video; un: ozymandias

[fulgency]

Name: Ozymandias
Date: 2.8
Format: Video

[Ozymandias really only seems to use the network when he has an announcement of some sort to make and this is no exception. Although this time rather than being seated in his personal study, some may recognize that Ozymandias is seated in the Mirrorbound Council's office in the Parliament building. His smile, as always, is radiant. While not exactly fidgeting, it's quite apparent that Ozymandias has a spark of energy to him today. Before he even speaks, it can easily be understood that his announcement is a happy one.]

I have tremendous news to share with all of you.

As I am sure many of you are aware, the living conditions in the western portion of the Residential District are poorer than most. [Ozymandias moves his hand over the top of the desk in front of him. As he speaks, a miniature version of the Residential District is conjured as it stands currently sans the piles of snow that have been dropped on the city as of late. Even at this smaller scale, it's plain to see how many of the buildings are on their last legs or, at the very least, are more than a fixer-upper.] There are far more citizens than there is suitable housing. Those that live here struggle against the elements, and protecting themselves and their property.

Although some of these challenges predate any of us, we Mirrorbound must admit that we have contributed to those conditions through the creation of the Haven. [Ozymandias looks up from the model he's created as the last of its magic weaves itself together.] Therefore, Emperor Edelgard von Hresvelg and I felt that something ought to be done to provide for those displaced. Thus, for several months, through our observations and speaking with locals, potential properties have been identified as being the least disruptive to those that live in the area.

[With a gesture of his hand, a few of the buildings adopt a faint golden glow.]

I am pleased to say that through my continued efforts, and those of Emperor Edelgard's ward, Leslie, and Myrobalan, we have successfully passed a motion through Parliament to secure funding for this project. In time, we shall construct subsidized apartment buildings, [which one morphs into existence from one of the selected properties with another motion of his hand, the building rising higher and taller than the rest] with those we shall temporarily displace being first in line to occupy the units.

There shall be a great deal to do before this is fully realized. And so, I come seeking your aid and cooperation in this endeavor.

Aside from the obvious assistance required in removing any existing structures and constructing their replacements, this project will, unfortunately, result in another displacement for those currently making do. Although it shall be a temporary one compared to the last, it is one we must take responsibility for all the same. I have some potential solutions in mind, but I should like to hear from others their own thoughts. Particularly if there are some among you willing to spearhead that portion of this project, as I shall likely find myself busy with other matters associated with it.

And of course, those of you merely interested in working with your hands are always free to let me know that I may call upon you.

All who contribute to this project shall be appropriately compensated.

[Ozymandias waves his hand and dispels the conjuration. The small district dissipates into translucent smoke before fading completely from view.]

We have some time to think this through and organize ourselves, but let us not waste a second.

((ooc: feel free to use this as a discussion post! you can consider this to be basically an ic open forum to discuss the project, including making suggestions or even speaking dissent if that's the case. threadjack to your heart's content if it strikes your fancy. ozy will answer questions and he will follow the threads of conversation, but he may not respond to everything.))

Comments

[fulgency]

So long as the budget is managed appropriately. There is a safety net, of course, but even that shall have its limits.

[worldcleansing]

That's why it's so important to find the most efficient combination of teams and why the Mirrorbound have such an advantage. Every day you have to house the people you're displacing, it's going to cost money, even if you have some volunteers who are willing to house them. With the right skillsets, with what you'll save in time, there's a possibility it will help you come in under budget. Either way, I assume you have labors costs, which is what the tasks will effectively be.

[fulgency]

It is clear that you do not know who I am if you think I would not consider such things when overseeing the drafting of the budget.

I recognize that currency as it is exists in this place was not a factor during my reign, but I know the importance of compensating those who bring my great works to fruition.

[If one overlooks the whole Moses thing. ANYWAY.]

All who take on a task associated with this project will be paid appropriately to their skill and contributions as I already said. I would not have myself described as unjust or unfair in that regard.

As far as the living expenses of those that will be temporarily displaced, that is where I have some ideas for managing this situation. There are other solutions beyond merely housing them ourselves, though I do believe this would be the most charitable and selfless of options.

For example, I have a connection with someone in the farmlands that could provide an avenue for shelter and temporary work. But that removes the burden from us and places it upon those in the farmlands. It would be wise of us to consider how we, Mirrorbound, may contribute under that circumstance.

[worldcleansing]

It's true that I don't know who you are, nor do you know who I am. If you're frequently undertaking things as large as this, I'm sure that would have changed soon. Since I don't know you, I can only make assumptions from your post. You sound confident and well-read. If you didn't have some kind of proof you'd be capable, the Parliament wouldn't take a chance on something of this skill. If I didn't have some confidence in that, I wouldn't think my thoughts on the matter would help.

My current home is too small to house anyone and while I do have some skill in carpentry, my ability to organize is even better. So, the advice I'm offering is my way of helping the project.

[fulgency]

Ha! Your assumptions are correct, but they paint a meager portion of the picture. I am Pharaoh Ozymandias, the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the King of Kings and of Construction! Just as with all my great works, this project, too, shall stand the test of time as it restores balance to this city.

If you are able to offer a concrete plan that bests what has already been laid out regarding the budget, I welcome it, and you shall be compensated accordingly. But if you would like something a bit smaller in scale and still important to the regular operations, I will have need of foremen.

[Smaller in scale, but steadier in terms of work and, more importantly for the pharaoh, would allow Ozymandias to keep that sort of skill longer term. Overhauling the budget, if done successfully, is likely a one-time pay-out and potentially nothing further in terms of skill.]

[worldcleansing]

[ Pharoah Ozymandias. That's certainly interesting. Light is Japanese and isn't versed in the Greek names for Egyptian Pharaohs, but he can certainly recognize why a King of Construction would be more than useful for this. ]

A King of Construction? That's the best-case scenario for a job like this.

More than just offering my input for the budget, I can be useful in organizing the volunteers and making the best use of all the resources, which fits the idea of foreman. The more I know of the overall plan, the more help I can be.

[fulgency]

Very well.

Stop by the Council's office in the Parliament building sometime this week. I will go over the budget with you in detail. You may view it for as long as you like within the office, and you may present your recommendations when you feel ready.

Impress me and you will secure your position.

[worldcleansing]

While I think it's the best use of my talents, my goal is to help the project more than to earn a particular position. I haven't been in this world for a very long time, and I don't know how long I'll stay. None of us do. In spite of that, it's currently my world and that means taking some responsibility for it.

[fulgency]

Take care to not allow your ambitions for the future to cloud your vision of what is in front of you presently.

[He was probably not asking for this life advice, but he received it anyway.]

[worldcleansing]

This project is what's in front of me presently. I'm curious. What do you think my ambitions are?

[fulgency]

Do you not consider them already plainly stated?

[worldcleansing]

You know about my hopes for this project, but you mention things for the future beyond it. I'm just curious what you inferred through it.

[fulgency]

You said you had a responsibility to this world so lnog as you are within it, did you not?

[worldcleansing]

I did. That means doing what I can where I can. Today, that means helping with this project. In the future, it might mean something smaller. I do have other ambitions that aren't related.

[fulgency]

How boring...

In any case, I shall look forward to hearing your ideas. Hopefully I shall not be disappointed by the results.