Oath-stone of Forostar
Vandassari (Q."Stones of Binding") or Oath-stones were seven powerful artifacts crafted in Númenor during years of its zenith, used to bind oaths and alliances with unbreakable spiritual force. Each stone was unique in color and was crafted for specific purposes, ranging from royal decrees to maritime pacts, with Helcessar, Tauressar, Ambossar, Landassar, Orossar, Airessar, and Naldassar placed in key locations across Númenor. Imbued with mystical properties, the Vandassari could enforce loyalty, retain echoes of past oaths, and resonate with natural elements. Following Fall of Numenor, only Orossar survived, becoming central to Gondor’s history, while the fate of the remaining stones remains a mystery.
Usage[]
The Vandassari were housed in prominent locations across Númenor, serving as centers of governance and ritual. They were integral to state ceremonies, where kings, governors, and emissaries swore to uphold their duties and allegiances. However, as Númenor entered its later years, the stones were increasingly used coercively, binding vassals and subjugated peoples to the will of the King's Men, often with grim consequences.
After Númenor’s fall, only the Orossar, the Black Stone, was saved by Isildur, carried to Middle-earth where it became known as the Stone of Erech. The other stones, each with its unique history and significance, were lost to the drowning of Númenor or scattered in its ruins.
Known Vandassari[]
Helcessar (Pale Blue)[]
The Helcessar, the Stone of Unity, was kept in the northern city of Forostar, where it served as a beacon of peace and cooperation. It was used to formalize trade agreements and alliances between Númenor’s maritime guilds and foreign realms. After the fall of Númenor, legend claims its light could be seen faintly beneath the waves, symbolizing lost harmony.
Tauressar (Pale Green)[]
The Tauressar, the Stone of Exploration, was housed in the seaward tower of Sorontil, the watchtower of Númenor’s western shores. It was used to bless voyages and swear oaths of safe passage for Númenórean explorers. Mariners who swore upon the Tauressar reported visions of the lands beyond the Bent Seas. It was said to have sunk into the depths alongside the tower during the Akallabêth.
Ambossar (Black-veined Red-Brown)[]
The Ambossar, the Stone of Justice, was placed in the great court of Hyarnustar, Númenor’s southern province. Used to swear judicial oaths and administer justice, the stone was associated with both fairness and dread. Its disappearance during Númenor’s final days has given rise to speculation that it may have been taken by Sauron or destroyed during the island’s upheaval.
Landassar (Golden-Brown)[]
The Landassar, the Stone of Trade, was located in Rómenna, Númenor’s eastern port. It was used to seal mercantile agreements and bless cargoes before they were shipped. Merchants swore to uphold fair trade, and broken promises were rumored to curse their ventures. Survivors of Númenor’s fall claimed to see its glow as Rómenna sank beneath the waves.
Orossar (Deep Black)[]
The Orossar, the Stone of Kingship, was Númenor’s most prominent Vandassar, housed in Eärmardil, the Hall of the Kings in Armenelos. It was used to crown Númenor’s rulers and solidify their oaths to govern wisely. Saved by Isildur, it became the Stone of Erech in Gondor.
Airessar (Clear Crystal)[]
The Airessar, the Stone of Remembrance, was placed in the Lighthouse of Calatirion in the western harbor of Andúnië. It was used to honor the Valar and commemorate Númenor’s ancient alliances with the Eldar. As the influence of the King’s Men grew, the Airessar became a symbol of resistance among the Faithful. It was lost during the island’s destruction.
Naldassar (Silver-White)[]
The Naldassar, the Stone of Wisdom, resided in the Tower of Avallónë, a repository of lore and learning. Scholars and loremasters swore to safeguard the knowledge of Númenor before the Naldassar. It was said to gleam with an inner light when great wisdom was spoken in its presence. The Naldassar’s fate is unknown, though some believe its radiance may still shine in the ruins beneath the sea.
Editorial Note: This article may contain speculative material based on secondary or tertiary sources such as pen-and-paper role-playing content, video games, or fanon publications. Interpretations are part of the NNCA’s speculative corpus and may not reflect canonical sources. References may exist but have not yet been verified or cited.