Private - Rebellion: Formation of Oasis

It had been several weeks since Astor's proclamation had made its way through the lands. All the noble's would lose their titles and land as the government was reformed into what Astor called a democratic republic. Few saw ill intention in this proclamation, and some even rejoiced to the news preparing to forcibly remove any and all who resisted. It did not take long for Roland to issue his reply, calling the king out on his deceit, and laying blame at his insular ruling. Emotions were in high gear, and several dramatic days followed immediately after. Roland had made a declaration that any who sought his rule unsavory had the option to flee but stipulated in doing so they would only be allowed to take with them, what they could carry on their backs. Furthermore, he had given them a time limit of three days to leave his lands, returning to Vinterguard as refugees.

Whether from loyalty, or for fear, most stayed within the confines of his manor, while those who lived on the lands continued to do so as they had for many years previously. Not knowing if an attack would be imminent, Roland immediately set to increasing the larder within the fort buy purchasing nearby foodstuffs in bulk and ripping out the courtyard garden in favor of sturdy vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. His study regarding hydroponics in the safety of his lab came in handy, as he was able to apply his tinker abilities to help further the crops along. Still, it would take months before they saw any viable results, and with the fade diminishing food supplies so greatly even the amount he had purchased wouldn't go far enough in any long-term siege.

Despite this, the land was lucky in the fact that being so far to the West, and slightly isolated had left them unbothered for the first few weeks of the tumultuous change. This allowed his men to continue and hunt in the northern woods, living off game, while they tried to stockpile their dry goods. Each day of peace, brought forth more fear and anticipation, however, as the king had yet to so much as reply to Roland's decree. Many thought it would only be a matter of time until the kingdom's army showed up on their doorstep and decimated them all. Until one day a scout approached with word of a small force of men heading towards the fort. They wore no banner, and show no allegiance, and were less than a day away.

With the news, Roland had called for his butlers to clear out his sitting room, allowing him to call a meeting in peace. Here he waited until all the key players of his kingdom arrived. Those in attendance were, Arlic the captain of his guard, Bradwynne a recently promoted officer, Aalam a loyal soldier, and Alphabet whom Roland couldn't get to leave if he wanted too. Roland gave them a grim look, noting Comet's absence silently before he started, "As far as I can tell the scout's words are true, and we will have a force to be reckoned with at our doorstep within a day. They aren't bearing flags, or wearing colors, so it's doubtful they are Astor's imperial army, meaning it's likely a rival lord whose abandoned his lands to usurp ours. Or, it could be another mercenary army like the Lion's Pride, hired by Astor to route out the insurgency much as he did to the north. Either way, the likelihood of them coming to bolster our numbers is low, so we need to decide on how we will handle this. "

Roland paused, unfurling a map of the fort before him. "As far as I can tell we have three option. The first option is to enter a siege, keeping our gates closed and firing at them from our walls. Since I've been here I have tried to reinforce the defensive structures, and we can likely hold out for a good three months, whittling away their numbers until they give up, or are prone to be rout. The issue with this strategy is, they may not be our only enemy out there, and it is possible for another even larger number to join them in their siege, if not supplying them with foodstuffs. The second option is to option the gates upon approach and fight them within the courtyard. The issue with this is obvious, its possible to be overwhelmed, and take significant loses, if not lose the fort altogether. The third option is to escape. We have means to an escape tunnel large enough to take our army out of here, but we would lose any foothold in astorea if we do so. Regardless of what we choose, I have shut down travel in and out of the fort, from here until this situation is dealt with, no one will be able to come and go as they please."

Roland leaned back with a shrug, "I am interested to hear your opinions on the matter, but it is my belief that Astor will attack sooner or later, and use an underhanded tactic such as hiring multiple mercenary armies, if not assassins. But, if that's the case, it's only a matter of time until we are routed, and the path of escape may not always be available in the future. So, what do you think would be the best path to take?"


@Alric Stalwart @Bradwynne @Alphabet Chocolate @Aalam Abungu

 

Alpha stared blankly, eyes glazed. 'Doughnuts are tasty' was the summation of her thoughts at the moment as Roland continued to talk about the army impeding on his lands. A thin line of drool sank down the edge of her mouth to her chin, highlighting her dumb, goat-like expression. As Roland leaned back, however, Alpha once again (she'd drifted off a few times already) snapped out of her musings and immediately put her hand to her head, giving a warriors' salute. "General Alfalfabert Charcoalate, pre-sent-ed!"

She wiped the bit of saliva on her sleeve, her hand accidentally clunking against the cool helmet she got (therapy work paid quite a lot these days!). She slowly lifted the watermelon cap off, the red juice sticking her hair together in matted clumps, and took a bite out of its nearly-hollowed interior. "Astor, attack, gotcha," Alpha said between chomps, taking in the sight of her fellows around her. The blonde-haired boy was familiar with his awfully tall body and youthful face. She was also certain that she'd seen the other two somewhere before but she just couldn't place her finger on it.

She shrugged, taking another bite out of the watermelon that had previously been adorned the top of her head. "Let's punch them!" Alpha said, spitting some seeds onto the unfurled map, a grin gracing her face at the mention of a thrilling battle. "All fifteen billion thousand of them! In the nuts! War is battle is fight is victory!" she hurrahed, tossing her own two cents into the discussion.

She leaned back, content and satisfied with her answer. She tossed the watermelon rind over her shoulder, the sound of it hitting the wall making a pleasant thump. She looked up at Roland and, with another salute, gave him a bright, goofy smile. "Well I dunno, make it fun! I'm up for anything, Cap'tn Rudolf!" she looked absolutely confident, all her conviction laying in Roland.

"So, guys, how about we put their heads on a pike after this! And then roast them over a bonfire and then we can have army soldier tartare!"

@Roland Rutledge @Alric Stalwart @Bradwynne @Aalam Abungu

 

Peace was not a word Alric knew the meaning of. Not anymore. In the weeks following the defeat of Titanius the seeds of rebellion against the new Astorean government had been given ample time to grow into a full scale civil war. As noble houses across the land fell at the hands of bounty hunters, House Rutledge seemed to be one of the few left standing till now. It was only a matter of time before a bounty was placed on their heads too and with an army approaching the manor action had to be taken. The future of their new land would be determined in these following hours so naturally Roland called a meeting to discuss their options.

There were plenty of variables to consider and to be honest, he wasn't sure which one had the highest chance of success. They all sounded equally terrible. But as he listened to Alfafabert Charcolate’s input he nodded along, agreeing somewhat with her line of thinking.

This puts us in a bit of a bind… If we were to evacuate where would we go? I'd be surprised if they just let us run free after this. Assuming we're seen as criminals now, we aren't left with many options in Astorea or even Falderen that don't involve going into hiding. But if we can establish a new base of operations it might be worth abandoning the manor to bolster our numbers even further and properly invade at a later point.