EVENT ▸ EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE

[futurologists]

EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE The royalty of Guild Ophelia has managed to hold an audience with Empress Nama of the Celestial Mountains, urging her to meet with the Empress of the Crashing Wave in the interest of finding an accord between their clans. In return, Nama requests that Ophelia take two letters to the Crashing Wave's court, where, as foreigners, they should be received better than any of her own people. The Empire of the Crashing Wave is a week's travel by foot from the Land of Celestial Mountains, through the forests and farms of the Flowerlands. There is no visible indication that this universe was once two, with even the road leading through the Flowerlands heading seamlessly toward the sea. The farms and villages in the outskirts of the Empire of the Crashing Wave are decorated in seashells and motifs of the sea, and the closer one gets to the city, the stronger the scent of the ocean becomes. Once the city proper is reached, Ophelia's magitek projects words in front of their eyes that only they can see: Location reached: » EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE A progressive society that values innovation. Main sources of income: fishing, pearl diving, jewelry crafting, shipbuilding. Politically matriarchal; socially egalitarian. Empress YOUMI resides at the PEACEFUL TIDE. No events scheduled. You may wish to survey the surrounding area. The city is built right on the ocean's edge, with some parts of it even jutting out into the sea on bridges and piers. The castle, Peaceful Tide, is built high above the rest; guards will stop anyone at the gates and, if shown the correspondence from Empress Nama, will deliver the letters directly to Empress Youmi. Attempts to seek an audience with Youmi will be rebuffed for the time being, so you may as well take in the sights... ▸ A PROMISING DEVELOPMENT Unlike the Land of Celestial Mountains, men may move freely here, the matriarchal rules of the land only extending to politics. Men and women work alongside each other in all sections of the city, nobles and commoners alike, and even the guards have men among their ranks. In the Artisan District, potters, musicians, and artists line the streets and sell their wares, work, or discuss their craft with each other. Closer to the Beach, there is a boardwalk where young couples stroll alongside grandparents chasing after their grandchildren, electric lamps bathing the wooden planks in a warm glow at night. Fishermen haul in their daily catch in buckets and nets, trailed by a gaggle of hopeful cats. Beachcombers and pearl divers populate the beach as well, making it a clear place for work instead of play. A few days after Ophelia's arrival in sea clan territory, a bell rings loudly in the late afternoon, drawing citizens toward the castle. Guards stop anyone from getting too close, though the populace seems to know what to expect -- soon, a beautiful woman in an elaborate blue kimono appears in an upper balcony. When viewing the woman, Ophelia's magitek will tell them: » EMPRESS YOUMI Leader of the EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE. 30 years old. SPECIES: Human. MEDICAL CONCERNS: Lactose intolerant. The crowd cheers at Youmi's arrival, only quieting once she raises her hand. She speaks clearly and confidently, her voice carrying easily across the assembly. "I have received a letter from Her Imperial Majesty Nama of the Land of Celestial Mountains. She informs me that their spring festival was interrupted by an attack from our own people, working without my knowledge or consent," Youmi begins, holding her hand up again when a displeased rumble begins to ripple through the crowd. It's unclear if they're perturbed by the ambush or by Nama herself. Once all is silent again, she continues. "She has detained the criminals, for that is what they are, and assures me she will not bring this to the battlefield. I will send her an agreement to the terms, but hear this: any who escalate this further will be slain by my order. I have spoken. The spirits of the sea watch over us all." Youmi then retreats back into the castle. While some citizens cheer their empress's decree, others mutter unhappily amongst themselves as they disperse and go about their business. ▸ BUT TROUBLE CONTINUES The rest of the day following Youmi's decree goes by without incident, leaving time for Ophelia to stop by the sake breweries near the sea or travel back through the forests of the Flowerlands for hunting, hot springs, or simply enjoying the nature of Hanabira. With war averted and the empresses in communication, it seems as though Ophelia's time in this universe will draw to a close soon. As the sun sinks down, finding a place to sleep might be a good idea. There are hotels in the city, but for those who are trying to be a little more frugal, the Flowerlands is a good place to set up camp for free. Doro, the Lord of the Flowerlands, has heard of Ophelia's efforts in starting communication between the empresses as well, and offers rooms in his castle in thanks; if war were to start between the two, his land would suffer for it. During the night, those who accept Doro's invitation will hear a commotion very nearby, steel clashing against steel. Doro and his daughters rush out, weapons drawn, and straight into a skirmish between sea and mountain clan ronin. The warriors are fighting to kill, and in their fervor, someone's fire arrow alights a farmhouse on Doro's property. The farmers need to be rescued and the fire put out, and while the warriors will likely kill each other, they could also be subdued to prevent further damage. Please let the mods know with a link to the thread if your character is killing or capturing any of the ronin. After the skirmish, Doro must be brought back inside his castle, having been wounded during the battle. He pleads with Ophelia to continue to help, as it looks like a tentative truce by the empresses is not enough to calm the citizens. Since they were so successful in receiving an audience with Nama, he believes they can propose a way the two empires can live in harmony. Throughout the next two weeks, skirmishes between the clans are peppered throughout the Flowerlands, some leaving bodies behind and some leaving damage to farms and forest. It looks like Ophelia's peacekeeping mission just became a lot more hands-on: keep the skirmishes from getting out of control while still working toward a way to end the conflict once and for all. ▸ OOC NOTES This log will last for two IC weeks: the first three days will be free exploration, and day four is Youmi's proclamation and the skirmish in the Flowerlands. Your characters are free to explore for the next ten days, during which further skirmishes will occur. If you have questions about this log or the overall mission, please ask them on the dossier. Questions about Futurology in general should be directed to the FAQ. ▸ Coming next log: Peace proposals! Get your brainstorming started now. ▸ Activity Check is due on 5 February 23:59 UTC. We do not accept late submissions, so make sure you fill it out! ▸ Uniform Design Contest is open! Submissions are due 28 February 23:59 UTC. Gamewide voting will be in March. ▸ Bounty Board ▸ Items Page ▸ Exploration Group Planning ▸ General Plotting ▸ February Calendar

Comments

[grunehexe]

I always plan ahead, Ahad.

[Said with a puff of pride and... a... wink? Before she raises the glass in toast and remembers how foul it smells. Yuck...]

... I shall take it.

[Because bismuth solution might prevent her from throwing things up after they've hit her stomach... but they don't do anything to save her mouth from the disgusting flavor, shooting the drink back...

And promptly slapping a hand over her mouth to stop herself from spitting it out, swallowing as quickly as she could with a repressed gag.]

[boxedcrook]

[all right, fucking naraku, settle down over here]

So they're just vigilantes running around trying to start trouble? [But he's not a complete fool. His eyes narrow just a bit.] How'd you "discover" this stuff anyway?

[sololoquy]

In a manner of speaking. Star Destroyers are less of a colony, and more like barracks. They are designed for extended spacefaring and military engagement.

[Lucina is not the first he has had to describe spacefaring too — he is certain she will not be the last. There are several people from home who would be incredibly impressed with how patient ALASTAIR had made him.]

[grunehexe]

You are? - Of your own world's kind, or of the "Sentinel" class.

[Sieglinde had meant to study the files they had been provided, but the temptation of private science projects had proved too strong, and her focus had shifted priorities.]

I am sure quite a few people will now run about calling themselves healers because of Hathaway's powers, but there are not so many who possessed such talents before their recruitment.

[/slightly elitist? y]

[grunehexe]

Of course I have- !

[Almost... constantly, really, ever since she had assumed the mantle of Green Witch and had her feet bound... for the first three missions with ALASTAIR, even, until she couldn't stand the burden she was any longer and had them unbound and reset.

Even since then, because there was only so much resetting long broken bones and twisted feet could do for dead nerves and feeling in the limbs, but-

That undignified sort of carry was bad enough in her usual skirts, but in this native garb it would be almost lewd!!!]

In arms, or against the shoulder, though-

[sololoquy]

[There is a tense moment of silence while Kylo Ren weighs how to reply. There are only two real answers: comply, or ignore her and potentially be roasted by a dragon. He does not know Daenerys well enough to assume that she cares more about her incentive than she does about the memories of these people they would likely never see again.

So eventually, he straightens and glances off.]

Fine.

[It is a calmer reply than he might have given two years ago, but no less annoyed. It was all unnecessary risk, as far as he was concerned.

And they already had enough actual mess to clean up. Near his foot, he kicks over a piece of burnt wood.]

[grunehexe]

Well it is not to mine, either, but they did not exactly advertise for Bavarian lager tasters.

[Which... actually brings a sigh and a dramatic fall of face into her hands, words muffled in her palm.]

And I am almost out of Ahad's birthday gift...

[The bottle he had gifted her, so long ago it seemed, back in Woodhurst, that tasted of whatever she desired it to when she took a sip.]

[grunehexe]

The Atlantic ocean?

[Sieglinde perks up at that, recognizing it from the maps she had examined in Oska's library.]

I have heard of that one! You are from... the American continent?

[grunehexe]

[Though Sieglinde's intent was not to observe her fellow Hathaway members, she cannot help have her attention caught by the man claiming to be a fortune teller. Occasionally her gaze wanders back his way instead of focusing on the coming and goings of warrior class, the movement of traders...

Only to watch him peel the skin away like pages of a book.

Not wanting to draw attention to herself or to out the man himself, Sieglinde manages at the last moment not to gasp or speak, swallowing the urge... but her eyes grow wide and her mouth hangs open for a moment, trying to determine what was even happening.]

[grunehexe]

[If it isn't one of the new Hathaway recruits, and newfound team member. Scott had been the name, had it not been?

Sieglinde doesn't seem to have any problem with him sitting there- she was quietly listening and watching her surroundings, but it would almost too strange if she didn't acknowledge anyone else, so she's more than happy to turn and offer some of her snack.]

Does it not? You may try one if you like. It's very chewy.

[boxedcrook]

Fine, whatever. [Oh, geez.

In place, still squated, Inuyasha turns around to face Sieglinde instead. He sweeps an arm around behind her legs, then stands up so she falls into a sit in the crook of his elbow. This close, she can see under the hat better, and it's obvious Inuyasha isn't a normal, run-of-the-mill human. Not with those golden eyes, or with those incisors.] There. Now let's go.

[Regardless of any fuss, he starts walking the few feet before he can dip around into an alley. Sieglinde is surprisingly stable in his hold, but she may get a jolt of anxiety when he leaps from ground to roof in one go. The speed isn't painful; his energy manipulation allows them to spring and then fall in almost slow motion.

She at least has a great view of the market and outstretching road toward the sea? SUE HIM.]

[forcevisions]

[ This seems like the kind of thing to nod encouragingly about, even though she's sure this woman would spit in her face if she could muster the energy to do it. It's not about her as much as it's about Keith — he's (A) taking the lead, (B) doing a good job of being emotionally supportive, which is a good leadership trait! She wants him to feel successful with that.

The woman looks at least pacified by his efforts, though she doesn't want to meet his gaze for long. She mutters that as long as the Mountain Clan exists in this area there will be no choice but to fight, and her eyes seem to linger on Rey's cuirass. ]

Maybe. But you're done fighting for now. [ And there's really no protesting that, so the woman is left to allow them to help her get back to Doro's. ]

i believe you

[forcevisions]

Desert.

[ She answers, about to ask why Hayame guessed that when she

sees Hayame's face and sighs. ]

Well, what am I supposed to do?! I haven't got anything else to wipe them on.

[forcevisions]

Why not? He has the information you want. [ She says it matter-of-factly. Like, if it were her, she'd just blaze in and start demanding things and — And well, that's why he's the diplomat and she's not. ] More than I have, even. I grew up in a backwater. Poe, he was born and raised in the midst of it.

[forcevisions]

Hey, watch it! What are you doing?!

[ She goes to sort of kick him away and the algae on the rocks has her other foot slipping and then she's stumbling towards and over him and

faceplanting into the water. Which, really, that course of events is her own fault. ]

[forcevisions]

I can see why making 9S look human would be useful ... [ humans can get places that other droids couldn't; at least, in her world. ] But why a combat droid? Humans aren't optimized for combat.

[forcevisions]

How about because that's a soundly terrible idea? Empress Youmi would hate us right off the bat.

[boxedcrook]

[Um, wow, this kid is going hard?? He's amazed.

But he also sympathizes a little. Not that demons necessarily helped him understand being bullied, being ostracized. Just--being treated different. It's familiar.] What're you tools for? I'm not surprised some of the dumber humans think they can get away with that kinda stuff.

What'd they try to do with you?

[justbeingknife]

[ Okay, yeah, not going to ask for details on the sister-wives thing. Gonna completely skirt around that, actually. ]

A giant, three-headed dragon. Big wings, claws, horns... and he shoots something from his mouth, too, but it ain't fire. If I recall, it was...

[ gravity beams ]

...Lightning?

[ He accepted the wrapped package from the merchant with a smile and a polite duck of his head. ]

[justbeingknife]

[ Once Hayame let up on the man's torso, it'd be quick work to haul the warrior up, bind the man's hands, and pat him down for weapons. (A routine inspection revealed a small concealed knife in his boot, which Majima pocketed.) ]

Alright, spill it. You workin' for anyone, or did you assholes just decide to start pillaging the countryside for giggles?

[ The man looked at him, then at Hayame, as if trying to decide which cop was the bad cop. ]

no worries!!

[sololoquy]

Kylo Ren.

[Though really, he doesn't particularly care what she calls him, so long as it is some variant of what he's given her.]

The galaxy is a big place. Perhaps there is some planet in my own that is not unlike this one. I doubt I would have ever seen it.

[He'd never see everything -- and frankly, after dealing with ALASTAIR and now Hathaway, he isn't anymore eager to make the attempt. All of that said, he was a quick study, but a poor student.

It was easier to learn things on his own, than to have someone else attempt to teach him anything.]

[refashioned]

The best we could possibly accomplish in helping them see and accept the change would possibly involve relying on some form of creation myth. And I'm afraid that steering them toward that would possibly involve relying on gaslighting. Not my favorite tactic.

[Though it's definitely one her father loves to employ.]

[cachemoney]

Not exactly sure how to do that. [She gestures toward the castle, and the guards standing by every entrance.]

It's not like we can just walk up there and ask her.

[cachemoney]

[She glances back up at the balcony where Youmi was standing before, tapping her chin.]

She seems competent, anyway. Let's hope she is, otherwise this is gonna turn to shit super fast.

[Like if her decree doesn't make her subjects stop screwing around and fighting with the mountain clan! Imagine if that happened!!]

[refashioned]

Hmmm, on second thought, why don't we take a walk to the beach? There's little chance we'll be disturbed there. The sea-faring clan hasn't really figured out how to create a cliché beachside movie just yet.

[Though ... given Daenerys' name (flashbacks to Kevin's "Thank god for HBO"), Veronica has her doubts that she even knows what she's referencing at the moment. Alas, teens gone wild references may just need to be left where they are.]

Either way, we deserve a good view.