EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

[futurologists]

DIPLOMACY As the skirmishes between wandering Mountain and Sea Clan groups continue in the Flowerlands, by this point enough attackers have been interrogated by Guild Ophelia to paint a compelling picture of unorganized chaos. Each time a skirmish is interrupted, both sides blame the other for starting the impromptu fight, claiming no knowledge of or participation in an organized cabal; the conflicts are entirely coincidental, they say, just a situation where enemies clash in neutral territory. The Flowerlands are suffering, crops trampled and livestock traumatized, and more and more Mountain and Sea Clan people are terrified to leave their cities, lest they be set upon by warriors from the opposing clan. Under this type of political strain, Hanabira threatens to erupt into full-out civil war at any moment, with or without the sanction of the empresses. Two weeks after Ophelia's arrival in the Empire of the Crashing Wave, Doro sends word: Empress Nama and Empress Youmi have agreed to meet and discuss the term of an alliance. Doro's castle will serve as a meeting place, but the difficult part is bringing the empresses there safely. You foreigners have already proven yourselves to be capable and invested in seeing the conflict to a peaceful conclusion, so Doro contracts Ophelia to act as escorts and guards. This might just be the perfect opportunity to whisper proposed solutions to advisors or, if you're lucky, to the empresses themselves. ▸ THE RETINUE Ophelia has a few different options if they choose to take Doro's contract: escort Nama or escort Youmi and/or guard the Flowerlands castle. ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS NAMA. It's a week's worth of travel to return to the Land of Celestial Mountains from the Empire of the Crashing Wave, so the sooner Ophelia starts out, the better. Skirmishes between clans still dot the forests and farms of the Flowerlands, and each time the retinue encounters one, they must decide if they have the time to interfere or if they must push on. After all, the longer there is no peace in Hanabira, the more dire the situation becomes. When the group finally reaches the Land of Celestial Mountains, they'll find that the entire city is locked down. Guards bar the gates, but upon seeing Doro's seal, they'll let the guild members inside and explain the situation: Mountain Clan rebels have stormed Heavenly Summit, cutting a large swath through the castle. Much of Nama's court and guards lay dead inside, with the rebels holding the remainder hostage -- including Empress Nama herself -- unless war is declared against the Sea Clan. The city guards are afraid to approach, worried that this will only anger the rebels further and cause Nama's death, and have directed all townsfolk to stay in their homes until the situation has been resolved. The guards caution Ophelia not to try any rescue efforts themselves, and instead ask them to either find a building to barricade themselves in or leave the city. Of course, it's not like they're keeping a close watch on everyone. Those who choose to slip into Heavenly Summit Castle will find guards surrounding it, trying to stop anyone from coming in as well as keeping arrows trained on all windows in case a rebel shows her face. Stealth is the name of the game, or at least enough brute strength to knock a guard out in one blow before she sounds the alarm. Inside the castle, rebels stalk the halls of every floor, masked in the green color of the Mountain Clan. Some are heavily armored and some only wear peasants' clothes, carrying farmers' sickles; it seems as though the attack on the castle was planned very quickly, too quickly to evenly distribute armor and weapons. There are corpses left where they were killed, with splashes of bright red blood beside them; there are hostages huddled in the corners of rooms, wide-eyed but silent at the sight of foreigners ostensibly here to save them; and, in the heavily-guarded throne room, Empress Nama herself. Fight through the rebel guards with Nama's help, or find a back door and snatch her up before the rebels notice. Either way, once Ophelia lays eyes on her, the magitek will project words in front of them that only they can see: » EMPRESS NAMA Leader of the LAND OF CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS. 23 years old. SPECIES: Human. MEDICAL CONCERNS: Lactose intolerant, recent blow to the head. Nama doesn't ask questions, recognizing the foreigners of Ophelia as those who were meddling after the festival attack and trusting they're here to help her escape. Longbow in hand, she leads the group through secret passageways in the castle, insisting they rescue the nobility on the way out. From there, Nama suggests stealthily escaping the castle and quickly riding out of the city to the safety of Doro's castle, unsure who she can still trust in her own empire. With Empress Nama and her surviving courtiers added to the retinue, it's time to ride back to the Flowerlands -- and hope you aren't chased by rebels along the way. ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS YOUMI. It takes half a week to travel from the Empire of the Crashing Wave to Doro's castle in the Flowerlands. Youmi and two advisors ride in a carriage, with an entourage of royal guards on horseback in front and behind; those in Ophelia who choose to escort this group will either be on foot or must find a mount themselves. The journey is peaceful, allowing for time to make camp by forested hot springs and in farmhouses (in which case Ophelia might need to sleep outside, depending on the size) along the way. The Sea Clan guards are open to idle chatter with the foreigners, curiously discussing cultural differences and indulging in quick lessons in archery. Everything seems to be going smoothly until the entourage enters Flowerlands territory and is confronted by a winged spirit of the forest, angered by all the recent bloodshed in his home. There is no time to talk; the spirit does not wish to negotiate, only to stop the crew from moving any further into his territory by any means possible. The spirit calls the creatures of the forest to his aid, controlling them as if they are under some sort of spell. Ogres, imps, bears, and wolves are the most worrisome among his helpers. His own attacks come from the sky, diving down to slash at his victims with exceptional speed. Those archery lessons will come in handy here, because ranged weapons are most effective against him as long as he remains in flight. He can take an astounding amount of hits, and once he is weakened, will land on the ground to fight in close quarters. Once he is finally defeated, his spell on the forest animals is broken, and even the most aggressive of them scatter. His feathers are black, but up close, seem iridescent in the light, differentiating them from a common bird's. Youmi's guards suggest everyone take a feather to prove they felled a legendary beast. GUARD ▸ FLOWERLANDS CASTLE. Until the empresses and their escorts arrive, it's very uneventful at Doro's castle. It's a smart idea to keep an eye out in case someone hears about the summit and tries to interfere, but so far, things seem to be peaceful. Take the time to bolster defenses, relieve a guildmate of guard duty, or explore the castle. ▸ THE SUMMIT Youmi and her entourage reach Doro's castle first, her royal guards immediately making a sweep of the castle and the grounds to ensure there is no danger lying in wait. Once the castle is cleared, Doro and Youmi disappear into a guarded room to begin discussions. Youmi's advisors are left out of this initial meeting, making now the perfect time to start some discussions of your own. Days later, Nama's retinue arrives, and Doro and Youmi (and the rest of her entourage) meet her at the castle gates. The two empresses step cautiously forward to meet each other, bowing politely. Moments later, Doro steps forward to gather Nama into a hug, which she gladly returns, giggling like the young girl she is. She's had a rough time, which she quickly explains to Doro, and asks if she can first have a bath and a moment to breathe. Doro and Youmi are more than willing to give it to her after hearing her experience. Doro tells Ophelia they have their run of the castle until dinner tonight, when Doro, Youmi, and Nama will all be together in the same room with the team. Sounds like the perfect time to propose a plan, so you'd better finish up discussions about what to do! There's a bit of a time limit. ▸ OOC NOTES 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. ▸ Up now: Proposal submissions and voting, due 21 February 23:59 UTC. Uniform Design Contest, submissions due 28 February 23:59 UTC. Gamewide voting will be in March. ▸ Coming next: Formal proposal arguments begin 22 February. March calendar on 24 February. February AC begins 1 March and lasts through 5 March. Please review our activity requirements to ensure you have the correct amount of proofs! ▸ Bounty Board ▸ Items Page ▸ General Plotting ▸ February Calendar

Comments

[refashioned]

It's not up to us to decide who's the heir. They don't need to choose someone right away, nor do they need to worry about it just yet. Blood considerations aren't the only factor here.

[A beat.]

Oh, and those eruptions? I think most of them would be gone by then, don't you?

[kisha]

But you would have us put them in a situation to have no heir of the flesh, and that is a decision. Even if these people care not if the heir is adopted in, they will surely still care from where.

Gone how? Massacre, or some sort of naive idea that people will learn to get along by then?

[refashioned]

Both nations have a history of appointing heirs, and in the case of the Sea Clan, their Empresses have married women before. I knew you were narrow minded, but I didn't realize how much.

[Gotta get that jab in.]

As for the rebels, they obviously need to be jailed and prosecuted.

[kisha]

Before. When they were appointing heirs to their own clans from their own clans.

Accuse me as you will, but it seems to me you are the one whose mind is clouded. By hope, naivety, or some spoiled life in a world without war I know not which.

[refashioned]

And the clans will merge and new people will be born within this new political arena. I'm certain the nobles will be encouraged to cross their bloodlines, and most of your concerns will be all in order to be right. You did see that we discussed this already? And at length?

[kisha]

And all of the dissidents will magically learn the error of their ways through peace and cooperation, yes, yes. Surely grudges will be let go.

So I should shut up and simply allow it to happen without registering my opposition simply because you and some of your type have discussed it already?

[refashioned]

Wow, you completely missed where we'd be offering our aid with the rebels.

[She sighs and looks away, as if Hayame is the least important person in the world right now.]

I'm pointing out the previous discussion because we covered the heir business already. Though I suppose you sat it out because you thought you were above us...? I think heirs are way more of a concern to you than they are to them. Trust that they can figure it out. And right now, Nama's people are both cowardly and barely on her side. I think you're overlooking that.

[kisha]

These rebels. The obvious ones who raise their banners and take up the cause here and now. And then we leave. What makes you think that means the end of it? What of the widows and sons of those rebels? Their friends? Those who hold their malcontent closer to the breast?

[Hayame never claimed to be skilled with words but she totally thinks she's being understandable right now-

Though she actually barely manages not to spit in disgust for a hot second there.]

"Trust". If you are throwing words like that about, then I suppose that answers any question I had.

[refashioned]

You're missing the context. This rebel group only took hold within the last couple of weeks. They aren't some sprawling group with a lot of resources. Everything up to this point has been chaos incarnate, and part of that is the result of fighting in the Flowerlands. I trust that the Empresses recognize that, though it's quite apparent that ... you don't. You don't think these women can come together and handle their business. It's actually quite impressive.

[kisha]

Do not presume to tell me what I think, girl.

What I do not trust is the ability of your kind to hold to such a flimsy peace as a marriage that does not even produce a definitive heir- to stop warring for even a single gods accursed year.

[refashioned]

Listen to me. In fact, repeat it after me: the heir doesn't need to be worked out yet. In fact, women in both countries have a history of ruling without having that determined yet. That may be a consideration where you came from, but this culture is different.

Oh, and don't forget that you've been wrong already.

[kisha]

As if we should not consider the outcome when it needs to be worked out? We are meddling here, and that makes it our responsibility beyond just a marriage.

[oh no she fuckin didn']

Be careful not to spit on those stronger than you, girl, unless you have the strength to back up your viper's tongue.

[cachemoney]

[sliiiides in here] Nama has a little brother and Youmi has a few sisters, I think. Sooo, if an "heir of the flesh" is a concern, that's always a possibility.

Assuming marrying your sister's wife's sibling isn't weird?

[refashioned]

They're basically royals.

[So—shrug?]

[kisha]

Let them be married, and prepare heirs for when the time comes for the current Empresses to abdicate or pass. Then the next rulers would be kin themselves.

[refashioned]

[Makes a face like, "that's what 'trust them to handle their business' means" obnoxious series of question marks.]

[kisha]

[no empress marriage just sibling marriage makin babies while the respective ones rule!!!!

then the next leaders are siblings it's great]

[tenthousandmiles]

If I remember correctly, Nama's brother is still a child. It'll be some time yet before an heir is possible.

[Having raised the matter of the heir himself, earlier, he understands where Hayame's coming from. But still...]

This country may not have that much time before war breaks out. If the empresses consent, it could be an effective stopgap measure.

[kisha]

By the time his hair can be cut he can father a child- that is not so long. And the marriage and promise could keep them meanwhile.

[it's not like it's hard]

[tenthousandmiles]

How long is not that long?

[His tone is calm, even. There's no judgment or anger in his voice as he explains his own reasoning.]

It's time enough for either sibling to be assassinated before the marriage is consummated. Time enough for their potential child to be stillborn, or die as an infant. How long do you think the patience of these people will hold on merely a promise? Having something in place now can soothe tempers until an heir comes to fruition.

[kisha]

By twelve or thirteen at most.

There is nothing to prevent that from happening to either of the Empresses, if that is your concern.

[tenthousandmiles]

[....He meant that as a rhetorical question, but he moves past that to move onto the other.]

Not if we formalize the union immediately. Especially if it's announced alongside the betrothal of the siblings. It buys us some time.

[kisha]

Marry them both, then, if that is what it takes for you people to see the need for a blood heir.

[tenthousandmiles]

I doubt any of us have an objection to that. It's only a matter of whether the empresses agree.

[kisha]

Send the viper tongue girl to charm them into it, then, and all of that type can earn their keep.