Annúminas and the People of the Reunited Kingdom
Jul 3, 2019 14:16:25 GMT -5
Post by DENNY on Jul 3, 2019 14:16:25 GMT -5
Annúminas, capital of the Reunited Kingdom
Ruler: High King Eldarion Telcontar
Capital: Annúminas {circled in red} in the north kingdom, and Minas Tirith in the south kingdom.
Race: Primarily human, a number of which being Dúnedain, descendents of Numenor, and many Northmen. Some half-elves, elves, and dwarves may make up the constructs of the city, as well as a hobbit passing through here or there.
Naming Tradition: The men of Gondor and Arnor follow the Sindarin naming tradition, though Northmen or people of other cultures would likely follow their own naming traditions.
Religion: While the people of the Reunited Kingdom keep no temples, they are a highly religious people. A mode of respect given, as well as prayer and a glance to the West before meals, always to Eru Illuvatar, and they recognize the Valar. The ancient downfall of Numenor came as a result of falling away from the teachings of the Valar, and thus to blaspheme or disregard Illuvatar would be a terrible offense. Melkor worship is strictly forbidden, even a curiosity is shunned.
About Annuminas and the North Kingdom
Annúminas is white marble city which was settled originally upon the Southern shore of Lake Evendim in the Second Age by those who had survived the drowning of Numenor; later ransacked and laid to waste by the hoardes of the Witch King, it lay in ruins for thousands of years. Left were monuments of cracked stone, rubble, and the remnants of the watchtowers. Those who had survived the downfall of Arnor became the wandering bands of Dúnedain rangers, watching over their homelands and all that remained of them.
At the beginning of the fourth age, after the War of the Ring and the rebuilding of Minas Tirith, King Elessar sought provision for the rebuilding of Annúminas. Slow at first, for there were more pressing matters and he was at long distance, progress was made and eventually the time came when the royal family was able to spend months at a time in the Northern Realm. Annúminas became a favored home of then Prince Eldarion, and his sisters, a place where he could imagine the tales of heros and ancestors, and a place he would eventually decide to make his home after the passing of his Father.
Annúminas in the year 120 of the Fourth Age is a city half rebuilt, and half of ruined memory, where you can step from a freshly carved staircase which has not yet seem a speck of grime nor winter’s chill, and find a long hall of crumbling at the end. There are endless passages and tunnels into the bluff the city rests upon, which lead everywhere and nowhere, and one never knows what might be lurking amidst the vine laden statues or the reed strewn banks of Evendim.
The land around the city is prosperous, farms dotting the countryside and the forest is plentiful for game, while the lake provides much resource in fish. The climate is warm to cool in the summer, and has long, cold winters with much snowfall.
Government
Monarchy:
The rule of Annuminas and the Reunited Kingdoms is an Absolute Monarchy, though the High King does hold an advisory council. The king is not only the political leader, but also the spiritual leader of the realm. He stands as the face of the kingdom, the beacon of what Gondor and Arnor are, the remnant of the Numenorean bloodline, and the struggles they’ve faced over the years. As of the year 120 of the Fourth Age, King Eldarion Telcontar bears the sceptre, and his heir apparent is Elessar II Telcontar, his eldest son.
The Council of the Sceptre:
Taking after the original Numenorean council and established by the High King Elessar, Nobles, Lords, or Emissaries from each region, along with the King's Heir, gather to advise the King on matters of the State. With the passing of King Elessar, and the many lands he gained for the Reunited Kingdom, along with Eldarion's desire to draw near to the way things once were during the great rule of men, a new Council has been established among both the men of the realm and those ambassadors from the allied realms and the free realms.
High Steward:
The High Steward is the highest honor of Lord, now stationed in Minas Tirith, ruling over the south kingdom of Gondor, as the king is in the north in Arnor.
The Lords:
As Gondor is a vast fiefdom of many lands, Lords rule various regions, standing almost independently, but still bearing homage and tribute to the King.
Social Structures
Social Classes:
Upper Class: The upper tier of society begins with the High King, and trickles down to the Steward, and then to the advisors and nobles. These hold the most wealth, land, and thus the most power and respect.
Middle Class: The middle class is made up of government workers, artisans, merchants, and those working in the skilled trades such as smiths, healers, and architects, and knights. Many farm and herd owners are also considered among the middle class, though they often hire those lower than them to work the fields. While born into the class system, the middle class has a leg up in society, and potential to rise to the upper if they hold this skill, as they have access to education and apprenticeships.
Lower Class: The lowest class of society is made up of the laborers and the servants. They own no land. Often these people have fewer rights and lack an identity, they may be looked down upon and constantly disrespected by the upper classes. While slavery is illegal in the Reunited Kingdom, there are situations where some may live almost as slaves, as many laborers are unpaid, only offered bunks and rations for their work. It is nearly impossible for a simple peasant to find his way up to a higher tier of society. Most of these people have no access to education or apprenticeships but by the more caring individuals in the upper tiers who may offer them aid, or by working for many years for a generous land or business owner who seeks to reward them with land or education.
Gender:
Men: A patriarchal society, there are rather strictly kept roles among gender. Men are the political leaders, the soldiers, the farmers, the hunters, the leaders of the home. Men are the most privileged to take on trades, crafts, art, and healing. They are expected to marry once they can provide for a wife, and while it can be looked down upon to be faithful to that wife, there is less shame attributed to infidelity in men. A man who does not provide for his family, or who chooses not to have a family and sire an heir at all, may be shamed as a failure. It is primarily women’s work to marry young, to care for their household and husband, to bear and raise children, and to avoid being outspoken.
Women: A soldier’s wife may be on her own more and thus would have more responsibility on her shoulders to provide or manage a business or craft. Though it is not common, some women participate in commerce. They do not tend to own property independently unless they are widowed, but they do have the right to inherit it from their fathers, particularly if they have no brothers. A woman of privilege and wealth whose husband can afford servants, and whose husband allows her to do so, may be able to excel in art or other fancies beyond basic handcraft, but that woman would be looked at as having more of a ‘hobby’ than as being an expert in the field.
Family:
Marriage: Family is the center of society; and marriage, chastity and celibacy are celebrated and respected among all social castes. Many marriages in the reunited realm, particularly those among nobility, may be arranged by their fathers for political advantage even while they are still children, though it depends on the individual family whether the to-be bride and groom are aware and given choice in these matters. In most cases father’s may have the last say, particularly in the lives of their daughters. No matter the gender, birth into nobility and status comes with particular duties which must be filled; particularly male heirs to carry on the bloodline. Just as many marriages may come of love as of duty if there is no political statement to make, though marriage between castes of society can be frowned upon. Nobility can be granted by marriage as well as bloodline, though most of noble stature would not be inclined to merge their families with those lesser. Despite individual preferences, nobles particularly would still be under the same duty expected by society to marry the opposite gender and produce an heir, making it a closeted in public society for those who's interests go beyond the traditional norms.
Divorce: Looked down upon, though may be granted in the case of the man, a woman has little right to ask for a divorce though it may be requested on her behalf by a male family member. If a man chooses to divorce his wife, the children are still his by claim and may remain with him or go where he sees fit. Illegitimate children, those produced outside of wedlock, are considered ‘bastards’ and have no rights to familial inheritance or recognition of their father’s name.
Foreigners: The Reunited Kingdom is in the early stages of becoming what can be called a multi-diverse nation, with ambassadors as well as those who have fled the freed nations of Khand, Rhun, and Haradwaith settling and trying to build their own lives within a fresh and prosperous land. Though under the rule and moral obligations of the Reunited Kingdom, cultures and customs slip in; some of which can be abhorrent to the way of life of the people of Gondor and Arnor. Annúminas is a city of fair trade, drawing the same taxes upon foreigners as they do locals.
Festivals
Holy Days:
The three prayers are given on particular days, as well as a bloodless offering, though no longer given on an ascent into the mountains, the whole city gathers on the banks of Evendim clothed in white and in complete silence save for the voice of the High King. These prayers are a holy ritual. Children are only allowed to attend once they are old enough to honor the silence.
Erukyermë, held at the beginning of spring, the prayer for a good year;
Erulaitalë in the middle of summer, the prayer for a good harvest;
Eruhantalë in the autumn, the thanksgiving for a good harvest.
The New Year, Spring, March 25th. King Elessar changed the date of the new year to reflect the day when the Ring was destroyed. Also falls on the same day as the Erukyermë.
Loende, Midsummer, June 24th. Also falls on the same day as prayer of Erulaitalë, which is followed by dawn and a the singing of ancient songs, and boat races on Evendim.
Yaviere, Harvest Feast, September 21st. Also falls on the same day as the prayer of Eruhantalë.
Comare, Ring Day, September 22nd. A festival established by King Elessar in honor of Frodo and the beginning of the War of the Ring.
Turuhalme, Midwinter, December 21st. Known as the logdrawing, consisting of games in the snow, gathering logs, and lots of food and drink to go along with storytelling..
Erukyermë, held at the beginning of spring, the prayer for a good year;
Erulaitalë in the middle of summer, the prayer for a good harvest;
Eruhantalë in the autumn, the thanksgiving for a good harvest.
The New Year, Spring, March 25th. King Elessar changed the date of the new year to reflect the day when the Ring was destroyed. Also falls on the same day as the Erukyermë.
Loende, Midsummer, June 24th. Also falls on the same day as prayer of Erulaitalë, which is followed by dawn and a the singing of ancient songs, and boat races on Evendim.
Yaviere, Harvest Feast, September 21st. Also falls on the same day as the prayer of Eruhantalë.
Comare, Ring Day, September 22nd. A festival established by King Elessar in honor of Frodo and the beginning of the War of the Ring.
Turuhalme, Midwinter, December 21st. Known as the logdrawing, consisting of games in the snow, gathering logs, and lots of food and drink to go along with storytelling..
Other Cities of Interest
Minas Tirith: The capital to the south, where the Steward reigns in absence of the King. It is still an important political power
Osgiliath:
Dol Amroth
Pelargir
Linhir