A Series of Unfortunate Events

[Image credits go to myself, see more of my work here!]

[!] At the beginning of the book is a woodblock print frontispiece detailing the Great Wave at Yong Ping.

In the twilight years of an era, time again proves that the brightest flames burn the shortest.

Written SA 77, 4th of the Amber Cold

In dedication to the Jade State of Yong Ping

THE FIRST TREMORS

It was quiet as any day in the recent years, trade had traveled to other cities in the wake of various conflicts to the north, and then the fall of Varhelm cut port traffic with our allies now residing inland in Alisgrad. I was tending the Monastery grounds when the first tremors hit, small - almost imperceptible at first. My suspicions were not yet aroused until the second set of tremors a month later. The goat herds in the outer farms flocked to the city walls, and the bison fled to hide in the mists of the western forests. In my youth, I had heard tales of what earthquakes by the sea could foreshadow - and though our beloved bastion Yong Ping was built to be reinforced after the last tsunami, built to resist sea and siege, it was better to be safe than sorry. 

THE FIRES

Preparations were made to temporarily evacuate the walls. Even if the city survived, there was no guarantee that the structures would protect us from the calamity to come. Arrangements were made with Talon’s Port that our people could temporarily find steading while we waited out the storm, and our museum collection a place to be stored until the storm had passed. It was a strange twist of fate then, that as the last of evacuations were made and the city of Yong Ping for the first time since its construction had stood still and quiet - with only the crackling of flames that consumed the land. It was said to have started as a house fire, perhaps a stove or an oven left carelessly in the hurry to evacuate. Whatever the cause the flames climbed the walls, devouring all in its path to scrape at the heavens.

SUSANOO’S WRATH

The inferno was at its peak when the last travelers on the roads to Talon’s Port said they felt a tremor unlike any before, and looked back to see what Yong Ping had both the honor and dire misfortune to witness this twice in its time. Susanoo’s wrath, a tsunami growing from the dark and stormy sea stretched to blot out the very sky and raging towards the shore. It was a spectacle of both beauty and terror. The city weakened, eaten away by the devouring flames, there was next to nothing left when the wrath of the ocean waters finally subsided.

THE FIRE’S REPRISE

Early scouting parties were naturally dumbfounded when they found what they had expected to be a sodden city to be nothing more than kindling for a fresh fire. What ruins remained were slowly consumed by what was surely an intentional fire, though by whom it can not be said. Any and all attempts to suppress the flames were unsuccessful until the third day, at which point there was naught.. only the most bare of salvage left to retrieve. At the very least, the land will be fertile for whatever comes next.

AFTERMATH

It has been a year since Yong Ping fell back into the earth, and our people now reside in Talon’s Port once more, welcomed and one as part of the community. Li Xiu-ying had in true human fashion hopefully named our city Yong Ping, “Eternal Prosperity”. It was a beautiful idea, one that gave hope to many like myself who believed our culture would never have a place beyond our homeland. The truth however, is more than we could have hoped for. Heng-Soe, “Prosperity and Adversity” - for we are more than the lands we steward, we are a people defined by richness of self no matter the circumstances.

From forests since burned

Fresh life begins anew, Look!

See the flowers bloom

Signed,

Tianrui Ren, Soldier, Poet, Zhu

OOC:

A depiction of the Yong Ping Army and the Crimson Edict freeing many slaves atop the pirate vessel, 32 SA, 13th of the Amber Cold.

The battle was a lengthy one, many a plan made as to the Pirates who thought to threaten their livelihood and home.

Some, dressed up as Slavers to sell hidden allies to the opposition and others disguised as that opposition, the people of Yong Ping and Karmesinfels alike got aboard their ship through the well-thought plan and begun what'd come to be known in history as 'Battle of the Crimson Dragon'.

The pirates made their orders and as the force atop their ship went into battle, the Pirates soon saw a chance in the tides and circumstances as the force pushed them back with each strike and each movement. People who were captured were threatened, fight alongside their masters or be keelhauled. Some out of fright took up arms, forced to fight against their would-be saviors.

But alas, the words of our former Duhu, Tianrui Ren came clear to them,

"Slaves, now is your chance for freedom. Help us, make your way below deck, or perish with your masters. You will likely get no second chances."

Grandmaster of the Crimson Edict, Naffog Henningtons words came soon after,

"Oh, fer fukk'z zayke- knukk da zlayvez uut- dey dun't knuw wub dey am duin'. Purge evurytin elze."

Some continued to fight, blinded by their fear and the what ifs but as others heard these two mens words, they took up arms against their captors and the true fight began. Avenging fallen brethren and babies torn from the arms of sobbing mothers, the fought took a brutal turn, thrashing and bashing against those there.

A lull came, the Pirates having seemingly escaped to jump into the waters overboard the ship but as Captain Ha-jun stood high above, he held a switch, a threat leaving him in the process. He'd blow the ship up, take him, the crew, the slaves and everyone there with him.

The frantic escape began, the saviors of the Hyeol-yeon escaping with them via rescue boat and back to land.

An anti-mage brick is thrown, bashing the pirate captain against his head, a bolt of flame shot forward at the ship, those retreating with the rescued slaves in tow.

As the group got to shore, medics rushed those there, tending to the injured and releasing those from their chains. A freed people, many in number, they glanced about blearily, sobs meeting with cheers as they finally met with their freedom and as the sun drifted into that of night, a home was discussed for the people as they were integrated into that of the Jade State of Yong Ping.

What was needed is done and celebrations soon commenced in the teahouse for those who could and for those who couldn't the clinic in a constant bustling motion.

(6:00 PM EST Friday, March 26th)

([Real Art] Morning after the Snow at Koshikawa, Hokusai ca. 1830-1832)

A new series of Oyashiman art will be unveiled soon at the Yong Ping Museum! The new exhibition acquired by the government is intended to highlight the vibrant Oyashiman culture, their unique history, and honor their heritage. 

(Unrevealed Mural, Various Artists, ca. 1813)

The first piece being revealed is a mural created and provided as a joint work between the Chen and Watanabe families, two of the most important families in the city of Yong Ping. Their collaboration on this work is a symbol for the close bond and unity between Li-Ren and Oyashiman people, despite all past differences. 

The second piece is a yet unknown and unrevealed Oyashiman work which has been venerated for years as a symbol of their people’s culture. It is sure to be a surprise when the museum opens!

Come visit Yong Ping today!

Mourning the Lost

Four elven days ago, our community was stricken with unimaginable grief as the people of our city, in our own district, had their lives so suddenly taken from them by men whose souls need not respect, nor remembrance. The living who survived their hand go on to bury the victims, still, no doubt, shaken from the entire event.

We ask that you join us in the funeral procession of those lost to the hands of the Tai-Ping murderers, so that their souls may find rest and peace.

In traditional Li-Ren fashion, mourners and attendees are expected to wear a white headband, a show of respect for those that have passed, and avoid red, as the color symbolizes happiness, and usually worn at events such as weddings. Everyone is encouraged to bring offerings for the dead, such as food, incense, and so forth.

The procession shall be held by the Huajiao monks near the Shrines.