“And upon its out-thrust knee was the Guarded City with its seven walls of stone so strong and old that
it seemed to have been not builded but carven by giants out of the bones of the earth…” Return of the King
The City of Minas Tirith is a place of enchantment and adventure, and we sincerely hope you will be as impressed
with it as Pippin was in Return of the King. However, because the city is so large and the people are somewhat…well,
unusual, finding your way around the Guarded City and making new friends can be somewhat daunting to a stranger in unfamiliar
surroundings. Thus, a quick overview of the city and some of its more notable citizens may be of help.
The rulers of our fair city are Jevesh, our King Aragorn, and Finduilas Faelivrin, our Steward Faramir.
Jevesh, King Aragorn Elessar:
Gondor's King has a heart of gold. His motives are pure and his strength renowned. He is a gentleman and a poet.
His talents are numerous and include exceptional writing and creativity. He listens to those in the
Kingdom with and open mind and responds with kindness and respect. Knowledgeable in Lore and a Storyteller at heart he leads
the Rangers. King Aragorn is responsible and duty-bound; ever faithful to his constituents. Together they work
tirelessly to make Gondor the best Kingdom in Middle-earth.
Finduilas Faelivrin, Steward Faramir:
The Steward of Gondor is as handsome as his name suggests. He graces the White City with his radiant presence,
his charming smile always bringing hope and joy to those he looks upon. Faramir is a gracious ruler, showing
justice and compassion to all who come before him, and he handles the delicate affairs of state with a skill that
few others could ever hope to have. He is, in many ways, a great source of strength for the King. He is also a formidable
warrior, wielding his trusty sword and charging into battle on his faithful stallion. His courage is the equal of Aragorn's,
and no foe dares stand before him. All hail the Steward Faramir!
Below is a list of some of the regular things you may expect to find in Minas
Tirith:
Newbie Help Desk:
This is the first place you should come to on your very first visit to Gondor. It is there for the express purpose of helping
people like yourself find your way around the city. Feel free to introduce yourself if you are new, share your birthday
with us. Our records are updated regularly and it will not be long before you see your name amongst the many faithful
and loyal inhabitants of our fair city.
The Pub:
We always have at least one pub open at all times. You will find either the Horn of Gondor Pub, The Tavern of the Seven Stars
or the Wayfarer's Inn open. You will also find a Pub open in Pub Row which is a Theme Pub. The name of this Pub does not stay the same.
Sometimes, it’s not even called a Pub, but is an Inn, Tavern or Bar & Grill. Here you will find threads where everyone
seems to be drinking something and and having a good time. There may be tales told or music played. This
is a light-hearted RPG where you can get to know your fellow members and meet new friends.
The Tower Hall: The Tower of Ecthelion stands
as a white spire atop the seven circles of Minas Tirith. It is here that the King and Steward of
Gondor take audience with their peasants, soldiers, and nobles. All are welcome to enter the
Tower Hall and speak with the rulers of Gondor on matters of business.
Many people report to the Tower Hall to share tales, inform of their return from long adventures,
or to receive special honors and titles. All people hailing the King or Prince in the hall are
required to show the proper respects and graces, and may bring their voice to the hall.
Gondorian Riddles:
In the Sixth Circle, next to the Houses of Healing lies a magnificent building of interesting architecture. The fair
surroundings as well as the peace and serenity, make this part of the White City ideal not only for recovering but also for
pondering. As you enter through the gate, you behold a rather dark hall, lit only by a fireplace in the centre. There are
comfortable wooden seats around and already several visitors seem to be in deep thought, their minds puzzled. Please be sure to
read the rules at the top of the thread. All riddles here are about Gondor, Arnor and/or Númenor.
Minas Tirith City Hall: The City Hall of Minas Tirith is located within the Third Circle of the
city. Here is where members may step out of their ME characters and inform the kingdom of any news or celebrations outside
the kingdom (Real life).
You may also present brief ideas or suggestions here, but further and more in-depth ideas will likely be required via
dove (Email) We welcome all ideas and suggestions that any of our members may have. It is your ingenuity and creativity
which makes Gondor such a wonderful place to live. Remember, even though not all suggestions may be approved, there is no
such thing as a bad suggestion or idea, so if you have one, don't be afraid to share it.
The Tower Guard:
The most renowned guard in Minas Tirith, the Tower Guard is a system when all division members of the Rangers come together and work to keep
the peace in Minas Tirith. The Tower Guard is used to emphasize the talent of our Rangers, and those who serve a fair stretch
within the guard are honoured with a promotion to Elite status in their division.
The Rangers' Headquarters:
A large stone building stands beside the great gate of Mithril in the first circle. The unique architectural
design gives the large building the look of a six-pointed star. Of course its meant to be that way, as it represents the five
different divisions of the Rangers. The Rangers are Minas Tirith's elite army. Anyone who is a Gondorian may apply to enlist in this
organization. Arnyn Dealedwen is the Ranger Commander and Ann Kalagon is the Second-In-Command. You will find business
taking place and sometimes meetings. New Gondorians that wish to join should post their weapons and armour then wait to be welcomed by one of the
commanders. The Rangers, of course, are divided up into different ranks and divisions. Please see the Ranger Page for a detailed
description of the societies within the Rangers. If you have any questions about joining please ask Arnyn or Ann in the
Headquarters thread after reading the entire opening post.
Rangers' Roll Call: Periodically, a Ranger Roll Call Thread will be posted.
This is where all Rangers are required to sign in if they are to remain active and keep their position in Gondor's Elite Rangers. If a
Ranger is going to be away from Gondor for an extended period of time he/she must notify their division leader so their absence may be
excused.
The Training Grounds:
Outside Minas Tirith, near the forest of Ithilien, the rough practice fields and rudimentary
buildings that the Rangers call their Training Grounds can be found. The fields are spotted with
mud patches and the grass is worn down from use. But many distinct practice courses can be
observed. This is where Rangers seek reinstatement or extended training.
The Queen's Caption Contest:
Beginning on the first of each month a special Caption Contest is held in honor of our Queen.
There is a new contest each month. All contests begin around the first and end on or around the
end of the month. All races are welcome to participate.
The White Tree Registry ~ Editor's Office:
This is where you may submit contributions to the Minas Tirith newspaper,The White Tree Registry.
There are many Gondorians who write permanent articles. All submissions are either posted in the
Office or sent by email. Classifieds are accepted from all, so if you do not have a permanent
column this is a great place to contribute. However, due to lack of space and other
factors, not all submissions make it into print. Remember that you are writing for a newspaper.
It can be humorous, but keep it in newspaper style. The White Tree Registry is an in-character
newspaper. Any suggestions should be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief, Pele Alarion, in the WTR
thread.
The White Tree Registry ~ Guild Awards:
Each month after the paper is published there is a special Celebration held in the Editor's office. Beginning with the
January 2004 Edition there were more rewards and special incentives for those that faithfully contribute their journalistic
talents to our Kingdom's paper.
The levels of Guild Membership are as follows:
WTR Journalists' Guild~Bronze Level
*Awarded for 3 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 15 point bonus along with the Bronze Level Star
*Awarded special "Official" Kingdom Title
WTR Journalists' Guild~Silver Level
*Awarded for 6 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 20 point bonus along with the Silver Level Star
*Awarded special "Official" Kingdom Title
WTR Journalists' Guild~Gold Level
*Awarded for 9 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 25 point bonus along with the Gold Level Star
*Awarded special "Official" Kingdom Title
WTR Journalists' Guildmaster
*Awarded for 12 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 50 point bonus along with the GuildMaster Medallion
*Awarded the Official Title of "WTR Journalists' Guildmaster"
The next Phase in White Tree Guild Membership....
WTR Journalists' Elite Guildmaster
*Awarded for 18 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 75 point bonus along with the Elite Guildmaster Medallion
*Awarded the Official Title of "WTR Journalists' Elite Guildmaster"
WTR Journalists' Guild Grandmaster
*Awarded for 24 consecutive Months of Contributions
*Awarded a 100 point bonus along with the Guild Grandmaster Medallion
*Awarded the Official Title of "WTR Journalists' Guild Grandmaster"
The Anduin Princess River Cruise:
On the first day of each changing season the Anduin Princess departs the
shores of Gondor for a voyage of fun, entertainment, intrigue, romance
and relaxation. Memorable things from Murder to Masquerade occur on these
cruises down the Anduin. Everyone is welcome including Gondorians, Rulers and
Administrators, and visitors from other lands Gondor's other pubs will remain open during the
cruises in order to allow socialising in the city to continue as normal.
The Minas Tirith Dungeons:
Ballinfoolsup is in charge here. There is a common waiting area and interesting noises
fill the room providing a somewhat ominous atmosphere. Prisoners come and go and are often heard
yelling, clanging and banging inside their cells. Ballin is the Royal Dungeon Master and commander
of the Prison Guards. Karlia is his faithful assistant.
Arwen's Poetry Palace:
In the Sixth Circle of the White City is a beautiful building belonging to the Queen who loves poetry, and this is her Poetry
Palace. Next door to the Houses of Healing, near the Riddle Master's House and just one circle down from the King and Queen's
House, it has a wonderful view of Gondor from the balcony. The beautiful flowers give off a pleasing aroma and their colours stand
brilliantly against the pure white of the building. Inside are three large comfortable chairs with high backs. The one in the
centre belongs to the Queen. The chairs to the left and right are angled slightly so as to face the center of the room. To the Queen's
right sits the King, a wonderful poet himself. To her left sits Aralomiël, the Poet Laureate of Minas Tirith. Poetry Contests
and other poetry submissions can be found here.
Elessar's Tower of Tales in the Telling:
In the Sixth Circle near the Riddle Master's House, The Houses of Healing and The Queen's Poetry Palace is The King's
Sequential Storytelling Tower. Here Gondorians, Rulers and Administrators and visitors from other races alike, come to take
turns adding to a story the King, or one he appoints, begins. They are weaving tales of intrigue, humour, mystery, action, adventure, fantasy, discovery,
satire and inspiration. Creativity abounds and entertainment is guaranteed.
There are also many aspiring storytellers that present their short stories in our monthly competitions. Titles are given
as a source of inspiration and we look forward to reading your wonderful tales.
Minas Tirith's Post Office ~ The Roquen Express:
Built in honour of our Hobbit friends in the Shire, The Minas Tirith Post Office sits in the third
circle next to the City Hall. It is also known as the "Roquen Express." The Roquen of the
Rangers patrol the borders of the Pelennor Fields and beyond keeping the White City's borders safe.
They greet friend and foe alike. As mail arrives from all over Middle-earth, the Roquen take
possession of it. The mail is then delivered to our citizens. If you would like to write letters
to people from other kingdoms, there are links at the top of the library thread to guide you to those
post offices.
The Minas Tirith Diaries:
In an annex to our library there is a large leather bound book where our citizens can write down
their innermost thoughts and feelings. Feel free to visit and make your own contribution.
The Marketplace:
This is the business district of Minas Tirith. It continues to grow and currently over 90 shops
line the streets of our market. Several Gondorians have taken on apprenticeships in the market,
and some even own their own shops. The Mayor and overseer of the business district, Faldras, is
also the Master of Commerce and works directly with the Rulers.
Chamber of Commerce:
This building is pretty much the center of Gondor's money flow and holds several purposes.
First, it is a place where citizens can fill out applications for apprenticeships in the
marketplace.
Second, it is a place for apprentices and owners of shops to obtain trade licenses for the
shipments of their goods. And third, it is also a place to get approval for trade routes to
various locations across Middle-earth. The Master of Commerce and works in close conjunction
with the Rulers.
Trade Routes:
Apprentices and Owners of shops in the Marketplace can make trade runs to various
Gondorian locations to gather raw and finished materials to run their shop. Supplies are
purchased from locations such as Pelargir and Osgiliath and bought back to Minas Tirith where they
are then sold in our own shops.
Minas Tirith Library:
The library is the centre of knowledge within Minas Tirith. This large public structure houses
tomes and chronicles on nearly every subject imaginable, as well works of fiction and periodicals. Our wonderful librarian Arohir is willing to help you out with any queries you may have.
From time to time, both writers and poets are invited by our Librarian, Sedril, to give lectures
and readings in the main hall. People travel from far and wide to hear the words of some of our
most talented scribes and sages, refreshments are available and the events have proven to be most
popular.
Houses of Healing:
High up on the levels of the White City, near the Citadel Gate in the sixth circle there is a
cluster of bigger and smaller buildings. These are the Houses of the Healing where the citizens
and the visitors of Minas Tirith may find cure and treatment for their ailments. Our Royal
Master Healer, Pele Alarion or one of her capable assistants will greet and treat those in need.
Glorious and Glamorous Gondorians:
What are your favourite likes and dislikes, what are your favourite plaza memories and how well
do you know your plaza buddies? Well, this is the place to find out. This information will be
uploaded to a new set of Kingdom Pages dedicated to the people behind the characters in MT.
Thief Hunt:
There is a thief loose about the city! Join in with the rest of our supersleuths to find
the culprit!
Celebration Rooms:
You Are Invited To A Party!! Wishes are welcome anytime but a special banner will be posted the
day of the party.
A Place to Roam:
This is a loose RPG thread with the purpose of Character Building. You may write an RPG
tale/journey on your own, or with others, it can be of any final length and is either for
your character or for you to enjoy creating another one.
Please also visit the rest of our kingdom pages. They can be reached from the sidebar on the left. The city
tour is a great place to start your exploration of Minas Tirith and will introduce you to the sights and people of Minas Tirith.
Welcome and Enjoy!
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