ME-PBM 1650 Nation Description
Arthedain (#4)
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Powers:New Char: Mages up to 40 Excellent commanders, emissaries and mages. Five artifacts. This is a good solid position with enormous potential. The Witch-king is right on your doorstep but you have powerful friends in the Noldo Elves and Cardolan. If Rhudaur declares for Good (or remains reliably Neutral) the Witch-king is dead. Guard those palantíri and your good command artifacts carefully, you'll need them when you take Witch-king pop centers and, even more, when you sweep south to rescue your long sundered kin. |
The last independent kingdom of the former realm of Arnor, the nation of Arthedain, still represents a significant force in the region. From the hills of northern Eriador and led by King Argeleb II, the knights and wizards of Arthedain have withstood the evil forces of Angmar for over 300 years. The power and influence they wielded long ago is no more, yet the memory of former glory remains and serves as a beacon for the people of Arthedain. The blood of the Dúnedain runs rich in the veins of the powerful Arthedain lords and many of the heirlooms of ancient Númenor still reside there. Numerous well-fortified towns help support the remaining population and a variety of resources are abundant in the region. Gifted with few but excellent leaders, the well-provisioned armies of Arthedain are formidable. Lately, to bolster their flagging recruitment, mercenaries have been hired to swell the ranks.
Because of the strong Dúnadan presence in the population, and reflective of the on-going defense of the region against the hostile Witch-king nation, Arthedain boasts some of the highest quality troops in northwestern Middle-earth. As a result, Arthedain troops only lose 1-2 Morale points for a Forced March (2-5 points without food). Furthermore, all new Arthedain recruits start with Training rank of 20. Many skills were brought to Arnor from ancient Númenor. Although the lore and art behind many of these skills has dwindled over the centuries, many have not been lost. These skills, along with the wealth of resources found in the region, allow Arthedain to construct their fortifications from other than normal materials. Thus, Arthedain may construct fortifications at 1/2 the normal timber cost.
The history of Arnor is steeped in the lore of powerful magic and mighty artifacts. Consequently, many master Mages come to learn and teach at sites within the realm's borders. As a result, all new Arthedain Mages can have a starting Mage rank of up to 40.
Additionally, the use of magic and their powerful artifacts (especially the palantíri) can allow for timely mobilization of the Arthedain military. However, the years of war with Angmar have taken their toll and fewer numbers of troops is the result. More and more, Arthedain has grown to rely on the strength of their neighbors. The former capital has been forsaken. Even the ancient royal burial lands, the Barrow Downs, have now been abandoned. And to the west and north, strong enemies have been close at hand.
Many of the powerful within the Arthedain Court have encouraged that close and friendly ties should be kept, especially with neutral Rhudaur. And, since the time of the last encounters with the Witch-king, Arthedain has tried to further solidify by trading with neighbors, exchanging needed resources, and carefully trading with the market.
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