hadriel | [Video]

[As they did in their initial recruitment video, Henry and Maketh stand side by side to address city guard business. This time, however, Henry's stance is that of a seasoned knight, poised to spring into action at the first indication of danger. There is a honed watchfulness in his gaze to match, and his expression is keenly focused. It is he who speaks first.]

We have every confidence that, in these perilous circumstances, every man and woman of the Guard is doing their part to assist our fellow inhabitants. Now it is time for us act under a shared banner. Let us unite our efforts, and through our combined efficiency and might, defend this city to greatest extent of our ability.

Report in. Spare not the details of your current location and undertaking.

Maketh will speak of our priorities henceforth.

[Maketh nods, expression somber. This will be the first time anyone in Hadriel has seen her wearing body-armor. She doesn't bother with pleasantries.]

The temples have been declared safe. We suggest congregating there and bringing as many supplies with you as possible. Given the circumstances, it would be wisest to wait out this storm. Save your strength for the next fight - and there will be another after this. In the meantime, go to the temples. The Guard will be doing what we can to make you all comfortable. Those of you who are able and willing, we would welcome your aid.

We will survive this. I have faith in all of you. Be safe.

[There is one final thing that Henry has to say, no less important than the rest.]

I would encourage anyone in need of our help to beseech it here. A ready member of the Guard shall take up your cause.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh, great. A new person. Maketh tries her best not to glare when she responds, though it's difficult.]

I see you are new to this situation, but it would best for everyone if we can proceed in a logical fashion. We do not know if firearms or blades will work on these monsters yet. There are a large number of them, and most are new. The sirens seem to be a warning system, though not one that we set in place. If you hear one, find shelter.

We do know who is behind it. The situation is being dealt with.

Dealt with?

[Someone has caught his breath. Now the camera gets the top half his face.]

So someone did this on purpose? And how are you dealing with it anyways? I'll send people to the safe places when I see them but I'm not ready to call it quits yet. If we don't know bullets work on these things I'm saving mine. Unless you got some stocked up somewhere? Am I that lucky? Who cares, just make sure the people I send in are safe and if you see me in trouble just stay out of it, I'm sure it won't be as bad as it looks.

[Yeah, there we go. Not suspicious at all.]

Oh and when this is done I'm going to want to actually talk to you guys! I may be out of my jurisdiction but if you're actually the law around here I could use some help. We'll call it a favor, okay?

[The look Maketh gives him is not particularly kind.]

If you wish to join the Guard, then you may do so and we will discuss it in person. As for your questions, we are focusing on survival right now. Judgements will be dealt later. Our supplies of ammunition are limited, as is everything else. Is that all?

No, but so long as you aren't executing people on the streets just yet I guess I'll let that go.

[There we go, a simple statement. Victor just seems agitated, and it doesn't seem like he's the type to make friends at the moment.]

I'm not joining anything right now but I'm not against working together. If you're really about survival then don't worry, I'll point people your way. Not like I can protect anyone out here anyways.

We don't go around torturing people for no reason. That would be Fear's hobby.

[It's very clear what Maketh thinks of the gods.]

We are. If we don't stand together, then we'll die. It's very simple.

[That gets Victor to finally pause and think before he speaks.]

Yeah, okay, that's the smart thing to do. You get everyone together and make sure they survive. After things calm down, then we'll talk. Until then don't waste people looking for me. I got a lot of things to figure out first.

[Not that she ever offered.]

Bye.

[Victor very pointedly taps the screen a few times before he figures out how to hang up.]