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Lord Joacin Charlemend Francel de Haillenarte, or simply Francel de Haillenarte is a non-playable character in Final Fantasy XIV. A noble of House Haillenarte of Ishgard, he is the youngest child of Count Baurendouin de Haillenarte.

History[]

As a child, he was protected by Haurchefant Greystone with nothing but a knife by assailants outside of a noble party in Ishgard. For Haurchefant's bravery, he was granted knighthood, and the two boys became close friends.[1]

In Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Francel insisted on a post in central Coerthas, hoping to avenge the death of his brother Chlodebaimt de Haillenarte in combat and service. The Ishgardian Inquisition accused Francel of heresy due to the discovery of a draconic rosary in his belongings. Due to increasing pressure from the authorities present in Camp Dragonhead, he could not aid the Warrior of Light in their search for the missing airship, Enterprise, but instead directed them to Lord Haurchefant, the lord of the settlement.

Haurchefant sent the Warrior of Light to aid Francel and his men when they were waylaid by Aevis near the Steel Vigil. After discovering the frozen corpse of an Inquisitor, as well as proof that the rosary was planted to frame Francel, Haurchefant and the Warrior of Light rescued Francel at Witchdrop before the false Inquisitor Guillaime could execute him.

FFXIV Ishgardian Restoration artwork

Francel with workers in Ishgardian Restoration official artwork.

Francel is chosen to oversee the Ishgardian Restoration project. Thanks to his influence, he exempted the Warrior of Light from a work permit. Francel shared their desire to make the Firmament a place of prosperity for all, but recognized that there was still a long way to go.

After the work in New Nest was complete, some Ishgardians resisted the idea of moving there out of concern it would be an undesirable part of the city for nobles, or otherwise hostile to poorer communities. Francel realized that the Firmament must become appealing for both wealthy and the commonfolk, to emphasize the changes in Ishgard's political structure. With the help of the Warrior of Light, they convinced a woman named Audaine and her daughter Noalle to move to the neighborhood. While the project continued, more people began to move into the houses popping up.

Francel asked the Warrior of Light to deliver missives addressed to various individuals with influence over Ishgard: Gibrillont, the owner of the Forgotten Knight; Ser Handeloup, second commander of the Knights of the Temple; and Elaisse, the master of the Ishgardian markets. Meanwhile, Francel personally delivered missives to each of the High Houses of Ishgard, seeking donations, manpower, and public support in the endeavor. He as well ventured into Eorzea to speak with merchants across the Alliance city states with Count Charlemend de Durendaire to attract new business opportunities to the growing Firmament markets.

FFXIV Francel clothes

Francel's new look.

With everything seemingly going well, Noalle appeared asking for help as her mother was taken by an inquisitor. Two dragons appeared at the entrance to Ishgard, and one of them, Marcelloix, declared that he was Audaine's husband. Francel intervened and volunteered to take Marcelloix and the dragonet, Ehll Tou, under his care. Francel informed the residents of the Firmament about the presence of his dragon guests even though he knew it was not welcome among many Ishgardians who were still recovering from the Dragonsong War. At the suggestion of Francel, Marcelloix won the trust of citizens and his family by making gifts and tools for them, to show that Draconian guests wished to help. As a form of thanks, Marcelloix presented Francel with a new set of clothes.

The restoration of the Firmament continued, and upon completing the final project, those who were working closely with Francel threw a celebration for him and the Warrior of Light before the public festivities. With music composed by Artoirel de Fortemps, Francel was surprised with a musical production before a crowd of familiar faces around Ishgard. With the Warrior of Light, Francel performed a piano duet as the finale and received a round of applause from all in attendance.

After receiving congratulations from Aymeric de Borel himself, Francel confided in the Warrior of Light that the project was a test of his own decision, wishing to fulfill the dreams of every Ishgardian lost to the war, especially Haurchefant. He asked the Warrior of Light if Haurchefant would be proud, and settled in to relax before the Firmament Fête began.

Characteristics[]

Appearance[]

Francel is a Wildwood Elezen with a youthful face. He has wheat-blond hair, dark blue eyes, and a silver Elezen ear clasp. He is first seen wearing a green feathered cap and a green-white bliaud with matching gaskins. He wears black gaiters with white socks and gloves.

After he gets his gift from the Draconic heretic Marcelloix, Francel wears a green and black Rainbow Justaucorps with plain white pants. He keeps his black gaiters, white gloves, and feathered green cap.

Personality[]

Francel earnestly wishes to impress and assist those he admires. He respects Haurchefant Greystone and the Warrior of Light for their courage and kindness, and tries to emulate them through gentle benevolence. He wants to better Ishgard for all kinds of people, and teaches others to put aside their differences to be the best they can be. Francel loves and is loved by his siblings, Stephanivien and Laniaitte, though they often dote on him as if he was still a young boy.

Behind the scenes[]

After Haurchefant's death, if the player visits the northwesternmost point of Coerthas Central Highlands west to Providence Point, they will see Francel approach Haurchefant's grave to pay his respects. If the player is close to him when he approaches, he will say he imagines Haurchefant would be happy they still visit. He will appear in his new outfit from the Firmament development if the player has progressed far enough in the Firmament storyline.

Gallery[]

Citations[]

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