Arumbarlië
In Arnor the primary keepers of burial grounds, were the Ananamartar (Q. those fated by doom) or Arumbarlië (Q. folk of the high-doom) who maintained extensive archives of rituals and locations. They were lead by a High-Priestess or Lindamil (Q. Song-mother), the Lady Míriel the Hierophant has lead the Arumbarlië since 1350 T.A.
The Ananamartar have remained an important historical resource for scholars and respectable adventurers seeking information on old ruins, burial sites, and the history, traditions, and rights of the Dúnedain, the desedants of the Exiles of Númenor. They would not, of course, deliberately aid overt grave-robbers. Instead they acted as the primary keepers of burial grounds, maintaining extensive archives of rituals, traditions, records, and locations. The brethren of the order considered themselves true children of Illuvatar and the most pious and devoted of his kindred.
The Ananamartar have remained an important historical resource for scholars and respectable adventurers seeking information on old ruins, burial sites, and the history, traditions, and rights of the Dúnedain, the desedants of the Exiles of Númenor. They would not, of course, deliberately aid overt grave-robbers. Instead they acted as the primary keepers of burial grounds, maintaining extensive archives of rituals, traditions, records, and locations. The brethren of the order considered themselves true children of Illuvatar and the most pious and devoted of his kindred.
Structure
There are three distinct classes within the Order: the Bellindi, the Templars and the Laymen.
The Bellindi are the clergy, the Singers of hymns to Eru's Wisdom. There are four ranks among the Bellindi: Initiates, Lindi (S. "Singers"), Iaurlindi (S. "Old (senior) Singers") and the Arlin (S. "High Singer") or Lindamil (Q. "Song-mother"), who is the head of the Bellindi.
The Templars are Paladins, Holy Warriors who fight for their Faith. There are four ranks of Templars: Warriors of the Faith, Squires of the Faith, Knights of the Faith and Champions of the Faith. They are led by the Knight-Commander of the Templars and his lieutenant, the Captain of the Temple Guard. Appointment to these positions is reserved for those who have reached the rank of Champion. The Templars are divided in two sub-groups: the Guards, who garrison the monastery and the Crusaders, who venture forth on quests. All Templars must serve as Guards until they attain the rank of Knight, as it is only then that they may be chosen to undertake a quest for the Order. Once one of the Templars has received a quest, he must either complete it or die in the attempt.
The Laymen are believers who perform a multitude of lesser tasks within the Order. They are led by the Speaker of the Laymen. The Speaker appoints deputies to oversee specific tasks and handle daily matters within the monastery.
All important decisions are made by the Assembly of the Order. Though all members of the order may speak before the Assembly, only Bellindi above the rank of Initiate, Templars above the rank of Squire and the Speaker of the Laymen have a vote in the Council.
The Bellindi wear long, flowing robes of pure white. A white cloak is worn over the robes, clasped on the shoulder with a brooch that also denotes one's rank (copper for Initiates, bronze for Lindi, silver for Iaurlindi and gold for the Arlin). In combat, the Bellindi don chain shirts of silvery steel over their robes and wield morningstars. The Templars wear verdant green leggings and tunics of the same color bearing their emblem: a white eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing the Eagles of Manwe. In combat, the Guards wear chain hauberks of the same metal as the armor of the Bellindi and carry rectangular shields bearing the White Eagle. They wield a long spear for formation fighting or guard duty and a high steel shortsword for close quarter fighting. Crusaders prefer plate mail (over which they wear a surcoat with the emblem of the Templars), winged helmets and oval shields. They wield lances when mounted and huge two-handed swords when dismounted.
The Laymen wear various garments during everyday work. On formal occasions (such as religious ceremonies or a gathering of the Assembly), they are required to wear clothes of pale gray (either robes or a shirt/leggings combination). They are non-combatants but in an extreme emergency (such as an attack on the monastery), they would be outfitted with various types of leather armor, wooden shields and simple spears.
The Bellindi are the clergy, the Singers of hymns to Eru's Wisdom. There are four ranks among the Bellindi: Initiates, Lindi (S. "Singers"), Iaurlindi (S. "Old (senior) Singers") and the Arlin (S. "High Singer") or Lindamil (Q. "Song-mother"), who is the head of the Bellindi.
The Templars are Paladins, Holy Warriors who fight for their Faith. There are four ranks of Templars: Warriors of the Faith, Squires of the Faith, Knights of the Faith and Champions of the Faith. They are led by the Knight-Commander of the Templars and his lieutenant, the Captain of the Temple Guard. Appointment to these positions is reserved for those who have reached the rank of Champion. The Templars are divided in two sub-groups: the Guards, who garrison the monastery and the Crusaders, who venture forth on quests. All Templars must serve as Guards until they attain the rank of Knight, as it is only then that they may be chosen to undertake a quest for the Order. Once one of the Templars has received a quest, he must either complete it or die in the attempt.
The Laymen are believers who perform a multitude of lesser tasks within the Order. They are led by the Speaker of the Laymen. The Speaker appoints deputies to oversee specific tasks and handle daily matters within the monastery.
All important decisions are made by the Assembly of the Order. Though all members of the order may speak before the Assembly, only Bellindi above the rank of Initiate, Templars above the rank of Squire and the Speaker of the Laymen have a vote in the Council.
The Bellindi wear long, flowing robes of pure white. A white cloak is worn over the robes, clasped on the shoulder with a brooch that also denotes one's rank (copper for Initiates, bronze for Lindi, silver for Iaurlindi and gold for the Arlin). In combat, the Bellindi don chain shirts of silvery steel over their robes and wield morningstars. The Templars wear verdant green leggings and tunics of the same color bearing their emblem: a white eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing the Eagles of Manwe. In combat, the Guards wear chain hauberks of the same metal as the armor of the Bellindi and carry rectangular shields bearing the White Eagle. They wield a long spear for formation fighting or guard duty and a high steel shortsword for close quarter fighting. Crusaders prefer plate mail (over which they wear a surcoat with the emblem of the Templars), winged helmets and oval shields. They wield lances when mounted and huge two-handed swords when dismounted.
The Laymen wear various garments during everyday work. On formal occasions (such as religious ceremonies or a gathering of the Assembly), they are required to wear clothes of pale gray (either robes or a shirt/leggings combination). They are non-combatants but in an extreme emergency (such as an attack on the monastery), they would be outfitted with various types of leather armor, wooden shields and simple spears.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Capital
Head of Government
Deities
Location
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments