[Saurreg]

Lhunardawen, while I agree that intermarriages between the Dúnadain and men of lesser stature resulted in the dilution of pure Dúnadan blood and caused the lost of "potency", I also believe the outcome of each union depended on whom the Dúnadains married.

I think that the hybrid offspring of two people of different races tend to recieve the best characteristics and traits of the two. Take Eldacar for instance, his father Valacar was of pure Dúnadan blood but mother was Vidumavi of the Northlands. Not only did Eldacar retain the desirable traits of of the Dúnadain, he also added the fearless courage and spirit of his mother's people to the family gene pool.