Ironsides Family/Armstrong/Dinner Oberndorf

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Returning to Oligarch from a scouting mission of Avamar, Lord Armstrong passed through his former home region Oberndorf and was intercepted by his friend, the Count of Oberndorf, Aulus Severus of the Scipii


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Message sent to all allies in the region Oberndorf

"Wait ..."

Aulus stared out the window from Oberndorf Manor, straining to make out the banner he could see with the small body of men making their way along the road.

"... it is!"

Aulus rushed out of the room, pausing only to grab a rolled and sealed letter off his desk, and his shirt, before almost knocking over the servant who was taking the washing bowl away.

Quickly sprinting down the stairs and along the hall, he made it outside and down to the Manor Gate before the unit had even reached it. He was right, it was who he thought it was, his tired eyes from being up all night, surveying the two workshops the Sirion Saboteur had burn't down, were not wrong.

"My Lord Armstrong!" Aulus shouted with a boyish grin and mocked bow as the soldiers got closer "Welcome to Oberndorf!"

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

Traveling through his old region brought back fond memories, but Lord Armstrong kept them to himself. Suddenly, like a giddy boy, a man ran closer to the troup yelling.

Armstrong looked over and recognized the man as his former Count! He stopped the march and moved closer to the welcoming Aulus.

"Count Aulus my friend, how have you been keeping?"

Armstrong was overjoyed to see him.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Straightening from his bow, Aulus smiled;

"I've been fine, all the better for seeing you! I trust Westmoor is treating you well and you're in good health ... actually ... Do you have time for a drink? I mean .."

Aulus half turned and gestured to the manor behind him

".. someones got to get through the wines I've got stored in there .. and there's allot I should probably tell you ... "

Discretely he folded the letter away into his pocket, it could wait, there were much more important things to discuss

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

Armstrong nodded in agreement,

"Certainly my friend, I will send the Roughnecks to Westmoor and catch up with them when they return in this direction. It will be good to keep company with a friend. Did you hear my good news? My wife, you remember Cerise right? She gave birth to a boy! We named him Ford the Younger after my grandfather. A famous noble in his time. Let me gather some things from my unit, and I shall follow you to your estate."

After a short time organizing things with Captain Harman and collecting some useful traveling items, Lord Armstrong returns to Count Aulus.

"Shall we taste the wines?"

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

"Indeed my friend, I'm sure I don't have to lead the way, and a son? Ford the Younger Ironsides? Quite a name and reputation to live up to, congratulations to both you and Lady Cerise!"

As they both strode casually along the road, Aulus chatted about the recent happening in Oberndorf. "... so next time that Infiltrator comes back here I'm going to make sure to catch him, but other than that there's been little going on here recently, save for both S.o.A. and Westmoor trying to loot us ... as usual .." Aulus grinned at that "Somehow one of them even talked me into accepting him as my knight ..."

As they turned through the gates and on up the small slope that lead to the Manor, Aulus gestured over to the guildhouse on the hill. "We've had a few more recruits, thanks to Agent Rirem .. and of course you heard about losing Ephron ..." Aulus paused for a moment thoughtfully "How is the situation in Westmoor? Have you found any sign of the similar evils we faced here?"

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

"It is interesting now that you mentioned it, the Duchess of Westmoor recently abdicated suddenly and then disappeared, shortly after, the Marshal of the Westmoor Tactical Force claimed fatigue and resigned from his position. Would we think a demon is involved? One that feeds off of the energy and spirit of nobles? I have not made any public accusations yet, as I still need more information, but the loss of Duchess Evangelina, though insignificant to me, has stirred some of the Westmoor nobility. Particularly Lord Gregor. I am still watching how things unfold."

They continue towards the manor. Armstrong's mind starting to gather facts about the recent events and wondering if they are related. An Inquisitor's mind he had, one especially strong against the evil forces.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

"That does indeed sound interesting ..." Aulus nodded as he thought things through "I think we may need to look at establishing our influence in Westmoor, though that may only alert our foes." Aulus hesitated for a moment "I was actually in Westmoor City only a week or so ago ... awaiting an audience with Ambassador Gregor, though he failed to make our appointment. I had hoped to see you there but alas, I believe Westmoor was in the field at the time. Nevertheless, this does need investigating ..."

They reached the steps of the manor and ascended. Aulus called to his Steward once inside to have some food prepared, and wines brought up from the cellar for Armstrong. "And err ... my usual" said Aulus, the servant smiling knowingly and taking his leave. The Hall had changed quite a bit since Aulus last recalled Armstrong's being there, with a few tapestries depicting views of Oberndorf and Tabost hanging from the walls. There was a great quantity of letters folded, waiting to be read, or heaped upon the desk and on some of the chairs.

"Take a seat my friend" Aulus gestured apologetically, after removing several rolled papers to make two chairs available "I'm afraid I've been rather getting behind with sorting all this" Depositing the letters onto another pile Aulus sat down as a servant arrived with several bottles.

"But back to business ... do you have any knights in Westmoor you think would be willing to join us in the Invigilators?"

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

Armstrong glanced at the piles of letters and scrolls and remembered the time he was Count of An Najaf. Much to do and so little time to do it. Oberndorf was lucky to have the committed Count it did. Another lord would likely put half as much effort.

He sipped some wine and then said,

"For the moment, I am unacquainted with the nobles of Westmoor. I have been rather occupied with my family in Dulbin, and my wife in Oligarch. But, for any new developments I will certainly exploit them to attract others. I may even have a word with the Duke of Oligarch. I do not know the workings of this monarchy very well yet, and have not entered any of the social circles. In time and with cultivation, I might bloom here."

He drank another sip.

"Aulus, do you think I made the right decision moving to Westmoor? You remember how fraught I was over the whole situation...I have not recovered. If it was not for my wife and newborn, I would be nothing. No one."

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

While Armstrong talked Aulus reached forward and poured himself a drink from a dark-glassed bottle, sitting back again and swilling the dull amber liquid around. Though he was sure Armstrong would not think less of him for only drinking apple juice the charade he had managed to maintain for so long had become a die-hard habit.

Aulus nodded for a moment, before taking a sip of his drink and placing the glass down on the table. He felt into his pocket and extracted the folded letter he had taken from his desk earlier.

“Now is probably the right time to give you this” he said, offering the letter to his friend, “But not the right time for you to read it, that can wait, if you deign it so, until you are returned to Oligarch, or are on the way there atleast.” Aulus handed the letter over “But to answer you directly one; I think you have shown much bravery. I know I would struggle to ever leave Fontan, at my own will anyway, and especially since you have vested so many years here, fought and bled for democracy.

Two; I can say Fontan is certainly not better off for your leaving, though we have seen more talk within the Assembly, given Sir Luke’s recent actions … I’m sure you felt those tremors in Westmoor, but as for whether it was right …”

Aulus took another drink as he considered

“… really my friend … that comes down to how you feel. You have a family now, a big change to your life, responsibility … love …” Aulus made sure he masked any outward reaction as he said that, the more he thought about the woman he loved the more bitter he felt “… but what’s most important is that you are happy …?”

Aulus looked quizzically to Armstrong and awaited his reply

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

Taking the letter, Armstrong places it in his tunic for after the visit. An intriguing development, but his attention was set for his friend.

"You are right. I made this decision for the best of my family. Maybe my son will surpass me in his heroism. So long as he does not become burdened with the association of his failed father. Do you speak in the Assembly?"

He had another sip of the fine wine. He was always a keen drinker.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

"Failed father? My Lord Armstrong, what do you mean by that!" said Aulus incredulously with a frown "And yes, I do, though there's still a general apathy here ... you were more than right about what is essentially an 'elected Royal Family' in our Government ... but really, failed? I can't believe the Hero of Democracy would ever think such a thing ..."

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

"Yes my friend, I have failed. I was unable to accomplish my duty to the realm, and instead of persisting till death I changed. I softened and emigrated. I would have never married had I still retained my firm belief in Democracy. That was my wife, my religion, my master. But Democracy in Fontan is not the same one I worshiped. I was the hero of a fantasy Democracy. I tried to build the Democracy I knew and loved, but my attempts were deflated. You only saw the corpse of it, but before your rise I was the Commissioner of the Congress of Democracy. It was to be my tool for reform of the realm. No one bought it. So here I am in Westmoor, a monarchy, wondering what to pledge my life for now and rearing a young family. An extraordinary noble reduced to ordinary life. That is failure."

Armstrong played with the note in his pocket and remembered that Aulus had just given it to him. In the back of his mind he wondered what the contents were, but he must wait.

He had another sip.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

“It troubles me to think you consider yourself so” said Aulus quietly, looking down at his drink “because by the same measure I have done no better, indeed, I have done worse, if such word be fitting.” Aulus looked up to Armstrong.

“What I have actually achieved?” he asked “A failed Second in Command of an Army that I lead to slaughter? Regardless of my intentions, the label of traitor I was given was no less worthy, was it not? Defying direct orders from the General? And to this -” Aulus gestured around the room “Lord of Oberndorf, but what difference have I made? What great contribution to Fontan? The Invigilators - treads water, barely able to keep up with the undead and monsters, never mind purge them, and I don’t devote even half the time to that quest as I should. Ambassador of the realm? Yet having achieved nothing more than talks with the Sirion Diplomat that faltered, and fell flat, allowing Sirion to complete the T.O. of Tabost under a flag of ceasefire, a ceasefire my naivety helped buy them.”

Aulus with almost a flash of anger reached forward and poured himself more from the bottle nearest to him, taking a lengthy drink and looking back to Armstrong

“So no, I will not have you consider yourself a failure, for you are no more a failure than I am, or anyone else for that matter.”

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Letter from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

"Then I suppose we are both good men suffering a faulty world. What are we to do? Our world is not beyond repair, it is just dwindling. We need to ignite the flame again. We need to reignite our flames. I am a hero, not a domestic noble. What of Fontan? Such a precious and true dream buried beneath dynastic ignoble minds. Where can men like us thrive? Somewhere on this continent we must find our home. And if it does not exist, we must build one. A realm of heroes, true nobles like yourself, courageous, brave, devoted and Democratic. Maybe I fall into the fantasy again? Maybe I should just keep my attention on my plantation and my family?"

He looked around at Aulus' estate. A lordly manor not unlike other ones he has seen, but one now witness to a fatigued hope.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

"Once this war is over my friend, once Sirion has been brought down, then there might be a day when such a realm could be created, and the ideals you detail can be brought to prominent focus. That would be a day I look forward to"

Aulus hesitated for a moment "I suppose I should tell you now ... one of Fontan's loyal nobles, one who served our realm for his entire life, unfortunately is no longer with us. Sir Ricard De Montfort was captured by Sirion whilst on a Mission ... he was summary deported ..." Aulus looked to Armstrong directly "the ship carrying him was lost at sea in a storm with all hands"

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Letter from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

Armstrong sat back in disappointment. Shaking his head, he said,

"Could there have been a hex put on his ship? Or gremlins released to cause havoc for the crew? Poor, poor Ricard. Another devoted son of Fontan lost. In his death he has found freedom from torment. We can at least be grateful for that.

Aulus, I am scheduled to meet with the Duke of Westmoor and I must depart to make the appointment. This has been a deeply satisfying afternoon and I wish to do it again very soon. Next time, you shall come to the big city of Oligarch and meet my family. Perhaps we will have brighter things to speak of, like victories or heroic feats."

He stood up, embraced his friend, and wished him best journeys.

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)


Roleplay from Aulus Severus of the Scipii

"My friend, it has been a pleasure seeing you again, I'm glad you are happy with your wife and son, life takes many turns, sometimes we just don't know whats waiting around the corner... and moving into a new chapter of your story always will be hard. I look forward to meeting Lady Cerise and your son in Oligarch, perhaps my job as Ambassador will draw me to Westmoor again soon ... perhaps not, either way and as always, I look forward to the next time we see each other.

May the God's keep you and your family safe ..."

Sir Aulus Severus of the Scipii

Count of Oberndorf, Ambassador of Fontan


Roleplay from Armstrong Ironsides

(Personal message to Aulus Severus of the Scipii)

After the two friends departed and Armstrong began his journey back to Oligarch, he remembered the letter Count Aulus gave him. Wondering what it contained he fished it out of his pocket to read....

Armstrong Ironsides (Knight of Oligarch)