Regarding House Cardolan
Rangers of the North Defenders of Arnor
Origins
Historical Authenticity
Attributes of a Ranger or Lore Master
Of Becoming a part of House Cardolan
The Company Organization
Cardolan Flag
The House of Cardolan is a
loyal and enthusiastic member group of the Middle
Earth Historical Reenactment Society (MEHR), Dagorhir
Battle Games, and TheOneRing.net
- The House Cardolan is subject to the rules and guidelines therein. however,
is a self governing entity and reserves the right to conduct the internal
affairs of the company by it's adopted bylaws.
The House of Cardolan ruled the Kingdom of Cardolan after the division of the Northern Realm of Arnor (861 T.A.). After the fall of the kingdom (1636 T.A.) a distant remnant of the ruling house survived in Arthedain and afterward maintained the bloodline as Rangers of the North.
MEHR Vision:
"One of Tolkien's writings published in the 80's gave me the start of another idea: to form a `Living History' reenactment group based on Tolkien's Histories. The Middle Earth Historical Reenactment Society.
Back in 1951 JRR Tolkien sent a letter to Milton Waldman (Letters Of JRR Tolkien #131) discussing the Lord of the Rings. It was written at a time when Tolkien was having a hard time getting LOTR published, and was despairing of it ever happening. One paragraph of the letter really stuck with me:
`Do not laugh! But once upon a time (my crest has long since fallen) I had a mind to make a body of more or less connected legend, ranging from the large and cosmogonic, to the level of fairy-story the larger founded on the lesser in contact with the earth, the lesser drawing splendor from the vast backcloths which I could dedicate simply to: to England; to my country. It should possess the tone and quality that I desired, somewhat cool and clear, be redolent of our "air" (the clime and soil of the North West, meaning Britain and the hither parts of Europe; not Italy or the Aegean, still less the East), and while possessing (if I could achieve it) the fair elusive beauty that some call Celtic (though it is rarely found in genuine ancient Celtic things), it should be "high", purged of the gross, and fit for the more adult mind of a land long now steeped in poetry. I would draw some of the great tales in fullness, and leave many only placed in the scheme, and sketched. The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama. Absurd.'
Fortunately, Tolkien's dreams
and writings weren't absurd. There is plenty of scope for other minds and
hands to take up the cycles. The Middle Earth Historical Reenactment Society
can do so in it's own way. It would largely be drama, in that it would reenact
battles of Middle Earth both great and small, but it would also use a variety
of media not limited to paint and music."
Joe Piela
Founder and MEHR Visionary
•
Tolkien's Vision:
What J.R.R. Tolkien dreamt must always remain the driving influence for what we create. All things done must be closely tied to his descriptions and accounts. Although personal creativity is encouraged it must be plainly connected to the written word and his visual art. It is clearly found in his personal correspondence that he wished to create a setting for others to delve and create. It is in his honor that we attempt to bring to life a glimpse of his world.
•
Character Development:
Each Ranger will research a warrior's persona from the Third Age of Middle Earth's history. A complete chronicle will then be created of that character's life and how he relates to the world around him. Tolkien's writings must be the primary guide. Generally historical models can be used but not slavishly adhered to. A Ranger's creativity can be used as long as it is consistent with Tolkien's vision and the outlines of House Cardolan.
•
Attire:
Typically we Rangers wear loose tunics and trousers (for mobility & comfort), high boots to protect against mud, and long, hooded cloaks. These tunics are cinched by a broad sword belt with perhaps a prominent buckle. The clothing should be made of a thick & sturdy, yet somewhat soft fabric, all in various shades of green, brown, and gray. In especially cold weather it would be appropriate to have additional layering of perhaps a sleeveless sheepskin vests. There should be no inappropriate modern equipment (ie. plastic, rubber etc.) worn externally.
For information regard Cardolan
Ranger Attire click here - We use a professional seemstress for
all our needs
House Cardolan will also have a formal uniform that must be worn at certain times. It shall consist of a dark blue tunic, gray undergarments and trousers, black leather, and a gray cloak. Armor should be used in limited amounts. Any type of leather is appropriate as well as chainmail. Stealth and quickness is the greatest weapon of the Rangers so therefore plate armor, except in very limited fashion, would not be appropriate. Tolkien's only description of a Ranger's armor was that they possessed a helm, so therefore, employing one is perfect. Though he does not mention the Rangers using a shield, it can be postulated, that within a pitched battle they certainly would have used them.
We implement a Dueling
Stick for practice, some scenarios,
and dueling tournaments - check out their construction
We also fight 
style
at many of our events - Here is link to the construction of a regulation Sword
Weapons for the Rangers were only mention once by Tolkien and he indicated they were equipped with a bow, spear, and (of course) a sword. Certainly daggers and dirks are acceptable. These therefore are the only types that should be used. If you are interested in a larger amount of armor and differing types of weapons then the "bright and shiny men of Gondor" are waiting for you. Go south!
Attributes of a Ranger or Lore Master
•
Historical Knowledge:
A Ranger must be a scholar and have an extensive working knowledge of the First, Second, and Third Ages of Middle Earth. He must know of the history of the Dunedain and the role that that great culture has played in the Ages past. It is imperative that a Ranger be a student of lore and be able to communicate his knowledge in a meaningful way to the world around him. Therefore he must submit to several devises that test a man's worthiness to be deemed a Ranger of Cardolan.
•
The Secret Service:
A Ranger's service is prepared for and executed in such a way that the realm is largely unaware of the effort. In brief, a Ranger is the opposite of the "bright and shiny men of Gondor". A Ranger, in no way, seeks the praise and attention of the others. A life of selfless sacrifice and solitary effort are what he can expect. Harsh and lonely is the Ranger's world and often his actions are misunderstood and deemed unseemly by the very people he attempts to protect. Drawing attention to oneself or his actions can be a mortal mistake and greatly damage the efforts of House Cardolan. It will not be tolerated. Extroverts beware; if this description does not appeal to you then fit for a Ranger you may not be.
•
Woodcraft:
A Ranger's ability to use the landscape around him is his greatest armor. A Ranger's woodcraft skill must be constantly improved upon and though a mastery is seldom attained, progressive improvement is all that is required. A Ranger in the wilderlands must be a formidable force.
Of Becoming a Part of House Carolan
The foremost factor must be
a desire to bring to life a glimmer of the world J.R.R. Tolkien created. One
must be driven to create a persona that fits with his creation. Whether to
become a Ranger or Lore Master for the House Cardolan one must demonstrate
an advanced knowledge of the Tolkien world. An acceptable score upon an approved
Tolkien exam must be accomplished in order to join the House of Cardolan.
Lore Masters are those among the House who possess the mastery of history pertaining to Middle Earth but wish to not participate in all or some of the physical activities. They have an equal standing to any in the House. Those individuals who are pursuing this course are called Stewards until all requirements of Lore Master are fulfilled. Rangers must possess a great amount of the Lore, Marshall Skill, and Woodcraft. Until an individual passes the testing process he may participate in all activities under the title of Ward
.
This is the pledge spoken by a Ward at the ceremony when he rises to Ranger
Full Ranger
Standing:
• Knowledge
Passing a lore test
Score of 150 on Barliman's
test - From TheOneRing.net site or a score of 160 on the War
of the Ring test .
Relate a story from the First,
Second, or Third Age in minute detail to a group of Rangers
• Marshall Skill
Earning Steel by achieving the approval of a Cardolan Weapons Marshall
Earning Bow by scoring a combined 40 points upon a Royal Round target at distances of 10, 15, and 20 yards using 6 arrows ( modern compound equipment is prohibited)
Earning Spear by by achieving
the approval of a Cardolan Weapons Marshall
• Woodcraft
Pass a Wilderness Ordeal, with limited supplies (cloak, bed roll, period attire, backpack, provisions, sword, spear, bow.) this is determined by the Small Counsel
Full Lore Master Standing: Those who score 250 or higher on Barliman's Test
• Colors:
Dark Blue, Gray or Silver, Crimson
•
Symbols:
Banner: Four crimson hills
with a rising silver moon, upon a midnight blue field. (see the flag
at the top of the page)
Ranger Brooch: The multi-rayed,
5 pointed star of the Rangers with the Cirith rune for "C" in the
middle.
Motto: "Ithil eria" - "The Moon is Rising"
•
Organization:
Chief: Is the title of the
Head of the House and presides over the Small Counsel.
Hand of the Chief: Is second
to the Chief and speaks on his behalf, executing the wishes if the Small Counsel.
The Small Counsel: The governing body of the House. Consisting of the Chief, the Hand, and two others chosen from the House.
In the matter of voting: The Chief recieves 2 votes and all other members of the Small Counsel recieve 1 vote.
Captain: A commander of the basic five man unit called a "Fist".
•
Meetings:
Meeting: Attendants can be
in civilian attire.
Assemblies, Moots, and Counsels:
Attendants must be in informal character attire.
Gathering: Attendants must be in the formal House Cardolan uniform.
This site is maintained and updated by fans of The Lord of the Rings, and is in no way affiliated with Tolkien Enterprises or the Tolkien Estate. We in no way claim the artwork displayed to be our own. Copyrights and trademarks for the books, films, articles, and other promotional materials are held by their respective owners and their use is allowed under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Design and original photography however are copyright (c) 2000 The House of Cardolan