Dunedain (race)
From t2twiki
One of the races players may choose to portray.
[edit] MUD Definition
From "help dunedain":
The Dunedain are men that ruled the land long ago, but their numbers have dwindled. Most of these former nobles now exist as rangers in the woodlands. Legends say that they secretly protect the weaker races by guarding the forests around their land. The Dunedain are a noble race, and they seem to have an inner strength that ordinary men don't have. They are tall in stature, and can be very intimidating when they want to be.
[edit] Dunedain Extended
The men we know as the Dunedain are descended from the faction of Numenoreans known as the Faithful. They departed Numenor shortly before its destruction and founded the North Kingdom of Arnor and the South Kingdom of Gondor. Over time, the constant wars and depredations of Sauron's minions, coupled with infighting and the thinning of true Numenorean blood has led to the dwindling of Gondor and the partitioning and eventual destruction of Arnor. However, the high cities of the South still hold their ground against ever-increasing opposition, under the watchful eyes of the Prince and the Steward. And in the north, rumours still tell of wandering heroes, Rangers descended from Kings of old...
Dunedain tend to be more steadfast, wiser, and far more learned than the average man. Due to their ties to the elves, the remnants of the Faithful (primarily Dunedain of the North) primarily speak Sindarin, whereas most other Dunedain, particularly those of Gondor and the other Southlands, speak Adunaic.
A note about usage:
The singular of Dunedain is Dunadan. However that singular was only specifically used when referring to the Dunadan, Strider (Aragorn). When used to describe origin, the plural form is used. A useful comparison in the English language is the Dutch origin:
Singular: Dunadan, Dutchman
Strider the Dunadan. Bill the dutchman.
Plural: Dunedain, Dutchmen
The Dunedain include Strider and others. The Dutchmen include Bill and others.
Origin adjective: Dunedain, Dutch
Strider the Dunedain ranger. Bill the Dutch merchant.
Just as you would never say "Bill the Dutchman merchant", you would never say "Strider the Dunadan ranger" because Dunadan cannot be used as an adjective origin.
