epidemiology | EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

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.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A break is desperately needed right now. [There's a dramatic sigh for effect that follows these words. She's still new to these particular things. Everyone keeps telling her that this is just how this team works, as if she needs to be ready for it. That's not a problem for her. The real problem is the lack of her usual backup. Half the time she's following Betty into strife rather than the other way around.]

Do you think the conditions are safe enough outside right now for a walk? I'd hate to think that this summit of sorts could be compromised, but I know that's a very real possibility.

[He nods. Every time they had a senate meeting he'd take a walk to clear his head or, when he'd been Head Counselor for the Zeus cabin he'd gone to spend some quiet time with Piper. He understood pretty well that getting away from drama like that could do you some good.]

Considering the skirmishes that were happening up until recently, I'd say there's a chance. On the other hand, we got both Empresses here now so I'm not sure there's anywhere safer.

[He offers her a reassuring smile.]

I'll keep an eye out for anyone looking for trouble. If we stick close to the castle we should be okay, but even if trouble finds us I have a pretty good track record for getting out of it.

A veritable knight in shining armor. I'm in luck. [That also means they can head outside. Nature isn't exactly Veronica's most favorite thing in the world, but she needs to be away from the suffocating tension in the air from their team. Especially the numerous feelings of condescension. It gets tiring.]

So, let's go. And tell me: when your gods were asking you to do things for them, were you ever disrespected for your age? I'm curious if they really have a standard for that.

[He doesn't really have a response for that one. He doesn't really see himself that way, but it isn't like it's untrue either. He's probably as close to one as their likely to get around here and he DOES try to protect others. Jason walks with Veronia towards one of the passages that will lead them to some gardens. He figures it will be peaceful and out of the way, enough to give Veronica some air, while also still being inside enough to be protected from attack.]

I don't think age matters much to the gods...but they are immortal so I'm not sure their opinion on that really matters anyway. They respect us about as much as they would respect an adult mortal because it's more or less the same from their perspective I think.

[He glances at Veronica. He has a feeling he knows what this conversation is about.
He'd never had to worry about his age being a factor, but he did know something of meeting other people's expectations.]

I know it's exhausting and you shouldn't have to prove yourself to others. But you really just need to stick to your beliefs and stand your ground like you did today. You'll show them that you deserve to be heard just as much as any one of them.

Honestly, back in Riverdale? We teenagers are the ones solving all of the mysteries. I'm honestly not certain how much of my arguments today were disputed because of my age, but there was a certain degree of assumed fancifulness to it all that was never actually there in what I had to say. [Outside of jokes and clearly messing around. Saying that the Empresses clearly wanted to reach out to one another wasn't a stretch; it was a factor based in reality. Actual reality.]

As it is, I believe I have been heard, but if I have to do this every time, I don't know how long I'll actually be patient about it.

[He'd certainly seen nothing fanciful about Veronica's argument. She'd had solid points and had clearly been paying attention to the culture. It wasn't like same sex unions were unheard of and the two empresses hadn't shown any hatred towards one another, it was their people and rebel factions doing the fighting.]

Your reasoning and explanations were solid. You did get the majority of us to support your plan after all.

[He considers her real concern here. Taking a moment to push the door open and step outside in to the garden area. It was your standard garden with blooming flowers, trees for shade, and the sound of a fountain somewhere in the distance.]

Being patient is a difficult thing to be...especially in situations like this where everyone wants their way and you're dealing with stubborn individuals. Which I think we have more than our fair share of in the guild. There were a few times I could tell you were getting close to losing it, but you kept it together pretty well. I hope you don't have to do this every time either but if it makes you feel better keeping your patience actually sometimes gets easier as you start to understand how a particular group works.

Unfortunately personal experience tells me it doesn't necessarily get less frustrating...you just learn to let out your frustrations outside of the meeting.

Hmmm ... I'm beginning to see why you're a Negotiator, Jason. [Everything he had to say was well-reasoned and the exact kind of motivation she needed right now. Veronica knows she came close when it involved Hayame, but she managed to reel it in ... with some help. Simon, Aizawa, and Dany had all stepped in to provide assistance. She's eternally grateful for it. Her temper isn't completely uncontrollable, but she has her moments.]

I'm handling the frustrations outside of the meeting right now. As for the rest ... [Her shoulders rise and fall.] I hope they keep someone here to ensure that our solution, whatever it ends up being, goes smoothly. I wouldn't mind returning if we need to offer our help again.

I'm glad someone does. I was starting to think it was a bit of a fluke myself.

[Mostly because while he was a leader, the abilities and roles tied to Negotiator reminded him more of what Piper could do than what he was known for. Still, there are instances where he feels that maybe it WAS a better role for him here.]

We can always ask about that once the mission is over and keep Hathaway honest. After all, if this was the job we were brought here to complete we should make sure its done right.

[Dropping in, interfering, and then leaving felt a little like how the gods handled things and he didn't want to be like that. These people and their countries would forever be changed by whatever decision was made. It was scary, but it was something Jason had realized and was one reason he'd been hesitant to contribute to the initial discussions. He'd make sure to help from here forward.]

Honestly, I wish there was some kind of representative we could talk to who could give us the low down before we leave. Not even knowing if we can call in for extra supplies has been killing me. Hathaway is new, even if many of the people behind it are old when it comes to the whole interdimensional game.

[Thinking of it in that way is strange. Veronica isn't critical of Hathaway's goals, so much as she's concerned about how much of a chain of command there is when it comes to running things. Not having an adviser or advocate or whatever on their sides might be normal, but it doesn't seem like the most adequate means of running a business.

Most people would say she doesn't have a clue herself, but ... she's learning from her father.]

[Jason considers this and then nods in agreement.]

That would be helpful and make sense given the nature of the task we're given sometimes. It's not always so straight forward, as this mission showed. I wonder if we can find a suggestion box when we get back.

[He's only partly kidding.]

If it doesn't exist, I'm willing to make it. Or to write a long form letter about it.

[He's kidding. She's only partly kidding. But the reality is that she really feels like she can comment on the bureaucratic process of Hathaway despite only having a mild amount of experience in that stuff. But that's Veronica in a nutshell.]

[He grins. Now this is the kind of idea he can get behind and he decides to run with it.]

Yeah, but if we're the ones making it then will they actually look at it? Or do we just take piles of letters to them and dump it on their desks?

We're assuming there are desks. Like, yes, there was paperwork in getting signed up, but do they even use them regularly? And how are some of them accomplished already? Unless some of the titles I saw in the files just have to do with like, mopping up parts of the HQ.

[Which is entirely possible. She wouldn't be surprised.]

Well if not desks, tables. I mean, they have to have SOMETHING...[there's a pause as he realizes he's dealing with an organization that transcends space/time] ...or maybe they don't. There has to be some kind of main office or central command room we could dump the letters in though.

[He shrugs.]

This does seem like the kind of group that would have ridiculous titles for no reason...so it's not impossible.

[And he would know a thing or two about ranks and titles within an organization.]

[Is Jason going to participate in humorous gossip with her about the various people who seem to be large and in charge around Hathaway? Veronica hopes so. She slows her steps to draw out her magitek, bringing up the screen to quickly flip until she finds the files available.]

If we were to bring forth a suggestion box, I believe we'd have to begin with fair Imogen here. [Veronica smirks after a moment, a hint of mischief in her eyes.] Which—I do agree. She is rather fair, so the title fits. But—does that mean that I could very easily be The Fashionable?

[Jason looks at the file, raising an eyebrow.]

Begin? You're going directly to the top.

[It's expressed with a mix of surprise and a little admiration. It shouldn't surprise him though, he's learning that Veronica is the kind of girl that would aim high like that.]

You know...it could just as easily mean she's fair as in reasonable, which might work more to our advantage. [Though, looking at the picture, he has a feeling it's more likely about her appearance. He glances at Veronica. He's certainly not going to dispute that.]

I don't know. Maybe that could be another suggestion we put in the box.

Our top. Yes, there is Mr. Wiggles—who undoubtedly got forced into embracing such a terrible name because he's a dog—and the big guy who looks like a Disney villain, but she's the one who's getting us clients. We need to be on the same page as her. [But—all in all—Veronica is the type who would knock down Zeus' door to force him to do anything for the greater good. She didn't even want to schmooze with the nobles and leaped at the opportunity to go straight to Empress Nama herself. It's just how she is.]

She may be fair in more than one way. It'd be rather ... tacky if a title had to do with just her appearance. Though, again, also fair, incredibly fair, to call her fair.

No, it makes sense to go to her. It just surprised me a little is all.

[He really did need to stop underestimating Veronica. If he learned nothing else during his time here, it was certainly that.]

Now that you mention it, I don't feel like we've really had the chance to speak with the higher ups much. We were recruited, went on that mission with the pirates, and then this. There hasn't been much time in-between.

[He knows this started as partially a joke, but he kind of likes the idea of not only doing something in the worlds they visit but for the guild as well.]

She looks like the type that is going to want this as fully laid out and detailed as possible. I think we still have some time to kill so we could always start work on that.

Well, we do have two rather successful missions under our belts. Some of the veterans on our team say that the arguments are par for the course, though I do hope that doesn't lead to a lack of success in the long term. [Arguments can sometimes lead to rash action. It's just that in this case, that rashness never took hold and inspired action. One man had said this world needed to be revolutionized, so ... it's a good thing he never tried to meet up with some rebels to compel that into happening.]

All that says is that if we act now, we will be better equipped in the long term. Shouldn't we have a say in what missions we take on? If Hathaway is new, some autonomy can be achieved on that front.

Same. I'd prefer to keep our current success rate.

[Though he knows from his own experience that there was always a chance for failure. If they were going to put the odds in their favor, as it were, they were going to need to get better as a guild at this whole 'cooperation' thing. There were elements there, but the arguments and heated debate had shown Jason that not everything was going to be so smoothly settled.]

Hmm. I never considered getting a say in the missions we take on. There was never really a choice back home when I was sent on quests, so I guess I just figured it was more of the same here...just less prophecy and more latest request.

And you've never been asked to do something questionable? Truly? [It's a quick question, one that gives her pause. Veronica thinks of her father and how he handles ... requests.

And he's not even a god (though he likely has some kind of complex of one).]

[Jason considers that.]

Well, I told you about my encounter with Hercules right? He asked us to do something pretty questionable in order to gain passage through the Pillars of Hercules. But we managed to work around it and fled for our lives instead.

[But that was more of a request from Hercules and not an actual quest as he was intending it. Certainly not an equivalent of the mission they were on now.]

That wasn't really a prophecy though. The quests we're sent on usually involve prophecies that are vague enough to give you a destination and an end goal...but how you get there and what happens along the way is mostly left to the person going on it. It's a prophecy...so it's going to happen one way or another unfortunately.

Not that I'm opposed to invoking the word "fate" when I need to, and I'm a good Catholic girl, but all that sounds a little like ... someone knowing your life before you do. Like you lack some kind of control over it. [Catholicism's issues with free will aside, Veronica doesn't seem to like the sound of Jason just accepting this. But, again, she doesn't know his world. It's a clash of views.]

Either way, you get a taste of freedom from all that. Nothing we're dealing with is meant to happen. Quite the opposite, really.

[He doesn't have a good answer to that unfortunately. Because...well there are the actual Fates that exist for him.]

Well...how much control do we really have? That doesn't mean we just have to roll over and accept it. There's always a choice.

[He thinks about the last major prophecy he'd been apart of. The choice that had been made then. It didn't make it easier and he still didn't know what had really happened to Leo. But he had to believe that his friend had made it out okay.]

But you're right...I'm definitely in unfamiliar territory. We all are.

Less control on where we go, definite and complete control on the outcome. We all could've used Hanabira as an opportunity for a wild vacation. We'd all likely lose our memberships in our guild, but someone might say that that's the price to pay.

[If Veronica were living her previous life, she may have considered that route. After all, it's not like this experience will benefit her future in any way. She just also does not intend to voice that particular mindset.]

EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

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wrap up here?