. The Grantee shall have the right to evict unruly tenants at will without requiring authorization. ARTICLE III. Duties and Obligations I. The Grantee shall render homage and fealty to the Grantor, pledging loyalty, obedience, and military support in times of war or conflict. II. The Grantee shall pay the prescribed feudal dues and obligations to the Grantor, providing One Baich on a yearly basis. III. The Grantee shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the fiefdom, ensuring its prosperity, productivity, and the welfare of its inhabitants. IV. The Grantee shall attend the Grantor's court, council meetings, and other important gatherings, unless reasonably excused or otherwise instructed. ARTICLE IV. Inheritance and Succession I. The fiefdom and its associated rights shall pass to the lawful heirs of the Grantee, subject to the approval of the Grantor. II. In the event of the Grantee's demise, the appointed heir shall assume the rights, privileges, and duties associated with the fiefdom, upon the Grantor's approval. III. Should no successor be appointed by the Grantee, the Grantor reserves the right to appoint one themselves, or fully reabsorb the fiefdom and associated titles back into the personal holdings of the royal house. ARTICLE V. Reservation of Royal Rights I. The Grantor reserves the right to intervene in disputes within the fiefdom if necessary, intervene in matters of grave importance, and modify or revoke this Deed upon just cause. II. The Grantor may require the Grantee's military service outside the fiefdom in cases of national defense or emergencies. III. The Grantor retains ultimate sovereignty over the fiefdom and may demand the return of the fiefdom or alter its boundaries at their discretion. ARTICLE VI. Term and Termination This Deed shall remain in effect for an indefinite period unless terminated by mutual agreement, breach of obligations, or other lawful reasons. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Royal Deed of Enfeoffment as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, 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 Ser Galadain of House Glennmaer, Lord of Formindon, Captain of the Númendil Guard, Master-at-arms, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

The Adunian Queen, having gotten a few ideas of her own from this, gave a thoughtful hum as she regarded Fëanor's note. A return letter was duly sent in short order: "While Templar are excluded from the Crown's decrees pertaining to magicians and sorcerers – because we use swords and all, you see – we will nonetheless ensure that this epithet is recorded for future reference. We thank you for your cooperation, unnecessary though it was."

REGARDING THE WIZARD HATS Issued the 13th of Malin’s Welcome, in the Year 153 BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE It has been impressed upon the Crown the folly undertaken in our decree pertaining to wizards and their hats. We acknowledge now that it was a decision made without properly considering the humanitarian cost of such a policy. For this we can express only remorse, and thus we shall commit to remedying this mistake. Pursuant to this goal, the following is hereby decreed: I The law requiring wizards and other magical individuals to wear a conical hat shall, hereafter, be repealed and declared null and void. II The Crown will make a donation to a charity of the Wizard Haus’ choosing to support unjustly persecuted magical folk. III Wizards, of all varieties mentioned in the original law, must instead choose an epithet which shall be appended to their name in all formal address. Ideally, this epithet will be a color or an adjective, such as ‘the White’ or ‘the Grey’ or ‘the Wise’. 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

VII On this day of THE 13TH OF MALIN'S WELCOME, IN THE YEAR 153 OF THE SECOND AGE, Caedyan O’Rourke swore the Oaths of Chivalry, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. VIII On this day of THE 13TH OF MALIN'S WELCOME, IN THE YEAR 153 OF THE SECOND AGE, Halbard of the House of Hadeth swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. He was given the epithet Edendil.

V On this day of THE 17TH OF THE GRAND HARVEST, IN THE YEAR 152 OF THE SECOND AGE, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and Sir Peter Stroheim swore the Oaths of Matrimony. VI On this day of THE 11TH OF SUN'S SMILE, IN THE YEAR 152 OF THE SECOND AGE, Sir Peter Stroheim swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. He took the epithet Arasuil.

ON THE SUBJECT OF WIZARDS AND HATS Issued the 11th of Sun’s Smile, in the Year 152 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE In recent days, the crown has come to lament the difficulty of identifying wizards and other magi who travel through our realm and linger amongst the masses. Owing to the wizardly tendency to lure pious men and women away from virtuous avenues of thought, this is cause for no small amount of concern. Thus, the crown does declare that, for the purposes of ease of identification, all witches, wizards and otherwise magical individuals must hereafter wear a conical, wide-brimmed hat, as demonstrated in the illustration below. These hats must be worn at all times while in public so that the faithful and devout people of Númendil might easily spot those of a magical persuasion. These hats may be customized to the wearer’s desire, however as a rule they must be pointy. The following practices are subject to the terms of this decree: – Void Magi – Paladins – Druids – Shamans – Cultural and Self-Identifying Wizards 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