The Arnpand, the Royal Court of Lothlórien
While populated by the long lived and peace loving First Born, Lórien has a great need for intelligent, calm thinking nobles capable of administration, diplomacy, and dissemination of law and news. Factions, both internal and external, are forever in a state interaction, and with this interaction, the Royal Court provides their valued services. This makes the Royal Court a very interesting and vibrant organization serving directly under the Lord and Lady.
Introduction
Specializations
Titles
Assignments
Promotions
How to Join
Introduction
As member of the Royal Court, you can expect to have the privilege of close contact with the Lord and Lady. As a representative of the Royal Court, you can expect opportunities to meet and serve as Lórien's host to foreign visitors. With experience, you might also come to expect to be sent outside Lórien as an envoy for the Lord and Lady on matters of global interest to the good peoples of Middle Earth.
A member of the Royal Court may be assigned to a wide variety of missions, including serving as a liaison between the Great Houses, hosting foreign visitors, acting as a diplomat or diplomatic body guard, carrying messages, advising others on elven laws and customs, transcription, helping in one of Lórien's libraries, or other activities.
Specializations
A Royal Court Title is formatted as follows:
Specialization, Rank, Arnpand o Lothlórien
Possible job specializations include: Advisor, Ambassador, Archivist, Diplomat, Herald, Inspector, Mapmaker, Negotiator, Secretary, Scribe, Speaker, Steward
Titles
Courier (Celdir: "source")
The Courier is the first rank one gets when being appointed by the Lord or Lady. During their time as Courier, elves learn what it is to be part of the Royal Court. Under the guidance of the higher ranked, they will carry news and messages and have the opportunity to report to the Lord and Lady themselves on occasion. They can start their language or weapon training and learn about the different houses and people in the Golden Wood.
Prefect (Manbedir: "truthspeaker")
After the Celdir has established enough contacts within the houses and gained enough experience, he or she might become a Prefect at the behest of one of the House Leaders. Their duties will now be defined by the flexible mission structure which is offered to the members of the Royal Court and they will also have the possibility to report to the Lord and Lady regularly themselves. The Manbedir will be busy with a wide variety of jobs that they might be assigned to.
Prelate (Berenon: "trustkeeper")
An even more important rank is that of Prelate. Where a Prefect can be considered a 'graduated Courier', a Prelate is an important character in the Royal Court. Each Prelate has an area within the wood assigned to her. This means the Prelate, in essence, becomes an Ambassador to that field (for instance, the Order, the Bards, the Great Houses, and so on).
Counsel (Gwaepedir: "oathmaker")
The wisest and most experienced members of the Royal Court may receive the title of Counsel. These differ from the Prelates because they have gathered a lot more experience and have earned themselves a permanent place in the Lord and Lady's circle of advisors. The Counsels are not called Oathmakers for nothing: they have the power to make official agreements between our realm and others.
Special assignments
Minister:
The minister is appointed by the Lord and Lady to supervise the Royal Court. He or she is in charge of keeping the RC running and are able to assign missions as well as manage the external affairs of Lothlórien. The minister often has direct contact with Celeborn and Galadriel.
Royal Herald (Aracarach: "royal mouth")
The Royal Heralds are a separate rank within the Royal Court. They may or may not be taken by the Lord or Lady and act as their personal eyes, ears and mouth. It is their responsibility to keep the Lord and Lady informed with news of the Woods, and they often select the bits of information that deserve the attention of Lórien's rulers. They are often called upon if personal messages need to be delivered. Only one Herald is allowed for the Lord, and only one for the Lady.
Promotions
Courier to Prefect:
- Complete a History Research assignment.
- Complete internship with the Order.
- Attend at least two language lessons.
- Be involved in creating Arnpand RP.
Prefect to Prelate:
- Attend at least two more language lessons.
- Prepare a historical document for the Royal Court Archives.
- Complete internship with the Glirdain or the Gwaith-I-Thein.
- Attend at least two weapons training lessons.
- Participate in a Royal Court mission (A Tiny Plot).
Prelate to Counsel
- Attend at least 4 IC training sessions with someone who speaks Westron.
- Attend at least two more language lessons.
- Obtain the training level of Adept in at least one weapon.
- Participate in diplomatic negotiations.
- Plan and lead a mission (A Tiny Plot).
How to Join
- Complete a character description and have it approved.
- Review the Royal Court files to determine what job best suits your character.
- Roleplay about your interest in joining the Arnpand with any member ranked Prelate or higher.
For additional information, contact the Minister of the Gwaith-i-Thein.