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

[sololoquy]

[Hm. That would not have been his choice. In his experience, the ones closer to death were more likely to die before any information was obtained.

But Kylo Ren decides not to argue this time. None of these warriors were strong with the Force. If anything, he wouldn't need to push much at all.]

Clan?

[He has his own opinion -- but Thrawn is being agreeable thusfar. What's one more concession?]

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Consider it, aside from Thrawn's prior logic, something of a safeguard against Ren taking things too far right from the start. He will need to be cautious— to act more with intent, rather than livid instinct.]

The Crashing Wave. [Thrawn turns his sharpened senses towards the doorway behind them, as if listening for any potential interruptions.]

We have already drawn a great deal from the Mountain Clan. I would prefer a different perspective.

[sololoquy]

[Kylo Ren turns from Thrawn to reach out into the crowd of wounded until he finds what he is looking for.

Every now and then, he glances between the remains of the battle. It would be easy enough to end their lives now, and avoid further conflict. Empress Youmi had even given express permission to do so, as far as the sea clan went.

He only leaves him for a moment to collect an older warrior -- grizzled, and hopefully more knowledgeable about the conflict occurring. She is unconscious when he brings her.]

Empress Youmi was explicit in terms of what would happen to those who escalated this conflict.

[mitthrawnaruto]

[The dead are like kindling. When erased by flame their cause could easily burn hotter and brighter— all it takes is a swift wind to carry the embers at just the right moment. Thrawn's voice holds warning, and caution, his attention sliding back towards Ren as he forces his eyes open, attempting to see through the haze.]

When last I checked, Lord Ren, you were not Empress Youmi.

[From there, he carefully moves to a nearby table, pouring out a small portion of water into a porcelain cup using a combination of touch and memory— it had been intended to steep tea at first, before the battle had broken out— after hours of sitting untouched, it is now freezing cold.

He strides closer to Ren, lifting it as an offering. A means to wake their captive, rather than exercising unnecessary force.]

You must ask them how they select their targets, or plan their attacks— and whether or not there is a method of communication between these misguided ronin.

If we are to predict and stop future incidents, this is the information that must be ascertained immediately.

[sololoquy]

[Thrawn gets a look for the remark about Empress Youmi as he sets their captive down on the chair. He takes the cup of water and pauses for a moment. Doing this without binders would certainly be an exercise in caution.

The idea that there was a movement among the ronin to escalate tension was the one he'd found to be the most likely, next to the idea that they were simply too ingrained in their own nationalism to stop when commanded.

Kylo Ren moves to close what remains of the door.]

You will ask. I will extract. That will make this go much faster.

[He turns to wake their captive, splashing the water on her face until she snaps awake. His other hand lifts to hold her in place with the Force.]

[mitthrawnaruto]

As you say.

[He draws himself up with unwavering resolution, hands slipping behind his back to clasp tightly in a pose better suited to interrogators and intellectuals alike. In this case, however unkind the work, the two are one and the same.

And he is no stranger to the concept of bearing an ugly task for the greater good.

As she sputters back to consciousness— held firmly in place by the hardened, unseen grip of the Force itself— pain sinking into her features, Thrawn's voice is a pool of glacial ice:]

Good of you to join us again. Rest assured, this conversation need not end in your death or...disfiguration. So long as you provide us with the answers we require, you will leave this place alive.

I would think it preferable to face your Empress intact as a champion of your actions, rather than a disgrace to your people.

[It isn't a necessarily lengthy process. In part because she did not have much to give, and in part because yielding came quickly: a certain fluidity between Ren's skill with the Force, and Thrawn's careful diplomacy— within less than a half an hour, she is unconscious again from exhaustion, but alive.

And they are infinitely more informed, though the news is grim at best.]

So it is as I had feared.

[Weariness sinks at last into his shoulders as he turns from Ren and their captive, feeling his way towards the side table to wind his fingers around a cool cloth that had been soaking in a basin of water.]

[sololoquy]

[Kylo Ren is barely listening while Thrawn does his work, focused instead on their captive's replies so that he can get to the truth of what she is saying. Needless to say, there is not much need for his verification -- her fear makes it obvious that everything she speaks is absolute truth, and not entirely helpful.

So when Thrawn is through, he is forced to keep his voice even when he compels her:]

You will forget all you have seen today.

[And once she repeats the phrase back to him, he waves his hand to knock her out. He rounds on Thrawn, frustration barely contained.]

If the threat of death does not compel them to silence, how are we expected to resolve this?

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Thrawn wrings out the rag, keeping his back turned to Ren as he lifts it— pressing it across his face with a barely audible exhale as some of the ever-present pain subsides. Another beat in silence, and then:]

There are ways, Lord Ren.

[Some more preferable than others, though he can't deny the fact that regardless of their movements going forward, they will need time to consider and evaluate the most optimal plan.]

Surely the First Order must have had its opinions on dealing with insurgents.

[sololoquy]

The methods of the First Order were rarely ever applicable among ALASTAIR. Hathaway is not any different in its spirit.

[He says it very pointedly, like he is aware of what Thrawn is trying to suggest to him. He hadn't served ALASTAIR for two years without it being beaten into him that he couldn't just blast his way through every problem that he came across.

Empress Youmi had already suggested what the First Order would have done, and she had yet to receive results.]

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Thrawn seems almost surprised at that— the cloth lowering as he turns partially, as if considering whether or not to glance over his shoulder in disbelief. Considering the poorness of his eyesight at the moment, however, he ultimately stops there.]

They had no alternate solutions?

[No rehabilitation or manual service? No prisoners provided with opportunities to serve, provided they abandon their cause?]

[sololoquy]

Reconditioning, submission, or oblivion.

[That was the way of the First Order. Force. And it worked very well, when there was nothing to oppose them and the weapons market was out of control -- in their favor.

He does Thrawn the favor of meeting his gaze. There's nothing there for him -- no passion and no remorse.]

[mitthrawnaruto]

[The silence is longer this time, Thrawn again returning to the comfort of that cold compress without speaking or acknowledging what's been said. When finished, the rag is deposited back into the basin— glacial fingers lifting to wipe the last trails of condensation from his cheeks.

He offers no readable expression when he turns. No commentary, no insight.]

If you require rest, now would be the time to take it. I will compile the information we've acquired and begin comparing it with the rest of our intel thus far.

[sololoquy]

She was weak willed.

[Not a critique, but a fact. His usage of the Force was little more than stretching a familiar muscle.]

Our intel is clear enough. The Empresses themselves are not the problem.

[Kylo seems to finally notice that Thrawn is injured, and raises his eyebrow curiously.]

Are you in need of further assistance?

[mitthrawnaruto]

[That is...unexpected. Thrawn pauses, the edge of his knuckles pressed against one of the deeper cuts, having stayed there to check and make sure he is no longer freely bleeding (he is not). That he and Ren can coexist, working together as allies after their heated disagreement, is not so strange.

That he would consider the depth of the Chiss' wounds, rather than leaving at the first opportunity, is not.]

I thank you, but you need not concern yourself with my injuries.

[He turns on his heel fully, then. Searching for the dark, murky blur of Ren's silhouette in that closed-off space.]

I will be fine.

[sololoquy]

[Perhaps if he were more aware of himself, he might have realized how odd it was that he was considering Thrawn's injuries as noteworthy -- but alas, such a subtle change in his focus is not noticeable to him. He's staring back at Thrawn when he finally finds his frame, broad and slightly awkward.

Its obvious enough to Kylo Ren that he isn't saying as much to save face -- and even if he was, the refusal of help would have been enough for him. So instead of harping on about it, he gives one temperate nod and turns to pick up their captive.

Best return her to the field. They'd got what they had wanted. Keeping her captive would likely only draw the ire of other warriors, and perhaps Youmi herself.]