Waking in the lands of Hildorian, the race of men quickly fell under the shadow of Morgoth,
causing the Atanatari faction to migrate west, eventually settling in Beleriand.
With most fracturing into the three Houses of the Edain, they allied with the Elves against
the First Dark Lord in the War of Great Jewels fought throughout the First Age, suffering
many defeats until their final victory in the War of Wrath, a conflict so devastating
it reshaped continents, sinking the lands of Beleriand beneath the sea.
As a reward for their contribution, the surviving Edain of the Second Age were blessed by the
Maia Eonwe with increased wisdom, longer lifespans, enhanced abilities and a new homeland upon
the island of Elenna, raised by the Vala Ulmo in the middle of the Sea of Belegaer.
Following the star of hope, held by the hero Earendil as he flew through the air in a sky
ship, the Edain were led to Elenna, where they established the Kingdom of Numenor under
their first king Elros, brother to the Elrond, two mighty heroes descended from a powerful
bloodline which included Elves, Men and a Maia Queen.
Given their mixed ancestry, the sons of Earendil were allowed to deciding their own fate leading
Elrond to become an immortal elf, while Elros sought the life of a mortal man.
Though most who populated Numenor descended from the Houses of Hador, Beor and Haladin,
they were joined by a contingent of Druedain refugees, a small, primitive people, who resembled
dwarves but shared kinship with the Edain.
Arriving upon Elenna, more commonly known as Numenor, the Dunedain found an island shaped
like a 5 pointed star, with each region possessing its own unique environment, characteristics
and resources.
Dividing their realm into six provinces, there was Forostar, or the Northlands, 300 miles
of harsh winds and largely infertile lands, where they eventually established the mining
town Ondosto and Tower of Sorontil, built as an observatory to gaze upon the stars.
Then there were the lands of Andustar, or the westlands, which, apart from the rocky
northern coast, were largely fertile lands where they built the port city of Andunie
led by the Lords of Andunie, a noble house of heroes who shared kinship with the royal
family.
As they were the closest harbour to the Undying lands of the West, the Elves of Tol Eressea
often visited their city, bringing wondrous gifts to the Numenoreans, who were considered
friends and allies to the Elves, Valar and Maiar.
Andustar also hosted the town of Almaida, as well as the smaller port city of Eldalondë,
built within the Nísimaldar region, where their famous mallorn trees grew, gifted to
the Dundain by the Elves of the West.
Next there was the province of Hyarnustar, also called the Southwestlands, a rich, fertile
territory known primarily for its beautiful vineyards, bountiful farmlands and wide white
beaches.
Then there was Hyarrostar, or the Southeastlands, home to the many tree plantations whose timber
was used to construct Numenorean ships.
Between these two provinces a number of fishing villages arose along the southern shore, the
chief of which was the settlement Nindamos.
Further North was Orrostar, or the Eastlands, lush territory roughly 200 miles across, featuring
sprawling hillsides, known predominantly as the Granary of the Realm.
Finally there was Mittalmar, the Inlands province at the center of the island, home to grasslands
and the great mountain Meneltarma.
The most populous province in Numenor, Mittalmar was home to the sheep herders of Emerie and
the Kingsland district Arandor which hosted the capital city Armenelos, where the royal
family dwelt in the House of the King.
Arandor was also home to the island’s largest port city Romenna, where they docked their
naval fleet.
With only two great rivers found upon the island, both flowed from the inland province,
with Nunduine moving west towards the sea, while Siril ran into the south.
Establishing an absolute monarchy, the leadership of Numenor was reserved for the descendants
of their first king Elros, to be advised by a council of ruling elite, which included
the royal heir and regional lords.
While some of their customs and traditions changed and diminished throughout the centuries
, their laws of succession initially followed agnatic primogeniture, ensuring that the eldest
male relative of the king inherited the royal sceptre.
Rather than ruling until their deaths, Numenorean Kings gracefully abdicated when reaching an
advance age in favour of their heir.
As time went on, two main political parties emerged throughout the island, with the Faithful
remaining devoted to their god Eru, the Valar, and friendship with the Elves, while the King’s
Men were more concerned with loyalty to their own people, dedicated to the ruler and royal
family.
Known to be tall and fair, many Numenoreans could live up to 350 years, while those within
the lineage of kings sometimes reached over 400.
Though they spoke the mannish language Adunaic, Numenoreans also practiced Elven tongues,
often keeping their lore and histories in Sindarin, while many of the elite and highly
educated learned Quenya, the original language of their immortal allies.
The use of this ancient tongue was most visibly expressed through their ruler, as their first
king Elros started the tradition of taking a Quenya name, becoming known as Tar-Minyatur
throughout his reign.
Worshipping the creator Eru Iluvatar, Numenoreans were a spiritual people who considered their
tallest mountain Meneltarma as the most revered religious symbol on the island, organizing
3 yearly ceremonies where they gathered to praise their god.
Enforcing a strict code of silence upon any who visited the mountain, only the King was
allowed to speak and openly give thanks to the creator.
While most birds and animals stayed away from Meneltarma, the Great Eagles of Manwe could
often be seen circling its peak, considered the protectors of this sacred site.
Amongst their many skills and passions, the Dunedain were great riders and horse breeders,
as well as talented smiths, learning to forge weapons and armour from the Elves.
Receiving many gifts and learning much from their immortal friends, the Elves also gave
them a seedling from the White Tree Celeborn, which was made in the image of Telperion,
the silver tree of light which helped illuminate the Undying Lands before the rising of the
sun.
This seedling grew into the White tree Nimloth found in the capital Armenelos, which became
a symbol of their royal line, with many believing the fate of their ruler and kingdom were tied
to its prosperity.
Surrounded by a great ocean, the people of Numenor were known as great fisherman, ship
builder and sailors, with many departing from their island to explore the seas and other
continents, though they respected the Ban of the Valar which forbid them from travelling
west to the undying lands of Aman, a location reserved exclusively for the immoral races
of the world.
Therefore, the great sea captains of Numenor sailed North, South and East, exploring the
Middle Earth and other lands to eventually establish colonies and a vast maritime empire.
Becoming famous throughout the world, renowned by Elves, Men, Dwarves and all other, the
Numenorean earned a great many names, referring to themselves as the Adunaim, while others
called them the High Men, Seas Kings, Men of the Sea, Lords and the Sea and Go-hilleg.