The Autumn Leaves were a group of community-minded anarchists on Jasmine Island during the 100s AG. They intended to abolish the traditional council ruling the island, instead devolving crucial decisions about their island to people in their places of work.[1][2]
History[]
Jasmine Island, a small, independent state, was heavily affected by the Hundred Year War, particularly a Fire Nation invasion known as "The Devastation". The islanders were still rebuilding by the end of the war, but once the physical and economic reconstruction was largely complete, new political divisions emerged. After "The Devastation", no elections had been held and the existing council had ruled for years with the general acquiescence of the entire community. When the council members such as Yuming finally stepped down and and announced new elections, various factions across the island saw this as a chance to kickstart substantial, genuine changes in reforms. Conversely, these factions – several influenced by past events and developments across the world – could not agree with each other and began to bitterly feud.[3]
The Autumn Leaves were one group which emerged during this period. Recruited from those on the margins of the island's society, the group formed around Isonash and became politically aligned with revolutionary anarchism.[1] Already disapproving of the existing power structures, the Autumn Leaves regarded the political infighting in the leadup of the elections as proof that the entire council was an outdated concept and should be removed. Isonash thus campaigned on the promise on anarchist reforms, with his followers actively undermining the entire election.[3] Though the Autumn Leaves knew that their revolutionary demands were largely unpopular among the other islanders, they genuinely believed that their plans would "free the people from a system that has held them back".[1] They strongly opposed the other political groups on the island, including the Climbing Vines, Antiquarians, and Risen Wave.[3]
The group became even more radical when some of its members, including Isonash, met with the White Lotus anarchist Xai Bau. The latter espoused a more militant and radical form of anarchism, causing some Autumn Leaves to question the entire elections. He also distributed some of his written works among the locals and trained Isonash in community organization.[3][1][2] Not all Autumn Leaves were supportive of Xai Bau, however, as one prominent member of the group – Aputi – quickly started to despise him and his views. In contrast to Xai Bau's militantism, Aputi opted for constructive grassroots anarchism and thus earned much local goodwill. Xai Bau eventually left Jasmine Island, though his influence remained within the divided anarchist group.[4]
One month later,[2] the Autumn Leaves protested against the arrival of a foreign delegation consisting of Iroh, Piandao, and several Air Acolytes, throwing rotting fruits at them.[5] Soon after, it became known that someone had stolen a bag of golden jasmine seeds from the yearly harvest, a symbolically potent action.[3] The Jasmine Island protectors quickly started to investigate the crime, while Isonash worried that the authorities would try to blame the Autumn Leaves for the theft to weaken them. Meanwhile, the protectors were also drawn into Iroh and Piandao's search for Xai Bau.[5] Like the other political factions, the Autumn Leaves were subsequently investigated, revealing Xai Bau's influence on them.[2][6] The group's efforts to disband Jasmine Island's council ultimately failed.[7]
Beliefs[]
The Autumn Leaves sought to end the dominance of the council and eliminate outside influences on Jasmine Island. In this regard, they hoped for an anarchist system in which all people had a direct say in political decisions.[3] As a result of Xai Bau's influence, the group became divided in their views on how to achieve an anarchist society, with some members favoring militant actions, others still opted for partaking in elections, and some opting for grassroots activism.[1][2][4]
Appearances[]
Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 150.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 155.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 149.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 157.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 152.
- ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 167.
- ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 171.