Stee | gat aun r Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS say EAN ce rs ; CITY SUPPLEMENT xd Eee nicsCITIES Middie? of arth MINAS TIRITH A FANTASY GAME CT BY GRAHAM ST EE Copyright ERPRISE: z M The Hobbit, and The t All Rights Reserved Trish, Cities TERPRISES. acuced and distrPbuted by IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, Ine. P.O, Box 160: First U.S. Edition, May 1988, Stock 28.901 ISBN 1-$5806-001-4: — cones: Fe REMORg oon aga, a 10 AN INTRODUCTION TO MINAS TIRITH 1023 THE GREAT BAKERY __ vay aot “a ‘SERIES — 10.29 HOUSE HARNASTIN: 7 8 USING MAINES TUTE pr 124 LETSEN'S STUDIO.. CS Preven er amar 20 CITY OF THE SUN 10.46 WOODWRIGHTS” HOUSE ... oT Seen se uca oma eae eer se aewne 1032 HOUSE OF MEMORIALS 3 Sa Te Ce ee 10.33 THE CHIMNEYS .. sone 3S Le pauoaeo 2 ee ere = 21) 8 ORG BOE 135 GREAT HALL OF THE GUARD fr a0 ai coerii —* 136 JERRIAD THE SHARP'S bait a2 a ae ee Nea FOURTH EEE ih Mneaneees a eure ao FLORA AND FAUNA 1043 WATERWRIGHTS’ HALL A ER AREA Se pena ee ee heey 42 FN Sea 431 SOME COMMON HERBS. |32_ RARE AND SPECIAL HERES =. 44 WILD BEASTS AND BIRDS 43 WILDPLANTS.. $0 CULTURE AND LIFESTYLES 3.1 HOME LIFE... 52. CUSTOMS, ETIQUETTE, AND DRE 5.1 FOOD AND DRINK. SA. SPIRITUAL LIFE. 3.3 ART AND ARCHITECTURE. 60 COMMERCE 70 THE INHABITANTS TA THE ROYAL FAMILY 12 THE ANORIANS oe 72) NOBLE HOUSES: 22 GREAT FAMILIES 723. THE FELLOWSHIPS, 734 KING'S GUARD AND Cit 7.3. THE BUREAUCRACY JA. THE ADMINISTRATORS —— JAIME ROYAL OFFICES... : 74 WOODEN-TOWN'S REFUGEES 0. 33 40 POLITICS AND POWER A ROYAL AUTHORITY 82 CONCLAVE... 43 THE PRINCE-PRESIDENCY 4A ORGANIZATION OF THE FELLOWSHIPS... BS. SECRET SOCIETIES 51 THE BLOOD RING. 2 52 THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN 53 COLLEGE OF THE SPOKEN WORD. S36 THE ROGUES: FELLOWSMIP... 99 CITY OVERVIEW 9.1 THE OUTER WALL... 2 THEGREATGATE 93. THECITY WALLS... 81 THE INNER WALLS 92 THE LESSER GATES 933 THE RAMBERAID 04 STREETS .. ae 95 WATER SUPPL SEWERS 9.6 AKEY TO SOME CITY SITES .. ot SITES DESCRIBED iN DETA a2 OTHER SITES 98) THE MAIN STREETS .., BUILDINGS OF NOTE Te OLD GUESTIOUN ~~ THE ORRERY HOUSE LITTLE LOCK SHOP PALACE OF LIGHT KEYLODGE 108.0 To.t wen io ia ios ios WS FIFTH LEVEL 106 10. rom toa 10.8 ross 10.46 lost ‘EAGOL BOOKBINDER ‘THE. DIE MAKERS" RYND PERMAITH GWAIN KYND PERMAITH LAUR FELLOWSHIPS” HALL. HOUSE OF TAPESTRIES HOUSES OF HEALING TERIMBREL THE RATER, CHAMBER OF CONCLAVE HOUSE. OF RINGING SOUNDS... MERETHROND i FEN HOLLEN, RATH DINEN, THE HALLOWS —_. 118 LOWER BARRAC eaten W.7 SEVENTH LEVEL — CITADEL ROCK ce 117 10.0 1078 rat 1075 1076 ‘THE HIGH COURE Ww ‘THE UPPER BARRACKS —co-—osccrm—e ‘THE HALL OF ISILDUR = ‘THE PLACE OF THE FOUNTAIN ole HALL. ‘THE TOWER OF ANARION 1.0. THE CITY IN OTHER TIMES U1 THE RINSTRIFE po coccpee ant 112 THE WAR OF THE RING 00 a U3 INTHE FOURTH AGE... 9 120 PEOPLE OF NOTE 12.) THE ROYAL FAMILY... 122 THE COURTIERS 3 THE CITy’s NOBILITY 135 124 POWERFUL ANORIANS SO 41 132 RIOT IN WOODENSTOWN 133. THE SECRET OF THE RING... 134 THE HAUNTED HOUSE 15 LIGHTFINGERS AND LOCKPICK. a THE WEALTHY AND I 14.0 ADAPTING THIS MODULE, 14.1 HITS AND BONUSES tag 14.2 CONVERSION CHART. 48 150 TABLES 15.1 LESSER NPC TABI 152 ROYAL NPC TABLE. 153 ADVENTURE NPC TABLE so ISA MASTER MILITARY TABLE... 153 MASTER ENCOUNTER TABLE, 16.0 APPENDIX 16.1. TERMINOLOGY. 162 ABBREVIATIONS, CREDITS & READING ... on BadIniroduction fl, A great black shape against the fires beyond! he toomed vn to avast en despair. In rade the Lord of the Nazgiif, under the archway ‘to enemy ever yet hat passed, and all fled before his Atl save ane, There waiting, silent and still in the sp sat Gandalf upon Shadowfax: Shacowfar te f endured the if, steadfast as a graven image in Rath before the Gare he alone i aire horses of she eart "You cannot enter here.’ said Gandalf, and the huge shadow hated.” (Loti HH, p, 125). Minas Tirith, the Guarded City. ses from the great knee of rock that stands at the have of Mount Mindolluin, the last and exstern- ‘most peak in the White Mountains. Capital of Gondor, it is the pecemintent symbol of the strugele against Sauron of Mordor, No per city in western Midle-carth offers greater hope or a mare dramatic vetting for the defense of the Free Peoples ‘Set above the Anduin, where the Great River sweeps around green fields of Pelennor, Minas Tirith © ws the wide gap between the White Mountains and the Mountains of Shadow that encircle the Dark Lord's homeland. Its seven stone walls seem to >w out af the stone, ws if carved by ancient Giants. Each ck a ng way from a son glimmering white with cach sunrise. High atop the suru ber grey 10 a al, on the seven reachessky ma id uppermeest level, the ‘liken glistening spire of silvery peartand crystal, The Tower's fluitering banners fly above ificent Citadel, which reaches dike nite ship-keel, iis sheer walls casting shadows on the Great C trelow, Amidst the sinrn spawned by the: Lord of Rings, this st hold in Minas Tirith — an unparalleled bas: massive Citadel is the c crown city waits. As the specter of impending war darkens the eastem skies, its streets teen with commesce und over Midle-carth, until the lay that the Evil One sist its beight walls and noble warriors 1.1 THE CITIES SERIES The Cities of Middle-earth series presents Gamemasters (GMs) s in LIRR, Tolkien's world of Endor. Each pack documents the history, design, layout, garrison, and inhabitants-of the eity, Painstakingly elaborate maps, floorplans, and perspec tives highlight each product. Here you will find a vast wealth of tudventures and settings for use withthe Middle-earth Rate Pl (MERP) and Rolemaster (RM) fantasy role playing, (FRP) systems, material which is easily adupable t most other Fi lines. 1.2 USING MINAS TIRITH i. take a Took at the Four-page color imap of the city, Locate in the back of the module, the map is perforated and ean be easily separated from the binding, An arca view coversthe other sidcof this specialcalor section, These maps earer picture of what the text and graphics are all Before reading Minas Fir will give you shout. If youdo not use ICE's Middle-earth Role Playing or Rotemas ter fantasy role playing gamesystems, urn to Section 14,0 before you begin reading Section 2.0, Itpeavides guidelines for adapting the material to most other FRP games, Section 15.0 com all the non-playercharacters (NPCs), military units, beast Wa et Section 16.0) cavers the terminolog to ICE's Middle-earth FRP pame seri 1.3. THE TEMPORAL SETTING This module is erafied to be deliberately vague regarding the temporal setting. We took cure tadelete time-specific statements except Where they are absolutely necessary. Minas Tirith, how: ever, goes through many ehanges during the Third Age, 80 it is impossible to present the city in a truly “timeless” manner, Thus, like most of ICE's other Middle-earth modules, we place the T.A, 1640 whenever a dated passage is required, This approach follows the preceslent set by other modules, which state things in terms of the middle of Endor’s Third Age, In addition, it captures the city at onc af its most important moments, ‘when the Great Plague had just passed and the throne had just been from the old capital of Osgiliath. “Minis Tirith” is actually label which was formaity adopted in TA. 2002, just after the fall af Minas lthil (Minas Tirith's sister city in Ithilien), Prior to that time, the city is called by its given vnumne: “Minas. Anor. es Which surmarize game statistics i outers discussed in the text, and abbreviations specificCity of the Sun 2.0 CITY OF THE SUN Minas Anor is a great city stepped aginst the feet of the Ered Nimrais (S. “White Mountains”). Together with Osgiliath, the Citadel of the Stars, and Minas Ith, he Tower of the Moon. the City of the Sun forms the core af Gandor — the mightiest empire in Middle-earth. This very year it has received an even higher accolade, chasen by King Tarondar to be the capital of his realm: Therefore terithe known tha we. Taronaor som of Minar tan son of Minardi, King ofall Gondor, this day deeree that henceforth our seat and the seal of the household and government of our kingdom shall be made in the city of Minas Amor. And we command that aif our servants and persons of high office and responsibility shall remove them selvenfrom the citadel of Ongiliat upto Anduin and ate upon thir liege lard inthe said city of Minas Anor. And we ‘command that pravision forthe siting of an seat ad al our Servantsandofficials be made by the cityof Minx Anor, his tommand expresily made uno onr dearly beloved cousin Mindacit Prince-President ofthe said city and its province This decree dated the Twelfth day of Nina tn the One Thousand Six Hundred and Farticth year of the Third Axe The King's decision tomove his capita from Osiliath to Minas AAnor his been brough! on by the ropildepencration of conditions inthe orginal royal citadel. Two hundred years agothe Kin-strife took its tol, imeparably damaging many of the beautiful old buildings while Eldacar held out apsinst Castamir's siege. Then. ‘ver the past five years, the low-lying, waterside city has suffered gravely from the scourge of the Great Plague, death sweeping neatly half the citizens away on a tide even the mighty Anduin cauld never match. Tarondor's uncle King Telemmar died wom ‘with his wife Elabriel of Lamedon, their four children, and Telemnar’s sister Cethwen. Il was a tragedy of proportion un known since the civil wa. Anorian Grest-house Stil, the awful Plague indirectly bestowed a gift to Minas Anar, Neighboring Osgiliath suffered even more than the City of the ‘Sun, and the great metropolis that spans the Anduin ties largely in ruins. So after over seventeen centuries of of being known as a royal refu the seven-tiered mountain eity ssuenedd What m ts inhubitants consider to be its true tiny: it has become the new capital of the South Kingdom. Now, the seat of Andrion, an architectural marvel hewn by the first iinedain from Niimenor, has become the brightest jewel in the ‘rown of Gondor, For was it nat writen’, And there were lights burning in the firmamens ‘men came and each plucked « tight One held Mis aloft, the other close to, and sparks fell between them First to fade was the glinering light, for the waters closed And second to fade was the light held close, for the shades did draw near Al the Jast there was the red light held aloft. for all vo see the man placed the fight on his brow and fof asitsdlying she faded. it did blaze forth renewed.” Portion of prose poem, ea. S.A. 3400 Attributed to. Meneltir, Seer to Elendil 2.1 AHISTORY OF MINAS ANOR ‘The history of the eity known first as Minas Amor and later as Minas Tirth is intimately inked withthe story of the Eleni, the Ef-friendsor Faithful. ‘These were the Diinedain of Nmenor who «didnot sail to the Undying Lands against the Ban ofthe Wabar, ut rather ik heed of the warnings sent them and fled Westernexse tothe shores of Middle-cuth (Chief among the Faithful was Elendll the Tall, His sons were Isldur and Anicion, Upon their arival ia Ender, Elendil and his people took command of the vast stretch of the northwestem ‘continent, fem {mbar inthe South to Nenuial (Lake Evendim) in ‘he North, They started building cities and more permanent settlements than those the Nimendreans hau previously estab Vshed in the region, and they ruled many subject peoples, Etendil divided his realm into the North Kingdom, later known as Amor (8. "Royal Land”), and the South Kingdom later called ‘Gondor (S."Stone Land"), Elendil rufed the North Kingdom from Auniminas while his sons were conjoint Kings of Gondor. A though both sons ruled from the twin thrones at the capital of Ongilath(S,*"Foritessof the Stars”}on the Anuuin, they each had a city built. [sildur’s High Seat was Minas Teil, capital of the province of Ithilien on the easter shores of the Great River Anérion founded Minas Aner, capital ofthe province of Ansrien, inthe year 3320 Second Age,City of the Sunidtisiory & The Tate of Years 5 ‘Tragedy and the War ofthe Last Alliance overtgok both brother- kings by the beginning of the Third Age, but Andrion’s line survived to-rule the South Kingdom. is Kings still ruled from Osgitiath which lay between the two cities; a great populous city sprawled out on both sides of the Great River. Minas Anor was erected al the end of the Second Age on a smaller site that was vaguely modeled after Gondolin, the secret city founded by King Turgon in the Elder Days, [trose from a rocky spurat the base of the castern end of the White Mountains (8."Ered Nimrais”), Before his death, Anirion had seen the Outer ‘Wall of Minas Anorrise, built fram massive blocks of granite. The land. was blasted and cut into six tower levels below the towering Citadel Rock. andthe stones were wsedin the coastructionaf sheer, fluted retaining walls. Scatloped and punctuated with tll towers, the upper six walls separated the city's terraced levels, ‘The phenomenal Outer Wall, a marvel of mititary architecture. marked the point where Minas Anor proper met the surrounding district called Pelennor(S."Fenced Land”). Awesomely thickand strong, tunshakeable in its foundations, fixed to solid rock hard cough 10 keep an army of Durarven miners at bay, the Outer Wal endured aan age and more, keeping the citizens of Minas Ancor safe from even their direst enemies. “Third Age 160-1700 | Anibedain, 2 Angmar, 3 No Man's Land (iehadaut),4-Cardolan, $ Gondor, 6 Haroncior, 7 Umbar, Cardolan is me longer a visble ygdom. and Haroedoe is contested by Gondor and the Corsairs of Urn Minas Anor was thus built upon the lowest skirts ofthe granite inassif knowns Mount Mindalluin (8. “Towering Blue-head”). Sheer-cut slabs af its enduring rocky bulk sheathc the Outer Wall, perfectly jointed, then fused to leavea smooth surface —unseale~ uble and impregnable. Behind it, the lower terraces of the city sweepback, planes cut into the hillside, each ending ahuundred feet above the lst. A thoroughfare isthreaded along them, paved with white marble brought from Lossaraach. For miles it weaves back and forth across the eastern side of the eity, passing through the Citadel Rock five times in its ascent to the gates of the Seventh Level. There, the Citadel of Anrion surmounts the Rock and looks down the whale city. The topmost room of the Citade!"s ‘White Tower soars eight hurklred and forty feetabove the fields of the Pelennor. At the tower's foot is the Court of the Fountain, another marvel of this High Seat, Some four hundred -odd years after the death of Andrion, Minas ‘Anor saw renewed royal patronage under Ostoher, the seventh King. The High Hall and Kingshat! were built on the upper levels to accomodate the royal household during summer residence. A tradition was established, followed by subsequent monarchs, of spending atleast four months in Minas Anor. In keeping with its increased importance, Ostoher surveyed the land know as Inlor Duinna or Parth Duinna (S. "Fields by the Loop of the Anduin”, and decided to erect a further defense for the city. This was to be 4 great encircling dyke, called the Noeg Echor, und the land within then hecome known as the Pelennor (8, “Enclosed tands": "Fenced-lands"), The dik not only protected the townlands from attackers, but it guarded apainst the occasional flooding of the Anduin 2075 NEI S777 Since the fifih century, Minas Anor has undergone litle out ‘ward change. There are fewer of the beautiful wooden buildings constructed in Angrion’s time, favor Iying more with sturdier constructions of masonry and mortar. The pallem of streets disintegrated under the building and rebuilding of houses and halls; personalities came and went; fashions left fleeting impres sions; and secretsmultiplied under the weight oftong years. Minas Amor seathered the Plague ell ane ix still bustling with fife an fan optimistic mood. Although the mortality rate was high during the Great Plague of T. A. 1636-37, the good sanitation and advan- ‘tageous prospects of the city meant amuch higher proportionof the population survived. .A clean air blew up from the sea ant along the White Mountains, lifting the spirits of the beleaguered cit sentry, Trades he’ gresieal krypt ow tho city sce hak oan the ‘great influx of refugees, Many people journeyed here from nearby ‘Oselliath, where the Great River stank with decay, and there are few abandoned houses here, There have been so miiny neweomers that the city's authorities have restricted entry (an a permanent basis) to those who-can find three sponsors and a place of work. ‘The delays in processing upplications from would-be residents and the timeneested by many of them to satis the officials of their good intentions have led. to the founding. of Wood Town in Pelennor. Temporary dwellings built outside the wallsof the city have spawned a suburb which has only recently stopped growing. 2.2 THE TALE OF YEARS ‘Sucoxn Ace 2380 Pelargir is built by the Faithful of Niimenor; a fort of white ‘marble with a small garrison is built atop the Citadet Rock as. walch onthe Anduin, named Minden Alata, 2689 fort and ferry-station are built by the Numendreans at COsgiliath (then named Gilathiach). 3178 Civil war in Ntimenor; the forts at Pelargir and Osgiliath are tshundoned and their garrisons are left to fend for themselves, 3261 Ar-Pharazin declares warn Sauron, ‘The “Golden” King fans in Umbar. 3262 Sauron taken as prisoner to: Nimenor- Mindon Alata remanned and a bridge is built at Gilathiaech (“ant Gilisth”) 90 that a safe passage to conquered Mordor is maintained,City of she SuniThe Tale of Years 3319 Downfall of Nmenor; escape of Etendil and his sons to Middle-earth, 3320, Sauron rewurns to Mordor. The Realms in Exile, Amor and ‘Gondor, are founded, Work begins on Minas Anor and Minas Ithil in Gondor, but Osgiliath is mule the capital of the: Seuth ‘Kingdom. Palantiri(S.“Secing-stones”)are installed atall three cities, as well as at Angrenost (Tsengard). They are linked tothe three located in the Narth Kingdom. 3345 The Outer Wall of Minas Anoriscompleted and the six lower levels are laid out. Building continues apace, ‘20 Celebrations mark the Herenyand (S, “Centenary") of Minas ‘Ano and Minas Ithil, The twin cities trade gifts. Minas: Anor is almost fully occupied and the Citadel of Andrion is complet $429 Sauron attacks Gondor, taking Minas Ith and destroying its ‘White Tree. Isildur escapes with a seedling to Armor while ‘Angrion holds Osgiliath and Minax Anor. 3430 The Last Alliance of Men and Elves is formed between lend and Gil-galad of Lindon, The mustering of troops begins ‘M34 The host off the League cross the Misty Mountains and ‘confronts Sauron's forces, Battle of Dagorlad and defeat of Sauron. The host occupies Mordor and besieges Barad-diir M40 Andrion issiain in the valley of Gorgoroth by a rock drown from the Dark Tower, ‘M41 Sauron emerges from Barad-dr and duels with Gil-galad and Elendil, slaying them both, twit is himself thrown down, Isildur cuts the Ring from his hand. Thum Ack 1 Meneldil son of Andrion assumes throne of Gondor. Canstrvc~ tina of Angrenost at Orthanc commenced to defend the Gap of Calenartbon, White Tree planted af Minas Anor in memory of Anérion, 2 Disaster of the Gladken Fields; Isildur stain with his three elder sons and the Ring lost. 158 Cemendur crowned King of Gondor, his brother Dilinaith is ‘made first Prince-President of Minas Aner. 238 Ezrendil assumes throne, 324 Anandil becomes King. 411 Ostober crowned in Oygiliath; sets about « vigorous buil program covering all the fortresses in Gondor. 420. Minas Anor rebuilt by Ostoher ind the Nocg Echor raised. The city becomes the summer residence of the King. 492 Death of Ostoher, greatly mourned in Minas Anor, a statue is raised to honor him, Tarastar ¢“Rémendacil I”) is crowned. 1432. King Valacar of Gondor dies and the Kin-strife is triggered by opposition to his hatf-Northman son Eldacar. The Sea-lords of the southem provinces revott. They are fed by Castamir of Pelargit 1437 Eldacas forced to flee from thesiege of Osgiliath, The capital city is bamed by Castamir and the Tower of the Stone falls into the Anduin. The Master-stone of the Palantiriistostin the waters of the Great River. Prince Omendil, Ekiacar's eldest son, is mur- deted, Coratar, Prince-President of Minas Anor, remains neutral in the affair and allows Conclave to offer support to Caxtamir, including a large tribute 1447 Eldacar returns and defeats Castamnir at the Baitle of the Crossings of Erui. 1448 Eldacar’s rule resumed; Coratar is lauded after it isrevealed that he was master of Eldacar’s intelligence network, ng 1634 Death of King Minardi, slain at Pelargir by Corsaies froin Umber. Telemnar takes the throne. 1635 First stirrings of the Great Plague in. Rhovanion (Dor ‘Rhinen), Princess Cethwen, the first royal vitim, dies 1636 Telermnur, his wife and his four children all perish in the Plague, Telemnar's nephew Turondor becomes King, 1637 The Plague subsides, but Ospiliath is devastated. Many flee to Ithiien, the southern provinces, and to Minas Anor. Less than 4 quarter of Andrians die, more than half in Osgiliath.. 1640 Tarondor moves capital to Minas Anor, and a new Golden ‘Age for the city bexins. 1741 Mindacil, the last Prince-President of Minas. Anor, dies. ‘Turondor does not name & successar. 1798 Turondor dies. A great wibutary work is started upon the cliffface of the Citadel Rock 1900) Calimehntar builds the 304 tall White Tower atop the Cade Rock, aggrandizing the Hal of Isldur, 1945 Pelendur the Steward is given official power aver Minas ‘Anor’s Conclave by Earnit I 2000 ‘The Nazgil issue from Mordor and besiege Minas Ith ‘2002 Minas Il falls and becomes Minas Morgul (S, “Tower of Dread Sorcery"), Thus, the Iihil-stone is lost. Minas Anor is renamed Minas Tirith (S. “Tower of Guard” 2050 Eirnur slain by the Witch-king, ending the line of Kings of Gondor, Mardil the Steward becomes the first Ruling Steward. 2475. Atiacks on Gondor renewed; Osgiliath finally ruined and the stone bridge broken. 2698 Ecthetion | rebuilds the White Tower, now known as the Tower of Eethelion, 2852. Belecthor II of Gondor dies, as does the White Tree, No seedling to replace itis found, and the Dead Tree is left standing. in Minas Tiith. 2930 Denethor Il is born in Minus Tirith 2941 Sauron leaves Dol Guldur and reenters Mordor. 2951 The Evil One openly declares himself King of Men. Work begins on the Rammas Echor around Pelennor, a great wal built upon the ancient dike, 2987 Aragorn serves Rehan and Gondor as Thorongil, visiting Minas Tirith during his travels 2976 Denethor weds Finduilas of Dol Amroth. 297% Boromir son of Denethor Il is born, 2983 Furamir is born, 2984 Ecihelion II dies and Denethor I becomes Steward of Gondor. 2.3000 Dencthor starts using the Palantft of Minas Tirth. 3017 Gandalf visits Minas'Tieith and finds the Scroll of Isidur in the Rynd Permaith, 3018 Sauron attacks Osgiliath and secures the East Bank. The Rammas Echor is rebuilt in anticipation of war. Boromirhas the dream of the Sword that was Broken and sets out for Rivendell. WIP Death of Boromir. Two of Sauron’s armics assail Minas Tirith. Denethor commits suicide during siege. ‘The Riders of Rohan the Army of the Dead led by Aragorn Tl arive to help in the struggle during the Batile of Pelennor Fields. The forces of Darkness ure vanquished. sAs the subsequent Battle of Moran- non rages, the Ring-bearer reaches Orodruin (Mount Doom) in Mordor. The Lord of Rings perishes when the One Ring is destrayed in the Crick of Doom, Aragorn IL is erowned King (Blessar).The City Lana 7 3.0 THE CITY LANDS oris one of Endor’s ny Anorian would an nest). Thecapital of the province of Andrien yn Lossarnach in the south to Cal { provide excellent cattle grazing. There are many cla roads and lines of communica the row of seven beat White Mountains, t sith (later Rohan), ‘The roads and bridges d and there are frequent travellers and coaches, of the Empire, but itis sill well Three of Gondor’s great tree-lined highways converge at the along the shores of the: Anduin there are s ferries providing I points further east. The mountain vales are ‘with only a few remote furmsteads herding hardy shee ‘Much of the foothill-land is thickly wondest Minas nor at Gate small towns of Andrien form dy market for the ch fletds), stone (quarried Min-rimmon), beeswax and ta8 The City LandsiThe Petenaor 3.1 THE PELENNOR *..Rammats Echor...Far ten league's or more it ran fresn the imeuntains feerand so back again, enclosing in ts fence the flelds of Pelennor: fair and fertile townlands on the long slopes and terraces falling tothe deg levels ef the Anduin (Lathe IEF, p23) ‘The Pelennor, or the “Enclosed Lands’ of Minas Anor. are surrounded by the Noeg Echor(S. "Encircling Dike"), sturdy, if basic. defense which protects the valuable farms and their fields from inundation and invasion. ‘The Pelennor Fields are not a simple expanse of farrstund, however, The land isrolling, dotted with smallknolls and hillocks. ‘The Noeg Echor is about 15 miles broad (there being 4 leagues he furthest point northeast, an the road to Osgiliath), and thus is some 3$ miles long, ‘The Pelennor cover some 150 squure miles (96,000 acres) including tlth (cultivated land), orcharts, and fold (enclosures for animals) ‘The arca is dotted with farmstead. and little walls, bums and byres, oaxt and garner. Many roads and tracks cross the green fields, linking up to the two great arteries which rum strebght as arrows: the Hortheast highway to Osgiliath and Minas Anor. and the horth-south highway to Harlond, Pelargr, and the southern provinces. There are also streams which flow through the wales, providing irigation for agriculture and cool ponds forthe country folk's enjoyment 3.11 THE NOEG ECHOR “The Nocg Echoris adike comprising a broad, deepditeh running outside a high earthen bank. About 25° wide and 10V deep, the ditch’s steep sides are battened with timber baulks to: prevent erosion, ‘The ditch is continuous, being. spanned by wooden bridges built on sione pier-upporis where roads.carve through the bank. ‘The bank itself is 12' high. On the ditch side there is a narrow (7 wide) stone-flagged pathway separating bankand dite atthe face ofthe bank is near vertical, shored up with tooth-shaped stone slabs brought down the Stonewain Valley from the Ered Nirais, On the Pelennor side the bank slopes more gently from a wel trodden path atop it. The bank is about 10' wide on top and 25° wide atthe base, ‘The dike was one of the first additions to Minas Anor built by King Ostoher in the fifth century of the Third Age. Since then it has been well maintained and improved, and now drains carry ‘Excess Water fram the dike ta the Anduiin. New siane gatchouses ‘tard the entrances of the roads nin the Pelennor. Each houses a {garrison of 20 men, who reside in one side of the building which spans the road. The other side of the gatehouse is used asa shelter and free lodging for travellers, NOTE: The Rammas Eehor (8. “Great Wall of the Quter Circle") surmounts the dike after T.A, 2951. Built in response oSauron’s theeatin Mhilien the massive forifica- tion receives frequent alterations unail it is rebuilt in T.A 3918.The City Lands!Pelennor Map HONNATEE10 The City Landsittartand MapThe City Lands|#arlond 3.12 HARLOND Harlond (S. "South-baven”) runs along the norte bank of the Anduin 3 miles south of the Great Gates of the city, just beyond the ‘Noeg Echor. It is a smal, fortified suburb of Minas Anor and serves asthe offloading point forall traffic coming upriver from ‘the South, Most of the commerce from Pelargir, Gondor's princi- ‘pal port, und ll the eoustal provinoes.of the South Kingdom flows ‘through this strategic anchorage, ‘Around five hundred people live in this busy arg, They’ are ‘mostly sailors and merchants, along with stevedores and other inborers, and their families, The Iavens consist of four great bays ‘ut into he bank, separated by stone quays, and a fifth harbor ‘which opens Further downstream, Each wharf has numerous yi up points, and Harlond can accommodate a hunelred eraft with ‘ease, Ships berthing here range from large ocean-going vessels with high prows to the litle fishing skerries and flat-botiomed barges that ply the lower Anduin toting heavy loads of quarry stone, timber and the like The wharves lead to three marketplaces surrounded thy ware~ houses, chandlery shops and the offices of shipping concerns. Further from the shore are the lodging houses and dwellings of the people who stay, liveand work inthe havens. In Hariond, itis easy tobay bulk gonds and other trade items oto take passage to mst puns of the Kingdom, be it the fishing villages on the Ertwash in ‘orthern Calenardhon or the far reaches of Anfalas, tis alse possible to find adventurers, mercenaries, and other outlandish characters in the local taverns — for ualike Minas Aner, there are furnerous inns, dives and alehowses in Harland, Harlond has a small garrison and refies on the maval base at Pelargir vo keep enerny shipping away, The guard units focated at the two main gatchouses arc responsible for patollig. the town and keeping law and order, which is no-easy task in such a rough (though not really dangerous) locale. Patrol vessels stationed in the seven-sided Ship-house inthe middie of the harborage handle the tasks of enforcing toll-laws and preventing smuggling 3.13 ROADS ‘Roads inthe Pelennorare well maintained. The major ones have broad cobbled path wide enough forcarts to passone another with case, This trackway is cumbered and provided with drains so nat Itnever becomes bogey arrutted. Flanking the trackway isanother broad strip, this tive of turf, used by riders. On the ather side isa ‘well-worn footpath. ‘The roads are kept evel ind straight, cuting ‘through low hls and banked! uptocross vales strong. stone bridges ross streams, oir easy Pelennor's avenues are ofien hedged, andl some stretches are flanked by magnificent poplartrees. Along the ways are a number of shelters: simple stone huts with tiled roofs and! a hearth, so that travellers can wait out violent wind er rain, Also provided for the traveller are wayside league-stones matking the mileage to Various places; these are labelled with the Angerihas ¢S. “Long Rune- rows") or angular Etvish lettering, and with the sign of the royal Office-of Works: a set-square with erown. A less common sightis the roadside gibbet where criminals are hung for all wo see, war 40" ‘Mod. Saow/Rain Mod, Snow/Rain tireesy Breezy sas" as Mod. Raia Mod. Snow/ain reery ast or Bain ‘reery om Mod. Rain Mes, Rain Brey Cam 1) Lod oe (2) End intratry days: Mires) mas ass" Mod. Ra Calm ess Mou, Rin Calm ss Nor, Rain Breexy ass" Rainy windy asst Nor Rain ‘windy soso" Mod. Ral ‘empernture [expres in degres Fabre, Note hat mow of Mie ety peoples do ete tempera o pec; hey simpy say the ‘emperatune a old, cool. warm, Hot. Mountain temperature rer to th haat eons between 1002308” above se ve. clea temperate 1 igher abides, saberact I for evry 307 more above ca lve Precipaton:Reersto the chance o rain or fling on 3 ven da. Inte higher altitudes of he Ese Nir, saw wil nally ou when Moderate Soom Rain vicki «precipi raul. ‘Moderate Rain 158 in; pacy oud ‘Moderte Saosin: $8 snow; Ma lee: ain: party cloudy ‘ral Raia: 255 rl, party cloudy Rainy: 408 rin lowly Wind: Speeds ce give niles pe hove. Above the re ing wind ar om siderably more oeefl Tem ery ax Windy, ac Windy at High Wind (G40 mph, oF + 1 om the Bay Winds Tae) (Cal: 09 ips or sonal Bay Winds chart (20. ‘reer 5-20 m ps oF comma Bay Winds Tle (5). Windy: ld sep; or see Bay Winds able (no adjusimenThe City LandsiA Typical Farmstead, ATYPICAL FARMSTEAD ‘The typical farmstead of the Pelennor is a luge affair, built around the four sides of a square courtyard. The buildings are pari-timber, part-stone, usually whitewashed and with a ted or brown tiled roof. Many are surrounded by orchards and gardens. where labor-intensive crops are grown, ‘There may also be a number of outbuildings. FARMSTKAD PLAN 1. Main Buildings, These include the secornmodatigns For dhe (aly ‘ofthe owner and the families of farm warkers(a)—the heavily shaded ‘fea isthe second slory above the large open-plan kitchen, hearth and hall wing forthe stovage ind pack ing of goods produced of the farm. (bp. suchas fruit, eggs, gran, hay, vegetables and herbs, and alsoin this area abenhouse allowing chickensto wander outa thee oun yarUand Scratch in the dirt a wing comprising a slaughterhouse and taming ration (¢), where animals kept on the farm are killed and packes, either fresh or salted down in barrets and theirskinsand other inedible portions rendered into leather tallow and glue; a small brewhause (A, and a storehouxe with a car, Farm tools, two ploughs anc a stable for the Master's best horse. The gate is "high and 1? wide 2. Drive. The road away from the farmhouse leads throughun avenue Of inees wo the fields of the farm and on to the main Oxgiliath-Minas ‘Anor road same two miles away. 3. Orchard, This orchand has a mixiure of frit trees: about half are apples, a quarter cherries anid a quarter peaches. Between them are ‘staked! out canes of black currunts, raspbores and cheseles. The ‘orchards well teaded and alse-supports six thriving beehives (a) with the season of Blossom and clover amongst the tree roots 4. Gardens. The gardens cover fair area, and are hedged to keep out browsing animalsand the worst ofthe winds, A.path rans from the bam (3) through to the Mill-pond (7b), dividing the gardens in two, ‘The northern half (ay is devoted 1a rots and other vegetables, such as carrots, leeks and onions. Te southern half (h)i¢ weed For growing herbs and more delicate plants, There arealsa some stil pos fed from, pond (c} which are palasenin beds. ATYPICAL FARMSTEAD $5, Burn, The gamer (a) isa store for hay and bulk grain, uni also a “Sable forthe draught harset and oxen used fr plenghing and carting (Connected to fare the milking parlor ¢c) where cheese and butter mre also made in modest quantities; and.a house for geese (b, aluo used 10 keep young calves an calving cows in bud weather, The geese are ‘excellent producers of eggs, succulent meat and goose grease used in ‘many medicinal compounds. The down is used for stuffing quis and pillows. 6. Onsts. The oasis are circular buildings with conical roofs, They house kilis whicifdry hops and! walking grains wo be used in brewing 7. Mill, The farm is lucky enough to have iis own watermill (a for sirieding grain into flour. Ikalsooperatesathreshing mill. The power foe the mill comes froen a head of water Baile up behisnd a darn io the ‘Mill-pond (b). The Mill-pond is alsa. useful source of eels und every Spring live elvers (young eels) are brought here from the Atdin to restock it. The mill race (c) flowsaway 0 join up wath one ofthe major streams flowing:ast across the Pelennat ‘% Pasture, The fart’ best pasture lands areoneither sie tse ill rice; ford crosses the race, much muddled! by cattle om ther daily trip lothe mitking parlor, Two lew, lal topped mounds beside the sream sre ‘pillow mourds' antfictal rabbit warrens, The rabbis are culled ‘every two mors; slaughtered, skinned! und the meat and pelts soldin Minas Anor 9, Graveyard, ‘The farmstead, being some distance from the large cemetery south of Minas Anor, hus it-own graveyard, The Master's Family has u large stone mausoleum, half sunk into the ground and screened by greenery. Once ombsate less impressive. some ust stone ccfins embedded! in the ground, The whole graveyard is surrounded by a.tall evergreen hedge,The City Lands!The White Mouriains 3.2 THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ‘The city of Minas-Anor is built on the knees of Mount Mindol- twin, the greatest eastem peak of the White Mountains (8, “Ered Nimeais"). ‘This massif alse forms the rear section of the Noeg Echor, as the Pelennor reach up into two broad. vales of the ‘mountains. Mount Mindoliuin itself lowersupabove the snowing 0 that its white-capped. head is always visible atop the purple Slopes. Although other peaksare notas high asthe Moat, the land enerally rises steeply from the gentle undulations of the Pelennor ind wooded foothills into high valleys once delved by glaciers. ‘This upland region ismaderaely inaccessible, Herethere are no cartways and only a few paths which horses and mules can traverse, There are, however, the tracks af human passages the trails of the mountain goats and sheep to follow. should ane wish to venture into the interior (One reason for going mountain-climbing is the fact that many extremely rare herbs and valuable plants flourish in the pure, if ratified, air. Most important of these are the secretly-planted seedlings of Nimloth, the White Tree Which isthe royal symbot in Gondor and which normally flourishes in the court below the ‘Citadel of Andrion: “tote southern feet of Mount Mind 1 path made in ages past thar few dred to tread. Fort led up on the mountain to ahigh hallove wikere only Kings [went], to. high field below the snows that clad the lofty peaks: “shere was e stony slope runaring clown from the akires of the snaw'sand atane there inthe waste & growing thing stooxd 4 sapling tree (with) leaves long and shapely, dark above ‘and sitver beneath. and wpom ies slender erown it hare one small cluster of lowers whose white petals shone like the unfit snow” (Loa ITE, p. 308). Other herbs such as the White Mountain Pappy, Dwarves ‘Eyebright, Boneset and the Wight Orchid also grow here amid the ‘crabby grasses, the snowields or the loose and treacherous serees ‘wmbling down the steep slopes, There are some dangers in the ‘mountains. With so much snow made umstable by sudden searm ‘winds or rains there are frequent avalanches; these are in addition ‘to the simple hazards of travelling a path with a drop of several ‘nunidred feet on one (or even both) sides where squalls of sleet ‘hailcan be as ferocious as the bite of any wolf. Dwelling here are afew wild beasts and some less wild, such as the Great Eagles, ‘The mountains are useful sources of fine limestone and marble, ‘but in this area there are no mines for gems or minerals; berier ‘deposits lie west inthe dales of Lamedaa. Gondorians also shun the forests owing 1o the presence of the Diedain (Woses), “Wild Men" whom most ‘ordinary’ folk avoid. A few people dwell here ‘during the summer months, herding long-haired (and sure-foored) goats and adventurous sheep or gathering the wild plants. Many ‘of these people are descended from masily Duniending stock, anc retain a few of their customs Finally, the isolation and wilt beauty of the higher elevations tmutke the Near Vales (as the Anorians refer to them) an attractive place of “pilgrimage” for the occasional poet or spirt-seeker. As Meneltir himself once wrote: “My heurt sil Lingers among the high stony wastes. among the marains and mowntain-wreckage, silent in spite of the sound of thin, chill water.” (Letters, No.78 p. 91) 3.3 ANDUIN RIVERBANKS ‘The Anduin (S. “Great River") fs the the largest and most important iver in northwestern Middle-earth, As westem Endor's mightiest wateroourse, it has a great impact om the land around i ‘Most important is the Great River's contribution to the ecooomy ‘of Gondor’s heartland. As well 8s providing a bountiful suppty of fish, itis a critical artery, essential forthe inexpensive iransporta- tion of goods from the North ai the South, ‘Thereare important havens at numerous points, most especially Pelargir. Harlond (see Section 3.12), and Osgiliath, where the river, flowing south, first meets tidal water. There are also numerous ferries plying from one bank 1 another, typically between fishing villages. The Anduin is heavily fished (see ‘Scotion 4.2) and between the Petennor's Noeg Eehor and the river there are wide flat lands, oecasionally floaded by spring tides or prolonged rains feeding the Anduin to the north. Dotted arotind on ‘the Nats are “tumps" or smal hills, om which the fisher folk build their homes sothat even ai the worst times they might remain safe Fortunately, the Anduin is not a very ditty river, Sift and sediments from the far north are retained in Nen Hithoe, the lake above the Falls of Rauros, white the Mouths of Entwrashfikterrmwch ‘ofthat tributary's deposits. Hence the Anduin remains a clear and ‘moderately swift stream with no treacherous levees or mudflass ‘until nearer Pelargir. Above the Ethir(S, "Mouths", there are few natural islands in the stream, ‘The largest, Cir Andros, lies far 10 the north. Thus, the unceasing seaward flow south of Rauros offers ‘few tricky currents or dangers to the sailor. ‘One of the few placesaf note isthe southern bank in the vicinity ‘of the great bend westward, where the Anduin skirts the Emyn ‘Amen (8. “Royal Hills"). Here — between the Harfond and the ‘point where the Ciryant ¢S. “Dividing Stream," the river crossing ‘the Pelennor from Mount Mindolluin) joins the Anduin — there are backcurrents and whirlpools, No ferries und very few individu- als are willing ta risk the treacherous crossing. There is, though, 44 small hamlet by the mouth of the Ciryant named Tareairion, which provides 1 regular service to its twin town in South lhilien, With access to roads along the south bank und also eastwards. Warden's Hall (Harlond) Shipwright's Hall (Harlond) ‘One of the most interesting areas along the riverbanks is the stretch of land between the Hariond ane Tharcairion. Other than 4 few settlements along the oad which runs along an artificial ‘causeway through the marshy land, the flats between the river and the Noeg Echor are abandoned and desolate. A sand bardivides off shallow lagoon filled with giant reeds and lilies. Large wading birds suchas storks, flaniiigees, spoonbills anderanes gather here, slong with smaller water fowl and reptiles like the lessercrocodile, marsh gavial, and moon-backed lizard. The lagoon’s treasury of rareandl special plants (sce Section S)is legend,endowing it with astatusasa unique preserve, Thisis one of the few ateas where the ‘Anduin isactively building upits shoreline, adding a few feetto the north bank while the waters.churn away atthe hills to the south,Flora and F 4.0 FLORA AND FAUNA Although Minas Anor and th there ure nun stic animals and cultivated pi seen by visitors to this region, Eve ‘or pear the city The Diines andthe illin Pelerinor are well-settled lands, ts to be esdwell in nly by force of circumstance ugric ve sails generally left tothe least of their society ‘emplayed for this ‘menial’ labor re men and won esser races, such as Dunlendings afd. Northmen, However, ceftaie skilled or supervisory occupations — like bert gardening, the cultivation of grapes und other fruit used in the manufacture of wines and ales, and the tending, horses —are not considered beneath the dignity of he High Mer and so both noble masters as well as rtder folk presicle over the inors and farmsieads of Andrien and Ithilien, The nobility Theserv of mixed or 1€ farm owners of the Pelennor Fields, ‘The townland, as they are also known, encompass a rich and presi ious farming area, given their proxir ah Osgiliath Minas Anor. Bounding the fields and pastures are the White Mo rise sharply to the west, and the Great River to the east, Bothare suitable habitats fora range of wildlife, fo benign to the mysterious and threatening. 4.1 LOCAL AGRICULTURE NOTE: A rypieal farm of the Pi pow is descr Section 3 Pelennor's well-protected furmlunds grow many cash crops and goods which donot travel well, Thereare pens of geese, ducks and hens, espe ssall but productive Black-backed Hen which y when well kept. There and rabbit-farmers who tear animals on uf intensive basis in n larger fletds the rich o [SOepesaye seyppens, sties and artificial warrens, white cattle are herded producing fine fatlened beet from the superts pastureland ‘The peaple of Minas. Amor also appreciate the delicious fruits i sunny orchards. Cherry, apple and some olive trees in dureas are tended welllin neat lines between which sm ellises for soft fruits: currants, gooseberri small white fruit witha creamy texture, The orch mike excellent homes for heehives producing plain and sce is Pigeons an during the ta built by the Danes townlands) is a species of watercress with large, crinkly leaves «: are alse lilies with edi Echoe along salmon, trout and stun jaded palate Fish forms one of the staple ele populace. Everything from the! sh is eaten in hhouschold is with partway through th Gondor small boats put out fro drop trail nets or cork dangle, Those seeking large inthe year. Sa claimed, to col 1y Mountain: of the majer bebanksof And sh: il ceases being tidal between the Hur stil bowed and nay {freshwater fish, T ey breed, swimmi plump g Js with fisheries and ponds Whe ‘of water plants are cut vated. One 0 ut a Kemuing: a clay pot, oval ins! iting lid, in-whic pped bed of g. lasenin birds mn and winter to pro fare, Mlong water courses (many of which are ¢ avons and text a whole fish cam be baked wil A fierce he awidewariety xr meadows where flawers are geawn supplying florist it settlers just outside the Noeg is ishing River teers semingly ‘es wvenliven the most oes Lo thes soups, patés and broiling dishes. No ape, with is use, and saking process, a goodly amount of sweet neir stoep-sl hb use bar swith chopped how » Nina ig back down all the way up Anduin, ors sands if and the Mouthsof Tines from which several hooks ted spears attached ies inthe Misty aFlora and Fawnaitlerbalison 15 4.3 HERBALISM One of the tradititonal occupations of an older Dinadan is herbalism, Some dedicate their fives to the healing arts, inctading the cultivation and preparation of hers, but many i later life also take to small gardens around cottages in the Pelearior where they can lavish day-long care on the mamserous tiny plants and shrubs, jgently coaxing them to yiekd uptheirbest leaves, roots and flowers inorder that Men might live longer and in better health, ‘Though both are descended from the same Ndmenéreans, the Amorians and the Men of Gondor are dissimilar in many ‘Those of the northtend ta speculatian, forctclling, “dreaming, Gondorians would say. “Those of the south place more emphasis ‘on history and fact, on action and powerof the moment. And who into'say they are notright,us Gondor waxes and Arthedain wanes? ‘This difference in philosophy also shows in matters as small us gardening, fr the gandens of Minas Anor are organized, closely watched anu! tended, marshalled according to texts and accepted ict, not eft to grow wid 4.31 SOME COMMON HERBS Numerous herbs are grown by the herbalists, and more grow id outside the Pelennor; onthe slapesothe Ered Nimrais, in the pastures of Anoricn and by the Anduin’s waters. (Some of these latter are mentioned in Section 4.5 below.) ‘Ot Cxstucnenn Old Castlcherb is a slender-leafed, delicate plant that likes growing on tumbled rocks and ruins. Its leaves are a pale green, greyish underneath, andthe stems havea high tensile strength, able to Force their way through cracksand crevices, They also bear tiny stickers like acta! roots to help them cling to therocks, The leaves are used 10 ad the healing of damage to joints and muscles. Old Casticherb bears small lemon-colored flowers in Nor Heaven's Caaowne Healet's Chamomile is a meadow plant with lacy leaves and clusiers ofsmall, daisy-ike Flowers. bed of thisplant and other related varieties is sure to be found in every herbalist’s garden, giving off a slight but pleasant fragrance, especially ifthe leaves ie crushed. All parts the plant are chopped together to make brew inducing a deep, healing sleep; like all medicines this must be used with care as excessive dosages are dangerous. Davirns on Cuouny-tve Dark tefoiled leaves. and dazzling scarlet flowers mark the ‘esefut Dayher — but only when the sun isshiningom it. Ifa cloud passesacross the sun's face, the lower"s petals are quick tocurl up and hide its loveliness. This herb is used as a general addition to the diet, reducing the chance af contracting communicable dis- eases. It also strengthens the body during the course of an illness improving the chance and speed of recovery 4.32 RARE AND SPECIAL HERBS Fret Moss ‘The subtle tones of color in the fronds of Attanar,or Field Moss ‘ay it is more commonly known, make it easy ta miss in the herbalist's water ganlen. Individual plants are said 10 take on a protective coloration like a chameleon, assuming the shades af ‘those plantsaround them, Because of this, it is very diffcultto spot in the wild a rows quite widely, Inme- dicinal use, the moss is removed in toto from the soil and boiled -with salts and special ols, then immedisely applied to tke fore: hheact and any afMicted parts of a patient with fever Boxesrnmias Bursthelas, also called Lime-teaf and Marrawroot, isextremely Tare in the wild and does not grow well in the rich soils of the Pelennor unfess constantly tended and treated with lime ¢from chalk or limestone), hetce its name. The herb'scalciferous inli- nations can be put good use ast is unparalleled init ability to thea shattered bones and joints. ean be preserved by brewing the stalks four times over, retaining the jelly-like substance yielded each tine and mixing it with powdered chalk, pure water and a stock made from fish bones. Thisamust be finally strained through charcoal and left to set ito a thick exeam ts of Bux rare Ry ofthe Furry Oak of Mirk wood Its one of the surpassing successes of the Diinedain herbalists. Despite being a dwar tree, itproduces a heavy crop of acorn-like tuts which can be pressedand ground. Theessence extmacted frog the pressing goes imo the making of a sustaining cordial; the sound. dried flesh is taken as a flour and used to bake wafers of waybread asis recorded: “caclvof the Dinedain carrie ina sealed wallet on his belt a small pial of cordial and wafers of a waybreid thot would sustain life in him for many days" (UT, p. 276).16 Flora cand Fauna/Wild Beasts and Birds 4.4 WILD BEASTS AND BIRDS ‘The less intensively ruraliaed surroundings of Minas Anor and its Bet of Andrien are rich in animal and birdlife. Bears and boars Jair inthe thickets and thinly-wogded areas north of the Pelenmor and on the lower slopes of Mount Mindolluin and the Ered Nimrais. Mast commonly found are the black and brown bears. usually docile and living solitary ives unless mated and witheubs Much rarer is the blue bear of the mountains, an unnatural and semi-sentiemt creature whichis usually shunned and never hunted tokillone issaidto bring greatcutse, The wild boar is considered fair game ahd thrives in the rolling lands since the virwal ‘extermination of its natural predators. Higher up in the sparser valleys closer to the snowline wild goats make their home, Smaller animals ‘Such as marmots, bob cals, block hadgers, lymxes, foxes. small Wik! dogs tike terriers, ‘batsand moleseanalso be found in many: ar- eas. fen they are domesticated by the locals, particularly the lesser men (for the Dinedain consider dealing with most ani- ‘mals beneath. them). ‘Occasionally there are reports of larger und more dangerous erea- ures, although these are seldom credited. [Examples from the last few yearsinctode large felines, thought per- haps to be te last so ‘YivOrs ofthe grass cats nf Calenardhon, now almost extinct on Rohan's plains; and alo one or two grey wolves Finally there are the numerous fowl of the area, and the birds of Prey that feed upon them. ‘The mountains and forests provide roosts for falcons, hasrks, golden eagles and the Great Eagles, On Anduin’s shining waters float graceful flocks of geese and swan: auceompanied by divers and waders from near and far, dining on rich (if fishy) pickings Within the city there are also several animals of note which adventurers might encounier. First among these are the Royal Lions, a “domesticated” variety of mountain lion originally found inthe southernmost reaches of South lhilien.in thebulls bordering Hasondor, NOTE: These are more cfosely described in the Section 7.24, lnthedescriptionofthe Citadel Guard, for these beasts sare trained for war Also inthe sireetsare many cats, dogs and some vermin. Minas ‘Anar does not suffer as badly as many cites, perhaps due to the ‘greater amount of stone used in its construction, but there are stil nis, jackdaws and straystocontend with. However, the city does fot ignore the problem. paying for the upkeep of a civic official, ‘Teximbrel the Rar (see Section 10.62} 4.5 WILD PLANTS With so riclroF the land around the city under the hand of Men for thousands of years, itis not surprising that there are few wid plants of interest in the area. The forests und woods are mainly de- iduous trees with typical undergrowth: bracken, brambles, nettles, “woodland plants and. flowers Between the clusters of trees are pasture and meadow lands, with many small. stream pools. and waterfalls flowing dowa frorn the Ered Nimrais. In the foothills smaller trees proliferate, such as the bien, ash and Linden, and give way to shrubs sch as magnolia éthe tulip tree}, thododen- drom, azalea and broom. In the higher reaches of the moun- tains plants. are re duced to hardy alpine varietiewand a crappy ground cover of heather, ting, comet and dwarf chestnut (which, unfortunately, bears no uit}. Sone wild herbs are found, — including Bright Biue Eyes inthe meadows and tall Splayfoot Geox wort in the pools: and higher up thrives the White Mountain Poppy. Opposite the Emyn ‘Amen, the south-facing bank of the Anchtn is a peculiarly goad spot for plants ofthe salt-margin, Thettides lap over a shallow sand bar into a lagoon-like area surrounded by a narrow band of ranrsh wherein can be found, amongst the beron and pelican nest, tall maces and reeds, broadsleafed sea lilies, marram and wingrove, Some plants for the hertalisis to find are Felmather, dark and shude-loving; Yav¥thation that sprouts its tiny shoots in the rain Water pools formed in the bark hollows of twisted tres; Ebur wit its dull white flowers smelling vaguely repellant; and Gylvir, a blue-green algue-found on the roots and stems of water-dwelling plants.NOTE: This section details the daily Ife and habits of the Inhabitants of Minas Aor, so hau a pleture of normal if in the city can be portrayed when adventurers visit it. Use this {information 1a form a background of typical activity. This slp establish the Player Charactersemdgivessdkeman idea sof haw the te omething of the culture of the Dunedain can be found by reuling the records of other peoples, such as the Red Book of Westmarch and Angerinna’s seminal work The Rangers af the North, The Anoriansenjoy the fruits of an ancient civilizat raised much higher in earlier t ndor isa slowly declining Empire set in the warm, dry Souther clime where industriousness itched against hedonism und militaristic pride against rural peace. The Kingdom's new capital naturally reflects many of the realn's myriad facets. 5.1 HOME LIFE Although the Anorians retain as strong a vense of family as any other culture, to outsiders their way of life might appear more idistant. Ina cramped city like Minas Anor there is a need to live ineloser proximity to oné another, and also forthe same space on the ground to be put 1o more than one use, As ean be seen by looking at the samp on 10.0, most buildings are used both asa workpl we quasters forthe workers and their famitics #u ‘Town Houses al Non-player Characters live f structures detailed in se ceandasliv Arnorian Style Great-house Dany Lire weryone stays in the same house all day This is not wo say tha long. Letuslook at a typical Anorian, Gillen isa lesser Deinadan, the wife of Hirluin, Hirluin is member of the Bakers" Fellowship and rises very early in the moming, parting the drapes which separate the bed from the rest of the room; itis snugly built into an alcove, flanked by a wardrobe and a washstand. He dresses quickly and leaves. Anhourlater, Gillen herself rises, washing and dressing slowly, tidying the room and. wiping the windows of the Ite frost. Each of the small square leaded panes is traced with a lacy pattern, ‘She hurries downsta to the kitchen to help prepare the com ‘munal breakfast, ahearty mealeaten attable, Gillen knows Hirluin ‘will have had a breakfast somewhere on his way to work. Seeing her friend Varin has not riven, she takes a tray up to her. Varie has just had a baby, and has a larger bedchamber than Gillen and Hirluin, needing room forthe baby and ber 2-year old daughter. A small bed and the new baby's handsome wooden cridle are in another alcove of the room. When her daughter is older, she wil probably sleep upstairsin the giel’s dormitory unt age of 21, when she might marry or obtain her own room and support herself, After seeing to Varién, Gillen returns downstairs and helps the other womenfolk clean and tidy the living quarters. oS EES 7 Other tasks, such as darning a dress and buying some sweet- meats for Hieluin oceupy her mon fstreet-trader for her lunch, going on to the House of Tapestries ‘where she helps Dorelas of the Clothwrights' Fellowship in stitching garments, She hopes to work well enough to he accepted into the Fellowship herself, so tha she can sponsor her sister and brother-ie-law. Both moved to Osgiliath ten Yes Lupa sther-shop. They now live in Wooden-town, having been ruined by the Plague, whicl also claimed their two children ‘After five hours hard work, Gillen takes her leave of Dorelas, collecting her wages for the week. Hull of it spends on her way down the city, mostly in the Di ‘where she buys food and other supplies. ‘The sun is low in the sky, Mount Mindolluin's shadow already cast over most of the city, by thetime she aches the Great Gates, squeezing varough the throng, of citizens returning and visitorsdeparting. She gropes through’ dark maze of sheltersand rude houses in Wooden-town to find the room where her sister lives, and delivers the supplies to her. She just gets back to the Gate before they close, half an hour after sunset, The last lamps are just being lit by the men who have ‘worked their way dovrn over five miles fromthe Citadel Gate, The raad back to her lodgings on the northern second level isquite log her enough ForHiriuin is already home and is playing gwithta, aboardgame Tike nine-men’s-gamboi, with his father. ‘Turluin is also a Baker, and lives on the ground floor of the lodging-house His wife died in the Plague. “As Gillen helped with breakfast and also pays something towandsthe upkeepof herself and herhusband, she does ‘hat have to tielp prepare the ‘day-meal”. Afereating in the Hall of the house, she and Hirluin have the evening to themselves: rather cold for a walk, so they jain some friends in the parlour 10 talk and sing. ‘Then they rete fairly early. Hisluin oes straight to bed, but Gillen stays up a while and stares up at the evening star, ‘eeiing a silent prayer. She asks fora blessing om her husband, on Varien's new child, on her parents, sleeping in a house of the Ironsmiths’ Fellowshipon the third level. Finally she asks that she ‘might be blessed with child herself, Then she dons a nightgown and goes to bed. 5.2 CUSTOMS, ETIQUETTE AND DRESS ‘Theneare numerous all there isthe natural bbe found in-any of their lands Deference is observed towards ‘Womenfolk, and this often extends into situation where menfolk are responsible forthe protection and support of their wives and dependents. However, itis notunusata iofind independent women supporting themselves, or a husbund ancl wife who bath work Cualure ana Li 1isthecusiom alsofor Anorians todothings gether. They ase social bunch; they live, Work, eat andelax together onthe whole ‘There are few private houses where just one family ix found Instead they group together is ndging housesand the builfings put up by Fellowships which serve both as workshops and accomoda- tion, Credlitable workers in particular industriesor occupations ane allowed to join thei Fellowship, which is a loose organization heided by a Deputy who sits on Conclave. the city's cout. There are twenty-eight Fellowships recognized by the city, along witha hhost of smaller, informal ones; these wield no political power but sill serve as focuses forthe lives oftheir members, Fellowships also protect the widows and etre folk who have given them good service Line Customs Children are cared fox hy and live with their pareets. Atshe age fof six or seven, they may be slightly sepanited, sleeping in a communal dormitory (én the same building) with ether children until their age of matufty, This iscoramonly 20 years for menand 21 for women. However, from the age of 13, a child may be apprenticed, most often into their parent's eccupation. Standards of education are quite Varied; some children are mot even taught to read and write, while others attenel schools ran by the Scribes" Fellowship or have private mition, Seme Fellowships organize lessons for the children of their members. Boys also underiake training inarms from age 15, spending a week (or more) euch yeur with the Citadel Guard or with a training woop in Ancien or Lossarmach, Few young men and wornen marry immediately. With a usual life span of eighty to a tundred years, or more for those of pare blood. and a prolonged ‘middle aye" (the Dinedain being blessed with a very short aging perio), marriage can oftce wait until & person's thirties, or even later, The murriage ceremony is simple and joyous, taking place at an evening gathering of the Fellowship or house, with additional friends and relations. from outside Everyone drinks more than usual and the couple rides off 4 specially prepared chamber in a guesthouse nr hostel kd folk are respected and supported by their relatives and Fellows, (A brief discussion of death ritesis given in Section 5.4.) Cry Laws Most lawy are informal; “Common Acts” take the form of customs which, if not obeyed, lead Wo the ostacization of the offender rather than punishment, No: priests practice within the city, even for “Toreigners” (he Dlinedain themselves having tio tnue clergy anyway), No inns or taverns — that is places apen for the sale of drink to be consumed on the premises — are permitied ‘within the walls. Instead, the city's Bostels and questhousesofFer only full board, including. meals and drink. Street-raders, stall- holders, and small shops also deat in beer, wine, and athe spirits, but patrons cannot consume them on the premies, The vigilant and well-organized City Watch (see Section 7.24) patrols the streets to keep them clear of drunks, peace-breukers, and thieves. It i they who aso “elose” the Great Gate of the city ithalf hour after sunset. While iis actually lft slightly open, those wanting 4 passthrough must show good cause and prove they are ‘citizen to gain entry. Similarly the lesser gates have a sharper watch after darkness fulls and their guards will check on passers- by.Culture and Lifestyte (Food and Brink 9 Inthecrowded confines of thecity’sstreets and alleys, littering tnd the dumping of anything on the pavements is frowned upon. The occupants of buildings ave not supposed to block the free passage of pedestrians af traffic, although the trafic is normally resiricied to hand barrows, rémesir (palanquins) dleaim (sing. “eam; boards carried lke stretchers or-on yokes by to men) andthe occasional horse orcart. Sometimes buskers fall foul of the City observances on free passage, much 10 the annoyance of certain members of the Artists’ Fellowship ‘The wearing of armsund armor inthe city is considered uncivit: afterall itimplies thatthe defenses of the city are inadequate. Since violeat crime is not unknown, small arms (a dagger, eet, ot fhandaxe) may be borne, but anything larger, or armor (including.a shield) will resutt in townfolk avoiding the person concerned, and leven those associating with them, Naturally, the City Watch and trrison are expected to be seen wearing arts. Dass Men and women dress fairly distinctly in Minas Anor. Let us return to Gillen and Hirluin, In their room's wardrobe hang [purments belonging to both of them, Hirluin, leaving carly in the morning, dresses in an andyeth and a criséath, ‘The andyeth is a Joose-fitting shirt; long and edged with ribbon or brocade, Like mos mien, Hirluin prefers ita pale color or white, However, inthe evening after his day's work is over, he sfons another andyeth, perhaps with an embroidered, hand-painted ar batik design up the Sleeves. All the andyeths.are made from light fabrics like cheese. loth, ‘The shiet has a deep neck vent, draping sleeves und a front and rear vent Over this is worn the crisiath, a stylized and formal waistooat ‘Where the andyeth is loose. crisiath is tight and close-fitting, IL has a broad waistband, chest and dorsal segments hung over the collarbone and shoulders and flused skirt pieces. The gindle is Jined by a thong or metal clasp-buckle. I! is made from a tight leather, the waisthand being fooled or stamped with a design and having loops for hanging tools from. Other clothing is less. portant, Hirluin wears a hove (tight-fitting breeches) of a dark colar. His father Tirluin favours puntiloons tucked inte short boots, buggy or even pleated around the knee, and alse fas fancier crisath, with padded shoulders and designs printed or embrol dered om the left breast. Footwear depends upon the season, Leather sandals, colorful shoes (some with wooden soles) and ankle boots are racked! in irluin’s wall chest. Naits und tacks may not be used in cobblery, bylaw, Being mot poorly off, Hirluimhas a number of overctothes, ‘Most often used is.a lighter knee-length cape with slits instead af Sleeves, He also hast full-lengtt coat, voluminous, with wide sleeves und quilted with sheep's wool. For best wear, be owns, hing fur mantle ancl leggings illen dressesdifferently, Herclothes are many-layered, using avaniety of shades in different layers.or layers of two contrasting colors, On rising, sive will dona drexs or blouse and skirt, Most ure loose-fitting. although she will add a tighterbodice or apron for ‘working wear. Sleeves are Foose and not gathered at the wrist stead, Gillen has had to learn to de things with ber hands without ceuiching the hems. She wears gloves but rarely ‘mittens o¢ avafflers| n winter leecy wally hands are bare, Gillennormallyalso wearssome sor of beaddre ribbons or a hanging wimple. Over her dress or skirt she might \wrapa shaw or cape, Outer clothes with sleeves are impractical, and arms rnust be kept held inside or poked through slits, Someof Gillen’s capes have wide hoods that may be drawn about tke fe and still accommodate her long fair tresses. In the evening timer for formal occasions, Gillen adds adoraments including plaited armbands, headbands, chokers, belts and so on, Her plaits are ‘made of colored woven theeads, strips of dyed cloth, leather and beads. Gillen's hair is long (like many Anarian women's) and plated, making it easy to form into headdresses. Hanging plaits ‘nd fringes are acommonslecorative motifie much of her clothing, along withembroidery, beadwork tc. Twootherfavorite dresses, ‘once her mother’s, hive historically fashionable designs ineorpo- rating star designs, but lately the resentment of refugees from Osgiliath (Citadel of the Stars”) has been expressed by the avoidance of such designs. 5.3 FOOD AND DRINK Although not as dedicated to their trenchers us Hobbits. the Dainedlain like weat heartily and well, They take three meatsaday, the lightest of which is nuncheon (from noon). Food is brought in from some distances to supply the city — from the Pelennor. crammed with farms (see 4.1), and from An6rien, Calenardhon, Lossamach nd Letennin.are and Lifestyles! Spiritual Life Everyone enjoysa lange and Filling breakfast o set them up For theday's workabead, Eversince the imeof Atanatar Alcarin« who ‘mide 4 joke about it, the Anorians have referred to breakfast as their ‘morsel’, The basis is a plaster of cold meats, ineluding smoked fish and paés, These are accompanicd by raw vegetables. arated orshreded, witha dressing using honey and herbs; and also by unleavened bread, scanes or oatcakes, freshly made. Soured milk oF watered beer is drunk with this repast, oF hot milk mixed with burnt oatmeal on cold days ‘The Dayement, ‘The Dainedain's main meal of the day is the day-meal at sunset, isa sociable and tasty occasion, with several courses, usually at least one fish and ane meatdish, Fish ane baked whole in wine and ‘other juices, or filleted and packed in pies. Pies are almost a way of life for the Anorians, who put all sons of things under a pastry ‘crust: eggs, fish, vegetables, ham, cheese, beef, even venison and rabbit. In season, richer families enjoy game: wild pig, deer, and birds like pheasant and grouse. Another standard course in the fare —inw inter, at least—isa thick, creamy souporhotpot. Euch dish is served with plenty of vegetables, including roots (carrots, potatoes, lilies and corms) and green leaves like galasenin, a sort of watercress. Lurge chunks of bread are alvay’s placed in baskets ‘on the table. The meal is generally finished with something swees perhaps a large cake-like pudding sliced and doused with a sauce ‘of cream, fruit syrup and alcohol. Noxcinos 4x0 OTHER FARR Virtually anything is eaten asa snack, If something moderately filling is wanted, then a pastry case stuffed with bone marrow and cheese, or a meat and vegetable pie, fresh from a Baker's stall should do the trick. Visitors might be served small daimy cakes, crystallized fruits, delicate friters (such as eldeeflowers), sugar iced pastries or asimple board of cheese ane hard bisewits together with a strong red-wine, One specialty is halva cakes made from seedgrain and crished honeycombs, sandwiched between thin waters. Druwxs ‘Almost any drink is available in Minas Anor; it is just a mamer of visiting enough wineshaps and staying upright. ‘The most commomly drunk areales and red wines. There are-many types of ‘both, from light and harmless to dark and deadly. There are also white wines, mead, liqueurs, cordials, spirits (. “Fiimin"), cider and non-alcoholic drinks such as various Sorts of milk, fruit juices (especially that of the watermelon in summer) and hertal infu- sions. Reemnes Every herb-grower hason hand two simple remedies for visitors to the city unused toritsrich life: a decoction of peppermint, fennel, entian and woadruff for indigestion; and an infusion of valerian, cchamornile and lavender to cure that hangover, 5.4 SPIRITUAL LIFE The religious observances of the Dénedain in the city are uniformly informal. There are no temples or shrines and no priest may preach or conduct any form of service within the city, The closest are the Ed-belguinar (S. “Holy Men of the Dead”) who dwell he other side ofthe Closed Door (see seetion 10.66) and take the royal family when they pass away. Similarly there are no religious services or teachings ‘The Duinedain have, ofall Men, been nearest t the Valar, AS they’ see them most clearly for what they truly are, the instruments of that Greater Power who ereated Ands. they do not hold them as, ‘B05 a5 fo any Fesser Men. ‘Truc reverence in that sense is due ly to Eru Hivatar (The One). However, the Anarians do still respect the Valar and acknowledge the fact that their blessing in things, especially in the realm where Wala hashis orher strongest ower, will be a great aid (One of the reasons for the Duinedain’s dislike for ceremony ancl show in religious observance is the influence of Sauron on Niimenor, ‘The evil Maia seduced the Kings and most of the population into believing that ru did not exist and that the Walar Were the evil apponents of Melkor. They burlthideous templesand performed sacrifices to Melkor in the hope of avoiding death, For {his reason, all Anoriansare suspicious of those showing excessive religious fervor, and of clerievnimistsin particular (otherthan lay healers)Cliare aid LifestylesiArt and Archivectare a For their awn part, the most fervent Anorians sometimes medb- lute and silently converse with an individual Vala for blessings, ‘They choose the most suitable day and times: speaking to Elereth (Varda) on the evening of the first day of the week (S. "Orgilion, We: Sterrendei), for example, when the stars are visible in the beavers. On the intercalary holidays. some citizens pay special attention to Eru and perform some simple devotion, often giving up ‘sone time to accomplish 1 charitable deed. There arealso books of devotions and prayers, written by both Elven and Mannish authors, which may be tead for inspiration, solace or out of devotion. There are, however, noillustrationsor depictions of Eru ofany of the Valar, such things being somewhat distasteful to the austere Anorians. Only abstract designs and representations, like ‘waves, water, or pools for Uimo, are employed. ‘The benefits of blessings ure not provable, bul the simple act of faith in saying prayers may be sufficient to channel some power front the Valar in arder to influence events concerning the person who prays. Naturally, prayers are no use to thase who have no futh. Dear ax Inrensent ‘The one most solemn time in spiritual lifes the death of « close relative or friend. In some ways, the worst ravages of the Plague have hit survivors: orally the dead are buried or entombed with extreme rever- ence and great cere- ‘mony. Yet on the strict advice of the Healers Fellowship, Conclave declared that all Plague victims must becartied from thecity in sealed caskets and cremated. In normal year there are two to three thousand deaths inthe city, During the Prague years, up to ten thousand died over a twelve month period. During its height, the sireels. seemed clogged with black: shoe ibleaim bear ing their coffins out of the city and a curfew ‘was declared for three hours intheevening so that this ghastly traffic did not interfere with what was left of the ormal life of the:city The cty’smain bur- fal ground lies. two miles to the south, on the slopes of the White Mountains. Here there are fancy tombs and sepulehtes, and simple gravestones marking theresting places of those-less rich. Most tombs serve afamily and are opened for each new burial. After death, the body is usually ‘leaned, embalmed, and dressed in white, and may be perfumed or domed with flowers. The face is always veiled, Mourners wear cither black or white, and the person closest vo the deceased! (arte most senior person) reads a blessing from a book. Others may add their own tributes and blessings, then the body is placed in the “spice prepared for it and sealed in The cemetery is guarded by members of the Porters and Door- wardens’ Fellowship, who also provide transport for the burial party, Such duty is highly regarded and one ofthe reasons forthe Wardens” high place in Anorian society, Muay folk of Gondar have heard the terrible stores of the desecration of royal burial sites in Amor, where the Witch-king sent his wights into even the noblest barrows; and they also pray that their ancestors remain ‘better protected from so evil a fate, Naturally the Wardens also ‘keep treasures buried here safe, 5.5 ART AND ARCHITECTURE NOTE: Some ideas about ari and architecture can be ‘gleaned by reading the descriptions of various buildings in the city( Section 10.0) and the nowes en Fellowships (Section 7.23). ‘The Anorians, while-not philistines, are not the devotees of art the people of Minas [chit are, They seem to appreciate the sedate ‘more than the lively. Artin Minas Anordates back to Niimen drean Uintes. Some items were brought. to Middle- earth before the Down- fall, others were saved by the Faithful, and these are now museum pieces proudly di played by their owners, fetching extremety high prices when sold. Al- though the city’s bones date back to the Second ‘Age, few individual bulidings from that time remain; they were ‘iol built with the same enduring patience of the Outer Wall and the Gireat Gate. Given the time span nevertheless covered by the city's architec: ture, itis surprising to see 0 little change in design and style. The basic features of atypi- cal building are: round- headed arches, stone eolonnades und vault ing. tiled roots with flat slopes. and overhang- ing upper stories, Na 1. different. build ings show individual facets: towers and tur- rets. gables and so on, During a wo hundred year period about three centuries ago, there was a tendency to use poinied arches and vaults, and the local ‘masons are always changing from round columns to square polygonal and back in mound again.Culture and Lifestytesisrt and Architecture Edhetariel Most buildings ae built from White Mountain stone quarried within twenty miles of the city, Tiss pale white, speckled, cream Or blue, snd contrasts with both the roof tiles and the slae-grey of the walfsrunning araund each evel. Wood.once used extensively im building, is now rare, and wholly timber houses number js handful oF so. Yet they are extremely graceful and sil practical afi hundreds of years of use, ‘There are also ane or tO ether Codties,such as Myall’sVitrine (sce Section 10.47), a tower made of glass and the splendid cloister of the Houses of Healing (see Section 10.61). More expensive marble for facings and interior Floors is brought frors the southern vales ofthe White Mountains and is very good quality ‘Asfarasaft goes, Minas Anorhas fair complement of painter. sculptors and other artists. Paintings are typically portraits rather than decorative studies and landscapes: the later are found, bat 95 woven ar embroidered tapestries and hangings. Painters are also employed to paint designs onclothing, either using special paint or batik wax so that the design is built up through multiple selective dycing. Painters also embellish the exteriors of buildings either ‘murals or with signs and symbols indicating the business carried out within, Sculptors mainly make omaments ce porta ture: there are many bustsand fullfiguresto be seen within ie city Among other Fellowships there are woodcarvers, stonecutters jewellers and glassblowers who deserve the title aris rather than artisan as their works are lovely iabehold. Least enduring are the ‘works of the Master Bakers, but some hold them to be among the most satisfying art to be found in Minas AnorCommerce 23 6.0 COMMERCE n though Minas Anoris nota mercantile cupital comparable with Osgiliath (oF old), there is still a great deal of trade and ‘commerce within the city. The myriad craftsmen producing every sortof finished good sell through their workshops and factories 19 Gitizens and merchants alike, sending the gonds off te the four ‘corners of the realm and to the lands beyond. Vendors sell all the materials imported by the-city from stalls and shops up and caver miles of streets, There are scribes, bookkeepers, bankers and lawyers iohelp with functing and look after profits, wagesand bills. IfMinas Ith dreams of silver clouds, Minas Anoc washes with a rin of gold. If adventurers wish to purchase anything in this city ‘goods, services, information; itis generally available somewhere Aska Porter or Door-warden for direstions to the right area, then ask anyone else. Most coins are accepted in the city, which has its own mint Cains and pieces from night be taken toa bank forassessing and weighing, The standard Anorian coins are: Sindarin Westron Valu malanor or orb, sun oF Imp = 10gp barancor Whundredpiece 1gp = 200sp erin old crown gp = 20sp ‘imifoth silver tree 40bp celebam silver royal 10bp ‘amb bronze ‘capper’ ——_Ibp = Sep. peret copper half Shp = 2.Scp benbar copper bit lep [Exchange Rate: | rin = Snimloth «20 celebarn=200tamb = 4000 petct = 1,000 beahar Traders in the city must obtain a license or else will be flabl ‘mas on poods passing through the Great Gate (in either direction), This tax is usually 5% of the value of the goods, as assessed by the Warden, Should a trider dispute the assessment, he has to wait until an arbitrator from an appropriate Fellowship is summoned (who must himself be paid for his trouble), The license fee varies acconding to the type of trade the individual wishes to undertake nis possible, of course, to forge license and evade the tax, ‘There are few other restrictions on commerce in the city Membership of Fellowships is not required in order to conduct business in Minas Anor, although it can help, since the members many contacts ind wield some influence with the city’s trade officials For examples of goods made in the city, see descriptions of workshops and manafactories in Section 10, ‘and the notes on Fellow ips in she fotlowing section CURRENCY TABLE Del Formost Mint Ameo” —Minat Amor Eran Moria Umber Obeene Prine wf Kina af Image Dal Arse Gand King ot Arthedsin kw * evese we Seen Dan's Serene fasen Soper So Mammer —prowed ana i Language Sindarin Sindarin Sindarin Sinn Aine TCR CRS, GSM cme pais core 93, he Black Mu iowa wepanee : from rebel amdorans has ed thei i csmeny, thy the rag gue 9c of Cosa a Hi Jem of the Prin alasThe Inhabitants 7.0 THE INHABITANTS There ure some 45,000 inh ts in Minas Anor. The exact ‘Tue RovaL Housenoun umber is unknown, despite the efficiency of the city's new ‘The royall court and household isa loosely organized group of Administrators. The Plague wreaked havoc on the population, and people headed. by the King and the rest of the royal family, ‘The itis estimated that peshaps a fifth of the city's residents died; but King is responsible for all major appointments -~-and can term atthesame time there wasaninfluxofcitizenyfromOsgiliath. The nate them at his whim, His ministers are responsible for various newcomers swamped the vity's authorities. Offices and their staffing. Some Officeshave slightly overlapping areasof authority, which can leadto frictian bet disputes are seldom se tH Army ‘Colmiclion Courts: King's Commander King's Curate {Ed-belguinary King’s Seerts) King’s Physician 's Treasurer King’s Praclamaior The King’s Commander and the Lord High Justice are generally Princes of the Realm, At this time, Vinyaran ts Tarondor's Commander and also his Chief Counsellor. This later tik is eld by any minister or eounsellor serving the King"scourt. It bearv the responsibility of organizing audiences with the King and oversee: ing the debates in the formal sessions known as Great Courts These are attended by ranking nobles officials fromall Officesto back up theirministers andall the Kins advisors and counsellors Ranking nobles are ees who have ben personally appointed 7.1 THE ROYAL FAMILY the Great Coun, or whobave inhcrted such a position. Ax with a The yal faily of Gondor ssplenily represen by the OO cou cy are suet cei and sisal the twenty-sinthKing, Tarondor. The family treeshown on p.3Sillus- ‘ing commands. tratesthe recent fortunes the royal house descended from Elendil and Andrion. (Individual members are detailed in Section 12.1.) « possess noble blood, The Royal house: governors, all of whom ance called’ Ospil orkin Minas Anor. It ishaedly surprising ative Anorians resent these iii and the Gonder now liveand‘Vinyaranis also responsi rwyal household, another position he enjoys, although most of the work i left so his capable deputy Othithanthe Chamberlain, When he is ret prevent for court sessions, his mantie as Chief Counsellor ‘mad usually fallen upon Cériayan son of Princess Aramberiel, the Lond Chief Justice. However, as the High Court will not be moving ‘rom Osgiliath until the rayal household is betier settled in Minas Anor, the honor falls to Dior Ed-belguinar (Dior the Curate) of ouse Usulini 7.2 THE ANORIANS. ‘The Anorians form the majority of the inhabitants of the city of Minas Anor, Five years ago, they hardly referred to themselves in such ferms but since the onset of the Plague and the steady stream of refugees fleeing from the disease-ridden quarters of On the natives of the city have taken up the label ax a badge of superiority ‘OF the tiree groups of people making up the population, two form the Anorians (the third are the “new arrivals"). The city has had simple two-tier class di producers. ‘There is litle sign of a middle class based on the ‘merchant trade since Gondor's great mereantile centers Osgiliath There area few rich families who have manipulated trade well, but they have also derived money from awning and running produc tive businesses within the city ‘The great bulk of the population is invelved in working in the realm’ largest manufactory. If something can be macke by artisans ar craftsmen, with woad, stone oF metal, leather, wax, cloth or parchment, then someone can be found 10 maike it in Minas Anor. The six lower levels of the city teem with activity and the sounds of hammers, knives, chisels and treadies. onaf the wealthy ind the wealth 7.21 NOBLE HOUSES ‘There are few true noble houses in Minas Anor, All own fiefs in the province of Andrien, holding them from the Prince-Presi: dent of directly from the King. Al these houses.are ancient: three derive from leaders of the Elendili in Nimener and one from a ‘martial family of Ei-friends dwelling in Lindon at the tine of the Downfall whose patriarch befriended and Isifdur and came south ‘with him, dying in the War of the Last Alliance. Dunwanno-(WEsT-DwHLLERS) House Dunmanto’is now small an the least af the Anorian noble houses. Its head is Daron, an elderly scholar. House Bunmardo is linked to the Jeweller's Fellowship. Its symbol is an arch with a sloping roof, like a stylized house, surmounted by a setting sun with red rays. Usur dst (Cin.naen-yuo-rseare) House Usulini is another of the Numendrean families. Their extensive fiefs were taken by Ar-Pharazin afler accusations of treachery and they fled the Isle just before the Downfall. Only the original lords wife, sister-in-law and his youngest sons escaped a ‘massacre in the form of a blood sacrifice at the Temple af Melkor. ‘They were welcomed by the Faithful living near Edhellond, where ‘their boat put ashore, When the Kingsoms of Elendil were ‘ordered, the lady was given flefs on the west bank of the Anduin in stewardship for hersons, She became a\devout supplicant tathe Vialar, who she believed had personally spared her sons, and the House has always been a deeply “religious” one, Many Keepers ofthe Hallows, Minas Anor’s houxes of the dead, have come from this noble line including Dior, cument Ed-belguinar. The symbal ship above whieh are two silver stars,6 The JnfeabitantsiGreat Famities ASTIRIAN (SHORE-CiUARDIAS} ‘The Lord of House Astirian left Namenor well before the Downfall. Three generations of lords had dwelt in Lindon before Elendil and his sons came out of the west and established their Kingdoms. Originally the House hele lands inthe North-kingelomn (Amon), bat their head marched with the Last Alliance and fought ith Isldur and Elrond. Cn his death, his heit was granted lands in Andrienand they became one ofthe first Houses of Minas Anor, dwelling in a towering house on the sixth level. Like all his forefathers, the current head, Camm, is Nominee to Conclave and hisson isa captain inthe Cite! Guard. The symbol of House Astirian isa white diamond superimposed by a sea-blue wave. Een (Stan-wanps) House Elena retains the most adherence to the old ways of Numenor and is noted for its aloofness from the common people of thecity. Very few membersof this House ever marry outside the purest Diinadan families. Their large house oa the Fifth Level is secluded and impenetrable except to invited visitors, who are few indeed. It is said to contain one of the most comprehensive genealogical libraries inall Gondor; thisisobviously an invaluable fasset when considering the suitability of potential suitors. The House has little to da with the governance of the city. They do wow extremely exclusive parties for the highest of the high, and the current head, Tarassar, joins the Council of Gondor when it meets. The symbol of House Elenais ablack band edged with gold, overlaid with a radiaat star of white and silver. 7.22 GREAT FAMILIES ‘There are a number of important families in Minas Anor who have a great influence in the governing.of the city, Some of them hold more power than the noble houses. und all aspire to join the nobility themselves although it is very unfikely that any could be ‘ennobled whilst still in the city. (Cueween, Harwastiy ‘The Hamastin family is the most recent to arise of those ‘mentioned here, The dynasty was founded by Armagor Hurnastin, :uwarrior captain under Rémendacil, who won firme and fortune in the East after leading nurnerous successful raids and operations. He acquited a vast fortune in plunder and retumed heme to Minas ‘Anor in triumph to marry a minor noble's daughter. Since the thineenth century. the family has continued a strong miliary tradition — the eurrent head is Curmegil. The symbol adopted by the family isn wide-bladed falchion with a winged hilt, Canmit AGAIINA ‘The Agarinna family are amiong the more mysterlousand exotic of the dynasties and individuals in Minas Anor. The commonly- related story about them tells of three brothers who were Sorcerers at the time of founding of Gondor. They were powerful ard ‘opposed Sauron, but each one in turn was betrayed to the Evil ‘One's agents by their only sister. They were persecuted then captured, tortured and slain in horrible fashion. The sister had carlierborn an unwanted child which she abandoned but which had been found and secretly saised by the three brothers, He learned all their magics and more, and when he discovered why they hod died, slew their betrayer; only later did he find out through sorcery that she wasihismother. He founded the dynasty, which survives o this day, headed by Cambal. The family’s symbal is a small crown dripping blood into a pool Tinto Mavi ‘The fortunes of the Mairéd family have been changeable down thecermuriesatthough they have never been poor. For the past twa hundred years they have been doing very well, mainly thanks toa major discovery at their gold mines in central Belfalas. ‘This has funded an expansion of their mercantile interests and they are alsa involved in banking. ‘Their influence in the city can be measured by their three effective votes in Conclave, Tirbel0e isa Nominee fund financial advisor to Mindacil, The family also sponsors another Advisor. Tirbeldir's son Aldor, and they abso have strong Tinks with the Goldsmiths’ Fellowship. ‘The symbol of the Malréd family isa pairof overlapping gokd coins and a green tassel. Quixcn. Henesvano ‘The Hercnyand family are noted especially for their leaming and connections withthe Scribes" and Sages" Fellowships. An old, monied family, they embrace a variety of interests in the city including ownership of a booktindery anda parchment-maker, “The size of the Herenyand fortune is not known, but they are able 1 sponsor the Deputies of both the Scribes” and Sages" Fellow. ships, as well as Quiacil’s position as an Advisar. ‘The family's symbol is a three-piered bridge. Mrzzconm. Srenman ‘The Sindbar family isa scion of a noble house of Minas Ith, ‘They were rich merchants but otherwise had little importance in this greateity until Porothie Sinufbar married Melloriel, daughter of sulord of ene of Gondor’s most remote fiefs in the northern Pinnath Gelin, ‘The symbol of the family is a grey tower. circular and roofed, To this Metioriel has recently added a golf ring.The InkabivantsiThe Fellowships 7.23 THE FELLOWSHIPS ‘There are twenty-eight Fellowships in Minas Anor. These are akin to Medieval guilds and the Edfreahir ofthe northmen bat are far less restrictive and formal. Effectively they serve two pur- poses: to gather together workers producing similar sorts of goods so that the economies of having # communal workplace ure achieved, and also to provide a fellowship, a sort of club that \Workersin that industrycan join inerdertogain political and social benefits. The social enefits include looking after widows and ‘orphins of workers and, on a lighter note, tevelries and pet- togethers of like-minded fellowsafierahard day's work. There are foo inns and taverns in Minas Anor, for everyone sups in their Fellowship Hall or some other communal place, (The political benefits and organization of the Fellowships are described in section 8.4.) The Fellowships are arranged into four groupings, supposedly by age and honor, although such details are hotly debated and ‘contested by the Fellows on occasion. Pourres & Doonwaness ‘This Fellowship isa small but important one. Ibis the only’ ane in the city to have « titular head: the Warden of the Keys (sce 10.15). All other Fellow ships have just a Deputy. The poriersand doorwardens look afterall the gates of the city including the Great ‘Gate and Fen Hollen, the closed door leading to Rath Dinen, They iso manage the liRings in each of the: lesser gates and aperaie two servicesmuch used by the rich and powerful message delivery and the nimesir, a palanquin-like transport operaied by two sirong men, Few who are rich enough care t0-walk miles to their homes onthe upper levels when they can afford someone to carry them: Similar transport ean also be arranged for goods, since few horses fr carriages and carts are allowed into the city, Most everyone requires the services of the Fellowshin — if only when death ‘comes and they must be escorted to their final resting place. Hosrstes ‘There are no inns or siverns in Minas Anor by an ancient tradition with an unknown origin. However, there is plenty af ‘ecommodation for visitors in hostels and guesthouses. Here food tnd drinks are served (and often flow freely) but only’ as part of a general fee for board and lodging. orf bought from awineshap (for prices see Section 6) The arrangement works well for the ‘Anorians, and they ignore outsiders who find it alte peculiar “The Hostelers’ Fellowship is moderately small and fas a high Proportion of women since widows with some inheritance often ‘open or take over a guesthouse. Lasmniciers ‘That the Lampwrights’ Fellowshipisold indoed is testifiedto by the name of the first main street in the city: Rath Celerdain, Most of ity members live on the First Level and are involved in the making of lamps, lanterns, chandeliers, refractory telescopes, magnifying glasses, sundials and other such items. ‘Their Work depends for the mast part upon materials supplied by the Iron- smiths and Glassmakets of the fourth level, The Lampwrights axe also responsible as a body for the maintenance ofthe streetlights ‘of the city, and pay forthe upkceppaf two lamplighters jointly with tive Candlemakers' Fellowship, Baxss Minas Anor’s Bakers are accounted above simple cooks. Their Fellowship rose in status after the Kin-strife when a number of skilled Northmen setled in Minas Anor. Now they producea wide range of provender, rom loaves and bunsto cakes and pastries. No- ‘meal isconsidered Filling without afresh round of bread or sweet pastry 10 finish it off; no dinner entertainment properly complete 10ut a delicate construction of dough, sugar and colored eon fection.The Inbabitants(The Fellowships Sign of the Healers Sign of the Woodwrights Heavens The Healers of Minas Anor are rightly Taried through much of Gondor and beyond. Their splendid Houses of Healing where ‘ost ofthe Fellovshipdwvelland tend their patients are onthesixt level, facing south and east among scented gardens of herbs. The Healers are skilled as surgeons and homeopaths, and knowledge- able as herbalists, cultivating and extracting the useful essence of ‘many plants with a lore that goes back 10 the earliest days of Noimenor: ~.. the Eldar .. brought Niimenor many gifs: beds of song. and fragrant flowers. and herbs of great virtue” (Sil. p. 316). They are among the most influential ofall the Fellowships, ever valued for their wise counsel. Anmowens Another skill developed in Niimenor and continued in practice 10 good purpose in Minas Anor is the manufacture of arms and armor, Although styles and preferences have changed since the Second Age, the principles have nol, and the Armorers hall on the Sixth Level is known as the House of Ringing Sounds because of the incessant beat of sel on steel, The Fellowship is kept busy by the demands of Citadel Guard, Royal Guard and supplies traded to other parts of the realm. The only weapons sot made by the Armorers are blades; these are the domain of the Cutlers, Sroseweicanns ‘The masons of the city have a long-standing rivalry with the carpenters (Woodwrights, see below). I dates back to the very cattiest days of Minas Anor. Originally. the Woodwrights were held in higher esteem, owing tothe greater beauty of tne craft and theelegance of the wond they worked. The Stonewrights built the city walls and towers, but the great houses and halls were made of strong wood and timber brought from a dozen differem forests, each wood with a specific use. Gulleries und sereens of intricate fretwork bedecked the early city. However, as time passed and the hhouses needed renewing and replacing. the spectal timbers grew ‘more expensive and harder to obtain. Lang delays frustrated the rand designs of the few rich enough to be able to afford them. ‘Gradually stone became more fevored, not least for its reliability tnd enduring qualities, and replaced many older works of wood At the same time, the Stonewrights were themselves attracting more money anil power with their increased patronage and could develop their craft to equal the skill of the joiners. Now the ‘Woodwrights are tess important and few wooden buildings re- main, Wooowricirs ‘Some of the history of the Woodwrightsisretated abowe, From their former glory of housebuilding on a grand scale, they are reduced to the more usual carpentry products; household interiors (doors, window frames, joists floors}; furniture-and furnishings; barrows, carriages, carts and rémesir; too! and weapon hats and pieces; and soon, All their products are of a high quality, and amongst their number are many fine Wood-carvers. There are ‘many woodwrights' workshops. the main being the Woodwrighis’ House in the northern section of the Second Level Gounssarrns ‘The Goldsmiths’ Fellowship is also an old and respected 3s0- cilitian. Although the Goldsmiths of Minas. Anor might not rival the Elves forthe beauty of theireraft, their worksareas passing fair 1s any other produced by Men. They turn out gold plate (cups, Dlatlers, ewers}as well ds special commissions. They also produce gold leaf of fine quality which is traded far and wide, and work in ther precious metals including silver, pewter and bronze, Sign of the House of TapestriesThe Inhabitants/The Fellowships 29 Cuomuwacars ‘The Clothwrights de not produce cloth; rather they make every sortof garment andiitem frometoth waven autside theeity. Cotton comes from Dor Rhinen (Rhovanion), linen fram Calenardhon and Lamedon, wool from the Pinnath Gelin. They also buy Copious amounts of thread, for they are industrious tailors, lace= rmukers and sewers, Anything from a simple handkerchief to silken pavilion capable of holding x hundred guests can be made by and bought from this Fellowship. Warrawaicnrs ‘The Waterwrights are responsible for the maintenance of the city's water supply, ‘The Niimendreans devised an ingenious system for getting fresh water intound waste out of thecity without compromising its defences (described in. Section 9.4). Water- \wrights also maintain the plumbing in individual buildings in the city. A branch of the Fellowship is involved in the manufacture of ‘ead piping and other items of lead, such as weights, seals etc. Guassmanes The last of the great manufacturing Fellowships. the Glass- makers are mostly to be found at the Glassworks on the fourth level. They make small-picce sheet glass for windows (which is looexpensive for most houses), bottles and other vessels, phils, tabinets und cases, omaments, drinking ware and lenses, along with a host of other, rarer items, usually on a commission basis. Great skil is required of a glassblower or handler,and greatartistry canals he exhibited in their craft. There is no larger glass-works in the whole of Gondor and Amor, Sruner-reanees Another ‘loose’ Fellowship, the Street-traders are vendors of every sort who work fram small shops and impermanent stalls in the market placesand side-streets of the city. Someevencarry their ‘wares from place to place in trays balanced on the eid or slung. around the neck, Virtually all of the small wares comman to: western Endor ure soli here. The carnmonest are items of food, jugs of ale or wine, cheap articles of clothing, cosmetics, herbs, {gifts and trinkets, and household items like pots, pans, brushes, needles, cord, and utensils, ‘The Street-traders are perhaps the most-ignored of all he Fellowships — with the possible excey (of the Artists — although few Anorians would admit to either snobbery or philistinism, ‘Cooks The accomplished cooks of Minas Anor provide for acityful of stomachs, Some of the Dunedin's favorite delicacies arc de- scribed elsewhere (see section 5.3). Closely associated withthe Hostelers Fellowship, the Cooks have a strong antipathy for the Bakers, whom they regard as less substantive specialists. The tall Men of Gondor need solid ballast, not puff pastry. they claim. The ‘Cooks are also skilled butchers and cheesemakers, but although they are known to use wine, ale and stronger spirits intheir recipes, they do not beew or distill the drinks themselves; everything is imported from Iihiliea, the southern provinces and, far special occasions, from the reaches of Eriador and Rhovanion. ‘Coomes ‘The Woodwrights do not make every wooden item jn the ct The Coopers are an important Fellowship whose skilled. crafts- ‘manship turns out barrelsand wonden vessels ofall sorts from The ‘Muralred Tunes, their workshop on ‘mark isa recognized sign of quali and barrels they make last for years, ofte unlikely places. Canonewaxens The Candlenakers’ Fellowship is a diverse if small group of artisans making both plain and embellished candles along. with ‘many other items of wax and oil. These include lamp oi, vorches, ‘cosmetic ils, sealing wax, Wood polisher and so on. A Candie ‘maker ean ofien be marked out by the distinctive smell of oil of wax, and this hus led to them having few friends, despite the good ‘work they do for the city fueling its street amps. ‘The Candle: ‘makers tend to be a dour yet uncomplaining lot Twens ‘The Tilershavestrong links with the Potters’ Fellawshipas bath ‘much of it obtained from the low vales of Lebennin and ‘drawn up to the city i special earts which shake the excess water from the clay and let it drain away through boles pierced in the sides, Tilersalso make other roofing materials, such as decorated slates and carved wooden tiles. Mos tiles for roots are plain, of a red color, but slipware tiles with a glossy finist are popular icher custorners, Some are tinted yellow or green and show up beautifully in the mornings as tne rising sun cassis first light upon the roofs of the city. The Tiersalso produce bricks and other ‘ceramics, usually for decorative purposes.30 The tnkahitants'The Fellowships Oe Porrers The Potters” Fellowship is a loose and friendly ene. Most potteries are small, dotted here and there about the city, with their ‘own small kilns and wheels. Muny pottery goods are produced, including stoppered stoneware jars far vinincrs east of Anduin: bowls and dishes and every sort of tableware for the common folk ofthe city who cannot afford toeat off pewter or silver; troughs and ‘basins for the balconies and tiny. crammed gardens of city build ings wherein flowering plants are grown tobbrighten the streets and alleys; and so on, Tnowsserris Gondorians are nothing if not organized. Iron is generally smelted in amore convenient und congenial place than the confines of the citys thus the Ironsmiths work not with raw iron.ore but with the pigs of tron thal come up from the rural foundries. They supply sheet, bar, rod aed wine iron and steel we many ather Fellowships: Lampwrights, Lock- smiths, Armorers, Cut lers and Coopers, for example, Many different lempers of steel are achieved by skilled proc esses, Some Tronsmiths also produce busie quan: tities of copper, ead, bronze, brass and pewter Lexrmenwaacirrs ‘The Leatherwrights are y load of cob- blers, cordwainers, stitchers and toolers. In Ueir scattered workshops ‘one can find everything from the simplest bucket to the most elaborate boot; along with belts, bags, packs, trunks boxes, purses, jerkins and straps. A wide variety of hhides are used, such sheepskin, cowhide and more exotic skins brought buck by adven. Uurersin the south. Much favored also are de s Juding those from elk, moose and the like) trapped in Eriador Notanning isdene-within the city because of the disgusting smell of the process, but the prepared hides are cut and stitched here. Some of the leatherwork is extremely fine, being beaten aut, tooled with delicate patterns and stained with dyes of bright col Comnwmciers This Fellowship is also-smatl, manufacturing threads, cords ropes. Unfortunately, they do: oy as pooda repul ropers of Pelargir and the Fellowship is in decline, despite the current fashion amongst Anorians for wearing braids. Then even rumors that Conclave is ia unseat their deputy. d asthe Cones In contrast, the Cutlers’ Fellowship, though small, is highly regarded und has a deal of authority. Although historically connected mo facture of knives and other imple ‘ments and utensils, the Fellowship has become renowned for its riad blades, especially their superb daggers and swords. In as Anor, one can obiain every sort of edged weapon, from throwing knives to greatswords, Many are exceedingly handsome ‘as well as fine in their fabricati Inkeeping with Dainacan tradition, blades are ulso-po Gondorians, like the Anorians and their Niiment frequently wear the eket (shartsword) or anket (broadsword). JewerLens: All Minas Anorknowsthe Jewellersasa pedantic and deliberate Fellowship: “As slow as a Jewelle,"the saying goes. Yet forall their upparent caution ind dls, they ean produce works of surpassing loveliness for Men, They arcesp cially noved fer wo a fas ‘of expense: he carving of stones, stich 1s cameos and ‘eabuchons (rather than the simple cutting of faceted gems), and for their filigree silver and sold — nets and meshes ofthe finest wire switled and inricaely curled — which are used fer brooches, coronets, tiaras, —‘basketwork weapon hilts, bracelets d omaments Annsrs This Fellowship is ty diverse und always full of faction fights and disputes, 11 includes every sor of entertainer, visual artist. (painters, sculptorsand so on), and musician. While a Jug: gers’ School has re- cently arisen under its artists remain the dr ant group, Painters, sculptors, and the like predominate, Entertain ersare often ignored and sometimes have been known tort, With the consotidation of royal household in Minas Anar, though, both factions contin strive for increased patronage Exmnotearas (One of the smallest nd miast recent of Fellowships, the Em Droderers, shares many workshops with both the Cordwrights and 1 Clothwrights. Yet thei skills are well rec rch demand, especially forthe fashionable tapesiries hung.on entrance hall walls, The Embroiderers also decorate clothing and uniforms ‘with personal designs, another symbof of status in the city allyThe tnhabitantsiKing’s Guard and City Watch Sign of the Great Bakery Porters & Doorwardens Locesurms ‘The Locksmiths have along history.developing many branches aver the centuries. Although the manufacture of locks, bolts and teys isstill perhaps the major partof their business, they alsomake any device that involves intricate metalwork (or sometimes even woodwork). moving parts and s0 of. Simple “nichines” suc is fulleys and lifts are made by them:'the springs and catches for the embrasure shutters of the Quier Wall; clockwork devices (al- though their sophistication is limited to times af ubaut 3 minutes less): and every manner of trap mechanism that adventurers are likely to come across. Not every Locksmith makes all these, but ‘would know where they could be found; also some would have to be made ‘to order’ Senin ‘The Scribes’ and Sages’ Fellowsbips are a litte unique, being, concerned with record-keeping and providing services rather than pmiducts, The Scribes include people available for hire to copy manuscripts. write messages and so on; they also function as Teachers, fransiators, mathematicians, accountants, lawyers and many other jobs according totheir speciality, Tris Fellowship has the espoisibility for the Rynd Thannath on the Fourth Level. (See Section 10.44.) Sa Alosgside the Healets the Sages ure the most respected ‘lower las inhabitants of the city. Anorians revere learning as a great set, a birthright of sorts. Unfortunately, some af the Sages are quite mad or completely lazy and do nothing all day except souk up mare useless information in the vaulted chambers of the Rynd Pemiaith remarkable treasurchouse of booksand scrolls of every i Despite the common idea of a Sage as a venerable, balding and s#ey-bearded man, the majority are younger, a mixture of men and women and with close-cropped hai. Most have an almost reli- gious devotion to their reading and lend a cloistered air to thet dwelling and work places 7.24 KING'S GUARD AND CITY WATCH Minas Anoris the center fora large garrisonof the King’s Army, and now also for the King's Guard, the elite eorpsof men detailed tothe royal household, The former is organized, ike that at Minas Idhi, along standard lines. ‘There are four Companies or Obar- rimion (sing. Ohtarrim)each headed by a Targen or Commander, Each Company consists of 3-4 Troops or Thangion led by a ‘Thangon (Captain). The Troop is composed of 60-100 men ordered inte 20-tnan tines (S. Erith"), The following table sum- marizes the organization: FIRST COMPANY — Commander: Rodhel Harnastin Symbol: White Tree ‘Two 5-line Traops of heavy cavalry Two 4-line Troops of heavy infantry SECOND: COMPANY — ‘Commander: Tindiath Malréd Symbol: Fountain dice tad ee One 4-1ine Troop of medium cavalry THIRD COMPANY — ‘Commander: Anarond Astirian Symbol: Star & Sword Two d:line Troops of medium cavalry ‘Two 4-line Tops of archers FOURTH COMPANY — Commander: Durstvagor Symbol: Shicld & Hammer Gne Hine Troop of heavy mounted archers One 4-line Troop of miners (medium infantry) One 4line Troop of engineers (medium infantry) In addition to the 1100 fighting men, there are a total of 73 officers and another 20 or so staff, who are permanently in charge of the garrison houses and to serve asmessengers, mapbearers, and the like. Individual fighting men are allocated as aides to their commanding officers and deputize others whenever a levy is necessary, The garrison consists of a mixture of troops including, ‘many being given training. Minas Anor seldom sees fighting on itsdoorstep, bu trains fine warriors forthe defense of lands further afield.The InhabitantsiThe Bureaucracy ‘Tue Kina’s Guano ‘The royal bodyguard is organized along slightly differen Lines ‘There are two Troops of six lines exch in this Company, making 240 men in total. The first Troop is mounted en heavy warhorses ‘Witt excellent handling qualities and super’ training fo withstand the noise of bate The second Troop is more diverse. IMs three lines comprise specialist heavy infantry, each fine made up from veterans with their own weapons and armor. One line includes light archer- scouts, extremely skilled at silent manewvers and deadly with missiles. The second is composed of rangersand skilled horsemen with fast steeds. The final line is composed of the famous Lion Scouts, light infantry accompanied by trained Royal Lions. A lovely tawny colar, these beasts sport lang claws and vickous fangs ‘They have good climbing and stalking abilities und ane usually given a surcoat of royal crimson edged with gold thread, The ‘Company is led! by 99-year-old Lord Rdthion,a pure Doinadas, all and dark and awesomely skilled with the bade. Equine) ‘The garrison troops wear a mail hauberk made from forged black: steel rings and eovered by a short surcoat of thick black ‘material emblazoned witha silver embroidery design depicting the White Tree. Any other Company adoms their left breast. Small raven Wings gricethesidesof their high-crowned helms, which are set with a silver starin the center ofthe circlet. ‘These soldiers cary a black and silver shield (size varies between Troops). lanice er spear, and another weapon oF weap- os, such a8 the anket{hand-and-a-half sword}, eked ishortsword), hundaxe, metal composite bow, and dagger. Heavy infantry warriors wear Fuller mail coats, which are reinforced and padided. ‘They always use larger weapons. ‘The King’s Guard, despite the individual appearance andequip- ment allowed them, are offered plate armor and top quality Weapons should they desire them. Their surcoats and shiekds are silver trimmed with black and crimson, bearing the design of the ‘crown and seven stars, A veteran who serves with the King’s ‘Guard is allowed to keep this design on his shield and bear it wherever he goes subsequently. Weapons inc}uce halberd, 10 handed axes, falchions and more usual blades. ‘Crry Paros ‘The keeping of law and order in the City is given over to a joint ‘military and civilian body, the City Patrol, Members of the Porters and Door Wardens’ Fellowship join with Citadel Guards in groups ‘of four (oF more, i there is known tabe trauble abroad) to answer the complaints of citizens and try to stop the mevitable law- [breaking that will occur in Manish societies. City Patrols are but Vightly armed and armored. ‘One of the commonest problems is theft, All citizens have the right of thief-taking, but normal ‘Unfortunately they have little coordination, despite the attempts of ‘Conclave on numerous accasions to pitan enthusiastic and ener etic officer incharge of thisdifficult operation. The plans iocrack the problem once and for all are always mysteriously sabotaged in ‘one way or another, 7.3 THE BUREAUCRACY Two groups of people have been moving from Oxgifiath 1 Minas Anor over the past few years. Since the start of the Plague, {number of smaller departments of government (for an example, see the Offfice of Estates in Section 10.42) have been removed from the former capital to the city. This has entailed moving both the officials und the lesser bureaucrats: the clerks, royal servants, and their families, Atthe same'time, ordinary folk have been feeing the ravages of (Osgiliath for the fresher air and healthier climes of Minas Aner. Butdespite the houses and chambers emptied by the Plague inthe city, its authorities were unwilling to simply allow in a flood of refugee. Proud of its productive economy and well-managed treasury, Conclavedecised thatonly thase who could filla vacated position in a Fellowship would be allowed in, Later, admission Was extended to those who could oblain the invitation of three adults who were themselves Full citizens either wealthy enough to Contribute tothe Refuge Tax or recognized Fellows, 7.31 THE ADMINISTRATORS ‘The administrators are merely civil servants who cel with the ‘minutae af government, administering the Offices required ta keep Jaw, order and civilization in every reach of Gondor’ kingdom. empire, They are despised by many Anorians, who see them as insipid paper-pushers adding unwanted bureaucracy to their lives. Typically, the Anorians are more inspired by craftsmen and artisans, Stil, the administrators are amecessary cog in the royal appara- tus, Gondor’s far-flung empire providesanunceasing.challengeto the civil government, apd even the independent-minded rmianormen of Pelennor understand the need forthe sallow-faced bureaucrats that guide life behind the scenes.The fnhusbitants!The Royal Offives 7.32 THE ROYAL OFFICES The Royal Offices of government include too many depart ments to discuss here, Thus, descriptions of only the most important ones follow. “OmICE oF Bunsacy The Office of the Bursary is overseen by the King's Treasurer. Responsible for collection of royal dues and revenues, me protec tion of the royal treasury and the funds and treasures it contains, and for the of funds for expenditure in civil areas and the royal houschold, itis vital department, ‘The Bursary funds all the other Offices, as well as the King's Commander, who receives a lange budget to provide for the upkeep of nor-maintained troops, de- Fenses and fortifications, Onnice or Esrares ‘Overseen by the King’s Herald, the Office of Estates keeps track of land ownershipand titles, All fiefsareheld in chief by the King, Those estates which he does not retain for himself are helt by tenants-in-chief, normally Princes and other great lords of the realm, Other lords may then hold fiefs from the tenants-in-chief, and sometimes lesser lords and knights hold individual lands from them, Thiscomplex arrangement of landholding is monitored and checked for legality by the Office of Estates. All wills should be registered here, und the Officers adjudicate disputed claims. Similarly, they keep track of hereditary ties given by the king and theright to wear various special devices orbear the arms of atamily oc House. Omer oF Drcens The King's Proclamatar presides over the Office af Decrees. This department has a high responsibility for the drawing. up ef decrees and laws agreed upon at Great Courts hy the Council of Gondor, or issued by the King. The proper legal style must be followed carefully, and the Office is also responsibe for copying the decrees and ensuring their distribution and proclamation around the empire. On occasion, the Proclamators must also rule on the interpretation of the wording of a decree or law they have drawn up, fr the King's Justice. All have to be highly proficient im both the ancient Nimendrean Addnaic dialect, as well asthe Sindarin more commoaly used for such purposes. ‘Oreice. ar Wonks Overseen by the Minister of Works, the Office of Works is a responsible for the maimenance af royal demesnes, forests and chases, and also for roads and ather civil structures outside the purview of local lords ot towns, The symbol of this Offiee, & crowned set-squire, can he scen stamped on many constructions, trom roadside stocks, gallows-trees and milesiones to boundary markers, and from towe Sal to gatehouses and quaysides. ‘Tue Haste Post ‘The Haste Post is administered by the Warden of the Post. This Dice organizes a postal service for public use, but this has arisen ‘ut ofits older responsibility to provide the King. with readily- arailable messengers, Sent out tothe four comersof the empire at ‘imoment’s notice. these royal couriers are exceptionally rugged and trustworthy The Haste Post alsa tends the beacon-fires which stand ready to link Ansrien with the provinces of Calenardhon, Lossarmach, and Lebennin 7.4 WOODEN-TOWN’S REFUGEES But what ofthe others that have flocked to Minas Ancor gates inthe hope of succor and shelter from disease and war? Decrees from Concave have demanded that they show good health. as wel as a means of self-suficioncy or reliable dependents, before entering the city w take up residence, These demands have necessitated the inauguration of a special department to process claims; and whilst some arc speedily dealt with. others take Foner At first people just camped outside the Great Gates in the shadow of the Outer Wall; then, as Hines (queues) grew, te tents tured to shacks. Traders wandered amid the confused warren of cannibalized dwellings selling food and ather necessities af life, some of them setting up permanent pitches, Scribes put up stalls offering help with eaims — for a price. The sharks becarne suet, and ground was cleared fora few timber structures when winter bit more closely, Firewood sellers ade a huge profit, ‘Numerous single-story houses and huts made from raud and timberhave spring.up tothe north andeas of the Greit Gate. Most are communal halls for sleeping and eating. The residens go out during the day 10 hire out as laborers to the landworkers nf the Pelemnor, or as servants inthe city. to sce have thei claims are getting on, Meanwhile, children are born and mised arid an tnscerny squalor the administrators and the royal household all prefer ignore, Some assistance ismow given in the form of food nd fuel handouts. And iti claimed that the claims ane being processed more swifily and Wooden-town, or Oute-Mur, sit has aso been christened), will soon shrink away. Certainly the military commanders ope to clear the base of the wall as soon a paridePolitics and Power Minas Anor is, all things considered, a safe place within the empireof Gondor, It sits somewhat smugly below Mount Mindol- lun, its citizens well protected, and easting disparaging glances at the folk of Minas Ihil in Mordor’s-old shadow, or the people of the coastlands that suffer depredations of the Corsairs. Nothing threatens the capital, for the Sun is still high in the heavens and there is no sign that its setting is imminent Still, if Minas Anor lacks ene mies beating al its gates, perhaps there are subtler forces at work within the fabric of the city itself ‘Amongst the fair folk of Gondor are those whose emotions lead them astray: jealousy, love, stupid ity, pride: all these can be the downfall of noble men and women. Few among the Wis have yet contemplated the retum ‘of Sauron or any other organized threat to their society, but all their wisdom cannot forestall the most ‘basic of the human drives: lust for power, wealth and glory. Not everyone is afflicted with such drives, but the few who are become prominent individuals, And in their quest for personal power nt they jeopantize higher secu 8.41 ROYAL AUTHORITY ‘The King has traditionally been visitor to Minas Anor, the guest of the Prince-President for several months of the year. Now he is in permanent 1 ue all about him with the machinery to govern a realm such as Gondor ‘with efficiency. King Turondor, though relatively young, is not insensitive to the effect his presence fkas on the lordship of the Prince-President, and has iried to stay out ofall purely civil affairs. Nonetheless, Vinyaran, Tarondor’s chief counsellor, often acts “on the King’s behalf” in ying to curtail Mindacit's dominion. This fhas mainly been in the area of accommodating the King’s house- hhold and government Offices; and alsa, in his capacity ax King wander, Vinyaran has been trying 1 wrest contral of the Citadel Guurd from Mindi, Sessions of the Great Court (the Council of Gondor) occur ance every three months and are lively affairs, with noblesand officials often travelling from distant parts of the Kingdom to attend. There are feasts and entertainments ax well ns the serious business of governing, and the people of Minas Anor look forward to doing good business at such times, The royal Offices natura ‘come under the King’s authority, Most make a large impression on the citizens — as a useful and stable source of revenue — but they are also frequently resented. ‘When the Offices were in Osgili- ath, the bireaucracy of govern- ment seemed ane place removed: now the wery streets seem choked ‘with edicts, 8.2 CONCLAVE Conclave (W. “With Key") is governing council for the city, overseen by the Prince-President ‘of Minas Anor, Conclave meets three times month (or more often an emergency) im its all om the Sixth Level. (See Section 10.63.) Most sessions are closed 10 the public, although members. may bring associates with them, Oxca- sionally, though, an open session is held where a matter necding the jon af all folk: ofthe cit be consi Conclavedeals withany matters, felating to the laws and govern- ance ofthe city. It formulates and passes any new legislation— such 2s the rules restricting immigrants (soe 7.32) — and it considers the budget and expenditure from the city’streasury, Mostitizens rake a contribution to this through their Fellowships or licenses to conduct business, Othersources income include gate taxes, Fines (the usual punishment for those who break city statutes) and, oceasionally, special levies. The lan where a large sum of money is needed for a substantial project like the reconstruction af a public building Recentlya special levy known as Refuge Tax was passed topay for the temporary support of people in Woodea-town,Politics and Power!The Prince-Presidency ‘The council is made up of three groups. af members: Nowvexs Upto twelve Nominees, each appointed by the Prince-President for life, serve in Conclave, They can only be removed from the ‘council for serious criminal or moral offences. A'Nominee may be tanyone the Prince-President wishes to have the advice of, or wishes to reward. Nominees may also hold other posts. They seceive an annual pension and may also be granted an allowance for the serviees of clerks, seribes etc. for business they undertake at the Prince-President's or Conclave’s request. ‘Deruries ‘There are twenty-eight Deputies in the council, one from each of the twenty-eight Fellowships (guild assemblies). Deputies receive no stipend from Conclave, and hence some are sponsored by rich or powerful individuals. Apvisos Up to ten Advisors sit in Conclave. Each is sponsored by 2 farnily, institute or individual foran undisclosed annual sur at the invitation of the Prince-President. Such invitations are rare and can be very expensive. The revenue isanided to the city's treasury, Each Advisor is sponsored for four years ata time. In addition to these voting members, the Warden of the Keys sits on Conclave, boeing the voice of the city's defense. He very rarely voics, although not disqualified from so doing, The Chair at meetings is tukea by the Prince-President or, in his abwence, by the Warden. If tether is available, the Prince may nominate someone or Con- lave may appoint their awn Chair. The Chair has a casting vote, ‘Members may bring a secretary or Fellow to Conclave, and may also call on outside speakers to offer expert opinians and evidence in hotly contested debates. Conclave is also, when ecessary. & High Court xo decide matters pertaining tothe city’s own legisla- tiop. The Deputy of the Scribes’ Fellowship fs responsible for supplying a clerk to Conetave in order thata record of proceedings is made tt ean be seen from the composition of Conclave given above that the Fellowships hold the batance of power. However, this is hecked by two things. First, the Prince-President has the ability sp override decisions of Conclave in many areas. This veto must, like any other, be used judiciously, or else serious disturbances ‘eccut, Second, the Fellowships seldom cooperate, Many have rivalries, one with another, sometimes becoming antipathies which lead to their Deputies taking different sides as a matter of course, Some Fellowships’ Deputies are also mere controlled by their sponsors than by the concerns of their members. More effective power is wielded by the great families and Houses of the city than the Fellowships, for the most pat 8.3 THE PRINCE-PRESIDENCY Prince-President of Minas Anor is a (usually) non-hereditary ttle given to a minor member of the royal family. This is unkike, say, ihe Princes of Minas Ithil and Do! Amoth, who hold their Pincedoms for their families in perpetuity, Often the Prince- President (so called because he presides over Conclave. Minas ‘Anor's council) isan older man, such as an uncle or cousin of the King. The princedom includes not only the ety and its immediate eatvirons — the Pelennor and the Harlond —butalse the overlord- of the province of Andrien, stretching from Lessarmach 10 Calenardhon (Rohan’s Eastfold). a5 THE KINGS AND RULING STEWARDS. GONDOR SECOND AOE W836 Narmacil 340° Anarion** 1936 Calimebtar AI" High-king Elendil™ 1944" Onodoher THIRD AGE THE nierregnum (Steward 28 Miph-king tsldur 1945 Pelendur) 18 Menelait 2043 anil tt 28 Cemendur 2090 Edrnur St Barend Ruling Stewards. a) Anardil 2080 Mardi (*Voronné™) 492 Ouoher ane Eradan S4* Taroutar (*Ramendacll 7) | 2348 Heron 667 Twrambar 2204 Belegorn 74 Atanasar 1 224 Marin 1 80 Sirionait 278 arin | 14 Tarannon ("Palas") 936 Eaenil | 2393 Mador 2412 Barahir 1013" Cicyandit 245 Dior 1141 Giryaher (*Hyarmen | 2477 Deenethor | ct 2419 Bagomir 126 Aunar i CAlzarin | 2567 — Cirion the Glorious") 260 Matias 2628 usin It 2685 electhor | 3408 Ectheion | 376) Egatmoth 216) tren HL Aleregond 2832 Melecthor I 24 Narmacil 1301 Calmacit 1366 Minalcar *Romendacl ay 1432 Valacar 1437 (deposed) Eldacar 1447 (deposed) Castamit (The Usurper") 2802 Thorondir 490 daca 24 Turia I 140" Aldamir 395) Tarpon 1621 Vinyarion 2084 Eceheion I Hyarniendsll 3019" Demeter IL led? Minarait Reunited Kingsom 636" Tetemnar FOURTH AGE 179% Tarandor 120 High-Ring Elessar eso Telumebiar (sragorn 11) (Unibardacit”> = Brothers Lilduy and Anarion ruted Gand jointly under teave of the High-king Elendil of Arpor36 Politics and Power(Organizatiow af the Fellowships Minas Anor’s current Prince-President is Mindacil, Taroaor's nephew. (He is described in Section 12.) He gets on well with Conclave although he seldom exeris firm control. Mindacil preferstotake advice and then side with the most popular faction, s0 he is able to blame them if anything goes amiss. He is not corrupt, but accepts personal gifts from individuals imerested in getting an invitation i send an Advisor to Conelave as a matter of Course, and thinks it is wha is expected of him ‘Mindacl is now ina difficult situation withthe translation of the throne to Minas Anor, “his” city. He feels that his authority will beundermined and his office reduced to mere stewardship, Where ian of the Fellowships look forward1o regal parranage, Mingacil seesonly demotion looming sbcad. While he remaitstotally loyal he seeks ia prevent the royal houschold (and Vinyaran in panicular) from taking over the running of the new capita Mindaci fs also suspicious of Haletin, the Minister of Works, whom he suspects is a pawn of the King’s Commander. ‘Among Mindacil'sckosest associates are Camam Astirian and Curmegil Harnastin (sce Section 12.2), both of whom are his Nominees on Conclave as wel as being powerfulmen intbeirowa jowever, he also fas his opponents, such as Quiacil FELLOWSHIPS The Fellowships of Minas Anor are guild assemblies; informal asoociations of workers with similar occupations, All business in the city must be licensed, and it istmuch easierto getalicense if one isa member ofthe appropriate Fellowship, Fellowships expect a modest contribution from members, 2 fee which pays for adamin- istrative costs and for theupkeep of cornraunal holdings run by the Symbol of the Rising Sun Symbol of the Mlood Ring Fellowship. Iralso may’ pay for the stipend of the Fellowship’ Depuly who sits on Conclave, the city's ruling couneil. Every Fellow ship has such a Deputy, although some are‘ sponsored” by other interested parties, suchas the Mairéd family who sponsor the Deputy of the Goldsmiths” Fellowship, with whom they have strong links. Membership in a Fellowship is not compulsory, although it brings with icachcr benefits. For example, all Fellowships havea inumber of buildings where their members arc accommodated These may be simple dortaurs, with bedchambers and dining facilities run by the families af the workers; or they may be combined witha workplace, All Fellowships also ave. great hall where large numberof their members can meet for Festivitiesand ‘ther gatherings, It is.at such Festivities once a year thatthe head of the Fellowship is “acclaimed.” This procedure is not strictly demoerati: after various people have been nominated, they are cach in tum “acclaimed” by the members, and the one receiving most “acclaim” isheld tobe the head. Once established. few heads fail to be re-acclaimed in following years until they resign. The head of Fellowship may have a special tle o honour by \whict te is known, although this varies from one to another. For example, the head of the Porters & Doorwardens Fellovship is hailed “Warden of the Keys,” and has a special position within the city, (See Section 10.15.) Healso nominates the Deputy’ to sit on Conclave. ‘This may be the head himself or sore ather member.Politics and PoweriSeeret Societies ” 8.5 SECRET SOCIETIES Minas Anor is a close-knit and complex set of interrelated g7oups. Most of these are open anc! accredited organizations, but ‘few hide behind facades in order to escape the public gaze, Few people know of their existence and fewer are actually members, but itis certain that their influence és felt, in one form or another, imevery tier of life in the city, 8.51 THE BLOOD RING ‘The Blond Ring isa society of practitionersofthe sorcerous arts: images and seers. Ii was founded by the adopted son of the three ‘Agarinna brothers who were tortured to death by Sauron, Named foe the the triad of brethren, itis still controlled by the Agarinna family, Cambal Agarinna is now its master. The society accepts only neutrally-inclined spellweavers and scholars, and has.a strict code of behavior. In return for adhering to these restrictions, a ‘member has access to excellent tutors and a wide selection of ‘magical texts from which to learn, Somme of the niles of the society include: — Never use magic in purely civil affairs except where treason is involved, or where (for example) detection of a criminal is only possible through the use of spells. — Only use sorcery against enemies of Gondor if magic is being used by those self-same enemies. — Neveruse spells for deceit or for gain by deception; never openly use magic: and never identity yourself as a member of the Blood Ring, or asa spell-caster, except when circum stances dictate such a course of action as imperative — Seek out items of evil magic and either destroy them or report their existence to the Blood Ring as soon as possible. ‘There are usually 20-30 mages in the society. This number Auctuaies, for many absent themselves to go adventuring or a the agents of Gondor. ‘The members include one of the King’s ‘counsellors, so tat the association may leam the King’s wishes and aid bis plans without having to openly offer their services. ‘There isin “bad fruit” inthe barrel, and anyone evil attempting t0 jpin will soon be uncovered and disposed of appropriatcly. NOTE: The Blood Ring hax no outward signs or devices to mark its members, However, they are taught @ special Ist devel spell an entry, “Blood Aura.” This has a duration of 15 minsitevel, during which time the caster exhibits an aera: shat appears as a crawn dripping with blood above his head. This fs visible only 10. members of the Blood Ring, or any ‘mage, as desired, §.52 THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN The peculiar. secret organization of mystics called the Order of the Rising Sun includes Healers, Artists, and Doorwardens, as well asnon-Fellows, They indulge in simple rituals and hokum which they believe important tothe physical and spiritual well being of thetity. These rituals can involve the use of mildly narcotic drugs 4nd potent wines, and sppear to be as much an excuse for a secret binge as anything else. A number of members are somewhat crackpot: idealists and pacifists; others may actually have some esoteric powers connected with talking to dead spirits, foretelling future events and tapping the energy of the elements. Adventurers staying in the city are quite likely to be invited to join the society for a bag of silver, nd good luck to them. The Tindémé-tie has no formal structure or head. 8.53 COLLEGE OF THE SPOKEN WORD Within the sedate and quiet alls of the Sages’ Fellowship are ‘some less timid and bookish types who have more relish forthe living languages of Endor and who take the trouble to do fieldwork and on-the-spot research, This group call themselves the Callege of the Spoken Word, All the members are sages or Bards (mostly the latter). They maintain many ‘safe houses’ throughout the north and west regions and travel extensively collecting information on tanguages-and lore toadd to the already magnificent libraries the Rynd Permaith, ‘Membership is by recommendation and invitation only. ‘The College is not recognized by the Sages" Fellowship and gets no funding; however there is a ready market for the warks which the members produce after their visits o foreign lands, The members are known by a variety of names including the Col-bitaran (Rh. “Wanderers”; lit. ‘Those Who Go About”) from friends in the regions bonlering Dor Rininen, All the members are roguish but sincere and devoted to their study, They have little impact on Minas Anor. other than providing a surprisingly good source of inforntation on all sorts Of topics. 8.54 THE ROGUES’ FELLOWSHIP: This “Fetlowship' is so-named in jest by its members, poking funatthe creditable organizations of Minas Anor. Those members fare drawn equally from reputable Fellowships and from non. Fellows. Itis well organized, although there are naturally still ‘many lone burglars and criminals: Unlike most other associations {in the city, it shows little orn discrimination against women. Its one code ishonor: members never endanger the security of the city or the realm, and they never divulge information if captured. ‘Thereare two levels of the Fellowship. The lower, larger level 4s made up of pick pockets, petty thieves, smugelers and fences ‘who operate a sizable black market: obiaining a variety of goods nnefariously and then reselling at bargain prices. The upper level is smaller but more skilled and comprised of trained thieves and burglars who plan and execute infrequent but audacious thefts ‘Typically their targets are the very wealthy, and the thieves first {gain as much information as possible through their many contacts ‘Then comes the planning stage, which may include the building of special devices to assist the thieves. After completing the raid, the thieves usualy leave behind their token, a carved wooden flower. The Fellowship is headed by Tirbelr Malréd, head of the immensely rich Malréd family, together with Erdil, Warden of the Keys. Malréd's banking and merchant operations are the perfect {and most respectable) cover far the black market he operates. One Of his best thieves (both for planning and execution) is also his miswess, Linnod the Fair, daughter of Hunthor — Chief Fel- Jowsmith of the Locksmiths” Fellowship!#8 City Overview 9.0 CITY OVERVIEW Minas Anor's maginificent natural site is in keeping with its tus and noble origins, Erected upon a defensible out- thrust knee of a great mountain, the city enjoy's commanding views, a secure rear, and fertile surroundings. Its antiquity sug- ‘gests its resilience, the gift of its design and splendid venting. Of ‘course, antiquity should not be equated with inferior skills; For When Minas Anor was built the artisans were skilled Numendreans who knew exactly what they were doing. Current legends and chil dens’ tales suggest that Giants aided the Men of Andrion, as the enormity of Minas Anor's foundations might themselves suggest 10 the unlearned, Too quickly is the proud history and inkeri~ lunge of the Secondborn for gotten. The way the six lower levels are sculpted out of the bones of the mountain and the towering majesty of walls and towers alike dwarf the achievements of Men today and proclaim the artful gran deur af the Gondorian’s Donadan ancestors. At times, they truly seer like the fubled 15 of old, Tre Crry Paw I is small wonder that the jearby Drindan T the cliffs and constructed of a moumain of carefully-hewn blocks, the city seems to grow out of rock. It is solid and imposing, like the glimmer: ing peaks that rise (0 the west The basic plan ofthe city isof'sin greater levels or terraces ste into the mountainside, fanning gradually ever further back as th rise up the slopes. Each level itself is graded so that between its Jower and upper gates there isa gain of around a hundred feet in height. Each level between the first and last is separated by the Citadel Rock: Clty of Minas Tirith 1 Gate Fach sime thas {she the tine of the it went through an arched tunnel, pie rock whase huge bulketivided in rwoall the circles of the City save the first.” (Lod TH, p. This rock forms & nsrrow aval ridge which, from the rear af Wide court behine the Gate, a towering bastion of stone, its sharp edge appearing like ship-keel facing east. The rock's walls themselves are precipi tous, sheer and smo tunassailably solid defenses, These cliff faces march up the mountain slope, becom: ng less formidab eventually giving wi precipice that stands the city rd by a vast pier of Tue Crrv's Distiucrs Within the city, 1 ff the inhabitants is loosely indicated. by the level on which they’ live. Various types of industry are com ducted on different levels which each have somewh nique building styles. On the First (and, 10 a less extent, on the Second) Level, a multitude of smaller Built ster together crammed an ‘muze of alleys and enmeshed ies. Yet throughout th busy hive of Men there is n_and_ planning. y‘sbuildingshavea supply of water and some pproaching proper and few stand empty or derelict for want of ‘occupants or proper upkeep, sta confusing their capital and see it Anor's citizens understand what itis to be the closest subject westem Endor's most powerful KingCity Overview/The Outer Wall 39 9.1 THE OUTER WALL ‘As an urban citadel, Minas Anor is only surpassed by Sauron’s fontess of Barad-dar. This is largely due to its site, but a good part ofits strength is imparted by its impressive Outer or City Wall, OF reat hight and marvellous thickness, the hard, dark, curving rampart is tall and smooth and unconqucrable by steel of fire. Obviously the supertatively skilled Nmendrean masons. knew what they were up to when they butt i. Ina sense, the wall was forged rather than buill, for afler the mighty blocks of granitic rock were raised into position, they were sheathed in timber: every square Foot af the outer surface encased first with old wood and brusi and charcoal, then plans, then damp arth then sturdy trunks. The innermost layer of combustibles was then ignited atthe base and fanned so that a tremendous fire raged between the earth and the stone. When the fires died down, the surycture was left 10 coo! slowly’ for seven days, then the outer layer ‘oftrunks removed, Beneath them was the baked earth that tamed toerude brieks of dust and then crumbled away: and beneath that thefsed. blackened wall hecame glassy afd impermeable. Asthe sioneworkers finished each curve, they gathered more earth and fewood and the moved the trunks on to the next segment. ‘The Outer Wall stands one hundred feet from the fort to the top, ineastired outside the eity, Within the distance varies considers- bly asthe wall iss continuous grade while the terraces of the city slope adifferent ways; and there are also the jumps between circles lotake account of, The wall is thinnest atthe top, where itmeasures 30 feet; atthe foot it splays out another 1-20 feet. ‘The outer edge of the parupet atop the wall is well rounded, so that grappling irons (if they could be hurled this high) cannot find anything to attach themselves to. This low parapet run the length of wall's wide erest, guarding the Waich-way. ‘The walk is used primarily asa sentry-rowte, since itcan only be effectively reached by way of a portable ladder. No stairways or permanent footholds permit access to the Walch-way and, in times of war, the top ofthe ‘wall can be abandoned to an enemy without providing ther an easy means into the city. Any enemy gaining the wall will find no way down the other side except by jumping, ane! the lack of any inward-facing parapet means that defenders.on the inner walls cam rain missiles dawn on the unfortunate aggressors that are stranded on the naked watk. Instead of relying.on adefense centered on the crest ofthe Outer Wall, the great rampart incorporates series of galleries, each with 36 firing ports. These galleries can be individeally sealed off. Reachable only by a narrow spiral stair or up winch housed in a small tower overhanging the city side of the wall, they are self- ‘cantsined bastions. Cetagonal towers interrupt the Outer Wall at critical points, ‘enabling the defenders to concentrate against attackers assailing, the adjacent curtain. Like the bastions, these towers are sclf- ‘contuined; and like Wateh-way, they are vulnerable wo missie fire from the inner walls und towers. Minas Anor's defenses are interdependent. So, unless in enemy can find some way to completely straddle the Outer Wall, itis vitually impossible to storm or blastdown. As ‘well as being beautiful. itis an unquestionable marvel of military engineering. LAYOUT ‘A. Gallery. Each gallery extends for 320 fect and i nolated from the gilleriesonethersigcy 20 feet of tone, The gallery s 10 fee wide and rota 1 feet high, euahing it comfortable For men to move pas hose jccupying firing por, The rear wall ofthe gallery hus shelves stocked ‘wth ically boied supplies incase of atack, These can be aid outto hand Cthe shelses. Supplies include bows, bowsrings arrows and bolts (the bows are ether composite bows or erosbows); there will lo be some preserved foot spies, casters of fresh water, torches a tap oi foe amination, too For repairing dumaged firing por, pols for epi ladders, rocks for dropping. ae wo om At cither end ofthe gallery is 8 pivoting stone door with intemal roa bolts. Een ifthe sinner (bat till 5'yrock separating the gallery from the outer face is breached, the gallery can thus be sealed of 1, Firing Port. The firing ports asks pierced through the outer face of the wall from the gallery. Pach Wy 8 bay wide and hgh enough for a Kneeling man wo eorafortably fe from; the actual bole through which rises are fred ts just 4” wide and 22° all, The pots wel disguised by a painted ciel stoter which perfectly fits the ole, Arched 1 the stator ica sping and a lever, ‘The lever i operated by the fire's fon, spping the shutter toone side: the spring then returns the shut to the Closed posion whenpreesurecn the leveristelasod. Thisallowsthe fice tobe vulnerable for psa few seconds. As an added peecautio.uleather curin isdrawnoverthe rearof the port (where two-step lead own tbe taller floor. This blocks igh from acid the ie (at! preserves thet ‘ighi-adjusied vision when necessary), making them less of a target, and alto some missile should penetrate the por, his wil cath or smother it ©. Spiral Staircase. ‘The stair is narrow and allows only single-fle movement up of down, "Troops.can ascend tothe faading wooms and fallerics sing the salteases at ctber endow gullry. Thestaircases arc ‘or normally Ii; those poing up or down should take a ight wih thenCity Overview/The Great Gate ‘of great height ‘and marvellous thickness... 100" smooth, unconguerahle by steel or fire [D. Loading Room, This 15°y 207 room extend into an overhanging rower; these towers are located every 340! along the wall, between the galleries; each one connects 1orwo galleries viatheirpivoting stone doors, ‘The room has a wide by 10"high) double dooein the overhanging tower So that lauds can be Beought up in bulk to this room and then distributed tw the galleries’ shelves, In the center ofthe room is a deus witch with ‘wo handles and. locking rachel. There isso alder tothe upper flooe ‘of the tower, E. Rope & Pulley. The projecting bear hokis apulley through which the ftupefrom the winsh tothe loading hook passes. A net or platform can be attached to the hook and loaded with up be SOO Ths weight, then raise: lous of more than 250 Ibs require two men to aperate the win’, The ‘pulley system makes winding the load up quite slow falthoaph not too ‘trees. FF, Tomer. A ladder provides access to a cramped upper floor with four arched bays overlooking the first and second levels, Watchmen are ‘sometimes posted here trom the City Walch. G. Lower Door. Access for persoanel is provided by these doors eat ‘through to the spiral stairs. Each dooc is 7" high and 4 wide, made from an 18° thick stone slab, They have concealed steel hinges anv massive locks, requiringa Shans of +10 ormoretanpen (he key weighs 21 Ts) ‘Topick the lock requites a ST boaus of +20, It isanexiremely hund(-30) maneuver. HL Watch ‘Folding ladders provide the access wo this sentry-walh, A Gallery: Enters inated 120 sections wath saircaes (ea ier fd. Shefves are stocked with supplier in the eae of tach, ach as bows, ‘owrrings, arrows and Bo 8, ring Bort These ave wel spinel and jen 24" 4" slots, covered ‘the far eal yw stove skater perfect fing cam be smappe aside by orate iever. Gives 120 degree arc wf fire oe tounche miles © SprratSuaiewte: Jar Side, af vied for aime file rewp movement All ooh cigs raised iy pulley) Acsens fom she paler (Ae gained ‘hraugh a pivoting stove vor wit tx ome fern Bos D, Lending Roaet: I$ 20'2oom exiculie igo overhanging fnwer A wide [10° HI debe owe eam he pened a the ter nthe POOR AC peruse the pty 6) E. Rope Pulley This mechanism is capable of asing mp wo 500 1b weigh he hol with2 mero the ach Tower: A adder ascents Joa cramped wiper flor with our arched bays renting th lat ond seco els Door: These doors are ¥ high ond wile. made of carved stan sta leith seed hangs. Their lack arr exremely hard pick, mending a STR boar 20 er mare tn open, or 10 or axe witht bey 9.2 THE GREAT GATE ‘The Great Gate isa massive barbican defending the sole (appar- fent)entrance to the city, Iths traditionally been a busy place, since itso restricts traffic. Orie of the earliest ordinances of the city forbade the pussage of wheeled vehicles drawn by horses or oxen through the Gate; this led to the establishment of a number of stables and carters qutside the city, where goods are transferred from wheeled vehicles to kund-ported Ulcuim for their continued joumey intothe eity, The City Watch man the Gate, assisted by the Porters and Door-wardens, wtto are responsible for secing that ‘goods taken cither way through the Gate without a licensed trader's Notification are properly taxed. Behind the Great Gate lies the ‘Wide Court, used for official purpases only —mostly forthe Door- ‘wardens to draw iravellers on one side to-cheek them, Iti als0 4 ‘marshalling place for processions and guardsmen, LAYOUT 1. Ramp. A cobbled camp lads up from the meeting oft 1 feet above the surrounding groune. "The ramps limb. 2. Groove. A grooseorsiotof ion is set nto the cobbles here fo the ex ‘pening ofthe Gates, which are supported by hidden wheels underneath road, rising and exsy 10The Great Gateaz RAMBERAID Dindicates direction af travel on stopes City Overview'The Great Gate LESSER GATE, 3. TheGreat Gate. The Outer, Great, Gatcin4? feet we. 25 feet all atitscenter, itisarchedandonly 20"tallat its edges tixcomposed ol three 20 thick stcel layers, each spaced and separated by an inner frame Incorporating springs. Overal, the Gate is thick. Unlike the Inner Doors it was constructed bythe Elves of Lindon an transported to Minas ‘Ano as ft From Gi-galad to the sons of silt. It 6 exceptionally sarong. in part due #0 its slight flexiiity, 4. The Inner Doors. Fach nf these twa rectangular gates is 20 feet wide ned 80 fect high atthe center (4 high atthe hinges). Five feet beep hey sre made of $" thick plate iron. They ase bollow and flexible, affording thent resilience inthe face of battering. The pair wasmade by the Dwarves in return For certain favors, Held position by two massive iron Bir, the Doors do nos ust. Both are completely plain, although their housing has same decoration. They fit perfectly tight. the hinges bem cut slightly ina the stone of the gatehouse, Similarly, there is’ lip against the sides and forced inward, ad a slanted step §, The Bar, The Inner Doors are barred by a double har. Each bari 1S" thick sol ren: one set within the doors the other behindthem, They are linked and are moved together, by apivot. A counter wetpht isattached ‘that they can be lifted without 100 much trouble or lwered onto a rocuding rest, The jane har falls though a stt in the hikes ofthe oars. 4. Door to Gatehouse, The gatchouses.on citer side of the Gates are identical, The doors leading sto them ate like other doors bn the Quer Wall see 9.1 at Ch 7. Lower Chamber. Within the gatchouse, up few steps. va chamber some 207 30 with hexagonal spa sara he far end. The chamber is used for marshalling guards.andaloby the Door-wardens asa place for vest and relaxation between tums actually manning the Gates. There ae some teste tables and narrow benches hese, atd some cupboards tat inte the wall haiding odments A. Level One Gallery. ‘This gallery is arcade! und looks down upon the Lower Chamber. The entblatre is handsomely decorted, and cach pillars of carven marble. The passage around it leads to several doors, while the stair off it continoes up, 49. Passage. This passage leads through a wooden door oa spa sta ‘This in trn ascend the first gallery oneach side ofthe gatehouse: there is nn ground-level exit at this end a the gallery save down thraogh the fatchouse 10, Watchroom. This room has four windows overfooking the imme ate surrounding ofthe gatehouse from 25'above the ramp/35°abowe the ‘pround.outside}. The windows are feted with foot-thick sheets of whee (lea, enchantelaen glass) antheinsideand are juste Toot wide. Here, there are no-real weaknesses. The watchroams are selfom seriously manne. LL. Officer's Chamber. The chief officer on duty (For tree weeks ata time) lives in this room and hasan office during the daytime in the oom inthe opposite tower of the gatchouse. There is a bed table. hair, Lamps ec bere, as well as tines chests holding uniforms and personal belong ings here will e litte treasure ere, just $-S0kp, Inthe Office there will the confidential and/or restricted documents relating tothe members ofthe ‘Warch assigned here, duty rosters andthe like; Bout rearnsaze locked the officer and his depuay have hey. 12, Level Two Gallery. These rooms arc the equivalent in the gatehouse towers of the galleries of the Outer Wall (see Section 9.1), They ate ‘nnilarly equipped with fring ports, shelvesof equipment an so.en, They arealso used accasionaly as look-out poss, In the center of the ooRn is | post where the standards can be raised up the flagpoles onthe towers” roe. 13, Flring Port, With stone shutter, see 9.1 a AB, 14, Watch Chamber. OfF-