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Caladras Joust of St. Malcolm of Fjordhem As written upon on this 6th of The Amber Cold, 154 S.A. From The Exilic Kingdom of Númendil and the Lordship of Caladras "Fair shall the end be, though long and hard shall be the road.” To all of those in Aevos who champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil, THE JOUST OF ST. MALCOLM OF FJORDHEM To celebrate the consecration of our Temple of St. Malcolm of Fjordhem, The House Seregon shall host a joust upon their Lordship. Knights and squires of all realms and their people are invited to either watch or participate in this grand joust. The skilled artisans and merchants of the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil are highly encouraged to bring wares out to showcase and sell. The Champion of the Joust shall receive a 200 mina prize, with second place earning 100 and third earning 50. (OOC: Mechanical Joust) TIME AND PLACE The jousting shall take place in the Lordship of Caladras within the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil. The Lordship is host to a lists within its domain, on the early days of The First Seed, 155 S.A. OOC: 5 PM EST, Friday the 17th of November Coordinates: 811 170 497 Midlands Warp at CT SIGN UP To participate in the joust, please fill out the form below: OOC NAME: IRP NAME: DISCORD: 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 Lady Cálienë of House Seregon, Lady of Caladras, Steward to the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Physician to the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Serjeant for the Royal Guard of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Aengul Malchediael, and Knight of the Realm Ser Ellisar Angrenor of House Aevaris, Castellan of Caladras, Templar of the Aengul Malchediael, and Knight of the Realm

[!] To the citizens of The Commonwealth of the Petra and those of Númendil, a grand missive was delivered, nailed to each and every sign-post, notice board and gatehouse. The King's Road Begins -------------------===={ + }====------------------- For far too long, the winding roads of our realms have gone unplanned, unloved, and untouched. But today, I, Cyris, King of the Weefolk, am most honoured to make a monumental announcement on behalf of the citizenry of Dúnwen. We are putting an end to the neglect of fair Aevos' infrastructure. We begin this venture with the restoration of the Grand Bridge that once gracefully spanned Loch Dúin in centuries long past. But this is just the beginning! The construction of the King's road is underway, a testament to our dedication to Dúnfarthing and her neighbours. From the bridge's head, a grand brick road, meticulously crafted from chiseled stone, will stretch westward, reaching all the way to the distinguished borders of the Commonwealth of the Petra. It is my heartfelt plea to our neighbors in Númenost and of the Petra to seize this diplomatic opportunity. Let us, together, establish a dignified, travel-convenient, and, above all, cooperative connection among the Eastern nations. This is no small undertaking for my kin, and I recognize the challenges that lie ahead for all of us. However, armed with determination, a hunger for grandeur, and a shared vision, our realms shall, at long last, be linked in a way that will leave an indelible mark on history. Let the world take note of this proud moment! -=+=- Sincerely, His Royal Majesty King King Cyris Collingwood the first, the second. Thain of Dunfarthing and her vassals, Protector of the Wee, Lord of Greater Bramblebury, Honeyhill and the Hillmen. Father of Foxes, Liberator of Frogtopia, Slayer of Gods, The Oathbreaker, Grand Wizard of Bogwartz: School of Shamanism and Housemagery, Tamer of the Forest, Chairman of the League Of Super Best Friends, Wielder of most holy Knoxscalibur, Emperor of the Holy Orenian Empire of Bywater, Shogging Champion, Attorney at law.

The White Court of the Númenaranyë Among the Adunians of Almaris, there was, in previous years, little need for anything resembling a ‘royal court’ and, in fact, the very notion ran contrary to their identity at the time. The Kingdom of the Barrowlands was, at its core, a Crusader State, founded primarily for the purposes of safeguarding the western reaches of Canondom, however, over two decades have passed since then, and what was once the grim and dreary warlord-state of the Barrowlands is now Númendil, one of the Great Kingdoms of Men. As such, a need has now developed for such roles to be filled. Henceforth I establish the following positions within my court, to assist in the day-to-day running of the Kingdom of Númendil, and to provide to me and mine leal service and attendance in exchange for residence within the palace of Minas Aranath. The Rights and Privileges of Courtiers I. Courtiers of the White Court, shall, so long as they serve in the role with which they are charged, be permitted to reside within the Royal Palace, and shall pay no tax on residence therein. They will be provided access to all amenities of the Palace, and shall be granted access to the Royal Family. II. Courtiers of the White Court shall have the privilege to sit in on meetings of the court, and provide insight and counsel to the White Throne, insofar as matters pertaining to their office arise. III. Courtiers of the White Court shall receive priority consideration when bringing petitions before the Crown. IV. Courtiers of the White Court may be entitled to a monetary reward negotiated with the Castellan of Minas Aranath, so long as the budget of the royal coffers allow. Positions within the White Court Designated Regent: Tasked with overall governance of the Númenaranyë in the absence of the monarch, ruling in concurrence with the Castellan. (HRH, Caraneth Aryantë @AstriaS) Royal Castellan: Tasked with the management of the Household of Minas Aranath and the stewards of Númenost the Fair, as well as charged with the organization of all properties held by the Royal Family. (Ser Alwyn Glennmaer @Josh3738) Royal Seneschal: Tasked with the management and coordination of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, as well as charged with aiding the Royal Castellan in their duties. (Lord Saoren Seregon @Kyrrn) Court Chaplain: Tasked with representing the Church of the Canon among the White Court of the Númenaranyë, and attending to the Court’s spiritual affairs and education. (Cardinal Antonius @Reckless Banzai Screamer) Captain(s) of the Royal Guard: Commanding Officer of the Levies of the Númenaranyë and any other royal holdings, tasked with the training of the Royal Guard, and the enforcement of Royal Law. (Ser Gáladain Glennmaer @Pepto) Cupbearer: Tasked with the serving of drinks to the Monarch, one of utter loyalty whom the monarch holds in utmost confidence. (VACANT) Master of the Hunt: Tasked with the organization of hunts within the Kingswood of Aran-în-Eryn and elsewhere, either for the sake of recreation or for providing meats for feasts held. (VACANT) Master of the Horse: Tasked with the breeding and training of horses fit for the Royal Guard and Household. (Ser Adrielle Thassion @_Hermes__) Master of the Lists: Tasked with the organization and management of tourneys and other martial contests. (Eredain Glennmaer @Laeonathan ) Lady-in-waiting(s): Female confidants and assistants tasked with attending to the Queen and Princesses of the Royal House of Arthalionath. Unlike most nations, Ladies of the White Court of the Númenaranyë are expected to hold some degree of martial training, or to immediately seek it out if they do not already. (VACANT) Court Tutor: Tasked with the education of boys and girls of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, including the Princes and Princesses of the Royal House Arthalionath. (Lord Saoren Seregon @Kyrrn ) Court Jester: Tasked with providing the court with jests, jokes, and performances, and often serving as a source of light-hearted entertainment. Operating under the tradition of Jester’s Privilege, the Court Jester is granted permission to mock and ridicule any in the realm save the Monarch themself without fear of repercussions. (Funnybone @Antisociety) Court Poet: Tasked with composing poetry and songs to honor the monarch and entertain the court. (VACANT) Court Physician: Tasked with providing medical care and advice to the monarch and the court. (Lady Dele Seregon @Demented_Delila) Court Painter: Tasked with creating portraits and artwork depicting the monarch and other members of the court. (VACANT) Court Musician: Tasked with playing music and entertained the court with instrumental or vocal performances. (Lady Emigliana O’Rourke @Cally ) Court Historian: Tasked with the recordings of the histories, as well as advising and educating on matters regarding Adunic History and Folklore. (Halboron Elendil @Hanrahan) Court Witchhunter: Appointed by the Court Chaplain with assent from the Inquisition.The Court Witchhunter is tasked with monitoring the Court Mage, as well as providing assistance in uprooting magical conspiracies or plots. (VACANT) Court Mage: Tasked with providing insight, and advising on the subject of the Voidal Arts, and the enforcement of regulation on them. (Andromeda Vandi'ir @MunaZaldrizoti) Court Falconer: Tasked with overseeing the breeding, training, and care of falcons and other birds of prey used for hunting and entertainment. (Edwyn Stafyr @Wet_Bones_) Bureaucrats: Will be shot on sight. By the Grace of GOD Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor of House Arthalionath, King of Númendil, King and Protector of the Adunians, Lord of the Númenaranyë, Númenost, and the Barrowlands, Chieftain of the Númenedain, Chieftain of the Harren’hil, Conqueror of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm.

ROYAL BANK OF NÚMENDIL Treasury of the Númenedain, Est. 131 SA Royal Bank of Númendil Established as the Office of the Castellan, the Royal Bank of Númendil has served as the treasury of the Númenedain since 110 SA and the founding of the small settlement of Barrowton. The institution would formally institutionalize and assume the moniker of the Royal Bank of Númendil upon the founding of the city of Númenost, and it would further assume all taxation and associated duties for the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil at the charge of His Grace, Tar-Númenatar. Office of the Castellan Castellan of Númendil As chief officer for the bank, the Castellan is responsible for organizing the collection and appropriation of taxes from the general populace and tribute from vassal lords. The Castellan shall also oversee the distribution of property and keys accordingly. Stewards of Númendil The Stewards are responsible for the sale and management of stalls, homes, and other properties to parties seeking to purchase them in the absence of the Castellan. The Númenedainic Castar The Castar is the primary currency minted by the bank, represented by coins of pure silver from the mines of Alkayaban. Castars are used by the bank to certify tax payment [See Taxation of Numenost Properties for details]. Additionally, the purchase and return of castars (or other bank-minted denominations) to the bank serves to assist citizens of the kingdom in shielding their hard-earned wealth from the taxations of central mina banking. Current Transfer Rate: 1 Castar = 20 Mina 1 Mirian = 100 Mina 1 Baich = 150 Mina Current Tax Rate: Númenost City Homes = 1 Castar Stalls = 1 Castar Steadfast Farmsteads = 1 Castar Steadfast Barns = 1 Castar & 1 Stack Leather Býrrim (Vassals) = 1 Baich Taxation of Númenost Properties Taxes shall be collected in Númendilic Castars or other specified supplies deposited into the appropriate boxes in the Royal Bank of Númendil [Located on the north end of Numenost]. This shall occur every Saint’s week ((Wednesdays by 5pm EST)). Failure to Pay Taxes Failure to pay taxes will earn citizens a strike which will be tallied in both the tax ledger and on the tax box for the property. Three strikes will result in the owner being evicted and any strikes will be removed upon payment. Citizens MAY pay multiple weeks at once if they are making up multiple strikes. nil sine labore, Ser Alwyn II of House Glennmaer, Castellan of Númendil Ser Adrielle of House Thassion, Steward of Númendil Saoren of House Seregon, Steward of Númendil Dele of House Seregon, Steward of Númendil

The Númenedain The Redeemed Harrenites [music] OVERVIEW The Númenedain (singular, Númenedan) are a distinct ethnolinguistic group of Adunians specifically descended from the Adunians known as the Harren’hil of Almaris, who later Canonized, and intermingled with several tribes of Orenized Harrenites, and later went on to colonize a region marred by mysticism and necromancy known as the Barrowlands. Successfully conquering the land, the Adunians under their first ruler, Tar-Númenatâr (then called Tar-Uriel) underwent a cultural rebirth, forming the first truly independent Adunian Kingdom among the greater descendant races in over five hundred years. Ancient traditions of lost Idunia were reclaimed, while new traditions in honor of their mixed heritage began. To enshrine this cultural ‘rebirth’, and to distance themselves from the ancient Harrenites, who though powerful, were wicked men, Tar-Númenatâr named his people anew as the Númenedain, Men of the West, a name used by the Harren’hil who dwelt within the west of Almaris, now lost. Martial in spirit, though tempered by half an age of sorrow and kinstrife with the other races of men, the Númenedain turn their swords not on conquest, but in defense of the realms of men against foreign invaders. In war, they are a fey folk, fearing neither death nor torment, for they are a faithful people, who hold that in either life or death they find peace in the Seven Skies, so long as they have behaved admirably and righteously. This does not mean they waste their lives meaninglessly however, and they prefer to remain out of the wars between faithful men, for too few are the Adunians to die in petty squabbles, rather than battles worthy of admiration. In peace, the Númenedain strive to make good a realm worth protecting, they are a charitous folk, ever to give a lended hand in need. A traveler will rarely go hungry or without shelter among the Númenedain, and those who have found the friendship of a Númenedan will have it for decades to come, and perhaps even pass that friendship on to their descendants. Though wanton avarice is a thing frowned upon, mercantilism is a respected route nonetheless, however it should be said to unfairly deal with someone is a taboo indeed, for chief among the values of the Númenedain are honor, integrity, truthfulness, courage, and chivalry. CULTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS Cultural Traits The Legacy of the First Conqueror | Though little remains of the legacy of the Adunians of elder days, that which has ever been ingrained into their culture is an unparalleled martial spirit. Harren was the first Conqueror in the history of man, and although the Númenedain reject the legacy of their tyrannical progenitor, they maintain the skill-at-arms which allowed their ancestors to subjugate and enslave, instead turned towards nobler causes. In battle, the Númenedain rely on spear-and-shield wielding infantry to pin their foes in place, while their heavy cavalry, composed of knights and men-at-arms lay waste to the enemy’s flanks. Those who flee and break are spared little, for also has it been said that the Adunians are the most skilled archers among the mannish races, likely akin to their Elvish ancestors. A Repentant Race | The Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, more commonly known simply as ‘the Oath’ was a declaration sworn on the Creator’s name upon Mount Alkayaban after the conquest of Sharad'et'alkayaban by Tar-Uriel, who adopted his third and final name writ in the Adunic tongue of yore, Tar-Númenatâr. The Oath is a declaration to forever stand steadfast and unwavering against the Forces of Darkness, and to also defend Mankind from external threat in penance for Harren’s conquests. The Oath sees the Númenedain take up an almost paternalistic role among their fellow men, to guide them away from their darker, more scheming and ambitious nature, just as the Adunians were guided towards redemption. This Oath is sworn anew upon one’s induction into Númenedain culture, before a place of either religious or cultural significance, according to one’s preference, the Oath is also sworn anew by a newly crowned monarch during coronation. [Click Here] to read more about the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr. Pride of the Adunians | Unwavering in pride, those Adunians who survived the destruction of the Barrowlands during the fall of Almaris have tasted independence for the first time since elder days, and are unlikely to accept servitude ever again. The names and lineages of the middlemen carry little weight (though are not disrespected) among the Númenedain, who have sworn to never again bow before a foreign monarch, a fierce streak of resilience brought on by centuries of turmoil. The Doom of Harren | Though they fight to be free of it, and ever-seek to repent from it, the Doom of Harren runs fiercely in the Númenedain, that is Ambition. The same ambition which turned Harren the destined firstborn into the decadent, selfish, unworthy and covetous kinslayer runs also through the Númenedain, albeit within them is the ambition to do good, it can still be said that men are capable of wicked things in thinking themselves just, and it is as true now as it was nearly two thousand years ago- The hearts of men are easily corrupted. Always Outnumbered | Though the largest remnant of the already waning Adunian race, the Númenedain are only a part of it, and many more still remain in wandering nomadic clans, or deeply ingrained within Heartlander or Highlander spheres. Fierce though they may be, the Númenedain are few in number, and should Númendil itself fall, that people- And perhaps the future of the Adunians as a whole will fall with it. Physical Traits The Blood of Idunia | Though not all Númenedain are Adunians (as middlemen may be adopted into the culture) and not all Adunians are Númenedain, Númendil itself is the first truly Adunic kingdom in five hundred years, and this is reflected in its denizens. Here, in this corner of the world, the remaining blood of Harren gathers the most in number. Adunians live longer lives then middlemen on account of their Elvish ancestry, oftentimes living anywhere from 180-200 years of age, while among the lines of kings, it is not unheard of for that number to even be exceeded, such as the case of Tar-Nauthon, called in life John Marsyr, who lived to nearly be two hundred and thirty. They do not have pointed ears. Fair and Strong | There has rarely ever been a descendant of Malin who was not fair to look upon, and the Mali’valah (Adunians) are no different. This, combined with their predominantly mannish blood and natural inclination towards martial lifestyles, means that most Númenedain, as well as being easy to look upon, possess great strength (though never exceeding that of a peak human). Númenedain who descend from Harren’hil stock are typically shorter and more lithe than those who descend from more Mannish kindred. They do not have pointed ears. Eyes and Hair | Adunians look mostly like most other men, with a few notable exceptions. Mostly possessing pale skin and hair in the range of black to auburn, Adunian hair can also turn white-gray exceedingly early, though this is not always so, and is regarded as a sign of more recent Elvish ancestry. This is also the case for their eyes, with grays denoting Elvish heritage, greens and browns are also common. They do not have pointed ears. Few in Number… | The Númenedain, as with all Adunians, suffer partially from the curse of Malin, that being infertility, this is especially true for the Harren’hil-descended Númenedain, who are of greater elven heritage than those descended from the Aduno-Heartlander or Aduno-Highlander stock. Most Adunian couples will never have more than three biological children at most, because of that, adoption is prevalent. This is lessened only slightly if only one partner is an Adunian. They do not have pointed ears. Languages of the Adunians The Adunians among the descendant realms prior to the founding of the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil were a notably nomadic people, deeply divided over vast distances, and divergent as the centuries went on. Among the Númenedain, three languages are spoken chiefly, (including the common tongue), with mainstream Thaudian as it is spoken elsewhere having fallen out of use among the Harren’hil centuries ago, and is therefore seldom used by the Númenedain who descend from them. Thaudian (Thd) is the more Traditional, less ‘diverged’ form of the language spoken by the Adunian peoples of Al’Ildic between the fourth and the fourteenth centuries, and unlike the Almaric dialect, has remained mostly unchanged from the Al’Ildic exodus, preserved chiefly by the ‘settled’ and later Imperialized Adunians, such as House O’Rourke, the Napier Family, and the Imperial Elendils. Almaric Thaudian (ThdA) is the most common of the three languages, and is the every-day ‘informal’ tongue of the Númenedain, and the Harren’hil before them. Originally a dialect of Thaudian, Almaric Thaudian diverged from that tongue many centuries before the founding of Cartref Mor where it was originally spoken. It is a musical language, complicated and difficult to learn to those who did not already speak it. It is even worse to read, as it was not intended to be written in the common script. Adunic (Adn) is the language of Idunia of old, and is the ‘formal’ language among the Númenedain. Adunic is a creole of Harrenite Flexio, and the ancient Elvish of Sarai’s tribe, the Wildewynn, and draws from both, though Elvish far more so. The ‘formal’ names of the Númenedain are taken from Adunic, including the regnant names of the Kings and Queens. Adunic is also used in the naming of cities and geological features, and is rarely used in every-day speech, and even then only truly among the upper-class. To further complicate matters, Adunic could, if the author was particularly masochistic, be separated into Early and Late Adunic, with earlier Adunic remaining truer to the Flexio routes of the language, while Late Adunic ers far more towards being an Elvish tongue. Lexicon Though by no stretch of the imagination a ‘full’ Lexicon, (for such would need to account for the multiple linguistic phases and evolutions of the Adunian languages over the last two thousand years, an impossible task.) the following is a list of common words and phrases in both common and the various Adunian dialects. Númenedain Names, Epithets, and Naming Conventions The Exilic Kingdom of Númendil (called also ‘the Númenaranyë’, meaning ‘The Royal Realm of Númendil’) is a new nation, reborn from the long-lost culture of Idunia, and melded with more modern trends among the mannish kindreds. Because of this, the Númenedain have adopted the practice of dual-naming, possessing a name in the common-tongue, or Flexio, which is used while in the company of the Middlemen, or while abroad, and a ‘formal’ Adunic name, writ in the tongue of Idunia. House names are also translated, and given equivalents when able, and Kings and Queens are encouraged to take Adunic regnal names if they do not already possess one. Younger Númenedain, born during or after the unification of the Harren’hil with their Eastron cousins often possess only one name, an Adunic name, which is used both in private and abroad. As well as possessing two first-names, two last names, and sometimes a middle name, a Númenedan may also earn an epithet through great deeds, which may be placed before or after the name of the Númenedan, depending on preference. For non-Númenedain wishing to be inducted into the culture, such as Adunicized Middlemen, or foreign Adunians, the final trial which they must undergo is a naming ceremony, during which, the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr is to be recited in the presence of an elder Númenedan before a center of worship or cultural importance, after which, a name from the Adunic tongue is granted to them by the monarch or a representative of the monarch. A specific name may be chosen prior to the ceremony by those undergoing it, or it may be left as a decision for the one observing the Oath to decide upon, this is again done by preference. Examples of Adunic names include: (M) Anardil, Anborn, Angbor, Aragost, Arahad, Barannor, Belecthor, Beleg, Belegorn, Beregond, Beren, Bergil, Celepharn, Cirion, Damrod, Denethor, Derufin, Dervorin, Dirhael, Duilin, Duinhir, Eldacar, Eredan, Forlong, Golasgil, Halbarad, Hallas, Hirgon, Hirluin, Hurin, Ingold, Iorlas, Mablung, Malbeth, Malvegil, Ohtar, Oredreth, Thorondir, Thorongil. (F) Baraheth, Barahiel, Canneth, Conuieth, Coruweth, Darthoriel, Derthoril, Faeleth, Faeliel, Gilraen, Ioreth, Ivorwen, Morwen. Note: Names beginning in ‘Ar’ or ‘Aran’ are typically reserved for those of royal or noble blood. Many names can be made to denote royalness or nobility by adding such into the name, ie: Baraheth into Aranbareth, or Beleg into Arbeleg. The names of ruling monarchs are prefixed by Tar- Meaning King in the Adunic language, ie: Aranbareth or Arbeleg into Tar-Aranbareth or Tar-Arbeleg respectively. Examples of Epithets includes: Hyarmendacil (South-Victor/Conqueror) Rómendacil (East-Victor/Conqueror) Alcarin (Glorious) Branhereg (Long-Endured/Old Glory) Foronathor (Savior of the North). Númenedain Cultural Traditions The Crown of the Númenaranyë, centered within the Radiant Star of Malchediael. Royal Standard of Númendil, and sigil of House Arthalionath Values A new people, the Númenedain carry a legacy of lost traditions going back over a thousand years to Idunia of yore, and while much is gone, never to be recovered, newer, better traditions have been made, honoring the legacy of the Harrenite homeland, while disavowing the corruption and decadence that brought it to ruin. Even in wealth, Númenedain are encouraged to err towards humility and charity, though that is not to say the acquisition of wealth is discouraged, far from it, only the misuse of it. In times of peace, the Númenedain trade happily with their neighbors, chiefly in alchemical goods, for in the last century, such they have come to specialize in, but raw materials also flow from the White City. Furthermore, though having long abandoned the woodland life of their Harren’hil ancestors, the Númenedain maintain a keen connection with their natural surroundings, viewing nature as an unmarred facet of creation, and thus, a thing worthy of protection. Though they possess the same skill in it as all men, the Númenedain are not quite so industrious, believing that such aught be tempered with a healthy respect for the natural world that the Creator made for them at the dawn of time. Because of this, animal husbandry is also a well-respected profession among them, as is hunting. Most Adunians keep pets of some form or another, typically horses, large dogs, and the occasional hunting-bird, for falconry is a common pastime also. Herbalism and healing are also seen as favored skills among that folk, not only in keeping with their woodland roots, but also simply for practicality’s sake. Númenedain Rangers will often spend many months, if not years beyond the white-walls of the capital, and as such, identifying what plants are safe, and what plants are not safe has become a matter of some importance, as has healing injuries accrued in the wilds, a skill that doubly serves well, as a folk so prone to battle are also prone to injury. In keeping with the belief that the natural world is an unmarred example of the Creator’s work, many landed Númenedain will keep a sacred grove in their fiefdoms known as a Godswood. A Godswood is a meditative tree garden, either walled within a keep, or kept outside of it. It is maintained by the ruling family instead of servants, in the belief that something as simple as gardening focuses the mind, keeping one humble, and strengthening their connection to the world around them. Most typically kept in a Godswood is a grove of native trees, dominated in the center of the grove by either the silver-leafed Adunic White Tree, or the red-leafed Almaric Heart Tree, however, other plants may be kept and grown at the base of these trees. It is not uncommon for alchemical reagents or berry-bushes to be grown in the Godswood, primarily though it is a place of quiet reflection. All that having been said, one would be wise not to confuse a Númenedan’s love of nature as heathen aspectism, indeed, the Númenedain are deeply suspicious of druids, who they view as a meddling folk that serve the Fey, nature spirits who at best are mischievous, and at worst, outright malicious. While not so superstitious as to believe the Druids themselves as Faeries, they are thought to be in league with them, and thus avoided unless one wishes to court fate by dealings with the fey. To ward off these spirits, lines of salt and iron-dust are often drawn along the edges of a Godswood, or the property of a Númenedain living out in the wild. Cultural Trials One is considered one of the Númenedain from the moment of birth, should one or both of their parents be a Númenedan themselves, but it is a mantle one cannot claim without at least having begun their trials. Beginning at the age of eleven, the Númenedain trials prepare the youth to be contributing members of their fledgling society. Likewise, any foreign or Adunians or Middlemen wishing to embrace Númenedain must first undergo the same trials before any position of prominence can be held. Those undergoing the trials may have however long it takes to complete them, though it is expected to be finished within a decade. A foreigner embracing the culture for the first time is not expected to complete it at the age, or in the time that a Númenedan-by-birth would be. Trial of Profession: (Suggested Ages 9-12) The aspirant Númenedan must take up an apprenticeship in a profession deemed of service to the greater whole, something practical and worldly that they might contribute to the Númenedain Kingdom, or at the very least, provide for their family. Trial of Service: (Suggested Ages 13-25) Having now chosen a profession (or having had one chosen for them) the aspirant Númenedan must see their profession through until the end, and seek mastery of it, learning all they might learn from their teacher until there is nothing left to learn. When the apprenticeship is deemed concluded, the aspirant Númenedan must then prove their skill to their mentor in a test as applicable to their profession, i.e. The Smith must forge a masterwork and unique craft, the warrior must show their valor in battle, physicians must display their ability to heal and mend, and one groomed for diplomacy or to command must show themselves able to resolve disputes. Trial of Naming: (Suggested, on completion of Trial of Service) Having proven themselves an independent and contributing member of society, the aspirant Númenedan swears the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr anew in the eyes of a member of the Royal House, the Ruling Steward, or a member of the local clergy. Thereafter they take upon themselves a new name in the ancient Adunic tongue, or have one granted to them by those overseeing the ritual. Religion The Númenedain are Canonists of strong piety bordering at times on zealotry, and while other faiths are tolerated among the other descendant races, it is expected for the children of Horen within Númendil to be followers of the Canonist Church. This was not always the case, for among their Harren’hil predecessors, there was in fact a strong distaste for the Canonist Church, whom the Adunians of Almaris regarded in opposition and as a foe. They among themselves favored simple ancestor-worship, or among those during the reign of Aurelion the Black, Occultic Xionism. This changed when Ser Uther assumed chieftaincy of that folk after the brief and woeful reign of Oliver Black, which saw Adunians driven from the west entirely on account of machinations of revenant undead, Aurelion. Ser Uther’s chieftaincy saw proselytization and the conversion of many of the Harren’hil even before the colonization of the Barrowlands, and by that time, many if not all of their number were devoted and repentant Canonists at heart, with the remaining Harren’hil who remained at odds with Canondom choosing exile over conversion. Ser Uther’s band of Harren’hil, later forming of the Kingdom of the Barrowlands, found not only common-cause, but kinship with those previously regarded as culturally anathema to the Harren’hil, not just Canonists, but specifically Owynists, who put a strong emphasis on the second Exalted, Owyn, who was of course famous for killing Harren and fracturing the Kingdom of Idunia. Strange that it is, this symbiosis between Harrenite and Owynist stems from Ser Uther’s informal education among the Lectorate of Owyn at the Fortress-Temple of Felder’s Rock, during his reign as regent for the Barony of Acre. Barrowlander Owynism was reasoned as recognizing their progenitor as a deeply flawed individual and later tyrant who bore the capacity to do good, but turned away, and respect Owyn not for the scattering of their ancestors, but instead his redemption for this deed by undertaking a one-man siege on the city of Edel, reclaiming it from heretics and the Undead at the cost of his own life. However, rightfully so, many Adunians even among the Númenedain do not fully accept this reasoning, and so, although Owynism remains popular (specifically among the original Knights of the Barrowlands) it is not mandated. The Kingdom of Númendil avoids a sectarian stance, and instead simply identifies as broadly-defined ‘Canonist’. Fashion and Cuisine The Númenedain are both practical and modest people. The Harren’hil who dwelt in the Barrowlands were known for a hearty palette consisting mostly of beef, pork and venison spiced with more northernly seasonings, on account of Barrowton being far disconnected from any main trade-routes. This was not the case after the founding of Númenost, which unlike its predecessor, was a central trading hub on the continent of Aevos thanks to its key location as a crossroads between the southern deserts, the eastern jungles, and the Mannish heartlands. Because of that, regular access to more exotic and southron spices was attained, something which the Númenedain swiftly developed a strong taste for. Likewise, some preference for spice had already been attained thanks to Barrowton’s Santegio-Hyspian community. Fish is also prevalent. Notably, Númenedain hunters are careful to avoid, and do not consume bear-meat, stemming from the usage of bear meat and blood in occult rituals during the reign of Aurelion Marsyr the Faithless of Cartref Mor. For fashion, Númenedain are typical, if albeit more conservative than most Canonist nations, stemming from Owynist influence. Both men and women are expected to dress modestly, with minimal exposed skin. Because of this, both gloves are common among both genders, and headgear specifically among the women. Due to Númenost’s southern climate, most clothing is fashioned from breathable, if concealing material, which thanks to the wealth of that region, is typically quite finely made and intricate. Because of this stance, sleeveless clothing, cleavage, or shirtlessness among either gender is highly frowned upon, and will often be met by vicious verbal mockery and condemnation. Númenedain Martial Traditions The Númenedain Colonization of the Sharadûn The Adunians have ever been a martial race, oftentimes by predisposition, more often by necessity. Though few in number, one Númenedan is worth two or three middlemen, and thanks to their long-lived nature, an Adunian will have twice the time of common men to master the art of war. Compensating for their lack of numbers, the Númenedain fight primarily as heavy cavalry, as to break their enemies in one overpowering charge, or as skirmishers, releasing a hail of arrows, bolts, javelins, and war-darts towards their foe. When forced to fight afoot (something often wished to be avoided) they fight in tight-knit formations, interlocking their large kite and tower-shields to form an impenetrable wall while striking at the enemy with spear and broadsword, or hurling potions over the shield wall. Númenedain infantry are primarily a defensive force, being the anvil to their cavalry’s hammer. The Númenedain specifically have an incredibly strong tradition of chivalric Knighthood, even among the other realms of men, owing to their beginnings as a simple Knightly Warband. Jousts are one of the more common forms of entertainment, and also serve to keep their lances sharp in times of peace. Númenedain Knights are known to be a humbler lot, truer to the chivalric ideals than many of their contemporaries. Any Knight can make a Knight, it is true, but to earn it is a far harder thing than simply currying the King’s favor, or showing a modicum of martial prowess. Indeed, Knighthoods are only given as a reward for deeds of the utmost valor, and even then, only to those who embody the chivalric ideal. Númenedain Knights are not traditionally landed, instead serving as the bodyguard or retinue of a Lord until they themselves prove worthy of being granted land through leal service and piety. Hedgeknights, or Knights-Errant made up the original companions of Ser Uther (later known as Tar-Uriel, and then Tar-Númenatâr) during his time among the Heartlanders, these men (and later women) are upheld as the ideal of what it means to be a knight, to be humble and ever-and-always a defender of the weak and innocent. Unlike most Knightly orders, Knights among the Númenedain are not only encouraged, but expected to adhere to their Canonist values first, and to put fealty to the faith above fealty to the King of the Númenedain. They are also likewise encouraged to wander beyond the borders of Númenedil, to accrue fame and fortune in their own right, and to do deeds of great value wherein they are most needed. To learn more about the wandering knights of the Númenedain, [TBA] Notably, Númenedain disparaged the usage of Cannons, due to the industry required to make them being environmentally damaging, but also because of their dangerous, volatile nature, and habit of exploding. Because of this, in siege and naval war, torsion and traction-based siege weapons, such as scorpions, Ballistai, Onagers, Catapults, and Trebuchets are preferred. HISTORY THE QUENTA NAUTHONIAD Adunians settled the land of Almaris sometime in the late 14th century, nominally for a time, under the leadership of House Marsyr, originally rulers of Canmoor who fled the isles of Al’Ildic when it fell to the undead in 1309 FA. This Marsyr-led unity shattered within the first hundred years of colonization, leading to the dispersal of the proto-Harren’hil across the breadth of the continent among independent Bowie Bands. By the time of the arrival of the Descendant Kingdoms to Almaris at the beginning of the Second Age, no Chieftain commanded more than a few dozen families. With them came the last remaining trueborn scion of House Marsyr, Nauthon, who in the common-tongue was called John. John Marsyr was a warrior of great renown, having ventured the width of Arcas as a strident ranger, and slain many beasts before enlisting in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl to fight on the frontlines of the Inferi War. During that cataclysmic conflict which heralded the end of an age, John made common-cause with, and became swift friends with Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri. When Almaris was settled, John soon undertook a quest to unite its errant Adunians, the Harren’hil. Using his friendship with the Princes of Elvendom, John was granted lands on the seacoast of Amathea, and soon began traveling Almaris, gathering through skill of arm and the power of his voice, the Harren’hil to his banner. Enough soon came to him that he was named their Chieftain and Lord, and soon came to rule Cartref Mor, the Home-By-The-Sea, wherein he dwelled for a time, and his people prospered. Inevitably however, Elvendom became divided into several warring factions, and Lord Marsyr deemed that continuing to remain in the southwest was no longer possible. John was released from his fealty to the Prince of Elvendom, and led his people north, coming into the service of the Norlandic King, and was granted the lands of Ironguard (called by the Adunians Minas Angren) in exchange for helping drive the remaining Svarling and Skanarri tribes out of Norland, and back into the frozen wastes. This Lord Marsyr did for a time, and did so fervently, for he was a warrior without peer, and among the most valiant warlords of mankind in those days, however, his warring oft left him far from home, and a disquiet had fallen on his house as a result. To rectify this, Lord Marsyr trusted his second in command, Ser Edward Thuri-Elendil to rule in his stead. This would prove a grave mistake, and one which would eventually doom Cartref Mor. Edward, now called the Ill-Ruler, was seduced by the Daelish Vampire, Sionnach, who guided him towards paranoia and greed, and caused him to abandon his duties, one of which was the raising of John’s son and heir, Aurelion. In Edward’s absence, Aurelion was instead taken in, and twisted by Witches of the Far North, who led him down the dark path that would inevitably become the doom of the Harren’hil. THE AURELIONIAD When Lord John returned to Cartref, he discovered that not all was well in his house. His son was errant and wild, his squire, Uther, was driven to sell his sword for coin, and his lands were in disrepair, all due to the mismanagement of Ser Edward and his Vampire-Consort. Incensed by this, Lord John banished Ser Edward and Sionnach from his lands, and set to work attempting to rebuild his household, summoning Uther, his son, Aurelion, and many others back to his halls. Though Aurelion was already under the sway of the darkness, he was not wholly corrupted, and instead sought to carry on his father’s work, and aided him much in the management of his household. There was a brief resurgence then among the lands of Cartref Mor, which swiftly recovered under John’s rule. Tragically however, this was not to last. Soon thereafter, Lord John perished nobly in battle against the Undead, biding time for his subjects to escape an overwhelming horde at the cost of his life. For this, and all other great-deeds accomplished by him, Lord John Marsyr is posthumously recognized as Tar-Nauthon, first king of the Adunians on Almaris. Almost immediately after assuming the Chieftaincy, Aurelion sought to prove himself and step beyond his father’s shadow, and as such, started directing the Harren’hil in a way in accordance more with his own designs than his fathers. While the Adunic rulers of yore were respected and taught of during John’s reign, they were venerated as mighty spirits during Aurelion’s, akin to gods. Likewise, Aurelion raged against the Aengudaemonica, and Malchediael in particular, who he blamed for his father’s death, and who he resented for the Adunian Templars and their refusal to follow him. Aurelion’s ancestor worship soon began taking an occult turn, wherein the blood and bones of beasts were used to summon the spirits of the dead to him and take counsel with them. The more Aurelion turned towards his ways, the greater his pride grew, and the greater that his pride grew, the more he resented his feudal overlord, the Norlandic King, Odin. In those days, Cartref Mor far surpassed the Kingdom of Norland’s capital of Alisgrad in prosperity, for that realm had fallen into disrepair ever sign the reign of Vane the Vain, and so, deciding to free his folk from the rule of unworthy Highlander rulers, descendants of those who the Kingdom of Idunia kept as slaves themselves, Aurelion raised his banner in rebellion, and sought to conquer the Raenrlands, as well as establish an independent kingdom. However, King Aurelion’s reign was not to last, for he knew little how to wage war, and instead of striking immediately, waited three months for allies who would never come to his aid. In these three months, the Norlanders marshaled their forces, fewer in number, but more skilled in force of arm, retaking Ironguard, casting King Aurelion the Faithless in gold, and driving his followers from Minas Angren, many froze to death in the rivers of Lake Hakon, or were felled by arrows as they fled. Those who survived, under the leadership of Oliver Black and Fritjof Maor fled south to the Darkspawn-led Elven Principality of Celia’nor, wherein they dwelt for a time. But the malice of Aurelion was not so easily undone, and the Adunic King defied death, choosing instead to become a revenant Necromancer, after which, he continued to influence the Adunians from the shadows through his agent, Maor, and his allies in Celia’nor. Unlike Moar, Oliver did not care for the occultic ways of Aurelion, but was powerless to stop a population that was mostly already fallen, and so, he could only despair as they slipped into damnation. Only at the very end did he begin to plot against Maor, swiftly realizing that Aurelion still lived, but it was far too late. Maor, who was well-liked among the Celianites, convinced them that Oliver was the cultist, and not he, and so, they backed Maor in a violent takeover of Cartref Mor, overthrowing Oliver, and driving his followers west. Crippled, homeless, and vagrant, the remaining Harren’hil who were not under Aurelion’s thrall were condemned, until a sudden summons arrived by one Ser Uther of Acre, a Warlord in the Heartlands, and John’s last remaining disciple. THE QUENTA UTHYRIAD Uther Gwathren, son of Lady Gwynthryth of Wealdfarthing and an Elvish Lord, stemmed from an aged line on his mother’s side. Clan Gwathren was kin to House Marsyr, descending from a bastard son of that house called Gwathor the Bloody, who was the last sheriff of Canmoor before his fellows settled on Almaris, raising a small castle and village called Wealdfarthing in the lands where Oren would eventually come to dwell. Unlike the rest of the Harren’hil, Clan Gwathren never fully degenerated into nomadic life, retaining some semblance of the feudal lifestyle until being driven from their lands by Orenian invaders at the start of the Second Age. Lady Gwynthryth, who had long since abandoned her marriage with her Elven lover, instead took one of the Orenian invaders as husband to placate the invaders, and to retain some status of nobility, though this was at the cost of disinheriting her son, served as the stableboy for her new husband, a cruel and vain man, Tancred d’Aroix, Baron of Aroix. Gwynthryth soon bore the sons of Baron d’Aroix, though these new children were not allowed kinship with her eldest, for fears that Uther might one-day seek to reclaim the land that he previously stood to inherit. What little time she was able to spend with her eldest was spent reading to him from the Holy Scrolls, to ensure his piety (as Clan Gwathren had adopted the Canonist Faith centuries earlier) and to teaching him to ride the horses he tended to, to better know them. Much love did Uther have for his mother, and great was his sorrow when she passed away of the plague when he was naught but eleven. Her dying wish would be for him to flee to Cartref Mor for his safety, for Baron d’Aroix would surely seek to kill him with his wife now absent. Uther bade his dying mother a tearful farewell, and that night, stole a horse and a rusted mail hauberk from the Baron, before fleeing west to Cartrf Mor, wherein he swore to Lord John, who took pity on him, and named young Uther as his squire. Uther swiftly took to combat as a natural, and by sixteen, had already slain half a dozen men, and proved himself a leal companion for his lord on the battlefield. When John went north to combat the hill-tribes and Svarlings, Uther remained in Cartref Mor for a time, before disgust at the actions of Edward the Ill-Ruler and his consort led Uther to leave and for a time become a sellsword and freerider. Uther returned to Almaris at the summons of Lord John, who knighted him for his valor shortly before his own death, he also bestowed upon Uther the blessings of the Aengul Machediael, and it was these blessings Uther recovered from when his lord fell. After a period of mourning was done, Uther departed Cartref Mor once more, for there was no love between him and Aurelion, and Uther was not well liked among them on account of his Canonist faith. It was then that Uther fled to the Heartlands, wherein a war had brewed against the Kingdom of Oren, a rebellion led by the Black Baron (so called for his supposed outlawry) of Acre, Gustaf de Vilain. Baron de Vilain’s lands of Acre were plagued with Undead and Neverborn both, and as a newly christened Templar, Uther immediately strove to prove himself against them, also gladly fighting with Gustaf de Vilain and his people in their war against the tyrannical King of Oren, Frederick I of House Novellen. Little large-scale battles were fought, but much raiding occurred across the Orenian Countryside, during which, Uther proved himself as one of the Black Baron’s most zealous soldiers, being one of the few Knights to fight on behalf of the smallfolk in that war. Nobles were hanged, and manors burned, and eventually the rebels stormed the royal capital of Vienne, killing Frederick and his wife both during the battle, and subsequent sack of the city. Shortly after their victory and the establishment of the Harvest Confederacy, both Baron Gustaf and his father Hannes vanished, presumed killed, but later found out to have been kidnapped and taken into slavery by the Mori’quissir, leading only Gustaf’s young children to inherit. Because of this, Uther was then named regent of those lands, to rule them until Gustaf’s heir, Volker, came of age. As those lands were lawless, and fighting still occurred in some parts of that country, Uther invited several Hedgeknights into his service to serve as his retainers in helping police Acre and the heartlands as a whole, this chivalric warband, called The Knights of Pendraic (after the Almaric-Thaudian word for Warlord) participated in driving the Undead from the Heartlands with aid from the Lectorate of Owyn (who Uther then studied under) as well as cutting down the last pockets of Orenian resistance deep in the wooded regions on the other side of the Arentinian Alps. It was during this period that the remaining Harren’hil under Oliver Black came under Uther’s protection in exchange for submitting to him. Within his House in the Barony of Acre, Uther was named Chieftain of the Harren’hil, and Protector of the Adunians, and he was promised land to house them by his overlords, the de Vilains, as a reward for his loyal service. Though this reward was never given, Uther swiftly became the greatest leader of the Adunians in Almaris, far outnumbering the houses of Rourke, Thuri-Elendil, and Elendil. During his time in the Heartlands, Uther brokered close ties with the House of Barclay, and the Lectorate of Owyn, ties which would remain for decades thereafter. Not all would remain well however, and eventually, Volker de Vilain came of age, and his heart was black. Acting on a feud with House Galbraith, Volker led the levymen of the Harvest Confederacy to storm a church in the Kingdom of Balian in an attempted assassination of the groom. He failed miserable, and in the aftermath, the Harvest Confederacy was fractured, with lands ceded to Haense, Balian’s ally, as well as Urguan, with the Confederacy as a whole ceasing to exist, as it was soon divided between the Kingdom of Aaun and the Archduchy of Petra. Acre remained, though a shadow as it once was, as one who Uther did not know was named its new Baron, and Uther, for his part, chose to depart rather than continue to serve a family he had lost respect for. Taking his share of the plunder from the Sack of Vienne, Uther dwelt for a time among the Waldenians of Minitz, ruled by House Barclay, while drumming up support to launch a great expedition into the west to claim lands for Canondom, specifically the cursed and blighted region known as the Barrowlands, where, as a Templar, Uther sought to purge, and make clean and anew, so that life and light might be restored therein. With a goal in mind, and the wealth and manpower to support it, in the 110th year of the second age, the golden wyvern of the Brotherhood of the Pendraic was raised, and a long march began to establish a hold in the Barrowlands- And after some conflict with the local undead, they did. A castle was swiftly erected, and a city around it. And it was called Barrowton. THE DAGOR ALMARIAD The city of Barrowton arose swiftly, almost accidentally, as tents arrayed around the original keep quickly sprung up, and soon turned to wood, and from wood to stone. More desperate souls had signed onto the Harrenite venture than was originally anticipated, many of whom were not even Harrenites themselves, but instead counted among the Middlemen, or even the Kindreds of Malin (of these, the Silver Elves in particular.) Though some resistance was found among the Barrows in the form of restless undead, conjured long ago and forgotten by their masters, the Expedition, soon thereafter called simply ‘the Barrowlanders’ dispatched them swiftly, and scoured that land clean, and for a time long enough, all therein dwelt in guarded peace, and new life came to the Barrowlands. More Adunians now flocked to Uther’s banner, and not all of them Harren’hil, but some rather, Orenized Adunians long-since sundered from their westron kin. Uther accepted these folk gladly, and counted them among his own. In recognition of this, and his role as both warden and protector of his folk, Uther was soon regarded as one of the princes of Canondom, a renegade and maverick no longer. Twelve years after Barrowton was built, Uther was crowned by High Pontiff Pontian IV as Tar-Uriel, King and Protector of the Adunians. This was met with some criticism, for Tar-Uriel came from no royal line, and therefore had no true claim on the Adunic Kingship beyond a common and distant ancestry to Harren that all Adunic nobility bore, however, such criticism was drowned out by support, not only among the Adunians, but also Tar-Uriel’s allies among the Middlemen, House Barclay, the Oyashimans of Tetsugawa, and many others. This was not the only joy that came from this time, for also did Tar-Uriel wed his newly returned and long-betrothed love, Orelia Darkwood, and from them would stem the new royal line of the Adunians, at first called House Pendraic in Almaric Thaudian, but later renamed as the Arthalionath, or Descendants of the Hero King, in honor of Tar-Uriel’s own achievements. Not all would be joyful and glad for long, however, for the doom of Almaris was at hand. The Elvish race known as the Mori’Quessir, long-tainted by the Spider Goddess and the Third Druidic Aspect, Nemiisae, would begin assailing the descendant realms in innumerable force, and though Barrowton stood strong, many of the other realm fell, and fled towards the southern subcontinent of Almaris. Under perpetual siege by the Mori’Quessir, Tar-Uriel decided then, overcome with zeal, to set his own city to a blaze rather than offer it up to the enemy, or lose it in the impending battle. In the perpetual night, Barrowton was set aflamed, and the Barrowlanders then soon made towards the southern continent, wherein after it was planned they would flee Almaris with the rest of the descendant-realms. Yet this exodus did not come bloodlessly, for it came soon to pass that the Mori’Quessir once more darkened the doorstep. The final battle of Almaris would be fought upon the mont where stood the ruined city of San Luciano, which then had become the last refuge for all the peoples of Almaris. By blade and by spell, the remnants of Almaris’ Kingdoms fought valiantly, the Adunians not least of all. Yet at the last, even with the powerful sorceries of the Brev to aid them, all were forced into retreat, and they fled not by sea but under the earth into the domain which the enemy had since abandoned. And it was in those shadowed depths that they dwelled, until such time as they were, by providence, met with the sun’s light once more. THE FOUNDING OF NÚMENDIL Though much of this tale is told in other records [TBA] it shall be recounted here also that after arriving in Aevos the Adunians settled among a Farfolk known as the Sharadûn in the lands of Sharad'et'alkayaban, at the base of the Mountain, Alkayaban, for which those lands were named. However, fearing the influence of these Adunians, the Imr-khagn of the Sharadûn ordered their encampment burned, and its inhabitants enslaved. Tar-Uriel was gravely wounded in the initial raid, and was set into a deep coma, from which it was thought he would never awake. As the Adunians prepared to make a final stand however, Tar-Uriel awoke, and led the countercharge, harrying the Sharadûn back to their capital, which was taken, after which, the Imrîd dynasty from which the Imr-khagn descended was extinguished, and their lands taken by Tar-Uriel, who renamed them ‘the Númenaranyë’ or ‘the Royal Realm of the Númenedain’, and thus, the name was born. Tar-Uriel himself took a third and final name by which he is known now, Tar-Númenatâr, ‘King of the Númenedain’. And thus, Tar-Númenatâr the King ruled nobly and well to this day. AFTERWORD AND CREDITS (OOC) After several long weeks of writing, the Númenedain culture is complete, and I can’t say I’m not proud. The Númenedain stemmed from a desire to return the Adunians to their LOTR-inspired roots, now that they have for the first time in many years an actual nation. If you’re interested in LOTR-style humans based off the Númenoreans, or want something a bit different from the usual ‘game of thrones’ or ‘real life but fantasy’ vibe of human roleplay, I encourage you to join us in the Númenedain discord [here] or to seek us out in-game in Númendil. A small note for clarification in ‘Languages of the Adunians’ as well as ‘Númenedain names’ sections is that the languages used to represent those languages are Welsh for Almaric Thaudian, and Tolkien’s Aduniac and Sindarin for Adunic, with the former representing the earlier (and therefore lesser-recorded) Mannish dialect, whereas Sindarin is used to represent the later, more Elven-like form of the language. Finally, I would like to thank and credit all of those without whom, neither this culture, nor the Adunian nation would exist. First, the Barrowlander community, who gave me the opportunity to be their leader. Their constant proof-reading and encouragement is what helped me finish this, which is probably one of my better posts in my time on LOTC. all of you contributed in one way or another, and so it’d be difficult to list them all. In no particular order, Josh, Hermes, Shady, Irene, Sneaky, Cindy, Seva, Pepto, Daengie, Astria, Dele, Kyrrn, James, Tom, Gilded and Fimlin. I’m sure I’m forgetting some names, sorry. I want to give a special thanks to DrHope, my dearest and oldest friend on this server, who was the one who invited me to play his squire, Uther, who became so much more. I also would like to thank JakobiWitness, Owl_7, Ilum_Tarus, and Hanrahan, the original Adunians, and obviously, Professor Tolkien, from whose works this culture, and all of fantasy is clearly inspired.

THE SCROLL OF ROYAL LAW RHIM NÚMENDIL VI ANORHÎR Issued 20th The Grand Harvest, 131 SA. In the name of His Royal Majesty Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor SECTION I. Laws of State The following are those laws which outline the hierarchy of our Kingdom’s government, as well as the laws of inheritance and succession. I. The ruling monarch, hereafter referred to as ‘the Crown’ or ‘the White Throne’, shall hold full and unquestioned authority over the lands and titles of the Kingdom. II. The Crown shall have the authority to dictate, enforce and alter this code at their discretion. III. Those empowered by the Crown to enforce the law, including Knights, levies of the royal house, and others appointed to such authority by decree, shall be privileged to interpret and enforce the law as appropriate and necessary, and shall hold that privilege at the pleasure of the Crown. IV. Subjects of the White Throne shall be obligated to adhere to any and all royal decrees or taxes levies. V. The succession of the Kingdom shall be determined by appointment of the Crown. In such an event that the monarch is slain or becomes otherwise incapable of ruling without an appointed heir, the crown shall pass to the oldest trueborn child. VI. The recognized Houses of the realm shall have the right to dictate their own traditions of inheritance. However, should a dispute of inheritance threaten the peace, it may be settled at the Crown’s discretion. VII. No title held by an Adunian House or individual shall, in any circumstance other than Royal assent, pass to one not of Adunic blood. SECTION II. Laws of the Crown Listed hereafter are those laws which shall dictate the honorable conduct to which subjects of and visitors to our Kingdom are to hold themselves. I. For a subject to act to our Kingdom’s detriment in any way, be that by the raising of arms or the aiding of Her enemies, shall be considered Treason. II. To practice or to affiliate knowingly with those who practice the Dark Arts is strictly forbidden, and shall be considered the crime of Unholiness. III. No individual shall willfully slay another outside of defense of self or others, and to do so shall be considered Murder. IV. No person shall willfully do harm to another outside of defense of self or others, and to do so shall be considered Assault. V. To make use of any magic in a manner which is harmful to the Crown’s properties or to others, or in a way that is counter to the decrees of the Crown, shall be considered the crime of Sorcery. VI. To deprive or dispossess another of their rightfully owned property or goods shall be considered Theft. VII. To damage the properties of the Crown shall be considered Vandalism. VIII. To publicly encourage the practice of Pagan faiths, or to cast insult upon our Lord GOD Almighty shall be considered Blasphemy. IX. To damage properties of the Church, or to dishonor icons of the Exalted or the Saints shall be considered Sacrilege. X. Should one accused of a crime so desire, they may request trial by combat or to appeal to the Crown for royal trial. Those known for fact to be guilty do not receive this privilege.

Origins The Errant Knight’s Code is an interpretation of the informal code of conduct associated with the tradition of Knighthood which has long been a staple of human (specifically Canonist) martial culture. Over the centuries, many ‘Knight’s Codes’ have been written, all of which vary greatly on the matter of emphasis, but most, unsurprisingly, uphold loyalty to nation or Emperor before all other things, in some shameful cases, even putting secular loyalty above that to the Canonist Faith. Knights were first and foremost enforcers of their Kings and Emperors, and lesser landholders as a result, such was the standard they were, and in many places, still are held to this day. During the Harvest Revolution and the violent overthrow of the Orenian Kingdom, most landholders sided, unsurprisingly with the Royalists, as such, few knights, and most of whom were destitute and desperate sided with the commonfolk. One of them being the future Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor of Númendil, at the time, a humble hedgeknight by the name of Ser Uther. In the aftermath of the Revolution, Ser Uther was charged with maintaining the peace within the wartorn Heartlands, which had barely recovered from the Brother’s War before being bled anew during the peasant’s revolt. To do this, Ser Uther put out an open call to all who would answer, offering in part wealth and honor, but chiefly a worthy cause to those who sought it. Penitence for one’s previous failings proved a popular notion in the aftermath of two bloody civil wars, and soon, Ser Uther had rallied a cadre of destitute knights, repentant highwaymen, and dispossessed mercenaries seeking redemption. Many of them he knighted himself, under the logic that, in the absence of a King, a Knight can make a Knight, should he deem one worthy. And though the Harvest Confederacy would inevitably fall, the spirit of that Brotherhood endured as Ser Uther and his tribe of Harrenites, the predecessors to the Númenedain, came to conquer the Barrowlands, and later found the Kingdom of Númendil- Where Knighthood is earned through worthy deeds of great valor, and those who wear the honor wear it with piety, rather than serving as thugs for their monarch. THE CHIVALRIC CODE As laid out by Ser Uther ‘the Pendraic’ of Acre Written 88 SA. In memoriam of Ser Rolvald Thassion I Thou shalt maintain His Church and live piously. II Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of All Canondom, regardless of rite, and shall never take up arms against the Church. III Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of the innocent, the weak, and defenseless, to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood. IV Thou shalt refrain from acts of wanton cruelty, to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood. V Thou shalt give succor to widows, orphans and the dispossessed. VI Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy, and shall act always with valor, even if it leads to thy death. VII Thou shalt make war upon the apostate and the servants of Iblees without cessation, and thou shalt never leave the call to crusade unanswered. VIII Thou shalt guard the honor of thy fellow knights, and in turn act virtuously as not to bring dishonor to them. IX Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God. X Thou shalt always remain forthright and honest, and will be true to thy word, even if it leads to thy death. XI Thou shalt refrain from giving wanton offense. XII Thou shalt always respect and defend the honor of women. XIII Thou shalt persevere to end in any enterprise begun. XIV Thou shalt never refuse a challenge from an equal, and shall always respect the rite of single combat. XV Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone. XVI Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil. Númenedain Knighthood Due to their origins in the knightly warband of Ser Uther, the Númenedain place a strong reverence on the institution, even beyond their usual adherence to absolute feudalism. The phrase A Knight is a Knight wherever he may be describes their attitude towards the profession. Titles and peerages do not carry half as much weight among the Númenedain as martial prowess and piety, in this regard, even the lowliest hedgeknight might be held in higher regard than even the mightiest king, based on how true they remain to the chivalric ideal. ‘False knights’ ie, those granted the honorific title for political reasons alone, and those lacking martial skill or moral fiber, are viewed more akin to bandits than true knights, and the Númenedain disparage those who grant them such false ‘honors’. According to the laws of the Númenedain, any Knight who deems another worthy can name someone a knight through a basic ceremony in which the recipient is asked to swear to adhere to each clause of the code one at a time, after which, the following is recited. [ Grantor] “Do you, [name] of [name], swear to uphold all these tenants, on pain of exile should ye fail?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] “Do you swear never to falter, to aid the foe willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly, on pain of death should ye fail?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] “Do you swear to be an example and mentor to your children and your taken squires, so they might carry on your legacy once ye fall?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] "Then by the Cross, the Flame, and the Radiant Star, I charge you all this and more- To uphold all duties required of you by your station, and to act honorably, now and always." [ Grantor] "Arise Ser [Name] of [Name]- Knight of the Realm." [Both] “So mote it be.” Traditionally, if one is also being named a Knight with vested authority, they will be declared ‘Knight of the Realm and of [kingdom name], and the Knighting ceremony will be followed immediately with a pledge of fealty. A knight may also oftentimes be landed, but this is not always the case, for Knighthood in its own right comes with associated honors and privileges, as well as the duties as laid out in the chivalric code. These rights include being permitted to fly their own banners beneath that of their served Lord, them and their household being permitted to wear their own colors into battle, and being awarded favored treatment in the eyes of the king’s law, which they are also permitted to enforce should they be pledged, and not a simple errant Hedgeknight. Knights are expected and trained to fight primarily as heavy shock-cavalry, but are required to be capable to serve in any role (though in the case of landed knights, lowly positions such as manning siege-equipment or performing menial labor is often seen as beneath them, unless commanded by greater authority.) Uniquely among the Númenedain however, is a duty unlike any other, called The Last Rite of Kings. The Last Rite of Kings is a clause which dictates that, should the reigning monarch of Númendil be willingly or unwillingly brought under the sway of the Forces of Darkness, it is not only expected, but commanded of all Knights of the Kingdom to either bring said monarch back into the light, or, failing that, raise their banners in rebellion and overthrow them in favor of the heir, or should succession be muddied, the High Steward. In the case where both the High Steward and the Heir are unavailable, regency is to be assumed by the eldest knight in service to the Kingdom. This is perhaps the only case among the Mannish Kingdoms in which regicide is not only permitted, but outright commanded per the founding principles of the Kingdom. Malchediael and the Númenedain Among the Númenedain, along with the Canonist God and his Saints, reverence will also at times be placed upon the Aengul of Courage, Malchediael, known by most by his Canonist name, Archangel Michael. Even those without the patronage of the Archangel, his Templars, have come to favor the Warrior-Angel, and call to him in battle as one might call upon the intercession of the saints. However, the Archangel is never venerated above or in place of the Creator. As well as the Aengul of Courage, Michael is oftentimes attributed to be the Archangel of War specifically, and depictions of him or his four-pointed radiant star can be found everywhere in Númendil. Notably, the Royal House of Arthalionath adopted the Radiant Star of Malchediael into their sigil after the destruction of Barrowton during the Dagor Almariad.

The Occupation of Redclyff Let it be known that on the eve of the 12th of Snow’s Maiden 130 SA. the forces of the Halflings, Adunians and Norlanders, with the support of a few Adrians and Talarnorians marched forth to the vile child-eaters of Redclyff. Without resistance, the Halfling force and their allies seized their capital. As much, his Royal Highness, Thain King Cyris sees fit to appoint Ser Adrielle as Governor of the cannibal-freed Redclyff. Signed by; His Majesty Shire-King Cyris I, Father of Foxes, Protector of Frogs, Patriarch of House Collingwood, Thain of Bywater, Honeyhill and Greater Bramblebury, The Unblinded, Master of the Arcane, Founder of Mingebottom and ruler of the Orenian Empire.

Adunic Alchemy An adunian bowie alchemist, currently sorting and preparing the herbs to make into medicine or symbols. Lore Reagents Deer Heart Potions Stags Stamina Bowie Camouflage Purpose OOC Comments and Shoutouts: First I want to make it clear, this is my first time submitting lore or alchemical lore for that matter. So apologies if it seems a bit weird formatting wise. Secondly, I want to give a huge shoutout to those that reviewed the piece and gave some advice, that being Nooblius and TheBlackBobRoss. Along with, those that just peer reviewed it with me, such as DrHope and Jameson, this is was a lot of fun to make and work on. Regardless of all of that, I hope to write some more lore in the future. If you have any criticisms or comments, by all means comment on the post or just dm me.

so far Adunians have been playable but have not been selectable from the character creation screen/textbox. will this be changed in 4.0? anybody know anything?