Chapter 1
The Meager
The Hokuten Knights must deal with a regional conflict
in the form of the Death Corps, formerly the Death Knights,
a volunteer army of commoners active during the Fifty Year War.
The Death Corps are essentially a semi-organized backlash
against the Gallionne aristocracy. The Death Corps' ranks are
mainly comprised of Fifty Year War veterans disillusioned by the
ruling power's lack of sympathy for the commoners' plight.
Sister of Prince Larg, Queen Ruvelia is the acting ruler
in place of a terminally ill Omdolia.
The Death Corps has its own internal issues. Some of
its members, such as Gustav Margueriff, are weary of the
idealistic beliefs Wiegraf Folles, leader of the Death
Corps, touts. Wiegraf asserts that reform of the current
class system is underway. Others are more skeptical.
Marquis Mesdoram Elmdor of Limberry might have traveled to
Igros to participate in negotiations with Larg.
However, since Elmdor hails from Limberry, Goltana's
"territory," he represents a threat to Larg's bid to become
guardian of Orinas, who will be the successor to the throne
following Omdolia's imminent death. This despite the fact that
Larg's position is all but secured as long as Ruvelia remains
in power.
Dycedarg and Larg convince Gustav, a Hokuten Knight during the
Fifty Year War, to conduct the kidnapping of Elmdor. Their
intention is to have Elmdor killed. The kidnapping also gives
the Hokuten additional license to focus their energies toward
eliminating the Death Corps.
Both want to know who their allies are. But, it's hard to read
strangers' minds. So, why not kill 'em all and bring in your
own people?
- Wiegraf, referring to Larg and Goltana
A desperate Gustav apparently loses control of the
situation. Ramza unknowingly goes against Dycedarg's wishes
by saving Elmdor, but Larg recognizes that saving the Marquis
will give him more leverage in the Ivalice parliament.
Gustav was never much of a soldier. Besides, [Ramza] did
save the Marquis' life. They must accept our demands.
- Larg, to Dycedarg