The Red Cloaks
Structure
The Red Cloaks are organized in the manner of an Arnorian military company, since that is what they were at the beginning. They are divided into ten-man squads led by a Roquen (S. Knight). Some of the men in each squad (usually the Roquen is one of them) have some knowledge of healing magic while the rest can provide first aid, apply herbs and perform minor surgery in addition to being competent fighters. Each Company of Red Cloaks consists of ten such squads and is led by an Arequain (S. Royal Knight). The Red Cloaks could field 16 companies. The Red Cloaks are sponsored by the King and while not a part of the Dagorwaith Aran they are counted among the King's forces.
The Red Cloaks are dressed and equipped similarly to the Dagorwaith Aran. However, over their black chain mail they wear white surcoats with a red teardrop and bright Red Cloaks. The shafts of their spears are wrapped in cloth so that two spears can be used to make a stretcher that they use to carry casualties out of the battlefield.
The Red Cloaks are dressed and equipped similarly to the Dagorwaith Aran. However, over their black chain mail they wear white surcoats with a red teardrop and bright Red Cloaks. The shafts of their spears are wrapped in cloth so that two spears can be used to make a stretcher that they use to carry casualties out of the battlefield.
Public Agenda
The Red Cloaks are devoted to casualties of the wars of Arthedain, rushing to the battlefield to tend the wounded and to recover the bodies of the slain.
History
The order was founded by a powerful healer named Amandur, one of Elendil's subjects, during the War of the Last Alliance. Frustrated because many of the wounded were dying simply because it was too long before they could be taken to the healers, Amandur decided to take the healers to the wounded instead.
He formed a company of determined men who ignoring the risks rushed to the side of the wounded during the battle to offer aid. Not only did he manage to save many lives, but the presence of his men on the battlefield, wearing a bright red cloak above their mail, boosted the morale of the fighting men who knew they would be looked after if they were wounded. Soon the duties of the company included the recovery of the bodies of the slain, to save the troops the terror of facing the animated remains of their comrades.
The Red Cloaks, as they became known, were defended fiercely by the rest of the army whenever attacked by the Sauronic hordes, which was often since through their deeds they had gained the hatred of Sauron. So, they paid a heavy price for their valor, including Amandur, slain during the siege of Barad-Dur and his successor, Lorindol who was slain while tending to the injuries of Prince Ciryon at the Gladden Fields.
After the War of the Last Alliance, the Red Cloaks built their headquarters in the town of Andrath, in the Hirdor of Dol Tinare in Cardolan. After the initial division of Arnor in 861 T.A., a few of the Red Cloaks moved to Annúminas and Fornost to serve the Arthadan Kings. Following the re-unification of Arnor in 1359 T.A. by King Arveleg I, the Red Cloaks of Andrath, who had been increasing in numbers after suffering terrible casualties on the Barrow-Downs during the Second Stage of The Angmar War, were re-united with thier comrades, officially resettling in the Fornost Erain.
After the War of the Last Alliance, the Red Cloaks built their headquarters in the town of Andrath, in the Hirdor of Dol Tinare in Cardolan. After the initial division of Arnor in 861 T.A., a few of the Red Cloaks moved to Annúminas and Fornost to serve the Arthadan Kings. Following the re-unification of Arnor in 1359 T.A. by King Arveleg I, the Red Cloaks of Andrath, who had been increasing in numbers after suffering terrible casualties on the Barrow-Downs during the Second Stage of The Angmar War, were re-united with thier comrades, officially resettling in the Fornost Erain.
Type
Military Order
Ruling Organization
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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