Dúnedain of the North

The Dúnedain of the North

Other Names
Men of Arnor, Rangers (of the North), Northern Dúnedain, Watchers

Origins
Mostly descendant of the Númenóreans who settled in the region of Arnor

Location
Arnor, Eriador

Language
Westron, Sindarin, Quenya

History
The Dúnedain of the North are the second of two great branches of the descendants of the Númenóreans settling among the other peoples of Middle Earth and surviving the Fall of Númenor. While the others, the Dúnedain of the South, eventually established themselves in the region later known as Gondor, the Dúnedain of the North originally reigned chiefly in Arnor.

High King Elendil built his capital in Annúminas, ruling Arnor himself and overseeing the rule of the Southern kingdom by his sons Isildur and Anárion. After his death Isildur was to reign after him, while Anárion’s son Melendil ruled over Gondor. Yet, after the War of the Last Alliance during which Men, Elves and Dwarves fought, and eventually defeated, Sauron’s forces at great cost, Isildur never returned to his father’s realm and could never claim it as his own. Instead he and his company were ambushed during what is known as the Disaster of the Gladden Fields and Isildur slain.

What Elendil had built was abandoned, his few remaining people, affected greatly by the cost of war, scattered.

Valendil, youngest son of Isildur, ruled what remained of Arnor after Isildur’s death. Yet, between King Eärendur’s sons no agreement could be reached and the realm became divided into three: Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur. Realms which eventually, one by one, fell. Wars and sickness, plague and the forces of the Witch King of Angmar gaining in strength devastated the Dúnedain of the North. Their numbers dwindled, their cities were abandoned, their realms forgotten.

What remained were a small, wandering people, trying to preserve what little was left. They became known as the Rangers of the North, a mysterious people, distrusted and barely understood by outsiders, despite (unbeknownst to their persecutors) guarding them from many evils in the wilds. If any of the royal line remained, perhaps among the Chieftains of these people, it is long forgotten, except, perhaps, by the elves of Rivendell among which the Dúnedain of the North were always welcome and which keep the last heirlooms of Isildur’s line.

What is known, however, is that the last kingdom of Arnor to fall was Arthedain. It was destroyed with the Battle of Fornost, the last known king, Arvedui never seen again, the fate of his son Aranarth and potential heirs unknown.

Culture and Daily Life
The Dúnedain of the North have become a secretive people, keeping among themselves, leaving no records, covering their tracks, always on the move. They are regarded with suspicion by many and do little to change that. Most of them are, after all, suspicious of strangers themselves.

Yet, they fight the beasts of the wild, like wolves, and creatures of the dark, like orcs or trolls, not solely for their own sake, but also to keep the people of the regions that they frequent safe. They protect Men, as well as the Hobbits of the Shire and feel responsible for them.

If any of the royal line of Isildur remain and they know about it, they will not speak of it. They are fiercely loyal to their leaders and protective of their families.

While they record little and try to not be mentioned in the records of others, their oral tradition passes on the knowledge of the ancient past and many among them do indeed know how to read and write. Some of their children have even been seen among the elves of Rivendell, receiving education there.

Perhaps influenced by those elves they harbor a great respect for nature and will not kill an animal unless it attacks or they desperately need its parts for survival. No matter the reason for such a kill they will always harvest and put all parts of the carcass to some use.

Belying their reputation they also are, in general, no criminals and follow a strict honor code as well as the law of the land. In fact, many a bandit and poacher in the regions where Dúnedain of the North are said to roam the wilderness can tell a story about the forest itself seemingly coming alive and shadowy figures chasing them from their hiding places, warning their prey or taking their weapons from them.

Crafts and Warfare
The Dúnedain of the North have no standing army and their number is dwindling. Yet, most of them know how to fight, to defend themselves and others. Wielding bows, longswords and knives they will use the terrain to their advantage, track and ambush enemies, set traps or use poison.

They are foragers and hunters, produce what they can themselves and buy or trade for everything else.

Appearance
The Dúnedain of the North are tall men with fair skin, dark hair and grey eyes. Their lifespan exceeds that of most Men, even that of their Southern relatives, and they appear youthful until late in life. To outsiders they often appear grim or shady and suspicious, and poor aside of their weapons.

Their clothes are made from what is available and practical in the region. They are often worn in many layers, made for traveling, to withstand the elements and to allow for blending in out in the wilds. Hooded cloaks, high boots and sturdy tunics are popular among them. Typically grey or dark green in color their most distinguishing feature is a cloak-clasp in the form of a six-pointed star. Otherwise they do not tend to wear jewelry.

Relations
The forces of Mordor are, understandably, their greatest enemy. They are distrusted by many and rarely welcome even among other Men. Yet, they have friends among the Elves.

Notable Members
In the past:
- King Isildur, son of Elendil
- King Valendil
- King Eärendur and his sons
- King Arvedui and his son king Aranarth
In the present:
- Strider