This is an OOC companion post to the Diplomacy log. You can comment below to plot with each other, or submit mission solution proposals! These proposals will be the basis of the mission finale.
PROPOSAL RULES
Only submit completed proposals! Do not use the submission section for discussion.
Reply to a proposal with a +1 to ICly vote for it. Please do not vote for more than two proposals per character. You can delete your vote if you change your mind.
Do not reply to someone else's submission with anything but a +1. Do not discuss the proposals in the submission subthread. This complicates our ability to count votes! There is an IC thread on the log for in-character discussion and you may of course discuss proposals outside of the submission area.
The mods don't answer hypothetical questions. If you're not sure if something will work, that's okay!
You can submit multiple proposals, but use your judgment! Don't go overboard, and let other people have the opportunity to submit proposals as well.
You can submit something that's similar to someone else's proposal, but try not to submit exact duplicates. If someone submitted something you had in mind, just vote for it!
Please keep your submissions between 50 and 250 words.
Proposals and voting are both due by 21 February 23:59 UTC.
With the caveat that it needs to be strictly consensual, Veronica will be suggesting that the Empresses marry. She'll point out that the two of them have a great deal to learn from one another: Youmi's been in rule for a while, but Nama was in charge of a nation that was more strictly militaristic in nature. In terms of economics, they are compatible, able to meet each other's needs. Both Empresses believe in appointing an heir in the absence of one, and she believes it would be a good idea for them to do that together.
Their nation can have rotating capitals of a sort: with their primary cities serving as legislative districts and receiving their attention. The Flowerlands would remain neutral in all of this given Doro's lack of self-interest in trying to help both Empresses achieve peace. The guild would also be pleased to help handle rebel groups. They would be encouraged to appreciate the uniqueness of both sides of their empire, encouraging it to grow.
In honor of the peace agreements, Veronica would also suggest that the marriage take place at Doro's castle. Oh, this plan involves the beautiful dowry that Aloy and Kylo happened upon.
Empress Nama has a brother, and Empress Youmi has a sister. Let them be engaged, and the people promised that their heirs will eventually rule the clan lands, united by blood and culture both. The current Empresses can unite in trade and peace agreements, or even marriage if it suits them.
Mixed blood offspring might prevent the possibility of sensitivities being inflamed again if the Empresses married and chose heirs later down the line, as mountain clan conservatives might be offended if a sea clan member was chosen and visa versa.
The imperial sibling couple could split their time and eventual children's time between what were originally mountain and sea clan lands to prevent any appearance of favoritism for one culture or the other.
Ophelia members would put down the more immediate rebellious forces as fairly as possible to provide time for less hardline members to potentially soften on the idea of eventual unification.
... it is only fair to note, however, that Hayame is not the best with words, nor the nicest, and that will not change even while pushing for this solution.
While Urahara spent most of this mission being wary of Doro and concerned about a coup being staged, there is something to his theory about the Flowerlands hoping to become independent, especially since it stands the most to lose in the skirmishes.
So, both empresses rule over their respective lands, maintain their cultures, and maintain a healthy alliance, while the Flowerlands remains an independent country with its own rules and customs, free to trade between the two clans without worry of anyone trying to lay claim to it. As Doro seems to be on the up and up and regards both Empresses with respect and courtesy, the chances of him favoring one or the other more in trade agreements seems unlikely.
The Flowerlands will remain "neutral" ground. Urahara will point out that there's absolutely no reason why three noble houses can't operate in the same country if they're willing to compromise a little bit, and this way everyone gets to keep their ways of life relatively unharmed. A council could be put in place with representatives from each of the three lands to help make decisions that affect the country as a whole, and the Flowerlands could be allowed to become its own stable clan with its own power, as opposed to just being something between two opposing clans until they all destroy each other.
So as previously discussed Kylo Ren and Aloy are in possession of two pearls big enough for a dowry. He will likely be staying with Youmi and her entorage to ensure they get handed over for the proceedings. He is (mostly) in favor of a political marriage, but also needs some convincing on how this will help get rid of the problem of rebels because REBEL SCUM SUCKS.
He makes a good Enforcer, but unless someone wants him to mind trick someone, there are much better choices for diplomacy. He will also consider handing over the pearls to someone he trusts if a. he would be more useful in the mountains and b. someone he truss is willing to stay behind and accept the responsibility for handling the dowry.
and if no one wants to use the dowry then......idk he will probably just keep them (or at least one of them)
anyway at some point either before or after empress fetching rey's gonna pick his brain about political marriages bc she's Out of her Depth in that network post and he has opinions and background in politics so be ready for that
Veronica will be traveling with Youmi and will be acquiring a horse of her own. She'll be angling to get a read on the advisors' perspectives in all of this, but obviously, she won't be able to nudge her way inside. During the spirit attack, she'll be dinged up a little, but otherwise fine.
More wedding scheming, diplomatic discussions, or even just getting drunk on terrible sake can occur!
Keith will be heading to help get Nama over, if only because Youmi's nation seems to have everything in check (and he has a grudge about that closed gate). Standing guard is out (read: boring), so yes, it's traveling through all the fights to get to the mountain base it is. Keith is great at taking down guards quickly to help people get out. He's a natural distraction and he has limited camouflage to help.
He'll honestly be glad for the action, especially once everyone's attention returns to the diplomacy (blegh).
Jason is in the Youmi group, so this might be fun time for more bonding. He'll be happy to be a sounding board for Veronica's ideas and of course if someone needs a rescue during the spirit attack he is there!
Hayame, by virtue of enjoying a taste of the matriarchy and also just Getting the warrior culture of the Mountain clan more, will be heading back to escort Empress Nama. ... Hooves cover ground quicker anyway. She's a fighter and a top notch archer so she'll likely be of use taking out members of the faction that has taken over the castle. (If Nama needs an escape ride, she can have one, but no one else!!)
Diplomatically, Hayame opposes marriage between the two empresses and instead supports marrying a male and female relation to produce a mixed blood heir, because she thinks having to appoint an heir will just mean fighting and unrest erupts again later on with whichever clan the heir isn't chosen from feeling slighted.
Sieglinde isn't a great traveler so she'll be sticking with Empress Youmi's entourage out of the Sea clan lands. Pack mules aka dudes willing to carry her or help her out on horseback Wanted. During the battle with the spirit, she will provide defensive magic and heal ups afterwards, so make sure to shout if you need patching up.
Diplomatically, Sieglinde is on the fence still about what she thinks needs doing, and will be wanting to consult with others to hear their thoughts along the journey.
Inuyasha is gonna be chilling around Doro's castle doing guard duty unless someone wants him in particular with them on either escort. Otherwise, he'll definitely just be all beat-em-up anyway.
That said, I'll see if I can squeeze him into the fight with the forest spirit since he's nearby.
He's talked to a few people about the marriage proposal, and so he'll be up to doing that more than likely though he FOR SURE DEFINITELY isn't gonna be the one telling them. However! He also talked to Majima about naming one an heir, and so that is also a thing considered.
Dunno if I will top-level or not, but let me know if you want something!
Rey will be heading to the Mountain Clan on account of being worried about them trying to incite a war due to her interrogation with Keith.
She will probably try to convince people to stop for the skirmishes along the way.
And once in the castle, she can jedi mind trick guards for added stealth points.
She doesn't know anything about politics really so as far as proposals go, she's mostly just gonna be listening to what other ppl think and settling on what sounds like it makes the most sense.
Majima will be sticking with Empress Youmi because fighting a big angry bird forest spirit are you kidding he's ready, he is going to FIGHT THE SUN.
He'll also be interested in archery lessons, but may actually spend time trying to convince some Sea Clan guards to shoot some arrows at him so he can live the blood knight dream. BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE
I may or may not top level, not sure :x. But in any case drop me a line if you'd like to make any plans!
Oh no both options sound excitingLaphicet will be on the trip to escort Empress Nama! He's an invisible spirit to the natives (and other teammates, but able to communicate via magitek YOU KNOW THE DRILL), so he'll be able to stealth on in. He's going to be mostly sneaking around to help hostages and get Nama, but he can help fight with his magic if he sees that you need it.
I don't know if I'll be top-leveling this time around, so I'm more likely to be tagging in if a teammate needs help/or let me know where you need me/I can set up specific prompts. I'd like to get in on more actiony stuff with him, so HMU!!
As for the solution proposal, he's likely leaning towards the empress marriage.
Jhin will be joining the group escorting Empress Youmi and will be more than happy to help beautifully murder that forest spirit and any of the attacking critters. Spirits attacking? Why this truly is a home away from home. He's been starved for murder for a while now, he needs to let it out somewhere.
He'll likely try and borrow a bow for the fight, or stick with his dagger and earth magic. Sorry to anyone that trips over magical vines in the middle of the fight. If anyone that knows about Whisper asks why he isn't using it, they wont get much of an answer from him. Whisper is not for use in such a crowd okay, but he could possibly be convinced to take it out since it packs a much bigger punch than a bow.
Dunno if I'll do a top level, but if anyone wants anything hit me up.
Alucard will be approaching Empress Nama's castle to help escort her. As a result of the siege, he will infiltrate stealthily vis bat form, either by flight or crawling, assuming that the rebels are concerned about people and not pests. Should a fight initiate, he will be trying to knock people out rather than outright slaying them, but he will strike them down if it looks like anyone on Team Ophelia or the hostages are in immediate trouble. He will refuse to abandon the hostages.
He is in full support of the marriage plan, should the Empresses consent to the idea.
Thrawn will be heading to assist Empress Nama, as his intel gathering and IC discussions with other characters up until this point have pressed him to concern over the state of the Mountain Clan and its people.
He's good on stealth and infiltration (hello outer space warrior culture), but he isn't willing to turn a blind eye to the hostages within the castle, particularly when he's fresh off the heels of a planetside rebellion that ended thousands of civillian and insurgent lives. His preference would be a stealthy escape that includes both the Empress and the hostages.
If anyone needs a bodyguard, a persuasive partner in fighting a few rebels, or just wants an excuse to hit up the Mountain Clan, Thrawn's here for you, buddy.
Ginko will be following along with the group leading Empress Youmi to Doro's castle. He'll be around for general first aid to whoever gets injured in the fight with the forest spirit/other animals, and will be generally Displeased if they end up having to kill it.
He's on board with the empress marriage idea! Though he ALSO agrees with Hayame that they need a blood heir down the line, so he thinks it'd be a good idea to marry the siblings of Youmi and Nama and announce the sibling betrothal alongside the Main Event
Odinson is sitting the adventures out, guarding the castle for the eventual arrival of the two retinues. He's ready to hear about all your great adventures!! I've got a top level already!
Jason will be helping with the Empress Youmi escort. Jason will also probably be walking, but he's used to being a foot soldier (in a sense) so it won't be a major problem unless someone wants to give him a ride on a mount. As they camp along the way, Jason will help with anyone needing it and is actually pretty handy for those who decide to sleep outside. He'll also be big on discussing cultural differences with the clan as that aspect is really fascinating to him.
When the spirit shows up, Jason probably tries to talk before realizing that it's useless. What else is new in dealing with spirits? He's VERY useful in the fight since he can actually fly AND try to strike the bird with lightning. This is more or less what he's been trained for his whole life, so should be fun. Although he probably won't be in the air much since that would mean having to dodge a lot of arrows. Of course if he sees team members in trouble he will fight the bears and wolves instead. Basically whatever is needed of him. Also he's finally learned his lesson and is carrying his sword/spear with him -- also helpful against monsters.
As for the diplomacy, Jason doesn't really have any ideas of his own. Based on what he understands and knows about the situation and world though he's probably in camp "marry the empresses"...though he's hesitant by the mere fact that he knows how messy heirs can be in terms of rule (he had to study a lot of Roman history). Still, if the clans can decide on an heir together--maybe it would work out.
I'd be interested in either cultural differences or fights (cultural differences might be better unless Jason would be a good candidate for tag-teaming with horseback archery? idk majima cannot fly at all, but he'd be happy to provide backup if it looks like the lightning's working).
Aizawa will be with Youmi, and will join the fight against the forest spirit. His power, Erasure, can temporarily break the forest spirit's spell on the forest critters, so if you'd like to avoid hurting INNOCENT ANIMALS, hmu. Also, though he's not an archer, his capture weapon is excellent for long range attacks--he can yank that bird right down.
Elsewise he'll just be chilling at the castle. Probably in need of medical attention, because that is just a constant with him (also a constant: refusing to admit it).
...So I completely dropped the ball on the previous log. I went in with great plans to tag all the people, but then started a new overnight job the day after posting and had to quickly adapt a radically different schedule which I’ve only just adjusted (kind of) to and now here we are. I will keep trying to keep going with things there, unless people want me to drop them, and Luke will probably be getting a top level in this log. At the moment I’m leaning towards having him go off to the Mountain Clan, largely because I am amused by the Rebel officer having to fight rebels. It’s the little things in life sometimes. He will be 100% into saving as many hostages as possible so anyone who wants to help with that is good.
SOLUTION PROPOSALS
Proposals and votes must be submitted by 21 February 23:59.
empress marriage
Their nation can have rotating capitals of a sort: with their primary cities serving as legislative districts and receiving their attention. The Flowerlands would remain neutral in all of this given Doro's lack of self-interest in trying to help both Empresses achieve peace. The guild would also be pleased to help handle rebel groups. They would be encouraged to appreciate the uniqueness of both sides of their empire, encouraging it to grow.
In honor of the peace agreements, Veronica would also suggest that the marriage take place at Doro's castle. Oh, this plan involves the beautiful dowry that Aloy and Kylo happened upon.
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imperial sibling marriage
Mixed blood offspring might prevent the possibility of sensitivities being inflamed again if the Empresses married and chose heirs later down the line, as mountain clan conservatives might be offended if a sea clan member was chosen and visa versa.
The imperial sibling couple could split their time and eventual children's time between what were originally mountain and sea clan lands to prevent any appearance of favoritism for one culture or the other.
Ophelia members would put down the more immediate rebellious forces as fairly as possible to provide time for less hardline members to potentially soften on the idea of eventual unification.
... it is only fair to note, however, that Hayame is not the best with words, nor the nicest, and that will not change even while pushing for this solution.
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CO-RULING w/ the Flowerlands remaining as an independent country
So, both empresses rule over their respective lands, maintain their cultures, and maintain a healthy alliance, while the Flowerlands remains an independent country with its own rules and customs, free to trade between the two clans without worry of anyone trying to lay claim to it. As Doro seems to be on the up and up and regards both Empresses with respect and courtesy, the chances of him favoring one or the other more in trade agreements seems unlikely.
The Flowerlands will remain "neutral" ground. Urahara will point out that there's absolutely no reason why three noble houses can't operate in the same country if they're willing to compromise a little bit, and this way everyone gets to keep their ways of life relatively unharmed. A council could be put in place with representatives from each of the three lands to help make decisions that affect the country as a whole, and the Flowerlands could be allowed to become its own stable clan with its own power, as opposed to just being something between two opposing clans until they all destroy each other.
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He makes a good Enforcer, but unless someone wants him to mind trick someone, there are much better choices for diplomacy. He will also consider handing over the pearls to someone he trusts if a. he would be more useful in the mountains and b. someone he truss is willing to stay behind and accept the responsibility for handling the dowry.
and if no one wants to use the dowry then......idk he will probably just keep them (or at least one of them)
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lol
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wink
anyway at some point either before or after empress fetching rey's gonna pick his brain about political marriages bc she's Out of her Depth in that network post and he has opinions and background in politics so be ready for that
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More wedding scheming, diplomatic discussions, or even just getting drunk on terrible sake can occur!
Keith will be heading to help get Nama over, if only because Youmi's nation seems to have everything in check (and he has a grudge about that closed gate). Standing guard is out (read: boring), so yes, it's traveling through all the fights to get to the mountain base it is. Keith is great at taking down guards quickly to help people get out. He's a natural distraction and he has limited camouflage to help.
He'll honestly be glad for the action, especially once everyone's attention returns to the diplomacy (blegh).
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Hayame + Sieglinde plotting
Diplomatically, Hayame opposes marriage between the two empresses and instead supports marrying a male and female relation to produce a mixed blood heir, because she thinks having to appoint an heir will just mean fighting and unrest erupts again later on with whichever clan the heir isn't chosen from feeling slighted.
Sieglinde isn't a great traveler so she'll be sticking with Empress Youmi's entourage out of the Sea clan lands. Pack mules aka dudes willing to carry her or help her out on horseback Wanted. During the battle with the spirit, she will provide defensive magic and heal ups afterwards, so make sure to shout if you need patching up.
Diplomatically, Sieglinde is on the fence still about what she thinks needs doing, and will be wanting to consult with others to hear their thoughts along the journey.
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That said, I'll see if I can squeeze him into the fight with the forest spirit since he's nearby.
He's talked to a few people about the marriage proposal, and so he'll be up to doing that more than likely though he FOR SURE DEFINITELY isn't gonna be the one telling them. However! He also talked to Majima about naming one an heir, and so that is also a thing considered.
Dunno if I will top-level or not, but let me know if you want something!
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does he want to rescue a normie human from some manner of danger while being guard dog y/n
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She will probably try to convince people to stop for the skirmishes along the way.
And once in the castle, she can jedi mind trick guards for added stealth points.
She doesn't know anything about politics really so as far as proposals go, she's mostly just gonna be listening to what other ppl think and settling on what sounds like it makes the most sense.
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He'll also be interested in archery lessons, but may actually spend time trying to convince some Sea Clan guards to shoot some arrows at him so he can live the blood knight dream.
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONEI may or may not top level, not sure :x. But in any case drop me a line if you'd like to make any plans!
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Oh no both options sound excitingLaphicet will be on the trip to escort Empress Nama! He's an invisible spirit to the natives (and other teammates, but able to communicate via magitek YOU KNOW THE DRILL), so he'll be able to stealth on in. He's going to be mostly sneaking around to help hostages and get Nama, but he can help fight with his magic if he sees that you need it.I don't know if I'll be top-leveling this time around, so I'm more likely to be tagging in if a teammate needs help/or let me know where you need me/I can set up specific prompts. I'd like to get in on more actiony stuff with him, so HMU!!
As for the solution proposal, he's likely leaning towards the empress marriage.
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He'll likely try and borrow a bow for the fight, or stick with his dagger and earth magic. Sorry to anyone that trips over magical vines in the middle of the fight. If anyone that knows about Whisper asks why he isn't using it, they wont get much of an answer from him. Whisper is not for use in such a crowd okay, but he could possibly be convinced to take it out since it packs a much bigger punch than a bow.
Dunno if I'll do a top level, but if anyone wants anything hit me up.
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if you wanna murder some spirits, points at me, points at you
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He is in full support of the marriage plan, should the Empresses consent to the idea.
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He's good on stealth and infiltration (hello outer space warrior culture), but he isn't willing to turn a blind eye to the hostages within the castle, particularly when he's fresh off the heels of a planetside rebellion that ended thousands of civillian and insurgent lives. His preference would be a stealthy escape that includes both the Empress and the hostages.
If anyone needs a bodyguard, a persuasive partner in fighting a few rebels, or just wants an excuse to hit up the Mountain Clan, Thrawn's here for you, buddy.
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He's on board with the empress marriage idea! Though he ALSO agrees with Hayame that they need a blood heir down the line, so he thinks it'd be a good idea to marry the siblings of Youmi and Nama and announce the sibling betrothal alongside the Main Event
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unless someone wants to give him a ride on a mount. As they camp along the way, Jason will help with anyone needing it and is actually pretty handy for those who decide to sleep outside. He'll also be big on discussing cultural differences with the clan as that aspect is really fascinating to him.When the spirit shows up, Jason probably tries to talk before realizing that it's useless. What else is new in dealing with spirits? He's VERY useful in the fight since he can actually fly AND try to strike the bird with lightning. This is more or less what he's been trained for his whole life, so should be fun. Although he probably won't be in the air much since that would mean having to dodge a lot of arrows. Of course if he sees team members in trouble he will fight the bears and wolves instead. Basically whatever is needed of him. Also he's finally learned his lesson and is carrying his sword/spear with him -- also helpful against monsters.
As for the diplomacy, Jason doesn't really have any ideas of his own. Based on what he understands and knows about the situation and world though he's probably in camp "marry the empresses"...though he's hesitant by the mere fact that he knows how messy heirs can be in terms of rule (he had to study a lot of Roman history). Still, if the clans can decide on an heir together--maybe it would work out.
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Elsewise he'll just be chilling at the castle. Probably in need of medical attention, because that is just a constant with him (also a constant: refusing to admit it).
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