“[With Gandalf] went the Prince of Dol Amroth in his shining mail. For he and his knights still held themselves like lords in whom the race of Númenor ran true. Men that saw them whispered saying: ‘Be like the old tales speak well; there is Elvish blood in the veins of that folk, for the people of Nimrodel dwelt in that land once long ago.’…. And last and proudest, [came] Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth, kinsman of the Lord, with gilded banners bearing his token of the Ship and the Silver Swan, and a company of knights in full harness riding grey horses; and behind them seven hundreds of men at arms, tall as lords, grey-eyed, dark-haired, singing as they came…. ‘From helm to sea they saw him leap, As arrow from the string, And dive into the water deep, As mew upon the wing. The wind was in his flowing hair, The foam about him shone; Afar they saw him strong and fair Go riding like a swan’.” - Tale of Amroth and Nimrodel and Nature of Dol Amroth
The Princedom of Dol Amroth is ever ready to help their Lords of Minas Tirith in times of war and struggle. The Generals of the Swan City have long valued the necessity of heavy cavalry in their standing armies, and these tall and proud men are the finest knights of all Gondor. They function as both bodyguards for the Princes and Lords of Dol Amroth and they wear the finest armour the smiths in Dol Amroth can manufacture; even their mounts are heavily armoured. For weapons they use long ash-shafted lances for charging, longswords for close combat, and a solid cavalry shield. There are few enemies in Middle-earth that can resist a full frontal charge from these valiant Knights.
Since Dol Amroth fields its own army, the lords of the city require the services of many different types of troops. Archers of Dol Amroth fill the role of skirmishers. These troops are professionals, and as such, they can be counted on to thin the ranks of invading enemies from afar. Their equipment is well made, and they themselves are accomplished marksmen. Still, their marksmanship notwithstanding, these men must be protected from enemy cavalry and melee troops at all cost. They will not last long in close combat against competent melee troops.
The soldiers of Belfalas have always received extensive support from the lords of Dol Amroth, and these troops are no exception. They are provided solid equipment and passable training in the hopes that they will hold the line of battle against cavalry and light infantry. The Guardsmen of Dol Amroth fulfil their charge adequately, but should not be expected to overcome heavy infantry.
In spite, or perhaps because, of their powerful cavalry, the lords of Dol Amroth have assembled groups of pikemen for their army. Though these men are capable of staving off regular army troops, their true talent lies in defending against cavalry charges. Usually, when infantry are attacked with a heavy cavalry charge, they will suffer devastating casualties. For pikemen, the opposite is true. Any mount that is brave enough to charge into a pike formation has signed the death warrant of both itself and its rider. This is especially true when the pikes are being held by men from Dol Amroth.
The Princedom of Dol Amroth is famous for its Swan Knights and it is often overlooked that such great and noble men travel with their own servants. Among them are squires that ride into battle at side of their lords. They are diverse group and among their ranks one can find young soldiers willing to prove themselves, lesser nobles that cannot afford their own equipment and training, old veterans or faithful servants. In battle Squires of Dol Amroth fight from horseback with lance and sword and are often underestimated by their foes; with disastrous consequences.
The constant danger to Dol Amroth of Corsair raids called for an armed and effective deterrent. This came, unexpectedly from the the men of the villages of Belfalas as they performed a stout defence of their homes. Using a tactic adopted from Pelargir, the men threw javelins at their enemy as they were landing, and this proved so effective that Prince Adrahil decided to field similar units in all coastal holdings of Dol Amroth. Although there are many isolated communities along the coasts of Middle-earth, each coastal village, under the protection of Dol Amroth, provides a portion of its able bodied men to serve a period as Coastal Wardens. Despite lacking any real military training, this militia force is experienced at fending off surprise raids until help can be mustered. In times of war the Prince of Dol Amroth can count on companies of these men to serve valiantly in defence of the coast. Armed with steel swords and a supply of throwing spears, the brave Coastal Wardens are well equipped to deal with raiding parties. They wear fine mail coats and carry shields that show the emblems of the Prince of Dol Amroth a White Swan and a White Ship. A proud and resilient people, these men will fight hard for their Prince.
Since every region of the Reunited Kingdom fields its own army, the lords of the cities require the services of many different types of troops. Archers fill the role of skirmishers. These troops are professionals, and as such, they can be counted on to thin the ranks of invading enemies from afar. Their equipment is well made, and they themselves are accomplished marksmen. Still, their marksmanship notwithstanding, these men must be protected from enemy cavalry and melee troops at all cost. They will not last long in close combat against competent melee troops.
Well-armed, armoured, and trained, the Dúnedain Footmen can easily take ground from light infantry and most other, heavier foes. Though they are not the most elite foot troops fielded by the Reunited Kingdom, they can still efficiently deal with most foes.
The soldiers of the Reunited Kingdom receive extensive support from their lords and captains, and these troops are no exception. They are provided solid equipment and passable training in the hopes that they will hold the line of battle against cavalry and light infantry. The Guardsmen of the Reunited Kingdom fulfil their charge adequately, but should not be expected to overcome heavy infantry.
The Dúnedain Lancers represent the core backbone of the kingdom's cavalry prowess. Whilst the Squires will perform well on the field, they lack the training and discipline of the Lancers. Able to punch deep into enemy lines, the Lancers can turn the tide of battle in a heartbeat. Although less armoured than the famed Swan Knights of Dol Amroth, the Lancers provide a fast counter attacking force that can easily outmanoeuvre most enemies, allowing them to deliver deadly flanking charges.
Though these men are capable of staving off regular army troops, their true talent lies in defending against cavalry charges. Usually, when infantry are attacked with a heavy cavalry charge, they will suffer devastating casualties. For pikemen, the opposite is true. Any mount that is brave enough to charge into a pike formation has signed the death warrant of both itself and its rider. This is especially true when the pikes are being held by the descendants of Westernesse.
Whilst not the Kingdom's strongest warriors, the Dúnedain Spearmen are still a fully dependable fighting force. They wear sturdy plate and wield keen spears with deadly proficiency. Originally they only drew men from the heartlands of the Dúnedain but with the war claiming more lives, they expanded to draft all able bodied men of any region. With their numbers growing but their skill not diminishing, the Dúnedain Spearmen will form the steel backbone of any Dúnedain army.
These are the squires that ride into battle at side of their lords. They are diverse group and among their ranks one can find young soldiers willing to prove themselves, lesser nobles that cannot afford their own equipment and training, old veterans or faithful servants. In battle Squires of the Reunited Kingdom fight from horseback with lance and sword and are often underestimated by their foes; with disastrous consequences.
Serving as the watchmen and keepers of the peace, the men of the Haven Guard perform an important duty that insures that trade and commerce thrives in the hectic ports of Dol Amroth's coastal holdings. They are well trained and experienced swordsmen, provided with high quality equipment from the armouries of Dol Amroth. Always ready to act as the first line of defence if a city or town is invaded by sea they play an important part in the security of the settlement. During times of unrest and war, these brave men march to battle under the banner of their prince. They swap their leather coifs and jerkins for majestic helms and fine plate armour and they take to the field in distinctive sea blue cloaks. Serving alongside such units as the Wardens of the Tirith Aear, they wield fine steel bastard blades forged with techniques passed down from ancient Númenor. The Prince of Dol Amroth can count on these courageous men to break any steady battle line.
Famed for their bravery and valour the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth are unmatched upon the field of battle. Tall, grey-eyed and dark-haired each one of the knights is drawn from the ruling houses of Dol Amroth. Although small in number, when the Swan Knights take to the field, hope is stirred in even the most troubled hearts of men. For upon their grey steeds in full harness, with gilded banners bearing the White Ship and Silver Swan, the nobles of Dol Amroth are a sight to behold. Fair and stern, they trace their ancestry from the noble blood of Númenor, and ride into battle resplendent in armour of great craftsmanship and carry tall lances and burnished shields. Few can stand against the mighty charge of the Swan Knights; those that hold are soon dispatched with swords forged in the smithies of Númenor of old. The Nobles of Dol Amroth are unsurpassed in their skill at arms in the world of men and once committed to battle they will not flee from any foe, even the foulest of the Dark Lord's servants. The most experienced and mightiest of the Swan Knights have the honour of accompanying the Prince of the City into battle.
Nimrodel was the lady of Lórien in the years preceding T.A.1981. She and her beloved, the King, Amroth of Lothlórien, vowed to leave Middle-earth by way of the great port-city of Edhellond. They were never able to make their voyage as Nimrodel was slain crossing the White Mountains. Amroth however did not know this and he waited for her but his ship was blown out to see. He dove into the water to return to search for his beloved and was never seen again. His ship was crewed by the last inhabitants of Edhellond and with their departure, the elven presence in Belfalas came to an end. However, the pride, majesty and memory of the elves lived on in the mix blooded men of Dol Amroth. The sea-lords vowed to uphold the memory and vigil of Amroth and for the past thousand years, the Mariners of the Lady Nimrodel have kept a symbolic watch upon the shores of Middle-earth for the arrival of their lady.
Despite appearing as a purely ceremonial unit, they are in fact Dol Amroth’s finest archers and they regularly rotate men to the front lines to ensure the sanctity of Edhellond is protected. The Mariners have inherited the skills of their Elven forefathers and possess keen sight and unerring accuracy with their great bows. They wear sea blue cloaks over leather jerkins that display the White Swan of Dol Amroth and they stand ever ready to answer the call of the Prince of Dol Amroth.
Though Dol Amroth is best known for its powerful knights, its foot soldiers are nothing to scoff at and the Seaward Footmen are no exception. Well-armed, armoured, and trained, they can easily take ground from light infantry and most other, heavier foes. Though they are not the most elite foot troops fielded by Dol Amroth (or Gondor, for that matter), they can still efficiently deal with most foes.
The Sea-ward Lancers represent the core backbone of Dol Amroth's cavalry prowess. Whilst the Squires will perform well on the field, they lack the training and discipline of the Lancers. Able to punch deep into enemy lines, the Lancers can turn the tide of battle in a heartbeat. Although less armoured than the famed Swan Knights of the city, the Lancers provide a fast counter attacking force that can easily outmanoeuvre most enemies, allowing them to deliver deadly flanking charges.
Whilst not Dol Amroth's strongest warriors, the Sea-ward Spearmen are still a fully dependable fighting force. They wear sturdy plate and wield keen spears with deadly proficiency. Originally they only drew men from the lands of Dor-en-Ernil but with the war claiming more lives, they expanded to draft all able bodied men of any region. With their numbers growing but their skill not diminishing, the Seaward Spearmen will form the steel backbone of any Amrothian army.
The Knights of the Brotherhood of the Talon, simply called 'Talon Knights' are the finest warriors available on foot for Dol Amroth and Gondor; so strong and capable are their warriors that their finest are selected to march into battle as the personal bodyguards of the Princes and Lords of Dol Amroth. The Brotherhood is a selective sect of the armed forces of Dol Amroth, they answer only to the Prince himself and their leading council commands the different divisions of the army of Dol Amroth; Mounted, Foot, Ranged, Silver Swan and Naval. The Brotherhood accepts only nobles and proven warriors into its ranks and these chosen few wear the regalia of the Lords themselves; a swan helm with heavy mail and plate armour, providing them with excellent protection in the field. They wield a longsword and a flexible kite shield bearing the heraldry of their homeland. They are a force to be feared on the battlefield, but are only available in small numbers so should be deployed sparingly.
The Sea-ward Tower has expansive stables for the fine steeds of the Riders of Tirith Aear. The constant threat of Corsair raids calls for a sizeable cavalry contingent within the standing army of Dol Amroth. Although the Prince of the city can call upon the Swan Knights his elite horsemen in times of war, it falls to the Riders of Tirith Aear to remain ever ready to respond to small corsair raiding parties. Each Rider would gladly give his life to protect the people of the Belfalas from the foul depredations of Reavers and slavers. The Riders of Tirith Aear are equipped with plate mail for protection, their breast plates and shields carry the Silver Swan emblem of their prince. Their distinctive helmets are decorated with Swan wings, and these helmets are crafted with exquisite detail. Deployed as thunderous cavalry they are used to drive the Corsair invaders back into the sea as soon as they land. The sound of the crashing hoof beats of a full detachment of Riders approaching is often enough to send the enemy fleeing back to their ships in terror.
The Tirith Aear stands high above the rest of the fair city of Dol Amroth upon a great cliff. The Sea-ward Tower watches over the Bay of Belfalas and the Guard of the Tower are ever vigilant for signs of approaching enemy fleets. Tirith Aear is also the residence of the prince of the city and his banners bearing the Silver Swan and the White Ship fly high over the city. The duty of protecting the Prince and his family also falls on this elite guard and it is a duty they do not take lightly. When the Prince of Dol Amroth goes to war a company of these tall warriors often accompany him. The Wardens of Tirith Aear are equipped with plate mail for protection, bearing the Silver Swan emblem of their prince. Their distinctive helmets are decorated with Swan wings, and these helmets are crafted with exquisite detail to show the elite status of these proud soldiers. They wield finely crafted halberds and are well drilled to form an impenetrable wall of steel which no foe can penetrate. They show the discipline of their Númenórean forefathers and will hold the line against the shadow whilst lesser men flee.
In order to ensure that the cavalry of Dol Amroth are second to none, the process of selection is incredibly fierce and competitive. From this rigorous process come many formidable warriors. The Knights of the Silver Swan take the finest melee-capable men into their ranks but those who show skill with a bow from horseback are drafted by the White Knights. Standing as a testament to their elven heritage, the White Knights are the garrison force of the great city of Edhellond. From this headquarters they patrol the roads and shores of much of western Gondor but when the Prince of Dol Amroth rides to war, the White Knights answer the call and are second only to the Swan Knights in valour and prowess. They ride into battle on the finest steeds garbed in armour of Elven and Númenórean craftsmanship. These riders are skilled swordsmen and shun the use of the lance in battle, instead favouring the darting blade.
