Quote Originally Posted by Belhi View Post
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Right, but there's also strong lore to support the idea that Eorzeans have done similar things. Garlemald's expansion is a very recent thing...and as far as atrocities go such things are a fairly standard and grim consequence of war. It is highly likely that Eorzean forces do the same things given the same opportunities. Ishgard went to war over a lie that lasted a thousand years. Anyone who spoke up in that time against the status quo was murdered. We know from what our character uncovered that it wasn't an isolated affair - so the body count of innocents over that time period is no doubt substantial.

Ul'dah was also built on a lie as well given the situation involving Sil'dah. In short, Eorzea is no stranger to dark and twisted actions. Ul'dah and Ishgard are the most prominent, though Ala Mhigo isn't perfect and Gridania/Limsa have their flaws as well. I'm not saying that Garlemald is perfect - but if we can ignore all the bad stuff that the Ishgardians have done then I see no issue giving the Garleans the benefit of the doubt as well. They can't all be bad after all.

I hate to use the comparison but...war time atrocities happen in pretty much every conflict ever - even in the real world. The 'victors' or 'defenders' simply like to paint themselves as 'better' even if that isn't necessarily the case.