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

[forcevisions]

There's always more. But if they find these, they should know to steer clear of the farms.

[ Rey glances back at Aizawa in consideration, then shrugs. Yeah. He makes a point. A tooth is easier to bring. She approaches one ogre, crouches, and indelicately pulls its jaw open.

She uses the knife in her belt to work one of its pointed teeth free from the side of its mouth. That movement alone causes a lot of blood, but she does deft and quick work, like it doesn't bother her to carve animals for parts.

Then she turns the knife around and offers the hilt up to Yusuke. ]

Take as many as you want. Might make a good story amongst members of the Sea Clan.

[mitthrawnaruto]

It is not 'easy for me to say'. [Thrawn corrects, his tone mild and patient— though his attention does drift back towards his companion at this point, as if to narrow the possibility of Inuyasha dismissing his claims.] I have been both imprisoned and revered by them, despised and sabotaged, dismissed— and occasionally appreciated.

They are short-sighted creatures, who do themselves no favors.

But just as you are not your brethren, they are not a perfect mirror of their peers. [He pauses, then, carefully studying the irritation pooling at the edges of Inuyasha's features.]

I suspect you know this already.

[eyedrop]

[ Yeah, he's not gonna do that. ]

There's no need to kill them. In fact, that's the opposite of our goal here.

[ The woman, meanwhile, isn't very happy about her situation, either. She squirms against the scarf, but it's no use--the bindings hold tight. She's not actually dealing with fabric, after all. ]

[justbeingknife]

[ Majima's expression as he looked up suggested he wasn't feeling very lucky atm tbh

before he turned back to his catch -- a sea bream. It was of below average size, so he carefully dislodged the hook and tossed it back, much to the disappointment of the nearby cats. ]

Sorry that happened to ya. Must've been rough, not knowin' when you'd see your home or your partner again.

[spiritgun]

You're really selling it. [ Deadpan, before continuing smoothly: ] I'm definitely not gonna drink all of them.

[ He lifts the little cup she's offered him to sniff at the liquid. It's inoffensive, and unfamiliar. Small favors. ]

I guess we gotta make some small talk now, huh?

[eyedrop]

[ Aizawa watches them, arms folded over his chest. He nods towards the cave, which still has a rank scent pouring from its mouth. The smell of rotting meat and unwashed skin. ]

They're all holed up in the caves. We don't need to root out every last one of them, though. Just cow them into behaving.

[ Like Rey, he's pretty sure this will be an effective display. ]

[justbeingknife]

[ Two of the ronin turned and bolted, just as instructed. The woman who had tried to help him set her jaw in a grim line, but did not move.

Majima turned back towards Aizawa, though not without collecting the bows from the second two archers. He slung a quiver over one shoulder as he made his way back. ]

Change of plan?

[ "I do not believe I can make it back," said the woman, with gritted teeth, "Without arms. ...I would have been struck down by those arrows." ]

[followhim]

An arrangement? [he looks really confused. he doesn't know a lot about cats, but ...] I thought they couldn't talk? How did you ...

[flexing]

[ She nods, listening and considering, even if her gaze won't show it. ]

That is good. I would do a great deal to help my country, and happily — but if I learned I had done a great deal for nothing, I would be very upset.

[ Not at the work wasted, hard work is its own reward — she would be upset at the lie. Man she's tired of lies. Her face clouds briefly with a frown, but it clears up again as she glances a sidelong glance over. Can she manage it without blushing into an early grave? Time will tell. ]

What is it you have asked for? If you don't mind.

[flexing]

[ Does it matter? Her gut says yes, but her mind fumbles to put words to it. She frowns at him, considering. ]

To not see a man's eyes, that is unsettling. [ She thinks that's about the root of it, and nods. ] It is hard to trust a face you can't see.

[flexing]

[ Her eyebrows arch to hear that. They might just be able to grow him a new body as quickly as he needs it — but she doesn't say that. Not in light of his activities. ]

No — you are right. If there is hope of saving humanity, it is your duty to see it done. [ Even if he doesn't get a body after all. There's a depressing thought. ]

[bestaround]

People really think that?

[ Again, it's genuine; most simply wonders how he sees. This is the first time the matter of appearing distrustful has come up. 9S frowns—though it's mostly hidden—before he considers this, and after a long moment, begrudgingly tugs down at the cloth with his fingers so that it hangs around his neck.

And there you have it, Zarya—his entire face for all to see. ]

... That better?

[flexing]

[ Zarya nods, listening to this, and at the last part a smile finally sweeps back over her face again. ]

It is. Two nations brought together, each one ruling a different part of the land... to join them, it is very romantic. [ And guess who is not so secretly into romance: the smile says definitely Zarya. ] There were letters exchanged, no? From one Empress to the other. Maybe that was a first step.

[flexing]

[ Finally Zarya smiles, wide and friendly, to see some actual eyes there. See, was that so hard?? ]

Yes, much better. This is a face I would work alongside. [ Which seems like a good time for an introduction, doesn't it? She thrusts a hand forward to shake. ] I am Aleksandra Zaryanova.

[bestaround]

[ Wow, she must've not been kidding. Her demeanor pulls a 180, and suddenly she's all sunshine. Well... okay.

He gazes dumbly at her offered hand, like he isn't quite sure how to respond here. Does she... want him to do the same? Tentatively, he lifts a gloved hand, and there's uncertainty in the way he grips hers back. There's no shaking involved, if only because he doesn't know that's what comes with it. ]

If it makes you feel better... [ He says, in regards to freeing up his features. He still doesn't get it, but he isn't so stubborn that he'd purposefully make someone uncomfortable, especially if they're human. ] My name's 9S.

[spiritgun]

[ After having just pummeled an ogre into pulp, Yusuke has no business being squeamish about yanking out some teeth. But it still takes him a couple seconds to accept the knife Rey's offering. ]

Well, a bunch of corpses will get that job done.

[ How the fuck does he do this?? Yusuke wedges the knife in between two molars and starts trying to pry something loose. Help him. ]

[rhinostagros]

[ To a local it might appear more like 2B's speaking to the cat, rather than to Laphicet. At least it seems a little less weird than talking to open air. ]

Woah, he has a lion?! That's so cool!

[ He speaks both aloud and transmits the same thoughts through magitek's audio. Laphicet's exclamation startles the poor cat, the small creature suddenly bolting to hide around the android's feet. It pokes its face around to peer at the boy, ears flattened on its head. ]

S-sorry... [ To the cat. He tries to contain his excitement, keep his voice low since animals can indeed hear him. ] Lions are big cats, way bigger than this little guy. They live in packs called prides and they're usually found out in the wild, like the grasslands or the savannas. And the adult male lions have this thick fur around their necks called a mane. They're considered dangerous, but I've heard some humans have been able to tame a lion.

[ He talks rather excitedly, repeating bits of details that he read in a book once. Here's a bunch of random information on lions that no one asked for... ]

[flexing]

[ Hey, no problems if he doesn't go through with the shaking part of the handshake, Zarya is more than happy to make up for the slack. Though... ]

9...S? [ The enthusiasm of her handshake wanes a little as she echoes him. The name reminds her of the names omnics give themselves. Her brow knits faintly. ] How do you get a name like that?

[forcevisions]

[ Oh, you pitiful soft boi. Rey watches Yusuke for a moment before she crouches in beside him and starts to show him how it's done. She does the first one as a model, indicating with the point of the knife, which is really obscured by the bloody damage Yusuke has done for it.

Then she leaves it with him again, and she almost wipes her hands clean of blood on her kimono but stops. Hayame would be proud. It's ruined anyway, but Hayame would be proud.

She asks Aizawa, ] What was that thing you used to catch it?

[bestaround]

[ Alright, so this must be part of the process of introducing oneself for some. He doesn't know how often this will occur, but nonetheless he duly notes this for next time. Perhaps it's bound to come up again. ]

Oh— [ How? She's far from the first to ask, so 9S takes her reaction as confusion more than a bad, dawning realization. ] We don't really get names, so I go by my model type instead.

[refashioned]

That or we talk politics. Are you interested in politics, oh stranger beside me?

[Obviously, she doesn't have his name.]

[refashioned]

Yes. And we only know the contents of one of them. I assume the other was ... more intimate. After all, why wouldn't it be? We have nothing to gain by looking into that letter ourselves and spreading the contents. I can see Empress Yama taking the risk.

[And given the circumstances, it's not like she can trust anyone around her to do such a favor.]

[dbag]

[ That. Was. Amazing. Honestly, half the time things go terribly wrong, especially when it's them, so whenever someone doesn't start screaming incoherently at them, it's a good day.

Behind the proprietor, Rhys elbows Fiona, whispering, ] I did good, right? I feel like I did good.

[secondnature]

It would be easier if we could force the matter. But we can't. [Keith wishes he could make all this fighting go away. It's not that he doesn't like the fighting. It's that the end result of the fighting seems to be just ... nothing. No one's actually following orders. No one's actually doing good here.]

Let's head out now. Maybe it's a quiet night outside now that the fighting's calmed down.

[flexing]

[ That's when the handshake stops entirely, and a second later Zarya has pulled her hand away. Model type, she doesn't like the sound of that in the slightest. Her eyes are suddenly harder on 9S's face, scrutinizing, looking for any sign of artificiality. ]

You model type? [ Her voice sharpens. ] What are you?