Uozumi Haru
Dying embers can still start a fire
Cultural Ambassador of the Yun Empire in the Eldwell Empire
Born in 1837 AF in the city of Kyo’kan, within the serene Yun Empire, Uozumi Haru was destined for greatness from a young age. Her parents, both scholars deeply entrenched in the Yun Imperial Cult, fostered her education with a focus on art, philosophy, and diplomacy. Haru demonstrated an early aptitude for music and was introduced to the kinsei, a traditional Yun string instrument, when she was only four years old.
The kinsei, a remarkable creation of Yun artisans, features a sleek, crescent-shaped body crafted from lacquered wood and strung with six strings made from finely spun electrum-infused silk. The instrument is designed to produce ethereal, resonant tones that can mimic the wind or evoke the soft ripples of water. Haru quickly became a prodigy, her performances captivating audiences at court by the time she was ten. Her mastery of the kinsei earned her the title of “Voice of the Moon”, a poetic moniker celebrating her skill and artistry.
Haru’s intellectual brilliance extended beyond music. She excelled in diplomacy and rhetoric, skills honed at the Yun Imperial Academy, where she studied history, philosophy, and the intricacies of cross-cultural exchange. By her early twenties, she was recognized as one of the Empire’s most promising young diplomats. Her alignment with the Imperial Cult, which emphasizes harmony, discipline, and cultural preservation, further enhanced her reputation.
Her appointment as Cultural Ambassador to the Eldwell Empire in 1869 was seen as both a recognition of her talents and a significant diplomatic gesture. The Yun Empire sought to strengthen ties with the technologically advanced but socially fractious Eldwell Empire, and Haru was chosen to bridge this delicate divide.
As Cultural Ambassador, Sensei Haru oversees the Yun Pleasure House in Barrogate, a cultural hub for fostering understanding between the two empires. The Pleasure House serves as a venue for exhibitions, performances, and diplomatic gatherings, with Haru often at the center of events. Her kinsei performances have become legendary in Edison, drawing nobles, scholars, and artists eager to witness her artistry and learn from her teachings.
Haru also engages in more subtle diplomacy, advocating for peace and cultural exchange while navigating the political tensions between the Yun and Eldwell Empires. Her charisma and eloquence make her a formidable negotiator, and her presence is seen as a testament to the newborn Yun Empire’s commitment to fostering relations with its neighbours.
Haru is known for her composed demeanor and sharp intellect. She is an eloquent orator and a patient listener, capable of disarming even the most skeptical audience. Her charisma is matched by a warm, approachable side, which endears her to those who interact with her personally. She has a deep respect for tradition but is also an innovator, blending modern techniques with ancient practices in her performances and diplomatic endeavors.
Outside her official duties, Haru enjoys quiet moments in her private quarters, where she composes original pieces for the kinsei. She is also an avid reader, with a particular interest in Eldwellian literature, finding its philosophical musings both alien and fascinating.
She sounds like an amazing woman