Iron Stars - erastus

[Excerpt from the Journal of Erastus] Little more than fifty years I have served my Lord Octavian and the House Oniferos, eternity I shall continue, if I am able. I remember little of my time as a mortal, before I was bestowed the honour of immortality. I had a mother and a father, as all have, but they were weak and feeble. My lord saw my talent early in my life, he gave me a home and education. He knew my talents, as I was born with them. He saw me nurtured among his household and in return I shall serve. I am the broker, accountant and when I must, judge. My word is my bond, this much I know to be true. -- --- The time for needing a trustworthy word has finally come, it seems. The day shutters have just wound upwards into their window housings when the desk terminal flashes. A message. One of text rather than voice for now. Just as well. The affairs of the house need handling no matter how they are communicated. Things are quiet in this wing of the Oniferous Mansion. The servants occasionally come to clean, and leave lesser necessities outside the study doors. None linger long, and their presence is not needed every day. Rain beats gently on the glass coming with a light-show of its own. It is as close to the sun as any of you are able to safely get.

Erastus sits at his desk, E-quill in hand as he scribbles notes down. Numbers, accounts, amounts owed and due. The secret web of numerical favours that keeps the house from falling into disrepair or deceit. In the background as rain patters a quite tune plays soft string orchestral notes, soothing. He mutters quietly to himself. "Titus, ah yes I must have word sent to him. One of his body servants it seems has been talking too much in the bars... A shame she is so easy on the eyes but there are always more. Careless talk, they must learn..." As the notification chimes on the terminal to his side Erastus opens the text window still writing with one hand as he reads.

(It sounds like you’re about to go handle something you came up with instead so idk what you wanna do now. I’ll do whatever )

(Ah no that was just filler, sorry. Wasn't intentional)

Attend me. Library. Now. The message is direct and unsigned. It can only be Octavian

Erastus stands immediately. The quill gliding back into the coil as he does. He turns on a heel and leaves, the music fading into the background as his chamber door closes behind him. He strides with active purpose down the halls, posture straight as a knife and eyes locked ahead. Footfalls echo as his immaculate shoes click on the flags. Erastus nods to the guard outside the library, knocking thrice on the heavy door, pausing and then entering in a calculated ritual of courtesy. He enters and walks measuredly over to Octavian. "My Lord." He entones melodically in a low rippling voice as he bows his head respectfully, one hand behind his back, the other on his heart. Waiting for a response before straightening himself and returning his hand behind him.

“Get up you idiot. You’re no knight and I’m not a king. Stop playing pretend. Too much time with your books has your head going soft. Just as well. You’ll be away from them for several weeks. You’re going to the south end of the city. I need you to pay a visit to a few people”

A small smile passes Erastus' lips at the put down seeing humour in the truism. "Of course, what would I be talking about?"

"Terms. Lesser houses on the southern side. Not all of them will agree. That is a problem for another day. For now, they just need to listen"

"Understood, what terms do you wish me to convey?"

“The same they always are. Service, or be destroyed. It is finally time to make the moves needed to bring us to the forefront of city leadership”

Erastus eyes brighten a little and grins showing a little teeth. When he does speak, it comes out as a purr. "Marvelous... Do we have an idea as to the ones that will decline? It may be an idea to have a show of strength before I put the offer out. If we can show them overwhelming power by taking out a garunteed decenter then it may negate further force. 'Fear preserves you by a dread of punishment, which never fails'. The more they fear your wrath, the quicker and more easily they shall lay down." (edited)

"There's no need for any of that. Do what I asked and report back to me. "

"As you wish. I'll set out as soon as possible." Erastus nods and walks out collecting some things from his room, scheduling a driver to the south of the city.

Three houses need to be contacted. Holvell, Noris, and Quortiz. Each of them has a reputation of more pride than sense at times and some have even fallen into infighting that has crippled their ability to do much beyond feed themselves and look after only their immediate self sustenance needs. Their unpredictability has Octavian refusing to give you blanket orders despite your desire to get them. He is smart. One does not rise to his position for foolishness. He still cannot predict the behavior of homes who are more aligned to wounded animals than tihnking beings.

Erastus reviews the files. "Ahh... Weak and beastial. I see now. Let's start with Holvell." (How would one usually schedual a meeting like this? Is there a specific etiquette?)

(being unannounced is sort of the whole momentum you've got going for you)

(copy that!) Erastus schedual a driver and asks for a security detail just in case. With the unpredictability of the houses and the nature of the message he carries, it may lead to rash action by those angered. As he awaits word back he dresses in a fine dark suit sliding a laser pistol into a shoulder rig, a small mono knife in a shealth on the inside of his left forearm.

The security detail is denied, but the driver is approved. You've been assigned to this because you are ostensibly able to take care of yourself

Erastus takes it all in stride, seeing hislmself as a little over paranoid having not been out for so long. He gets into the back of vehicle and without looking at the servant, directs them curtly to the House of Holvell.

Beyond city limits and into the dark wilderness beyond you find the coutnryside estate of Holvell. Large pastures house domesticated livestock and there are many barns on the property. You know not all of them house beasts of burden. Two guards with rifles at the gate let you through upon realizing the house you represent and the likely nature of the visit. Being mortals, they're sometimes punished even when doing their job. Their lives and the ends of them are dictated as much by your whims as by their failures.

15:27

The crunched stones rub against the rubber tires as the car makes its way down the drive, and pulls into the circle around the front of the high peaked wood and stone home.

Erastus watches with something like indifference at the countryside around him and the beasts of burden in this rural house estate. He waits for the drivers to open the door as he steps out of the car, adjusting his coat and buttoning his fitted blazer. "Wait with the car." He dictates to the driver with a nod, always nice to make them feel appreciated. He walks over in purposeful strides to the front door of the Manor. If there is no servant there or appearing at his arrival he will knock thrice using the knocker.

There is a sounds inside of a chain being pulled back, before an elderly human servant in fine clothes looks through the gap. "Yes. Your business with the master of the house?"

Erastus raises a singular eye brow at the insolence of being asked a question by this old man. The grin that follows shows a little of an extended fang. "Tell your master, Oniferos calls on him." He rumbles. His eyes never leave the mortals. Dark and invading, his gaze unsettling to most, as if assessing them and scrutinising their every fibre.

There is a small click as the rest of the chain is released and the door opens to its full clearance. You;re invited into the main hall of the home. Two guards allow the servant to pass upstairs to continue his errand, but seem to be otherwise intending to block going upstairs (edited)

Erastus waits patiently hands clasped behind his back as he casually surveys the room, pacing the room looking at the decorations, paintings and other signs of oppulance. Whilst doing so he also takes time to note the armaments of the guards. Just in case, either way it will be good to have a knowledge of their capabilities for future reference.

The home is austere. It is large and well made. It is afforded privacy from the prying eyes of the city and anyone who might wander too close, but most of the wealth this family has seems to be going into the actual upkeep of the property as opposed to filling it with valuables. Still, it is comfortable enough. They do not live like savages. The guards have woven armor and handguns for inside the house, though you are sure if there was a serious incident detected heavier weapons could be found to contain the would-be problems.

22:30

These two are mortal. You have not seen any vampires on the property so far.

Erastus makes a mental note of everything, as is his want. After surveying the room he will wait quietly in the room happy enough to simply wait for the return of the servant. His face mirrors his body language, seemingly in a state of indifference, relaxed and serene.

The servant returns at the top of the stairs and signals you could come up after you've been waiting for about ten minutes. Security steps aside to allow you to pass

Erastus walks calmly up the stairs following the servant.

You're brought down a long hall with yellowed paint, and artwork showing the progression of the house over the many decades people have been living here. This was once a homestead. The office doors open as a vampric woman sits behind a large writing desk. She has allowed herself to continue aging to a point, taking on the appearance of a woman in her 60's though still sharp with a whipcord tension in her muscles. Her eyes are red tinged around the outsides as opposed to being entirely read. A chair is pushed outwards for you to sit down with a flick of telekinetic strength

17:16

"The wait was longer than anticipated. Had we been given notice the right records would have been pulled ahead of time"

Erastus greets the woman with a genuine smile, seeing some element of class in the woman's demeanour and presentation. Not as barbaric as first thought perhaps. He sits, noting the show of psychic powers. His eyes meet hers, her tinged red to his odd violet colour. A sign of his own power. "That is quite alright, Lady Holvell. I understand that you may know why I am here. But I think it best for me to state it in any case, just so that we are both on the same page." He reaches from within his blazers inside pocket and takes out a piece of folded parchment and an old style fountain pen laying them neatly on the table. "My name is Erastus, I come on behalf of my Master Octavian of the House Oniferos. I come bearing and offer of vasselage. Yours to ours. It is my Master's hope that you will accept this offer, I do however have some room to explain further if you may need it." He keeps his gaze on hers, unblinking and unwavering as he speaks. Though pauses giving her a chance to ask a question if she has any.

((Going to use Compelling Gaze in this scene too, by implanting the thought that accepting this offer (with caveats or other addendums if needs be) is what will return her house to providence))

17:41

(because I haven't explicitly stated the suggestion yet I believe she gets a mental save, just thought it might help negotiation out of the door.)

(she does get a mental save)

18:48

(Passes, 16 v 10)

18:49

"You've just told me you have further details and I have to ask you for them? You're asking a lot. I will have all of what you've been told to say before I consider anything"

"Well, the offer that has been put forward is simple enough. By joining under House Oniferos we can help put this house back on the road to providence, we can offer greater security and prosperity. My master seeks to bring order to a long starved people, the people of the blood for too long have squabble amongst themselves and it has brought about decedance in some and ruin in others. It seems you have survived out here, but to us, those that live eternal our lives should not just be to survive but to thrive." He sighs a little in a pause. "That is if you accept, the words my Master has instructed me to deliver are that if you deny. You shall forfeit everything. In short this is a choice between a prosperous life, or death."

She reaches for the paper you're offering to see if you'll let her take it. Much like this conversation has gone so far she wants to have all the information in front of her again.

Erastus let's her take it. The document itself is a contract, the calligraphy mirroring that of illuminated texts. It outlines the formal vasselisation of House Holvell to House Oniferos. In there would also be detailed the duties of both houses to come to each others aid and that by signing House Holvell pledges it's alligence to House Oniferos, upon punishment of erasure if the contract be broken. It has yet to be signed by either party but bears the seal of the House Oniferos at its bottom. (edited)

She laughs. "Is this some kind of joke? This paper is blank"

Erastus raises a brow. "Oh?" He looks pointedly at her then back at the table as if in direction to put the parchment back where it was before. (can I tell if she's attempting to deceive me in any way?)

(No its blank. YOU decided there were things on it)

19:36

The paper is entirely blank. There is not a single letter on it, nor is it sealed.

19:36

"This is some kind of sick joke of Octavian's? He doesn't even think highly enough of us to present actual terms? This offer is insulting to begin with"

Erastus let's out a mirth less chuckle. "It is for the contract to be written, a contract that I shall write under the terms we have discussed. He has presented his terms through me. The offer is a just enough one. Yes it may sting, but it is what it is. I believe in this conversation we are being honest with each other, so let us be honest. Your house has fallen into disrepair and relative obscurity. You sustain yourselves barely and fight with other houses over scraps. My master offers you a way to regain yourselves. I am his messenger. My word is my bond. The price of regaining that which you may have once had is servitude to something greater. A megere enough price considering what he is offering you and yours. This is no insult, but a chance. Take it at your pleasure or do not. But I would rather not have blood needlessly spilt, especially from those of the blood. So I urge you, please. Do not look this gift horse in the mouth, because it is for the best." His voice remains level throughout, his eyes never leaving hers. (compelling gaze again, this time she doesn't get a save as I've verbalise my suggestion that this is for the betterment of her house.)

"We didn't discuss anything. You came here, said surrender, and presented a blank piece of paper. This is an insult and an outrage. Your word means nothing to me. Get out, and tell Octavian I'd rather burn this home to the ground than let him have it"

Erastus sighs. Standing and taking the pen and sliding it back into the inside pocket of his blazer. "I see, I bid you goodnight my lady." He nods and leaves the room and the estate if not stopped. As he gets back into the car he takes out his compad messaging Octavian. Holvell refuses.

You can see he has read the message. He does not reply to it.

He checks the time the looks at the driver. "Take me to a reputable hotel in the area." The subtext plainly, one that is run by his kind.

There's nothing that those of the night run. The humans still outnumber you by thousands of fold over, and operating in the open like that is not something that any of the families have been willing to do. Octavian does own a club with some rooms in it for recouperation, and that is as close to safety outside the house as you'll find