Anárion Andúnion

Anárion Andúnion, originally born as Jonathan Blackwood, came into the world in the heart of the Star City, specifically in Sheffield district. This district, nestled in the northwestern part of Star City, was known for its impoverished conditions and earned the colloquial name "Old Sheep Prison." It was a challenging environment to grow up in, marked by adversity and struggle.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Jonathan displayed a remarkable determination to rise above his circumstances. Through hard work and an unyielding spirit, he managed to secure a place at Shield Academia, a prestigious institution part of agency overseeing the governance of Star City. His enrollment in Shield Academia marked a turning point in his life, offering him opportunities he could have only dreamt of in Sheffield district.

However, Jonathan's promising journey took an unexpected and perilous turn when he became the target of Hydra. They sought to indoctrinate him and exploit his potential for their own purposes. He became entangled in a mysterious experiment, one that Hydra would later purge from official records.

In this experiment, Jonathan found himself placed within an enigmatic craft named "Argo." Two other crafts, "Iliad" and "Odyssey," embarked on a similar mission with their respective crews. The details of this mission remain shrouded in secrecy, thanks to Hydra's thorough record purge. What is known is that only Argo survived, and within it, only one crew member emerged: Jonathan himself. He earned the mysterious nickname "Argonaut," a moniker whose origins remained a mystery even to him.

Jonathan's return from the experiment was marred by amnesia and severe physical wounds. The full extent of what transpired during his time in Argo remained locked away in the recesses of his mind, forever hidden even to Hydra. He spent nearly a year recovering in a hospital and undergoing extensive convalescence.

Due to his evolving ideological views and the unsettling experience he endured, Jonathan found himself at odds with Hydra and by that extent with Shield Academia. He was released from their ranks after which he bid farewell to his parents. Driven by a burning desire for a fresh start, far from the ruthless heart of the Star City Empire, he rested his eyes on the east.

Jonathan's quest for renewal led him to the Eastern Colony, a distant land far removed from the oppressive influence of the empire. In this new land, he changed his name according to local tradition. Now so called Anárion Andúnion managed to secure a position as an assistant to a statesman. It wasn't long before he felt compelled to start his own political party, known as the Dúnedain, advocating for colonial independence and the values of honor and integrity.

Anárion's leadership and determination were evident as he successfully reformed a colonial militia to better protect the interests of the colony. He was placed as its honorary captain.  His vision of an independent and honorable society seemed attainable.

However, just as the colony stood on the precipice of achieving his dreams of independence thanks to a Civil war, a new and unexpected threat emerged. Barbarians, vile and ruthless creatures, launched an assault on the colony, throwing it into chaos.

When milititia became sort of an army, Anárion was given command of army group Arnor. As a young leader, he had to earn the trust and respect of his fellow colonists, many of whom were older and more experienced. His dedication to their cause, along with his innovative strategies, helped unite them under his banner. 

Throughout these challenging times, Anárion emerged as a beacon of leadership and resilience. Despite being just 19 years old upon his arrival in the colony, he displayed wisdom and strategic brilliance beyond his years. His leadership within the militia would be put to the test as the Barbarian threat grew in intensity, and the fate of the colony looked grim. Here came first of his pivotal moments. He made use of prototypical armoured exoscelets and strategy with bolters and melee weapons in very close quarters combat. This saved the colony for time being.

One of the earliest encounters with the Barbarians within the first offensive took place at Rómenna Bridge, a vital strategic location. Anárion led Arnor's forces in a fierce battle to seize and later defend the bridge from Barbarian incursions. The skirmish tested their resolve and established the Barbarians as a formidable foe despite their weakened state. 

Later he found himself at second siege of Survival, a coastal settlement. He slipped through collapsing Barbarian front past ruins of Rómenna and faced a prolonged siege by the Barbarians. Anárion orchestrated a brilliant defense strategy that held the invaders at bay for weeks, buying time for Arnorian forces to arrive.

As the Barbarian threat continued to escalate, Anárion found himself in a tense standoff at Lake's Edge, a key resource location. The battle here was marked by careful positioning and a battle of attrition. Anárion's knowledge of the evolving Barbarian threat deepened, and he became acutely aware of their cunning and relentless behaviour which ultimately led to a victory that secured vital resources for the colony. However, it was a short-lived victory, as he had to abandon Lake's Edge in order to save Berúthiel.

Berúthiel's plea for assistance was urgent and dire. Her message detailed the Barbarian ambush and the desperate situation her forces faced. Anárion, upon receiving the distress call, wasted no time in mobilizing Arnor's forces and setting out to reinforce Berúthiel's embattled troops. 

As Anárion's forces arrived to reinforce Berúthiel's beleaguered troops, they were met with a scene of chaos and desperation. Anárion witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of Berúthiel firsthand. Despite her leg being severed and her strength waning, she remained resolute, pushing her forces forward to save as many as possible.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Berúthiel entrusted Anárion with the leadership of Harondor, effectively incorporating it into Arnor. This act of sacrifice and trust would forever bond the two leaders and transform them into staunch allies on a path towards a now shared vision.

The Battle at Núrneled left a lasting impact on Anárion, not only shaping his leadership, but fueling his determination to protect lifes of his fellow colonists. It was a battle marked by loss, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit. The same determination later proved to be a source of doubt.

The Battle of Longway Watch marked a second pivotal moment in Anárion's leadership journey. It was a clash of ideologies and a test of his strategic prowess. In the midst of the battle, Anárion faced the harrowing task of confronting Durion, whose hostility towards Shield had led to a devastating clash. In a final showdown before the gates of Longway Watch, Anárion's forces emerged victorious, but at a great cost. Durion and many colonists perished in the battle. 

In the face of triumphs and sacrifices, a lingering doubt gnawed at the corners of his mind. Anárion could not help but question himself, wondering if the Battle at Longway Watch could have been avoided. As he led the colony through these trials, Anárion carried the weight of his decisions and the consequences they had brought. He knew that leadership came with its burdens, and he bore them with unwavering resolve. Yet, the question of whether there was another path haunted him.

Anárion, now in control of Arnor, Harondor, and even Gondor, swiftly dispatched his forces back to the Barbarian frontline. The bolstering of the frontline proved successful, reclaiming some territory lost to the invaders. However, this reprieve was short-lived, as a new threat loomed on the horizon.

Exploiting Anárion's defensive strategy, the Barbarians amassed a massive horde, rendering any attempts to dislodge them futile. Recognizing the impending danger, Anárion made the difficult decision to order a complete evacuation of the colony.

The northern half of the colony sought refuge in Survival, the best-fortified settlement, while all colonial forces and armed volunteers worked tirelessly to fortify their defenses. Meanwhile, those from the southern half who wouldn't reach Survival in time were directed to Alfa Site, a desperate measure to offer them some semblance of safety.

Anárion understood that seeking aid from those who had previously been attacked by his people was a futile endeavor, but he held onto the slim hope that it might offer some reprieve from the impending slaughter.

For days, the Barbarians relentlessly assaulted the makeshift defenses surrounding Survival, determined to breach the settlement's walls. Despite the valiant efforts of the colonial defenders, the sheer force of the Barbarian onslaught eventually overwhelmed them, forcing the colonists to retreat to the safety of the settlement itself.

In a desperate bid for survival, a select group of individuals, including children, women, and a few men, sought refuge in the cave systems beneath Survival, hoping to evade the Barbarian onslaught. Meanwhile, Anárion Andúnion, alongside other key leaders, directed the defense efforts from within the settlement, coordinating the remaining defenders as they prepared to face the enemy.

As the walls of Survival fell and the defenders retreated to the main keep, Anárion stood at the forefront, rallying the beleaguered forces and instilling them with courage and determination. Despite their exhaustion and the overwhelming odds stacked against them, Anárion and his fellow defenders remained resolute, fully prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their home.

Just when all hope seemed lost, a miraculous intervention occurred. Forces from Shield suddenly stormed into the fray from the west and south, arriving just in time to bolster the dwindling ranks of the colony's militia inside the keep. The sight of Shield forces, along with reinforcements from Alfa Site, filled Anárion and his fellow defenders with renewed hope and determination.

With a newfound sense of vigor and resolve, Anárion led the charge as the defenders of Survival, joined forces with Shield in a coordinated assault against the Barbarian invaders. Their combined efforts proved to be a formidable force, driving the Barbarians back and securing a hard-fought victory for the colony.

Following the turmoil of the Barbarian invasion and the heroic defense of the colony, Anárion Andúnion found himself thrust into a new role: that of king. The colony's militia, supported by the colonial citizens, declared him their monarch, bestowing upon him the title of High King. Initially hesitant to accept such a responsibility, Anárion eventually acquiesced to the coronation.

In a bold move to reward those who had proven their loyalty and competence during the invasion, Anárion elevated several individuals to noble status, recognizing their contributions to the colony's survival. Cirion was appointed steward, entrusted with the task of managing the kingdom's affairs in Anárion's absence. Meanwhile, Berúthiel, who had demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership during the invasion despite her injuries, was appointed as Captain-General, overseeing the defense of Arnor. 

As High King, Anárion found himself thrust into the heart of the conflict, leading Arnor's defense against the relentless renewed Barbarian assaults. With Cirion's adept management of internal affairs and Berúthiel's strategic prowess in military matters, they formed a formidable triumvirate that guided Arnor through the tumultuous years of war.

Despite their valiant efforts, it became increasingly apparent that Arnor could not sustain the prolonged conflict alone. Recognizing the need for assistance, Anárion made the bold decision to seek aid from Denebol. Coordinating with Denebolian generals, they devised a joint offensive strategy to counter the Barbarian threat.

The combined forces of Arnor and Denebol launched a relentless offensive against the Barbarians, striking at their strongholds and pushing them to the brink of defeat. The coordination and unity between the two nations proved decisive, leading to the eventual retreat of the Barbarians from Arnorian territory.

In the aftermath of the war, Anárion emerged as one of the first to undergo genetic enhancement, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for Arnor. With his enhanced abilities, he embodied the ideals of the true Arnorian, leading his people into a future of prosperity and strength.

Following the cessation of hostilities, Anárion transitioned from a wartime leader to a true king, focusing on the reconstruction and stabilization of Arnor. One of his first decrees was the Disbandment of the Legions, a measure aimed at demobilizing the military and integrating soldiers back into civilian life. This initiative granted lands and other resources to those departing from military service, ensuring a smooth transition and rewarding their sacrifices during the war.

While drastically reducing the size of the military, Anárion recognized the ongoing conflicts faced by Denebol and the need for continued support. In response, he established the Grand City Company, a specialized military contingent tasked with aiding Denebol in their interplanetary wars. However, the company's existence was short-lived, as shifting priorities and evolving threats led to its eventual disbandment.

Amidst these changes, Anárion personally oversaw the forging of his legendary sword, Narcil. Crafted from the newly discovered mithril, Narcil held within it the spirit of a powerful entity from a subdimension.

In this time, Anárion and Cirion embarked on the monumental task of establishing a stable and effective government structure for Arnor. Recognizing the need for representation and governance, they laid the groundwork for key institutions such as the Senate and the formation of political parties.

Under their leadership, the Senate was convened, serving as a forum for debate, legislation, and decision-making. Comprised of representatives from across Arnor, the Senate provided a platform for addressing the diverse needs and concerns of the populace.