AstriaS

This could be you, if not for PvP

Why is the iron axe recipe disabled? I just want to cut wood without having to replace a stone axe every ten minutes or without using diamonds for it. Gooberish choice.

Caraneth still felt that the legality of crossbows needed most urgently to be addressed.

"Ever the talent with words, my father," remarked Caraneth Aryantë, chancing to read over a copy of the missive that had found its way onto her writing desk. "We can but hope that his wisdom is well-received. Mayhap then I can lay my skepticism aside for a time."

In the distant afterlife, Alisa Camian was well-pleased that, unlike at any time during her own long life, a foreigner had taken the time to read her most beloved codex of Norlandic law. However, she also wondered if perhaps times had changed enough since her passing from the mortal world to warrant the issue of a new codex. Alas, she was far too dead to do it herself, and she found this regrettable.

Princess Caraneth, a neutrality enjoyer, begins a betting pool.

Alara Camian, who had picked up a history textbook before, was unable to make it past the first sentence of the missive without doubling over in laughter. "Ancient ally? One would think the dwarves, priding themselves on their centuries-long memories, would at least remember something as recent as the fallout of the Iron Accord – surely they remember the Krag? Avar? Ah, but who cares about the truth when there's war to be had?"

Dated 16th of the First Seed, 135 SA TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE ANDREI BUKOSKI, It has come to the attention of our most esteemed associates that you are a man both in need of work and blessed with great skill. Undoubtedly you have been already flooded by spurious, ostensibly well-meaning letters, however I suspect the senders do not truly wish to see you prosper. Therefore I do humbly invite you to join us in Númendil, where you might live and ply your skills in the peace and beauty of our beloved Númenost the Fair. As it happens, we have many positions to be filled in the Royal Citadel of Minas Aranath, and our Royal Guard is accepting new recruits at all times. Should neither of those strike your fancy, however, there are a good number of odd jobs needing done – to be paid on a by-contract basis – to see to your financial needs until such time as you find yourself settled. We look forward to hearing from you. Signed, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Templar of the Archangel Michael P.S. We will give you a great bounty for aiding the cause against the Undead Menace. P.P.S We also have very nice houses. And we have very large fields, if you just want to farm.

A Wayfarer’s Guide To Númendil — Penned by Caraneth Aryantë Arthalion Contents I. Preface II. Of the Númenedain III. Society & Faith III. The Lands of Númendil IV. Organizations V. For Prospective Residents Preface Greetings, wayfarer. If you have found this tome, then it is presumed that you intend to either visit or simply learn more about our fair Kingdom of Númendil and her people. In either case, it is our wish that you find the pages hereafter enlightening in their content, and that the information held within might guide you well in your travels within our realm. Chapter I. Of the Númenedain In other tales, much is told of the Adunians of Númendil; by what occasion they came to know themselves as the Númenedain, and of their fierce spirits and stout, loyal hearts. This text is to serve not as a history, but as an explanation of a people, and so we shall speak less of their past and more of their character, yet as in all things history still bears some importance. In brief, the Númenedain are those who once inhabited the Barrowlands of Almaris, and who against odds carved out a place for themselves in this world by their valor, strength, and good fortune. Few in number but strong-willed, they are a people that some might struggle to understand at first approach, but in truth will be found by most to be fair in manner and true in heart. To understand a Númenedan, one must first understand their values. Foremostly, they are a militant, pious people. Owing to the prominent role of both knighthood and the church in their lives, they place great stock in the values of chivalry and virtue, and to show dishonor or to act indecently is to place an indelible black mark on one’s record. And being primarily Owynist in faith, many may find them prudish and austere at times, particularly in matters of dress, though disagreements of this sort are often easily settled. For many, however, most off-putting of all, is the oft-found perception that the Númenedain are standoffish or solitary. In truth, the matter is somewhat more complicated, for the history of the Adunians is one of many troubles. Having faced great strife in ages past, and having witnessed many times the faults of the middlemen and the other races, the Númenedain have made a cautious habit of being slow to trust. As such they do not take on friendships lightly, but when they do one may be assured that their loyalty shall be enduring. Chapter II. Society & Faith Government The Númenedain order themselves in the old way, with a monarch to lead and a people to follow. Great stock is placed in the institutions of feudalism, and legislating bodies such as parliaments or senates are held in no small distaste. In Númendil it is the monarch who, in all things, has the final say, whether it be the establishment of new law or a simple criminal trial, and the knights in his service act as arbiters of his will. Many outsiders view this as a backwards, regressive way of governance, but for the Númenedain, it is a matter of tradition and stability. Long-lived as Adunians are among the race of men, no small few of the Númenedain lived through the Strife of the Middlemen in the waning years of Almaris, and have thus been left with disdain for the trappings of the era. In particular, aristocrats and bureaucrats are often looked down upon, with the common perception being that they care more for their own station, their politicking, and the weight of their pockets than they care for true loyalty and service to their Kings. Rather, noble Lords and Ladies of the Númenedain are expected to conduct themselves with honor and upstanding demeanor. Knighthood The most cherished institution, perhaps, among the Númenedain is the honor of knighthood and the chivalric code. Before they had taken the name of Númenedain, and before even the founding of the March of the Barrowlands which would in time grow into their Kingdom of today, there was but a humble band of hedge-knights under the leadership of Ser Uther Pendraic, who in later years would become Tar-Númenatâr. In Númendil, knighthood is not simply a social honor, as is seen in other realms of men, however. Rather it is a profession and a lifelong commitment; an obligation to keep the faith of God Almighty, to uphold the law of the King, and to safeguard the innocent. As such, there is no formal structure to the Númenedain knights, for they are a brotherhood foremost, and it is their tradition that any Knight may raise another to the status of Knight – after, of course, a period of proving in squireship. The Oath To be one of the Númenedain is a matter more than blood and heritage. Rather, it is in its own way a creed. Though most Númenedain are Adunian by blood, there are yet some of the houses of the Middlemen who may be adopted into their way of life. But whether brought into their society by birth or by circumstance, there is a set path by which one becomes accepted as Númenedain. First come the trials. Meant to prove one’s devotion and loyalty to a purpose, they begin simply with the necessity of a profession; an apprenticeship under a smith, enlistment, or even scholarly work. In any case, once a profession is taken up, they must then undergo a proving of mastery to demonstrate that they have the devotion and perseverance to see their tasks to their end. Then, with their proving completed, they may present themselves before a member of the Royal House or the local clergy and ask to take the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr. Often referred to colloquially simply as ‘the Oath’, the ceremony involves reciting the words of the Oath, as once spoken by Tar-Númenatâr himself at Númendil’s founding. Once the oath is spoken, the newly-sworn Númenedan receives a new name in the Adunic tongue of old, and thereafter is known as a true and loyal member of their society. Though swearing the Oath is not required to live in Númendil, it is certainly encouraged. The Oath of Tar-Númenatâr — “Let the deeds I act out now be better than those who came before me. Folk of Harren or Blood of the Middlemen, or the Race of Malin, or any other, I swear this. I reject the designs of the enemy and the doom of men, which is guile and covetousness. Great bounty I have been given here, and it is enough. I shall not fear death, for the love of the Creator is upon me, and the Archangel vests in me the courage to see great deeds through until my part is played. Ever that His eyes might be upon me, I shall endeavor to prove myself worthy of His love, and the station which He has charged me. 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. Creator, remember my vow.” Owynism The majority of Númendil’s populace are devoted to the Owynist Rite, and as such it is a deeply pious place with no small amount of space dedicated to religious iconography and prayers held before the commencement of the greater majority of large gatherings. In accordance with Owynist tradition as well, there is a certain decency and decorum that is expected of citizens and visitors alike. Firstly, one should dress and act with modesty. Those who dress in revealing attire will be asked to cover themselves, and those who refuse may face fines or expulsion. Similarly, public shows of indecent behavior, such as lechery or excessive drunkenness, will almost always result in punishment. Secondly, practitioners of voidal magic or other heretical sorceries are to be aware that such crafts are held in disdain. Though only dark magics are expressly forbidden by law, sorcerers of all sorts should exercise restraint, lest they incur unintended consequences. Thirdly, and very crucially, visitors are warned that the proliferation of heathenry or heretical teachings is strictly forbidden. Chapter III. The Lands of Númendil Hereafter are described the lands of Númendil, from the fair capital Númenost to the Shire of Steadfast and even to natural features such as Alkayaban and the river Foroduin. Included for the reader’s convenience as well are locales of note which may be of relevance to the less-informed traveler. — Númenost the Fair The capital city of the realm, Númenost sits at the Kingdom’s heart, spanning the arch at the foot of Alkayaban. Here, one can find a few notable landmarks, such as the Bastion Temple of Saint King Caius, the Citadel of Minas Aranath, and our beloved tavern, Paddy’s Pyre. Most amenities you may need are found near the city’s north gate, with the national bank, the pub, and the scholarium clustered near one another around the city square, with the bulk of the city’s storefronts located just past them on the central causeway. — The Bastion Temple of Saint King Caius Located just before the entrance of the citadel of Minas Aranath at the southern end of the capital city, the cathedral of Númenost is the center of the city’s worship. Surrounding the temple, one will find the gardens, and the two trees of Númenost, Caladhril and Carnowindil, that dwell therein. — Númenaranyë Meaning ‘Royal Realm of the Númenedain’ in the Adunic tongue, Númenaranyë refers both to the Kingdom at large, and the central lands at its heart. In total, this region, also called the Crownlands in Common, encompasses the capital city of Númenost and the fields to the city’s north, including parts of the Shire of Steadfast. It is in these lands that much of the Kingdom’s affairs are centered. — The Shire of Steadfast A humble hamlet overseen by the Alderman Godric, Steadfast is a farming town situated along the North Road just beyond the gates of Númenost. Here simple folk live simple lives, living at the boundaries of the Crownlands and the forests of the Kingswood, and pay their obligation to the Crown in grain and swords rather than coin. For those seeking a humble, agrarian lifestyle, Steadfast may be just the place to settle down. — Aran-în-Eryn A great forest in the Kingdom’s northern frontiers, Aran-în-Eryn – literally meaning ‘the King’s Wood’ – remains largely untouched by foresters and lumberers, instead serving as the royal hunting grounds, and also as a place where the Kingdom’s natural beauty might be preserved. Visitors to this area are warned against straying too far from well-traveled paths, as there are regular reports of strange happenings within the forest. — Alkayaban Alkayaban, also known as the White Mountain, is the grand mount which towers over Númenost. Atop this mountain was where the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr first was spoken, and where was found the silver tree, Caladhril. Once home to the silver mines of the Sharadûn, it now houses the citadel of Minas Aranath, as well as the under-road to the Elven Lands to Númendil’s south. — Foroduin With its headwaters in the lake below the great arch of Númenost, Foroduin is the Númenedain name of the river which flows northward out of our Kingdom, with its shores gracing the Commonwealth of Petra and the Kingdom of Aaun along its course to the sea. For prospective fishermen and traders alike, the great river provides great opportunity. Chapter IV. Organizations The White Court The advisors and retainers in the direct employ of the Crown, the White Court consists of many positions ranging from entertainers like bards and jesters to more official positions, such as the Royal Castellan and the Court Chaplain. The Knights of Númendil Led by the monarch directly, the Knights of Númendil are not an order in the traditional sense, lacking ranks and hierarchy. Rather, they are a brotherhood of like-minded warriors, bound by common cause in the Kingdom’s defense and the code of Chivalry. The Númendil Guard The Númendil Guard serves a twofold purpose. In addition to being the royal levy, they as well serve as the White City’s peacekeepers, should such a thing become necessary. Those interested in joining may enlist by speaking to their Captain. The National Bank of Númendil More than simply a moneylending body, the National Bank oversees the Kingdom’s stewardry and taxation, tracks its treasury, and ensures the fulfillment of the Kingdom’s trade accords. The Scholarium The home of the Kingdom’s most learned, the Scholarium provides lessons as well as a public library for the enlightenment of all. Those interested in furthering their own scholastic endeavors, or in aiding the Scholarium’s cause may inquire with any associate to learn more. Chapter V. For Prospective Residents For those interested in finding a new life in our fair Kingdom, hereafter is listed a collection of information which one may find useful in their endeavors to come, including matters of currency and tax and the names of prominent individuals within our realm. On Residence Any person seeking to settle down in life requires one thing above all; a roof over their head. Those seeking to become residents of Númenost may inquire with an available steward to acquire keys to one of our fair city’s many residences. Provided one is available, the process is quite simple and the presiding steward will see you through the entire ordeal. For settlements beyond the capital, you will need to inquire with relevant local officials. As a note, do be aware that by taking up residence in one of the Crown’s properties, you will be obligated to pay the affiliated taxes. The Castar and You The primary currency of Númendil – that is, the currency in which one’s obligation to the Crown is paid – is the Castar. To exchange one’s mina for Castar is as simple as a visit to the Royal Bank in Númenost. Below are listed the exchange rates for Minas to Castar: 1 Castar = 20 Mina 1 Mirian = 100 Mina More information on the Castar and our Kingdom’s taxation policies can be found elsewhere. Persons of Note Officials: Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor, King of Númendil (MalchediaelVult) Tári-Orelia, Queen Consort & Mistress of the Scholarium (Sseva_) Caraneth Aryantë, Crown Princess (AstriaS) Briar Arthalion, Princess, Foreign Hospitality Diplomat (Ireneic) Ser Galadain Glennmaer, Captain of the Númendil Guard, (Pepto_Bismol) Master Godric Easworth, Alderman of Steadfast (ImmortalShadowZ) Stewards: Ser Alwyn Glennmaer, Royal Castellan (Josh3738) Ser Adrielle Thassion, Steward (DeadMansTims) Saoren Seregon, Steward (Kyrrn) Dele Seregon, Steward (Demented_Delila) Appendix [The Culture of the Númenedain] [Quenta Númeniad] [Chivalric Code of the Númenedain] [The Oath of Tar-Númenatâr] [The Númendil Guard] [The National Bank] [The Scholarium] [Owynism]

Here's a culture post for Númendil, or at least for the Númenedain specifically Very based to have a post to collate all the settlement guides together though. The hero we needed.

The Silver Tree, Caladhril Chapter II. Of Caladhril and Carnowindil Of the traces of Sarai’s folk which linger amongst the Adunians of the modern day, not the least is a love for the natural world and the trees which populate and lord over its forests. Over the years, trees came to great prominence in Adunic art and iconography – and there was a time even when the felling of trees was held in such distaste that it became more law than superstition. Ever were their homes built around forests, and ever did they seek to treat kindly the land upon which they dwelled. And though they have as a people have eschewed such druidic trappings, this adoration for the forests remains, and nowhere is it seen more prominently than in the prayer gardens of the Númenedain. In these tranquil sanctuaries, there dwell a good many species of tree and flower carefully tended and cultivated for their beauty. Of these many plants, however, the most known are the Two Trees of Númenost, Caladhril the Silver and Carnowindil the Red. The latter of the two descended from a stock of tree long-known to the House Arthalionath, but the former was a peculiar thing, first found by Tar-Númenatâr atop the mountain Alkayaban. Hereafter are detailed the lives of the trees, and how they came to dwell before the blessed doors of the Temple of Saint King Caius. The tree which stood nearest to the entrance of the Temple was Carnowindil, and it as well was the elder of the two. As all trees of its kind – Heart Trees, they are called – it bore a canopy of low-hanging, crimson leaves and ran with sap of the same hue, and it grew rotund and gnarled in the trunk. Grown from a seedling, Carnowindil was of the same stock of the Heart Tree that stood in the godswood of Cair Pendraic, the castle of Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor when he still was known as Lord Uther. Recovered in the aftermath of the castle’s sinking, the tree which itself was unnamed gave rise to two seedlings; one grew well, and the other began its life frail and slow-going. For a blessing, these two seedlings then were carried along, surviving the journey under earth and over sea to the land of Aevos seeming by fortune alone. And with the founding of Númenost beneath Alkayaban, the now-blooming saplings were again given to the earth. The larger and stronger of the two, it was decided, was to be planted amongst the trees of the Aran-în-Eryn – which means King’s Wood – where it might flourish. It remained unnamed. The weaker of the pair, then, was planted before the White City’s cathedral where it might be tended with due care. And by a blessing, it grew strong then, and its leaves no longer grew pale, and its boughs grew with vitality. It was then that it was named Carnowindil, the Red Tree. Though the heart tree was beautiful in its own right, it was Caladhril that was the fairer and it became known as the Silver Tree. This tree was a peculiar sight indeed at its discovery, for no other of its like had been seen in the time of those who came upon it. With a marble-white body and silver leaves which shone gently alike to moonlight cascading over rippling water, it was by all accounts a thing of singular beauty. Found not long following the arrival of those who would soon become the Númenedain, it stood as a solitary sapling atop the peak of the White Mountain, no more than a few feet in height, and when first approached by Tar-Uriel, who now was named Tar-Númenatâr, the tree inexplicably made notice of his presence. In a moment of peculiarity, a single ivory blossom grew then upon its branches, and deposited itself gently at the King’s feet. At once it was given its name, Caladhril, and thereafter, the peculiar tree was uprooted with care and placed within the gardens, just within sight of its crimson counterpart, Carnowindil. For curiosity’s sake, the tree’s seeds were harvested for planting, but were found to grow slowly and to often become sickly. In despite of hardship however, some few survived – though they grew slowly, and seldom grew to any great size – and the kin of Caladhril were named Círdalas, or the Silver-Leaf tree in Common. There in the Temple’s garden Caladhril thrived, and it was seen, on occasion, to drop more of its blossoms, marking the presence of newborn babes carried past it, and shedding a fair few blossoms during the city’s first celebrations. For this uncanny ability to take notice of auspicious occasion, Caladhril as well became known as the Seeing Tree, and it dropped many of its blossoms for children, knights and newlyweds alike. Its most notable gift, however, came at the laying of the final brick within the citadel of Minas Aranath, whereupon it dropped not a blossom, but a branch. It was straight, sturdy and ungnarled, and measured no more than a yard in usable length. Hewn and carved then was the branch of Caladhril, and fashioned into a scepter crowned with an ornament wrought of silver from the mines below Alkayaban, and set with the fairest diamond from the trove of the Sharadûn Khagan. Then completed, the scepter was gifted to the Númenedain King and was named Argaladhael, and it became a symbol of his rule.

Princess Caraneth, in the course of sorting through her father's mail, eyed the invitation with delight. "He put the funny letters in the right spot, we are practically obligated to go."

Princess Caraneth quietly struck out the name on her copy of the invitation and wrote in its place 'Númendil' for the sake of her own perfectionism. "The other one is the funny letter," She said mostly to herself. "But at least I was invited, I love invitations."

Do you agree that Paul Bunyan is a kaiju?

"What?" queried Princess Caraneth.

"This is my favorite store in the Citadel," Said Princess Caraneth.

The First Feast of Númenost An Invitation to All Issued 6th of Snow’s Maiden, 132 SA TO ALL WHO CARE TO ATTEND, It is with happy hearts that we Descendants have come, by GOD’s grace, to this new land and established for ourselves homes anew. And though there is no replacing, in any real fashion, that which we have left behind us – homes and loved ones alike – there is yet occasion to be merry and have festivity to mark our victory over our hardships. It is for this purpose that the Royal House Arthalionath of Númendil invites all who wish to join to a great feast to be held in celebration of the founding of our capital, Númenost the Fair. The feast is to be held in the great hall of the citadel of Minas Aranath within the White City, and any who wish to attend may do so and are welcomed to enjoy a banquet of the fine food and drink with which we have been blessed. Special Invitations are extended to: All Houses of the Númenedain, and citizens of Númendil His Holiness, Sixtus V, Vicar of GOD, and all men of the Church His Royal Majesty, King James I of Aaun and his citizenry His Royal Majesty, King Georg I of Hanseti-Ruska and his citizenry His Highness, King Cyris of Dúnfarthing and his citizenry Her Highness, Archduchess Renilde I of Petra and her citizenry The Honorable, Duke Brandt Barclay, and House Barclay of Minitz The Honorable, Shugo Oijin of Clan Kato, and the people of Sakuragakure The Honorable, Count Markus Sarkozic of Aldersburg The Paladins of the Order of the Golden Lion Signed, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath OOC: Date & Time: 5:00 PM EST, Monday, June 12th Location: The Citadel of Minas Aranath in Númenost (coords: 1032, 140, 1181)

The Chronicle of the Númenedain — Penned by Caraneth Aryantë Arthalion Prologue Hereafter is recounted in detail the full chronicle of the Númenedain, told through the lens of a hero’s epic, as is deserved. Yet, one cannot know in truth the meaning of the word Númenedain without knowing first the origins of that people. In the most ancient reaches of their heritage, the folk of Númendil foremostly trace their lineage to Harren the Conqueror, forefather of the Adunic people, and his Kingdom of Idunia. Known to all of course are that ancient warlord's crueler, unclean deeds, and rightly they are held in utmost revilement. Alas, even a sinful father is nonetheless a father, and so he is remembered in cautious solemnity. From Harren's Men do the Númenedain take inspiration in tongue, in dress, and in architecture, but in little else are they similar, for so too have they learned from the Middle-Men in ways of governance and faith especially. And, in fact, not all – though they do form the greater part – of the Númenedain are of Adunic blood, and among them there is a peopling of Adunians, Middle-Men, and even some few Elves, though the latter is rare indeed. Most directly, the Men of Númendil are the children of the Harren'hil who dwelt in Almaris, making their lives as rangers and warriors in their lands of Cartref Mor. When first the Harren’hil rose to notice, they were led by their Lord Nauthon, who in Common was known as John of the House Marsyr. In those times, the Harren'hil yet strayed from the path of our God Most Mighty, and so despite honorable intention were eventually swayed to darkness. Still yet did honorable hearts dwell among them however, and of those rose to prominence the one known as Uthyr, who is today Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor, and who in those times was but a common knight and mercenary soldier. In the course of his years, by wisdom and might, he who would become king did gather the Harren’hil to his banner, and in so doing, brought them into our Lord's flock. Serving first in the Great Strife of the Middle-Men, and then going on to raise a kingdom from the earth upon the dark-plagued plains of the Barrowlands, he did become far-known, first as knight, then as hero, and finally as King. So began the rise of the Númenedain. Chapter I. Exodus of the Númenedain When the Harren’hil took flight from the darkened lands of Almaris, they traveled not by sea but beneath the earth, driven under by sword, by spear and by encroaching night. Below they traveled, and in nigh endless caverns, black of stone and limned only by the glow of alien fungi, they came to dwell. Feeding upon tasteless lichen and the unscaled fish of the sunless lakes, they languished in that place, bereft of sun and wanting for warmth. Yet even in that darkest of realms, Harren’s Folk did not lose sight of the glory of God, and so inspired onwards did they press. By torch and lantern they braved the shadowed halls below the earth, they walked in long-emptied strongholds and they made battle with sightless beasts of the dark like no other. The Night would not take them, though certainly it did try. So long did the Harren’hil linger in the stygian depths that many indeed lost mind of day and night’s passing, yet by will, by persistence, and by providence they once more found the Sun’s light. Again, at long last, they were in company of verdant grass, vibrant skies, and waves that lapped at the white-sanded beaches. Spilling out into this land in rejoice, they set to exploration, and in time they established a tower stronghold which came to be known as Minas Amath. Here they dwelt only briefly, yet the conflicts were of some magnitude nonetheless, and they fought off undead, brigand and native alike. Once more, however, the time came to move on to other shores, and so they set to the sea and soon enough the Adunians once more found themselves upon solid earth. In their survey of this new land, the wanderers traveled the banks of a great river, butted on either side by great cliffs of dark stone, and soon they did find a sight most awesome; a grand mountain of shining white, at the foot of which lay an earthen bridge spanning the gorge with jagged, natural arches to hold its mass above the waters below. And here the Harren’hil came to meet another race of Men, though quite unlike themselves. These Sharadûn, as they came to call them, were a strange folk, their faces tawny and scorched by the sun, their dwellings made in houses of stone as well as tents of hide and woven wool. For a time, there was peace between them, and the Harrenites were welcomed happily among the Sharadûn. Yet, it came to pass that venom rose in the hearts of their hosts. In fear that the Adunians sought to bring them down by treachery and cast them out of their lands, the most dark-hearted among the Sharadûn drew their knives under cloak of night. Striking in secret, they sought to drive the Harren’hil from their holdings, yet did not expect to be met with such resistance as was mustered by the wanderers. Though at first put on the backfoot, the Adunians soon rallied to their king, and the Sharadûn’s fear was by their own hand made manifest. With blade and shield, those that stood against Tar-Uriel and his folk were felled, and those who remained made to bend the knee. Where once their city stood, another was erected, its bricks carved from the white stone of the mountain, and the shrines of heathen gods were demolished and supplanted by a great cathedral to honor the Lord Almighty. It was then finally that Tar-Uriel, who once was Uthyr Pendraic, swore his oaths upon the peak of the White Mountain, Alkayaban, and took for himself the name Tar-Númenatâr, and his new domain he named Númendil. And it was then that those who once were known as the Harren’hil took on the name Númenedain.

The Trials of Leadership or The Truth of the Events of the Exiles’ Isle When the men of Barrowton arrived weary upon the isle of exiles, having climbed their way out of those dreadful caverns below the earth, they were aimless indeed, and sought only to survive. Among them, however, was one who approached the challenge with unexpected spirit; none other than the young Princess Caraneth. Even the most mundane laying of bricks or raising of palisades she took to with a sense of glee, which much eased the hearts of those around her. And so, it was then the Knights of Barrowton, Ser Alwyn chief among them, resolved to make a test of it all, and so placed the young Caraneth in charge of this holdout they established – after all, they reckoned, it would be good to gauge the young Lady’s aptitude for leadership. However, in that land of anarchic chaos, the result was something to behold, and in the days and weeks that followed on the isle, a great many tales came to be told of the Princess’ exploits, almost all quite exaggerated – in no small part by spirited Caraneth herself. Hereafter is recorded the truth of the tale, stripped of its bombast and told in earnest. Most known, of course, is the war against the brigands. Alongside the Norlanders, the Halflings, the elves of Haelun’or, and a number of volunteers, the Princess of the Barrowlands rode into battle. Together, in the cause of law, order, and peace, they chased the brigands from their fortresses, and secured the surrounding hinterlands. And in the process there was conflict with the roving bands in the wastelands, though of these there is nothing of substance to recount. There were no grand, pitched battles as the brigands were few in number and chose flight for the sake of their own lives, and though those ne’er-do-wells were by many declared guilty of crimes most unholy, no truth was ever discerned on the matter. In truth, it was not even a war so much as a series of small scuffles, raids and chases. Yet Caraneth Aryantë took pride in the achievement, viewing even small victories as victories nonetheless. The conflicts with the isle’s native peoples as well were told in glowing, embellished words. Verily was the fighting with those disparate clans fierce, even against united Descendants of every race and creed. With blade and spell alike – and even calling upon the Dark Arts – the natives did struggle mightily to maintain their hold on the isle. Caraneth’s part in this was limited; one blade in the sea of battle. But still it served to prove her mettle, and her willingness to take up the sword. Though perhaps one or two of the natives may have been felled by her, it was largely a group effort that laid them low. As with the suppression of the brigands, however, the Princess again took heart in her achievements, proudly thinking herself alike to her father, Tar-Uriel, in her valor, small though her deeds may have been. Of the battle against the undead of the isle, the least of all was exaggerated, for that was the enemy which presented the greatest danger. Not a night passed upon the isle that worry did not linger, for often and unexpectedly would the necrotic beasts appear. With each wave, more and more of their black guts and ensorcelled bones would litter the ground, and it was against these enemies that the Princess truly showed to all the strength of her spirit. In the midst of one of the foul onslaughts, the Knights came to face a great giant wrought of the flesh from many corpses, stitched together by black sorcery. The creature stood some few meters taller than the largest of the knights, and it spoke in terrible, wordless groans. For a frightening time it tested their strength and their steel, until finally a Knight’s blade took one of its legs at the knee to sunder it and bring the monster low. Then daringly – or perhaps desperately – Caraneth began to scale its foundering form and latched onto the back of its shoulders. And finally, with a number of chops and sprays of foul gore, she loosed the beast’s rotting head from its shoulders, ending it finally, and for a short time after folk gave her the moniker ‘Giantslayer’. Even this glory, however, came to be short-lived and soon enough after it came time to once more depart for new lands. So is told the truth of the events of the Exiles’ Isle. Though the young Princess Caraneth was not quite a conquering hero worthy of song, she had nonetheless accomplished much in that place. Though Minas Amath, as she named their small holding, was not a radiant citadel – in fact it was but a small, fortified tower surrounded by cottages – it was yet a place where people’s spirits were eased and they could feel secure in spite of their recent misfortunes. And it was rightfully so that her deeds, exaggerated and less-than-grand though they were, earned her the title ‘Princess of Minas Amath’.

Powerful.

Alara Camian, usually quite icy in demeanor and unemotive, showed a rare hint of sadness upon hearing of Vesta's departure. "Unfortunate indeed that the Mori got in the way of my lessons with her... But I will hope that she is sufficiently armed with what I was able to impart. May the Spirits guide her well."

I love this creature and I need five of them.