The Ji'an-Ha'kii Conflict: War of Affection Military Conflict in Ilvian | World Anvil
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The Ji'an-Ha'kii Conflict: War of Affection

There is only one true conflict in Ji'an and Hak'kii's history, and that is what is commonly called "The War of Affection", or sometimes "The Giving Storm". This conflict wasn't a war in the traditional sense, and consequently is a subject of humor for many people who are not from either of the two island nations. However, for the native residents of Ji'an and Ha'kii, it holds great cultural significance.   To summarize, the War of Affection was a conflict that broke out between the two island nations after the two respective kings offended one another, claiming they were the most generous and that they valued their alliance more than the other. The result of the mutual offense was a storm of gift giving. Yes, you read that correctly. Gift giving.   At first, it was just involving the two kings. Tian Mao, the king of Ji'an, would send silks, spices, and gems. Kuro, the king of Ha'kii, would send the finest of teas, ornaments, and literature. It continuously escalated, until the gifts they were giving to one another became ridiculous. For example, historical records show that at one point, Tian Mao sent over 50 horses across the water to Kuro's palace. Kuro responded by sending over 100 chickens and other fowl to Tian Mao.   Word quickly spread amongst the common folk. They began to also become involved. Since intermingling of the people between the two nations was common and even expected in some cases, it was no surprise when conflict broke out. People would approach strangers and give them random objects, wishing them well before promptly scurrying off. Now said gift-receiver was burdened with whatever ridiculous item they held. Often times, it would break out in fights in the streets (sometimes random, sometimes planned!), and people would throw objects at one another. These objects could be quite dangerous, such as pots and pans, bricks, and knives. They could also be quite gross, such as spoiled food, buckets of urine, leftover remains from a hunt. And of course, after these fights were over, the gifts that nobody actually wanted would remain on the streets. To throw them away would insinuate rejection, but obviously nobody wanted to carrying a rotting rabbit carcass into their home, right?

The Conflict

Prelude

In the time prior to the conflict, there was King Tian Mao (of Ji'an) and King Kuro (of Ha'kii). It is a long-standing tradition for the royal families of the two nations to meet annually for a grand feast. Who hosts the banquet is determined by the year (odd years are hosted in Ji'an, even years in Ha'kii). It was an even nubered year. Tian Mao was travelling to visit Kuro. Before he left, he wanted to bring the most perfect gift, but he was not a creative man, and didn't know what to do. An advisor suggested, if you can't decide on one thing...why not give him many things?   And so, Tian Mao went to Ha'kii, with several luxurious gifts in tow. Tian Mao and Kuro enjoyed a fabulous meal and, at the end of it, Tian Mao presented Kuro with all of the gifts. Kuro was overwhelmed by the generosity and questioned why Tian Mao would do this. Tian Mao most confidently stated, "Because I am the most grateful for our two nations' continued friendship, and I wish to express my greatest affections!"    Kuro was flabbergasted, and insisted that HE was in fact the most grateful. And of course, dear reader, you know where it goes from here...

Conditions

The 'conditions' of this war started off being relatively normal, if not a bit annoying. The conflict was initially contained to just between the two kings, but of course spread to the commoners. When this occurred, the streets quickly filled up with muck and filth, to include but not limited to: manure, urine, spoiled food, and animal carcasses. People became sick, injured, and some even died.    Some historians speculate that, due to the celebratory nature surrounding this story, that perhaps the people were not continuing to fight because of violent feelings, but because the mix of horrid things in the street somehow created a psychological phenomena that induced mania. Essentially, what this means is, they were poisoned in a way due to fumes on the street that acted as a drug and caused people to start acting crazy.

Outcome

The weeks following this war resulted in essentially a massive clean-up. Society seemed to halt, as citizens from both islands came out and started helping their neighbors clean up the streets. It was likely nota fun experience in reality, but this became a symbolic time, as it showed that their bond was so strong that even a 'war' could not separate them. This period of time became known as the Blossom Period. 

Aftermath

In the long run, this conflict resulted in a festival that is the shining star of Ji'an and Ha'kii, known quite simply as 'The Giving Festival'. Around the time that the royal families are scheduled to have their annual visit in the spring time, a large festival is also hosted. A large migration of the population from one island will travel over to the other (whichever one is hosting), and join in the festivities. It is a common tradition to give gifts not only to friends and family but also to strangers (of course, these gifts are actually nice presents, not insulting pranks like in the histories).

Historical Significance

Legacy

The two kings Tian Mao and Kuro became legendary after this part of time. Both became subjects of many different local legends (some of them not so true). In Ji'an in particular, Tian Mao became an 'honored ancestor', which is an official title given to citizens of great renown. Honored Ancestors are believed to gain supernatural gifts in the afterlife, and are revered in a quasi-deity sort of fashion.

In Literature

During the festivals, there are songs and poems performed. There are also countless different story books that tell the story of the war. There are also nonfiction retellings, recounting real life stories of individuals who lived during the War of Affection.
Conflict Type
War
Battlefield Type
Land
Conflict Result
The two nations eventually came to a peaceful conclusion after the two kings were came together and admitted a tie, that they were both equally as generous and grateful.

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