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

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Thrawn’s expression remains unchanged, his voice like glacial ice in the face of Poe’s sudden uncertainty:]

That would generally be considered the definition of a report.

[followhim]

[i mean ... if it's any consolation, the new republic was pretty Done with his shenanigans. just like leia eventually was. making him a commander ........... was a mistake if you ask anyone remotely superior to him. being a charming legacy that flies real good only gets you so far in life.

so anyway here's wonderwall, i.e. poe trying to remember how to be a professional. because thrawn is expecting that out of him? for some reason???]

The people here seem less discontent about the state of things, from what I can tell. There's not as much complaining and warmongering among the people, but the people who do want war are clearly more aggressive about it. Like the group who attacked the festival. Just because the Empress threatened anyone else who tries anything with death ... I don't think that'd stop anyone from trying something like that again. Might make them smarter about it, but that's it.

[mitthrawnaruto]

Mm. [Thrawn hums out a low, musing sound, one hand settling against his chin as he mentally cross-checks the information he's been given with what he already knows.] I am beginning to believe they may have been clever about it from the start.

[Still, there's a deep nod of acknowledgment from Thrawn as the subject is dropped.]

Thank you, Commander. That was not so difficult, was it?

[followhim]

[he's thinking about it more now, thinking about how jumping straight to execution is probably not a great sign for empress youmi's ability to keep her people in line ... but then thrawn is changing the subject. which is fine.]

No, it wasn't. Sorry I kept trying to blow you off.

[mitthrawnaruto]

There is no need to apologize. The information you have provided is not for my own benefit, after all.

[And let's be real, the locals aren't going to go thanking you for doing a good job on your homework, either— but then again, some would say a deed done is its own reward.]

Come. [Thrawn starts, turning to stride downhill with a short gesture indicating an ever-present expectation for Dameron to follow.] We have kept the conflict from claiming this village, and I believe that is cause for celebration.

[followhim]

[did thrawn just want him to think critically? was the real formal report the friends we made along the way???

damn. he's stupid. he feels it now. feels how stupid he is. lets that wash over him. maybe he'll actually learn from this??? but maybe not. who knows.

here he is, though, following along.]

Celebrate? Didn't think you were one for much celebrating, Grand Admiral.

[are they going to fuckin joann's fabrics]

[mitthrawnaruto]

[He is well aware of the fact that Chiss are more reserved and withdrawn than their human counterparts, and the impression that he leaves in his wake. All the same, that does not stop him from taking advantage of Dameron's uncertainty:]

Why is that, exactly?

[Do try to ignore the fact that he's now staring directly at you, Commander.]

[followhim]

[he doesn't seem that caught off-guard, since the answer is obvious to him, and not even a criticism so much as an irrefutable fact:]

You just always seem ... so serious.

[mitthrawnaruto]

Chiss are naturally more restrained than your own species, this is true in almost all cases.

[His attention flicks back towards the horizon ahead, seemingly content with Poe's assessment.]

However that does not mean we are incapable of honoring noteworthy victories, or engaging in recreational activities.

[Such as visiting JoAnn's Fabrics and arguing with Martha over the importance of tulle in modern design.]

[followhim]

[has he ever met a chiss before? probably not. he sort of recognized thrawn as one but only because he saw a picture of a chiss in a book once or something. this is an exciting new journey for him.]

Yeah? What kind of recreational activities do you like?

[not even being sarcastic just genuinely curious. like are we talking about going out to drinks or going to ... well, to joann's fabrics. or like, fishing? playing dejarik??? he has no idea what thrawn is into. it's a mysterious mystery.]

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Well, if he really wants to know...]

My people excel at art, combat, music, and poetry—

[followhim]

[um.......]

So when you say let's celebrate, you mean ... what exactly?

[mitthrawnaruto]

Sharing a drink, of course.

[He says it so lightly that it might actually be humor fueling the edge in his tone.]

Unless you would prefer to demonstrate your species' own celebratory habits. Perhaps the most ancient and revered ones.

[followhim]

[he just laughs. LOOK he can take a roast when it's deserved.]

Sharing a drink is actually the most ancient and revered way to celebrate for my species, I'll have you know.

[mitthrawnaruto]

[Would you look at that, Thrawn's actually smiling.]

Is that a historically documented fact?

[followhim]

[he feels so accomplished. he made thrawn smile. he is the best son.]

I think it actually might be. But don't quote me on it.

Gross how dare they get along

[mitthrawnaruto]

I shall endeavor not to.

[followhim]

[and then they ... got a drink together???? BEAUTIFUL? AMAZING?]