Thread: The Road to 5.0

If there's one thing people around these parts can count on, it's me thoroughly examining every shred of information related to Garlemald, especially when positive elements and nuances are downplayed...intentionally or otherwise.

Baut is responsible for Ala Ghiri's surrender:

As Brazen Brook tells it, a single man is responsible for the Alliance's effortless reclaiming of Ala Ghiri. The problem, however, is they are unable to bring this man in for inquiry. Afraid to speak more on the matter out in the open, he insists you speak with Baut, the person in question.

Baut is startled by your presence, but is soon relieved when you explain Brazen Brook sent you to help. The reason for his initial panic is made clear when he reveals that he is, in fact, a centurion of the Garlean forces. He ordered his men to retreat in lieu of a crushing defeat at the hands of the Alliance, but ran into an unexpected problem when attempting to turn himself in. To better explain his predicament, he insists you speak with the people of Ala Ghiri and hear what they have to say of him.

Source: https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Out_of_Sight_(Quest)

Originally Posted by Theodric

If there's one thing people around these parts can count on, it's me thoroughly examining every shred of information related to Garlemald, especially when positive elements and nuances are downplayed...intentionally or otherwise.

Yep, I can fully attest that this is a well known fact.

Sorry, I've been too busy wandering Kul Tiras and Zandalar as an itinerant to weigh in on much as of late (plus 10 hour shifts at work).

Anyway, in regards to Ascian machinations - the Alliance is, to a degree, playing along with their script (more accurately Elidibus' script), but given the Empire has sent one emissary of peace (who was a pretty obvious snake) and their own emissary (well, Doma's) was shot down on his way to parley... combined with the Empire's history of brazen aggression otherwise, what choice do they have but to engage in preemptive aggression? What choice is there other than aggression or annihilation?

Ultimately the problem faced by the Alliance is that the Ascians are essentially entropy incarnate, which means they're given a choice of damnations - play the Ascians' game or be steamrolled by the Empire. Given the current situation, while the former may lead to casualties on the Empire's side, those numbers will likely be lower than the casualties (Eorzean and Garlean) that would arise from an international war. I acknowledge it's not the most honorable way to "win," but letting the truth about Zenos' current condition out is the best option available because it could be the start of a reformation within the Empire - one that could lead to true peace, rather than cold war. (Remember that only we, the audience, and Varis are aware of Solus' true character, goals, and return to the stage.)

The fact that the Ascians feel the need to attack Eorzea, whether or not it's to specifically target the Warrior of Light, rather tells that they feel the WoL and Scions' handiwork is a threat to their goals. As far as we know there are no Ascian players in Eorzea (though there may be), so while opposing the Empire may work to the Ascians' favor not opposing it definitely will - and with the former there's at least a chance to live and fight another day.

It's not too dissimilar to the resolution of Fire Emblem Heroes' Book II - the Askrans can play along with Loki's obvious duplicity or be steamrolled by Surtr and Muspell. With the former, at least, they will live to fight another day and have a chance to break free of the script. The latter just leads to their death.

Baut is indeed responsible for Ala Ghiri's surrender (he was the acting magistrate), and the townspeople were unwilling to give him up because he forbade needless cruelty toward them which returned a sense of normalcy to their lives. However, the reason they were so unwilling to give him up is because they feared the Alliance would execute him - a result of Imperial propaganda claiming they execute all POWs (a verifiable lie). Brazen Brook (the Resistance officer who ultimately takes Baut into custody) dismisses this as nonsense, as he only wanted to ask questions about documents and supplies found in the town; the Alliance was made aware of how Baut had improved life in the town and Brazen Brook admitted they'd likely be lenient on him as a result (a full pardon could not be guaranteed, of course, though Baut is quickly let out on parole for good conduct).

Originally Posted by Remedi

That would imply that they have a echo blessed being in their custody, which we don't know.

Ample means might refers to the huge armies of Garlemand, we might be strong but an overwhelming force will kill us regardless

The first point is duly noted, however Solus still tells Varis that he's more than capable of personally dealing with the situation. Resonance or no, that implies he's either a warrior without peer (beyond even Zenos) or has some kind of enhancements. What those enhancements are, who knows.

The second point - Solus specifically says (might get this wrong - not jumping on just for a quote):

"Whether by your own hands or by your armies, you have ample means at your disposal (to deal with the Eorzeans and Warrior of Light)."

I accounted for the Imperial military, as did Solus.