Who is Marquis Ondore?
Marquis Ondore is a character in the Playstation 2 game, Final Fantasy
XII. Despite not making many appearances, he is technically one of the
main characters of the game, narrating the story from start to finish
through his memoirs.
The Marquis rules the sky city of Bhujerba, hand picking the Parijanah
- or guides - and maintaining the mining of Bhujerba's main (only?) export,
Magicite. Bhurjerba has not been invaded or taken over by the Archadian
Empire, and the Marquis works very hard to maintain a neutral Bhujerba,
at least in appearance.
When you first encounter the Marquis in person, it appears that he is
in league with the Empire - he is guiding the Archadian judge, Ghis, through
the Lhusu Mines and supplies the Empire with magicite - probably maintaining
such levels of trade in order to protect his city. He was the man responsible
for announcing Ashe's suicide as well as the treachery and resulting execution
of Basch.
However, it is later revealed that this is merely a front in order to
maintain peace - or at least neutrality - between Bhujerba and the Empire.
The Marquis in fact aids (or leads?!) the Resistance forces; providing
money, funding and picking the Parijanah (guides who report back to him)
as well as commanding the Resistance fleet towards the end of the game.
Why does he turn you in?
On your first meeting with the Marquis, he does indeed turn you over
to Judge Ghis upon the Leviathan. However, this isn't as cold as it seems,
nor is it wholly an act of self-preservation.
Knowing that the Marquis supports the Resistance forces, Basch begins
by asking for the Marquis' aid in rescuing a Resistance leader called
'Amalia'. The tone of Ondore's reply indicates that he knows full well
who 'Amalia' is:
"This 'Amalia'... She must be very important."
After interruptions on an entirely unrelated matter by Vaan, The Marquis comments rather cryptically with:
"Captain Basch - surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you? Why indeed, you should find the enemy's chains an easy burden to bear."
Basch appears shocked at first, but the two then exchange a glance before
Balthier calls on Basch to "wait!".
Apologising to Balthier, Basch draws his sword on the Marquis who then
summons the guards. The party is arrested and sent to Judge Ghis, on the
Leviathan.
This demonstrates an unspoken understanding between the Marquis and Basch
- though neither speak the words openly, each understands the other's
position. Basch wants to rescue Ashe, but the Marquis cannot be seen to
aid a traitor, particularly as he is already suspected - by Gabranth -
to be funding the Resistance:
"We have found the counter-Imperial elements in Bhujerba to be conspicuously well-funded. No doubt Marquis Ondore is behind this. Ondore must be reined in."It is impossible for the Marquis to openly aid Basch, or anyone who appears to be from the Resistance. When he sends your party to Ghis, he accomplishes two things - the first is to send Basch to Ashe, and the second is to maintain his apparent obedience to the Empire, maintaining the safety of himself and Bhujerba.
It becomes even more obvious when you encounter Vossler on the Leviathan! "The Marquis has been busy" exclaims Basch, implying/explaining that Vossler has been sent there by/gained access to the ship with the help of the Marquis in order to aid you - or at the very least, Ashe!
That is because he loves you and is awesome ... <3
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