The Risen Wave was a political faction on Jasmine Island during the 100s AG. Mainly recruited from veterans of the Hundred Year War –particularly Jasmine Island protectors and other volunteers who fought in "The Devastation"– the group was focused on improving their homeland's security. In addition, the Risen Wave harbored a substantial anti-Fire Nation sentiment, demanding the end of trade with and the imposition of sanctions on the Fire Islands until the Fire Lord's government agreed to reparations for "The Devastation". As contestants for the election of Jasmine Island's ruling council, they took a hardline position and were unwilling to compromise with other groups.[3][4]
History[]
Jasmine Island, a small, independent state, was heavily affected by the Hundred Year War, particularly by 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.[3]
The Risen Wave was one faction which emerged during this period. Led by Hong, it rallied veterans of the Great War and their family members to its cause by extolling the Jasmine Island protectors as well as demanding reparations from the Fire Nation.[3][4][5] Fire Lord Zuko had actually offered aid to the islanders over previous years, but his offers had been rejected by the islanders out of a mixture of fear and anger.[6]
With the exception of the Climbing Vines, the different factions on Jasmine Island – including the Risen Wave, Antiquarians, and Autumn Leaves – bitterly feuded, causing considerable unrest.[3] When a delegation of the Order of the White Lotus, including Iroh and Piandao, visited Jasmine Island during this time, the Risen Wave regarded the White Lotus members with suspicion due to their Fire Nation background.[2][7] The infighting among the islanders eventually resulted in a political crisis in the period before the elections, especially as someone stole a bag of golden jasmine seeds from the yearly harvest, a symbolically potent and disruptive action.[3] The Jasmine Island protectors quickly started to investigate the crime, seeing Risen Wave members as potential suspects.[7]
The Risen Wave's aims were partially met over time. The protectors' roles and influence were strengthened over the next decades.[8] Contrary to the Risen Wave's hopes,[9] however, the Jasmine Island Council was not totally reformed.[8]
Beliefs[]
With its background in Jasmine Island's veteran community and active security forces, the Risen Wave focused on policies related to the small state's defense. The group had a very positive view of the protectors and demanded that the security forces be further strengthened, including by doubling the number of serving protectors. To achieve this aim, the Risen Wave did not just seek new laws, but also offered its facilities to train islanders in martial arts,[4] with party member Thi taking a leading role as instructor.[2][10] The group also supported a greater focus on new technology to lessen the islanders' dependence on benders.[10]
In addition, the Risen Wave generally displayed an anti-Fire Nation stance. Many of its members had fought the Fire Nation during the Great War and others had lost relatives in "The Devastation", meaning that many among its ranks held a general distrust toward Fire Nationals, especially current and former members of the Fire Nation military and leadership.[3][4] Risen Wave leader Hong and other party members even distrusted all firebenders, including figures such as Iroh and Fire Lord Zuko who had helped to topple their nation's imperialist system.[10][11] Regardless, the Risen Wave did not support blatantly chauvinistic policies, as it did not officially blame all Fire Nationals or firebenders. Instead, it sought reparation payments, demanding an end of trade with and the implementation of sanctions on the Fire Nation until this demand was met.[4]
Furthermore, the Risen Wave was opposed to the expansion of Jasmine Island's ruling council, instead demanding a total reform of the state's style of government.[9]