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

[getting_better]

Given your achievements, I suppose I should have expected that. Though, and I'm just assuming, getting this motion passed must have taken a lot of time of time and effort. The opposition must have been fierce, or perhaps the constraints quite severe.

[fulgency]

I will admit, the opposition was not quite as fierce as you might expect. But that is without a doubt because of the efforts that went into this motion prior to its presentation to Parliament. After all, if you are capable of predicting your opposition's movements with accuracy, it makes for a far quicker battle.

I have placed enough motions forward at Parliament now that I believe patterns have begun to emerge. This form of government that was once foreign to me has easily become part of my domain in that regard.

[getting_better]

Just another reason to be in awe of you, your majesty.

Still, that is a lot of building materials and money moving around during such a tumultuous time, what with the kidnappings and such. Even if the project doesn't begin now, now that knowledge of it is out I'm sure there will be some unsavory individuals lurking around, that is assuming that the impoverished themselves won't cause a ruckus.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm all for this project but, I just thought to voice my concerns on the matter. Though, I have a feeling you would have already considered these possibilities.

[fulgency]

They are understandable concerns. However, we cannot yield to individuals or groups like that. That is simply giving them exactly what they seek.

[getting_better]

Most certainly, and I do hope that you'll never have to be in that position.

All I'm saying is that it would be prudent to have some eyes and ears around at all times. Keep track of the whispers of the affected populace, see how they take to the project, listen out for the opinions they won't say in public. That sort of thing.

I, unfortunately, have a lot of first hand experience with these things and sadly, a lot of goodwill and promises of a better life are met with skepticism if not out right disdain.

[fulgency]

I understand where your concerns arise from, but I would like to refrain from being too reactive toward recent events. For there to suddenly be a constant presence like that within their neighborhoods could be perhaps even more threatening to them. I would not fault them for thinking of us as invaders with ill-intent at that point regardless of the goodwill we have developed with the garden and discussions of this project.

Thus, while it is wise for something to be in place at night after work for the day has come to its conclusion, it is best that we otherwise rely upon the City Guard until the need for it is identified.

And even then, I would hesitate to take that step before considering alternatives. This is as much a delicate exercise in diplomacy as it is anything else. I would not want to provide anything that could be misconstrued as aggression unless it were absolutely necessary.

[getting_better]

Then perhaps more subtle approaches? Quiet but vigilant watchers. Unseen, unheard, and careful in their movement and actions. You don't even need a lot, just a small controlled group. Maybe two or three that know how to keep their eyes open and lips shut.

[fulgency]

If such discretion is possible, I do think it could be of some benefit for overnight when no one else would be present. I would like to hope that the large numbers during the day would serve as a natural deterrant.

Do you have anyone in mind for this task?

[getting_better]

I can offer my aid. I'm a trained scout when I was in the military, now I'm for hire you could say. I could keep going with my resume but I'd rather not give away all my tricks, as I'm sure you can appreciate.

[fulgency]

Well, you would certainly remove yourself from the pool of candidates if you were to do that.

[getting_better]

Very true, and since I have an idea of what should get done I'm not going to proverbially shoot myself in the foot. I can get started immediately, unless there's something or someone else I should know or wanted to discuss.

[ Like people or organizations he should keep a watch for if they so much as look in the building projects general direction. ]