House
de Aubemarle

White Earth

Aubemarle

Current head: Viscount Oudine de AubemarleOther Members:
Dowager Viscountess Philomene Léto de Aubemarle née Repoux
Lord Remont de AubemarleMotto: Ne cede malis | Yield not to misfortuneCoat of Arms: Per pale vert, a column Or, four crescents conjoined in a cross at the points, three argent.

HistoryThe viscountcy of Aubemarle originated through an ancestor in House Faurechort, ennobled after the union of the latter to House Dzemael. Family legend says an ancestor had been awarded a parcel of land surrounding a particularly rich marl lake – hence their name – but the Calamity has rendered that moot. Nonetheless, ever since then, there have always been Aubemarles in Ishgard. Its current head, Oudine, inherited the title after the death of the late Viscount Vouloix, and abdication of her fraternal twin brother, Remont.The house is neither martial nor magic, focusing on shoring up defenses around Ishgard during the long war, supporting troops with supplies, weaponry and finances. The Observatorium's astrologians and their efforts to track the movement of dragons too has seen Aubemarle backing. In the aftermath of the truce between Ishgard and Dravania, Aubemarle officially stands with the Lord Speaker and those who seek reformation of their city.In its heyday, and before the closing of Ishgard's gates, House Aubemarle was known to be a host extraordinaire of gatherings and parties, as Viscount Vouloix was one of the rare Ishgardians who welcomed and befriended strangers to their city. The days of hosting ended with his passing, but his children continue his legacy of hospitality to newcomers.Recently, Viscount Oudine and Lord Remont jointly run Marlstone, a Chocobo ranch in Tailfeather, with its headquarters in Ishgard. Having found reliable hunters and trainers in Dravania, Marlstone has managed to stabilise Aubemarle's discreet but shaky financial footing since Vouloix's death. After about five years of establishing itself, it looks forward to (moderate) profitability and (a very) slow, considered expansion (even if the Dowager Viscountess is adamant in pretending their family hasn't dipped their hands in anything as crude as business).

ConnectionsHouse de Losstarot: distant relatives recently reinstated to Ishgardian highborn society
Etoile Wintour: fashion designer and proprietor of Etoilier, a fashion house in Ishgard
House Vaillant: Cousins via Baroness Symonne de Vaillant née Aubemarle (NPC)
House de Hellyes: Cousins via Lady Perette de Hellyes née Aubemarle (NPC)

Additionally, House Aubemarle would not be standing without the dedication of its staff, both above and below stairs (NPCs)

• Family Members

Star Bright

Philomene

Name: Philomene Léto de Aubemarle
Title: Dowager Viscountess
Age: 60
Race: Ishgardian Elezen
Faith: Worship of Halone the Fury
Languages: Old Ishgardian, Common
Often found in: Ishgard (The Pillars)
Relationship status: Widowed
Most notable features: Sharp dark brown eyes, very pale blonde-almost white hair
Pets: None
Weaponry: Her words*The Dowager Viscountess is a sharp and exacting woman, demanding things be precisely carried out according to the changeable, unpredictable standards that only she is privy to. She is distinctly unafraid of making her opinions known in any given circumstance, though whether they're wrapped in silk or steel is wholly at her whims. Unfortunately, not even her children can really say what will be approved and what won't.There are a few things which she’s consistent about: while she acknowledges the High Houses which sit atop the social strata of the city, the Dowager staunchly upholds her own duties and dignity as a member of Ishgardian high society, with emphasis on Ishgardian. Age, loss and grief may have mellowed her by some degrees, but old habits die hard; foreigners to the city will find her even more flinty and icy than their Ishgardian counterparts.Yet, another constant is her adherence to Ishgardian values, which means she has respect for courage and fortitude. So if one successfully pushes back in spite of herself, she will recognise such tenacity, and occasionally be convinced into approval. Winning the Dowager Viscountess over carries not-insignificant weight, socially and financially if needed. And there is no one to whom she is a greater ally than her children. Though Oudine and Remont often have to bear her irrepressible nagging to settle down, woe betide anyone who would dare to hurt them in any capacity. She's also protective of those who have earned their place in the Aubemarle house, and doesn't stand for any abuse of their persons, lowborn or no, and strangely, Ishgardian or no (we mentioned unpredictable, did we not?)Gposes of the Dowager kindly taken by the inimitable set2zero

Moon Daughter

Oudine

Name: Oudine de Aubemarle [ooh-deen]
Title: Viscount
Age: 27
Race: Ishgardian Elezen
Faith: Worship of Halone the Fury & Menphina the Lover
Languages: Old Ishgardian, Common
Often found in: Ishgard, Coerthas
Relationship status: Single, not actively looking
Most notable feature: Light grey eyes (passes for light blue in many lights; she's irrationally annoyed by this)
Pets: Salt [Rouncey Chocobo], Olive [Owlet]
Weaponry: Carbine (but only under duress) [OOC: WHM main]*Calm, polite (sometimes to a fault), and hospitable, Oudine doesn't shy away from conversation with strangers, Ishgardian or otherwise, highborn or low. Since she was born and bred in Ishgard, most of her knowledge of other parts of the world is gained through books, maps and conversations with others who are more well-travelled, hence her natural curiosity about others. Even after the re-opening of the city gates, circumstances required her constant presence within Ishgard. Her first trips beyond its borders, even to closer neighbours like Gridania and Dravania, only occurred in her twenty seventh year. It's only increased her desire to see other places on Hydaelyn for herself.This, and her general amiability, is tempered by caution all her own. She is especially careful and collected within Ishgardian highborn circles, whether in a ballroom, at business meetings, or in the House of Lords (not that they particularly need any more raised voices in that hall, Fury save them). Having apprenticed under the guidance of Viscount Vouloix, Oudine plays the Grand Game all its noble inhabitants do with sealed lips and watchful eyes.As the head of traditionally diplomatic Aubemarle, she wields no magic or weaponry, though she has been training at the Skysteel Manufactory. With no natural talent or innate aptitude for the machinist's arms, it will take patience and persistence to master it. Thankfully, Oudine has both.

Sun Child

Remont

Name: Remont de Aubemarle [reh-mon]
Title: Lord
Age: 27
Race: Ishgardian Elezen
Faith: Worship of Halone the Fury & Menphina the Lover
Languages: Old Ishgardian, Common, some Draconic
Often found in: Tailfeather, Ishgard
Relationship status: Single, not looking for anything serious or long-term
Most notable feature: Bright chestnut-coloured hair
Pets: Philippin (Pin) [Rouncey Chocobo]
Weaponry: Astrologian arms, bow & arrow, rapier [OOC: RDM main]*Warm, jovial and more outspoken than his twin, Remont grew up knowing two things: he was expected to be Viscount at some point, and that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with that life. He left that responsibility to his sister while he spent his youth getting in and out of trouble, being in all the places young highborn nobles shouldn't be (in and out of Ishgard), and at last resort, having to be extricated by his family. It took his father's death, and mother's deep onset of grief, to finally become awake to his responsibilities as an Aubemarle, if not its head.Out of loyalty, guilt and desperation, he followed his sister's instructions and travelled to Dravania to see if they could find an answer to their financial straits after Vouloix's death. There, in the Chocobo Forests, Remont finally found a productive channel for his natural vivacity and energy. His laidback charm and the twins' joint resources succeeded in convincing a group of hunters to work with him in setting up the Marlstone ranch.From his new colleagues, and the various injuries in the process, Remont quickly learned how to rope, ride and race Chocobos. While he can use a bow and arrow, and a rapier with some decency, he much prefers to talk his way out of trouble rather than fight. Or flirt, if that's what it takes, though he wouldn't call it a hardship. Of late, he's been pursuing the study of astromancy, spending long hours at the Observatorium in between his duties to Marlstone and obligations that take him more frequently into Ul'dah. The soul stone he inherited, and keeps on his person at all times, helps to ensure his studies are paying off slowly but surely.

• Hooks

Speak Friend

Hooks

The late Viscount: Older characters may have known Viscount Vouloix and Viscountess Philomene when the former was alive and actively hosting gatherings. Maybe they were in the same clubs, met at the Proving Grounds, worked together to support Ishgard's troops from behind the scenes. Viscount Vouloix was always ready to welcome a new face anywhere.The Dowager: If she's offended you at a particular highborn event, and chances are she has, either of her children would be open to listening to your grievances.Marlstone: If you happen to specialise in Chocobos - breeding, hunting, animal-focused medical care - Marlstone could probably use your services/partnership, whether in Tailfeather or Ishgard. Its HQ also could use a security guard or two, if you don't mind a slightly boring dayjob and smelling of Chocobos. Speaking of...Chocobos: The twins love their 'bos, and 'bos in general; they certainly make no secret of it. Remont has more practical experience in roping, ranching and racing, but both have been raised around the birds their whole lives - not a thing you escape with a father who was equally Chocobo-mad. If you want a way into conversation with either of them, this is a shoo-in.Aubemarle Manor: Anyone seeking employment as a maid or footman could write to Mrs Marinterre, the housekeeper, to inquire about the position. (Ishgardians have an advantage, because. Well. The Dowager has... opinions. Though they did hire a Keeper from the Shroud so... try your luck anyway? The Aubemarles take very good care of their staff once the hiring is done.)Charity work: If you have a charitable concern in the Brume which needs financial aid or could use a noble patron, do write to Viscount Oudine, care of Marlstone, to seek her patronage. Or you could try writing to Mrs Marinterre asking the Dowager Viscountess for help, even if she is... rather spiky. Who knows?Moon-touched: A minor priestess of Menphina, and granddaughter of the matriarch of the Bajhiri clan, is moonlighting as a maid in the manor. If there's another Keeper seeking her out, she still hasn't shed her nocturnal ways, doing her household duties by lamplight. You could tap on the backdoor and ask for Yisa.

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