Cardolan Society

The nobles of Cardolan were originally the conquerors and administrators of the old Númenórean colonies of the Second Age. These offices and lands became hereditary baronies and principalities (S. "Hirdyr") during the many administrative changes of their long colonial history. Only three of the seven Great Families emerging from that period and remaining through the time of the kingdom of Arnor still retain their ancient castles, lands, and autonomy in this century. The Númenórean soldiers who led the armies of the colonial conquests gradually evolved into the lower nobility of Cardolan—-the Requain Inor or gentry, similar to their counterparts in Arthedain. The Dúnedain gentry of Cardolan still maintain a lifestyle reminiscent of ancient Númenor. Their rural and agricultural life centers around great stone villas which form the centers of sprawling manors. The villas are usually built of marble or alabaster and set on hilltops. They consist of large two-storied houses with extensive courtyards that were once enclosed by elegant pillars, and now by sturdy walls. Once the men devoted themselves to hunting, praying, and other idle pleasures, while their women managed the household with its herb and vegetable gardens. Now, the remaining Dúnedain are local warlords, governing their people and overseeing the administrative needs of the villages that have sprung up under the protection of their walls. Despite these demands, the Dúnedain still enjoy a life of some comfort and learning. Most speak Sindarin and Northron (the local northern dialect of Westron) along with a smattering of Adûnaic and Dunael. Old Cardolan possesses another group of Dúnedain who form the elite of the urban mercantile and artisan classes filling thecraft guilds of Tharbad. The Princes of Cardolan, whether they have gone by the titles of Protectors, Governors, Barons (S. "Hiri"), or Princes (S. "Irnil"), have almost always maintained a considerable degree of autonomy. They have however now finally been quelled by King Arveleg I under his new administration. While the kingdom of Cardolan endured, the King's position was generally first among equals amidst his feudal lords.
Therefore, Tarcil II instituted the Council of the Scepter, which included all of the Princes. The function of the Council was to obtain their advice and consent. The King's Chancellor was often included in the Council, and a skilled Chancellor could greatly enhance the King's prerogative, as few of the Princes had any taste for the mundane bureaucratic details of implementing their decisions. After the fall of the Cardolan monarchy, the office of Canotar (S. "High Commander"; Q. "Kanotar") was created to combine the administrative functions of the Chancellor and the King's former position as Captain of the joint military forces of the realm. As might be expected, this office did not long endure in its intended form. The Princes now honor the King of Arnor and Arthedain as thier sole soverign.