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Death of a hero. 1 August 1013
Armstrong Ironsides one of the core nobles of the Westmoorian nobility has died a hero's death against the Judge of Nivemus Lord Malakai Wolf. Armstrong Ironsides had obtained numerous titles throughout his life in Westmoor and long before that in the now dead realm of Fontan where he was nicknamed the 'hero of democracy'. According to his name during his time in Westmoor shortly before the October crisis he drafted a constitution which could have added some semblances of democratic or republican rule to Westmoor's government however after the failed rebellion this was pushed aside. Titles held in Westmoor include the long standing Count of Morshes, Duke of Oligarch head of the Sacred order of Battle in the church of humanity, Lord General and many more.
Last month the Westmoorian nobility were all shocked when Armstrong betrayed Westmoor and created the kingdom of Fane out of just the city of Oligarch. Armstrong had refused to give up Oligarch which had been promised as a war concession to Sirion for Westmoor losing the northern war. Sirion and Nivemus declared war on the city and a huge battle resulted with street fighting which went on for many days during which Armstrong obtained several wounds and was captured multiple times and thrown into Sirion's jails.
This paper's editor received a message from him shortly before his death:
Lord Treasurer,
I am grateful for your interest. For the last little while I have been in and out of Sirion's prison, a rotation of jail and escape, jail and escape. My first overall plan is to death duel the Judge of Nivemus, who is an honourable and worthy opponent. I have not decided what I am to do after that (if I survive). I pray for the death I seek, but if the Gods sincerely wish my life remain active, I shall consider the options that you have given me.
A new realm in the south sounds most intriguing, as does returning to Westmoor...I do ever so miss Morshes....Much to consider - if I am destined to live.
Armstrong Ironsides
It seems that King Armstrong however was set on a hero's death and he obtained it. He will be greatly missed in Westmoor even with the stain of his treachery against the Kingdom. King Thomas Foxglove wrote the following upon the news of his death:
Letter from Thomas Foxglove
Message sent to everyone in your realm
Westmoorians,
I find that the news of the death of King Armstrong of Fane saddens me, even though his betrayal of his oaths of fealty to Westmoor led to Sirion taking Oligarch almost without a fight and left us with little option other than to surrender to the Sirionites. His betrayal of Westmoor will always be a stain upon his memory in these lands, though I can not help but think that the long years of battle may have unbalanced his mind in the later days of his life.
Nevertheless, he was my friend, and I will not hold his actions against him in death. Let it be remembered that he served this Kingdom well, leading its armies in his younger days as Marshal and Lord General. He was among the most trusted of Westmoorian nobles for most of his life, and was chosen to be a Royal Guard - handpicked by the Kings of Westmoor to be the last line of defence and to protect the Crown unto death if needed.
I hearby issue a Royal pardon to Armstrong Ironsides, one time Count of Morshes and Duke of Oligarch. His crimes against the Westmoorian Crown will be forgiven and his name restored to a place of honour among us. Should any member of the House of Ironsides wish to serve the Kingdom of Westmoor in the future, the transgressions of their ancestor will not be held against them. I also hearby decree that the mortal remains of King Armstrong of Fane will be granted free passage to be carried across the Westmoorian border to Morshes, where his bones may be laid to rest in the sacred ground of the Ordo Sancte Proelium as befits a Holy Paladin of his rank and stature. Furthermore, should it be the wish of his House, a Westmoorian honour guard will accompany his mortal remains to their last resting place showing full honours as they would to the entombment of a foreign king.
This is my will and it shall be done.
Causarum Amicitia et Memoria
For the cause of friendship and memories
Thomas Foxglove
King of Westmoor
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