The Dawning of the Clans – An Introduction.

With the birth of the Fourth Age, many great events occurred and a new beginning was given to all. Old vendettas were put aside and peace was finally felt amongst Men.

It was late during the rein of King Eldarion Telcontar that the Clans were formed. The lands known as 'Near Harad' and 'Harondor', or 'South Gondor', had long been in dispute. The plains were home to few whilst the Men of Gondor and the Haradrim fought for possession of these uncharted realms.

It was only thanks to the negotiations and concessions of King Eldarion that a resolve was achieved and men once more began to build their homes in this once war-ravaged land. The outpost of Umbar was transformed into a thriving, trading city and the newly unified lands were officially known as 'Harondor' with the people proud to call themselves 'Harondorrim'. They swore allegiance to the King of the Reunified Lands of Gondor and Arnor and paid dues to their liege. The King of Harad and Warrior Emperor of Khand and its Variags were given access to the wealth of resources in Harondor and so all were content.

Centuries passed in Harondor and soon a clan system had formed. The main territories were divided amongst the Chieftains and their Clans for management. Desert lands became fertile and farming and agriculture was very prosperous. For many years all was peaceful and the men of Middle- earth lived in harmony. But it was not meant to be...

Soon, a festering began in the flawed hearts of some and greed overcame reason. Clans warred with each other and many fled north to the sanctuary of Rhovanion. The greatness and sacrifice of yesteryear was forgotten, and myth and legend swallowed the old tales. Elves and dwarves were seldom ever seen and most thought these races to have vanished forevermore – but they were wrong and they were watched as the years flew by. Thranduil remained in his Woodland Realm with Celeborn in the south. Together, they observed the changes amongst mortals and did not intervene.

Soon the time would come for a great battle. It would be known as the Battle of Men but it would not be the last. This time, the good and pure would be led to victory, but not by a man...