1st ❄ Video

[illiegetimate]

[Onlookers are treated to the shaky camera work of none other than Haurchefant. There's a bit of jostling as he's attempting to figure out if it's working or not—technology is not his forte—but once the realization hits, he settles and the camera does as well.]

—Greetings, my friends!

[He seems pretty enthusiastic, which is a little strange considering where they are.]

I am Lord Haurchefant, however I realize that such a title holds little weight here.

Regardless, I come to you not as a lord, but as an equal, beseeching every last man and woman to hearken to me. We are but comrades suffering a similar fate, and as such we must come together.

[He gestures widely with his hands, a smile present on his features.]

We should foster camaraderie in a place so stricken with peril around every turn—we must find succor within the company of one another, and aid those who cannot aid themselves. Divided we will become nothing more than meager scraps for the fiends that skulk about in the shadows, mere marionettes for the will of these so-called gods; if we but can come together, and work in unity—we will be triumphant against such unfavorable odds.

What divine folly brought us here matters not, but what does is what we do together in this reprehensible situation we find ourselves in.

[With no small ounce of determination, he clenches his fist.]

I implore those who have combat prowess and skill to aid those who are not so fortunate, and for those who might yet hold interest in learning some modicum of self defense—I was a garrison commander from whence I hail, and to that end I am willing to teach those who are willing to learn.

We are all brothers and sisters suffering the same fate, and to that end we must assist one another, so that this burden does not crush us all beneath its arduous weight!

May Halone guide us all.

Comments

[cowed]

I don't recall saying anything to that effect

[ even if that was exactly what he was thinking. ]

But really
It's not discouraging?
And you expect this to work?

[illiegetimate]

sometimes ones question does well enough to imply what one might be thinking
to say it isnt discouraging to a point would be a lie however if every bump in the path would serve as a roadblock then how could one hope to get anywhere
i do indeed expect this to work but only if others are willing to cooperate and in that i have my utmost faith
no one wishes to be isolated and alone indefinitely
least of all when danger is skulking about every corner

[cowed]

Well
By taking a different road, probably
Maybe one less taxing.
Even if people want company
Doesn't this place lend itself well to suspicion?
Danger isn't exclusive to monsters in the darkness

[illiegetimate]

the easiest path does not always end at the destination you wish to arrive
well aware am i of the danger that could reside in our fellows but that does not mean i will forsake those who would not bring us harm because of it
a common enemy often forges the most unlikely of allies and even if some might be more villainous in virtue they may yet prove to be a stout ally when necessity calls for it

[It's not that he's downplaying what damage those people could potentially do, but he is hoping, perhaps a little foolishly, that the danger they are all facing may yet convince those people to not act out against their companions. Similar threats have forged such bonds back in Eorzea, so perhaps here it will ring true as well.]

[cowed]

A common enemy also inspires people to flock to his own banner
Especially when the odds seem to be poor

[ not that he'd know anything about that. ]

As it currently appears, we have little here but ourselves.
Your confidence lends your stated intent some credibility
But not much else.

[illiegetimate]

that is a truth i will not deny
but little are cowards rewarded for such fleeting loyalty like as not

your skepticism if anything is understandable but if we are to make this work then you may just have to learn to discard it
i am not asking for you to trust so blindly of course as that would be a folly all on its own
but perhaps allow for the benefit of the doubt

[cowed]

Well
That's a large allowance.
And how would you spend it?
Simply gathering and perhaps agreeing to play nice
Does not amount to much on its own.

[illiegetimate]

nay it is not so simple
we could teach those less skilled in martial practice how to fight and defend themselves
we could work in teams to scout around the perimeter of the city to find aught of interest or importance
mayhap even have a patrol to keep monsters at bay from those incapable of protecting themselves
those with stronger minds for academia and other such pursuits might be afforded the safety and comfort they need to unravel what mysteries we are hard pressed to solve that this realm yet offers us
together we can yet prevail and live as comfortably as such actions will afford us than standing divided

[cowed]

You haven't any friends here
Have you

[ after a pause, a second message comes through. ]

Sorry.
But I don't think it'd work out.
Best of luck and all
Maybe I'm wrong.

[illiegetimate]

ive not
at least none from whence i hail

very well
i wish you well my friend and should you find yourself second guessing you doubts and wishing to eventually aid in what may very well be our only means of hope in this dreadful place
you will not find yourself turned away