epidemiology | EVENT ▸ EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE

EVENT ▸ EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The moment Jason reacts and distances himself, Keith is well aware that he's now at a disadvantage. One, he hasn't fought against that meant spears. And two, he knows that Jason's reflexes are on par (or better) than his own. These facts register quickly. And the latter of them? That just makes Keith excited for this sparring session.

A smirk forms on his lips as he jumps back from the sweeping motion. They're at odds in style, but that's good in his opinion. Keith springs in again, trying to make it difficult for Jason to draw back before the spear can arc up in his direction. But given those reflexes ... Keith is aware of how pointy the edge of the weapon is. He can take it.]

[Jason isn't looking to injure anyone, though he knows that they are both fighting with real weapons and so it is a distinct possibility. Still, Keith wasn't the only one who enjoyed sparring and Jason had about as much practice with that as he did with actual fighting. True, he'd injured his fair share of opponents, but he'd received just as many injuries himself.

He's impressed by Keith's skill and style with the sword. Jason wants to see more, so he decides for now to stay in close, blocking the incoming blow with the shaft of the spear. He then forces the bottom of the spear up, twirling it in his hand, as he slips around Keith. Jason then guides the spear around and goes to hit Keith from behind -- not with the tip this time but more like a bow staff might be used.
Sure the point was the deadly part, but that didn't mean the rest of the staff couldn't be put to use.]

[Lacking the senses of a Demigod (which, quite frankly, is probably good since he's a pilot), Keith doesn't manage to stop the blow to his back in time. He tries to flail his sword out quickly to stop it, but it's too late, and even ends up catching him in the ribs as a result of his twisting backwards.

He grunts, inhales, and then makes a mental note to keep his cool. Once his mental calm is achieved (rather quickly, in a spar like this), he moves in again, jabbing in with the sword with swift, but strong strikes, like he's trying to predict and prevent the movement of the spear and maybe catch an arm in the process (though not too painfully).]

[Although the combat hadn't been going on for long, Jason was finding the rhythm of this sparring session fairly easily. Of course, he had a bit of an advantage there seeing as his kind were born for combat but it wasn't like he'd fought against someone like Keith before. These were moves he was not familiar with which was what really made him interested.

Jason has to go back on the defensive as the sword swings start coming. Again, he knows the spear really shines at a distance, but it wouldn't be much of a spar if he stayed at a distance. So he stays in close for a bit, trying his best to get another jab in and whole block blows from the sword. However, in close quarters the sword is going to have the advantage and Jason grunts as he missteps and takes a hit.]

[Keith wishes he had a second spear to really make this more even—or, given the circumstances, less even. Being knocked around by someone superior to him would make it more interesting, though he can't really say that he'd learn too much. He can see the difference as it is, and he pauses long enough to ensure that he hasn't nicked Jason too much before he goes in again.

Keith's entire style is based on relentless determination, but he leaves himself open. That's something he hasn't been able to change about himself.]

[It's clear very quickly that Jason is fine and has taken worse hits: in sparring and in actual combat. He uses the brief cause to bring some more distance between himself and Keith and decides to start pushing for the offensive. It's likely by now that he's picked up on Keith's open form of combat. You don't grow up on fighting with weapons without picking up on a skill to help you disarm an opponent.

Jason jabs with the spear, keeping his footwork light and quick, but now at a distance. His goal now seems to be to either disarm Keith or to get him to trip and pin him.]

[At the end of the day, disarming Keith isn't all that difficult of a task. Eventually the spear strikes his hand just right, and Keith slips at the same time to grab his sword out of the air, only he fails in the process. It slams into the ground, sticking out a little bit.

Keith pants as he looks over it, and then looks satisfied.]

Not bad.

[Jason makes sure to follow through, stepping between Keith and the sword, spear held at the ready. However, at the look of satisfaction and the complement, Jason lowers the spear and smiles.]

Thanks. You were pretty good too.

If I find another spear, I'd like to come find you. [Not being able to learn while fighting is really the less fun part of this experiment. He'll have to change that.]

I'll pick it up better that way.

Sure. I'd be happy to help. I hope you were able to get something out of this though even without a spear to use yourself. [Jason understands there were limits to what could be learned this way. He figures it hasn't been a total waste of time since Keith seemed positive about the experience.]

I was. We'll just have to see how it transfers over once I start working with it myself. I've been trying to learn how to use range weapons recently. It, uh, it might help me soon enough.

[After all, Jason saw his fighting style: Keith likes to get up in someone's face so that his openings aren't all that easy to take advantage of during a fight. He knows his weakness, but he also builds around it with his style.]

I guess I'll have to bring my weapon out with me next time. It can change from a sword to a javelin...so we could actually work with either and make more progress.

[Once again Jason is reminded of sparring sessions and training back home. It's a nicer reminder that not everything has to be a life or death battle. He likes to think they can both learn from each other.]

You have a changing weapon, too? Is it, uh, is it some kind of special technology?

[One of Keith's favorite parts of being on this team is learning about everyone's different weaponry. And training with it.]

I guess that's one way to put it. I have a feeling it falls more in the magic spectrum though considering who gave it to me.

[He shrugs like this is a 'no big deal, everyone I know has a magic sword.' Which...wouldn't necessarily be an incorrect statement for his home world.]

I heard once that the line between magic and technology is kind of murky. But uh, don't quote me on that.

[Pidge, however, would have a lot to say.]

But since everything is kind of inherently connected, I guess ... it can be both? Maybe?

...now that you mention it, yeah I can see that.

[He thought about Leo and Festus the mechanical dragon that was certainly more than machine after Piper's charmspeak influence. He was pretty sure even in his own world there was a blur there.]

Either way, probably best not to think about it too much.

Yeah, probably not. But you have it here, this weapon? Or did you leave it back in HQ?

[It'd be strange if he did, but Keith can understand the urge. Some of these worlds wouldn't take well to a magical changing weapon in the middle of a fight.]

[Jason nods.] It's back at Lord Doro's place for the moment. When they told us this mission was going to be about possibly preventing a civil war I didn't know if it would escalate or not. I was hoping to avoid having to use it though, and I've been able to handle myself in the small skirmishes and fights without it so far.

[You can get a lot done when you can shock people or blow them away.]

Huh. Not that I can't do the same myself, but I haven't been going out without a weapon. Too risky.

[And he has limited "superpowers," so to speak.]

We could do a weaponless spar sometime.

[Compared to what he used to deal with, this hasn't been too bad. Still, he understands the concern and wonders if maybe it wouldn't hurt to start carrying his sword. It wasn't like the tension between the two clans was going to go away any time soon.]

Sure. I probably don't have as much experience with that, but that's probably more of a reason to brush up on it.

With this team ... you never know where you'll end up without a weapon. One time we got all jailed. We didn't really have a lot to work with at the time. Well, except ... ourselves. [Keith really hopes they don't end up on another prison ship, though. That was awful. As was the labyrinth where he crashed everyone into afterward.

Which ... is a thing he did.

And it sucks that he did it.]

All the more reason to work on weaponless combat then. At least the few times I've been left without a weapon I've had back up and my abilities to work with...so at least that's still the same.

Yeah, we usually don't lose our abilities. That's a good thing. [Not that he knows it personally. He just knows Noctis probably would have been really freaked out otherwise.]

And we'll always have your back. Which, uh, I think is the important part of what you were saying.

[A sharp one: Keith.]

It was.

[Jason smiles. He figured that was the case, but it's nice to have confirmation all the same.]

Anyway, I think I'll head back now unless you wanted to go another round.

No, I'm good. You can go now. We'll have another round another time.

[Which will be better, Keith thinks. He just figures that it's a way of getting to know one another's fighting quirks.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ▸ EMPIRE OF THE CRASHING WAVE

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do we eventually want to flip a coin for the match or something?

yeah! though idc either way who wins

k, wasn't sure what your thoughts would be, we can play it by ear for now

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i figure we can wrap this up soon?

yup! consider this the end