In the late Hundred Year War, the Fire Nation military invaded Jasmine Island, a neutral island-state, in a destructive campaign later dubbed "The Devastation".[2]
The operation was orchestrated and carried out by Admiral Yueya of the Fire Nation Navy, a officer who exploited her ranking position to take revenge on the island for a defeat suffered by her family centuries before. The invasion caused great destruction and cost many lives, but thanks to the efforts of Jasmine Island's protectors and a group of Fire Army troops led by Prince Lu Ten, Yueya's rampage was stopped. Jasmine Island's people had to spend many years rebuilding after "The Devastation", and the small state's culture was significantly impacted by the invasion's long-term effects.[2]
Prelude[]
In the 3rd century BG, Jasmine Island became increasingly prosperous.
Historically, Jasmine Island was a relatively isolated location in the world's southern seas.[3] Generally ignored by the major powers, it maintained a long-held independence, guarded by a traditional group of fighters dubbed the "protectors".[4] At times, outsiders either violently or peacefully attempted to occupy Jasmine Island, with one major incursion organized by Fifth Nation pirates under Tagaka and Erchtei in the early 3rd century BG.[5][6] Though a member of a respectable Fire National family, Erchtei had disgraced his relatives by becoming a corsair.[7] The Fifth Nation's attempted takeover was fended off by the islanders and some allies; this failure was also attributed to Erchtei. The pirate was humiliated for the rest of his life. The double shame of his criminal activity as well as major defeat was passed down in his family over many generations, even as they tried to regain the respect, honor and standing which they had once enjoyed.[6][7] Meanwhile, the island grew increasingly prosperous over the next centuries.[8]
When the Hundred Year War erupted in 0 AG, Jasmine Island pledged its neutrality in the conflict and focused on defending its own borders.[2][6] In order to not provoke the Fire Nation, Jasmine Island formally terminated all alliances with other states.[6] As a result of its small population and unimportant strategic position, the island-state was indeed able to stay out of the fighting for most of the war. Regardless, the conflict did not leave the island untouched; its economy suffered under the decline of international trade, refugees occasionally arrived to seek shelter, and a substantial number of locals -including most protectors- left their home to fight as volunteers for anti-Fire Nation forces around the world.[2][9]
Yueya's plan[]
However, by 90 AG, Admiral Yueya of the Fire Navy, who claimed descent from Erchtei, thought it was the ideal time to exact her family's vengeance and burn Jasmine Island to the ground.[6][7] In a discussion with the War Council of the Fire Nation, Yueya portrayed the neutral state as a potential base of the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes for direct attacks on the Fire Islands. She argued that leaving the island alone was a security risk, while an occupation could be achieved with minimal effort: The admiral requested just one dreadnought, two destroyers, and some troops led by two other captains. Considering her arguments and minor requests, the War Council agreed to her plan.[6]
In truth, Yueya had no intention to organize a mere occupation. When the operation was under way, the admiral instead claimed that the islanders were a major threat to the Fire Nation, necessitating a campaign of total destruction.[6] Though this plan was not authorized,[2] Yueya believed that her superiors would ultimately sanction it post-hoc based on her false claims. However, one of her subordinate, Prince Lu Ten (then a captain), doubted her claims about the dangers of this tiny island. Accordingly, Lu Ten volunteered to be one of the officers who led the first attack wave. He hoped that he could test Yueya's story in this way and potentially stop the military operation if she had lied about the islanders.[6][7]
Invasion[]
The invasion of Jasmine Island, later known as "The Devastation",[2] began as a surprise attack at night on a day traditionally reserved for the New Moon Celebration.[10][11] Under Yueya's orders, her second-in-command, Captain Zhao, launched an amphibious assault on the island's main settlement with a team of elite firebenders.[11] Zhao and his subordinates planted explosive barrels in the market square toppling the Monument to Peace and letting the statue fall down onto the council chambers and the nearby homes of the island's council members.[10][11] This attack killed two of the three council members, namely Shio-Ming and Kai,[11][12] thereby depriving the island of two important leadership figures. Local protectors fought to hold off the assault, while seeking to get the surviving council member, Yuming, and her son Caishen to safety.[10][11] The protectors quickly rallied around one of the few remaining veteran warriors, Akataa.[1]
As the Fire Nation troops fanned out, setting fire to buildings and fields, the protectors tried to fight off Zhao's troops, aid civilians, and protect important locations.[10][11][nb 1] As morning approached, one group of local protectors, consisting of Akataa, Aiko, Basalt, Siku, and Fu Meili,[1][15] encountered a group of Fire Army soldiers who actually tried to reign in their comrades. This squad was led by Prince Lu Ten who was horrified as he realized that Yueya had indeed lied about the invasion's true purpose. After a tense conversation, Lu Ten stated that he would speak with his commander and try to convince her to stop the onslaught, though warned that she might continue her attacks despite his intervention.[10][13]
Lu Ten's intervention resulted in a pause of the Fire Nation's attacks. The islanders used the opportunity to shore up defenses and distribute aid, while the group of Akataa, Aiko, Basalt, Siku, and Fu Meili tried to encourage the divisions among the invaders.[10][16] Furthermore, Magistrate Jin Bo attempted to organize a rescue and protection effort for Jasmine Island's priceless artifacts and books.[16][17] Ultimately, Lu Ten's efforts resulted in at least parts of the Fire Nation forces standing down. Regardless, the admiral decided to continue the operation using her most loyal troops and the dreadnought. The prince subsequently returned to the island as fast as he could, informing the protectors of Yueya's plan. The prince and his own soldiers were not eager to confront their comrades-in-arms and thus would not aggressively fight Yueya. However, they were willing to assist in defensive efforts, particularily the protection of civilians.[10][14]
Along with the rest of her loyal firebender guards, Yueya sailed her dreadnought into the main settlement's harbor.[14][17] However, the protectors were able to defeat her and disable her ship's main weapon. The rest of her troops subsequently agreed to retreat, and submitted to Lu Ten's authority.[10][14] The prince then met with the protectors and locals for a final time, saddened by all the destruction which he had been unable to prevent. However, the Jasmine Islanders allowed Lu Ten to participate in a traditional tea ceremony to thank him for his aid; the young man then promised to do everything in his power to ensure that Jasmine Island would be left alone for the rest of the war.[14]
Impact[]
Jasmine Island suffered heavy damage as a result of "The Devastation", with most local fields and settlements being destroyed as well as many islanders killed.[2] The chaos of the invasion also promoted a phase of great unity among the islanders; previous political differences and factionalism largely disappeared for a number of years.[18]
In the wake of Yueya's attack, the islanders only just managed to cultivate enough fields to survive. They set up makeshift shelters as temporary settlements, and began rebuilding.[2] Meanwhile, some golden jasmine cultivators did all they could to keep growing the plant, hoping to trade it for supplies. Even though the war made the island more isolationist, it still managed to remain relatively hospitable, and several islanders welcomed refugee ships carrying other survivors of Fire Nation attacks. Nevertheless, there was worry about welcoming other outsiders if there was a fear their presence might attract the Fire Nation back to Jasmine Island.[9]
Aftermath[]
Jasmine Island was rebuilt during the years after "The Devastation", and had mostly regained its prosperity by the late 100s AG.
Lu Ten kep his promise and ensured that the Fire Nation left Jasmine Island alone for the next years.[2][14] Though the prince eventually died in the Siege of Ba Sing Se,[19] his father Iroh continued to honor his son's promise.[20]
After several years, the islanders managed to rebuild homes and cultivate a local food supply, while also starting to plant tea and golden jasmine once more. Trade began to pick up once again, with the war's end meaning that traders began to view the island as a safe hub. Outsiders had money to spend on pre-war comforts like the golden jasmine flower, which was viewed as a symbol that the world was being set right once again.[21] Regardless, "The Devastation" left a lasting impact on the island, with the island's traditional culture of hospitality being particularly affected.[22] For instance, Fire Lord Zuko offered aid in the reconstruction efforts, though the islanders rejected his aid in fear until Zuko himself came to the island to convince them of his intentions. Meanwhile, companies such as the Jing Hua Tea Consortium took a new interest in the island, with the company's chief officer, Yuka, even offering to buy the entire island.[23]
Council elections had been suspended since the Devastation, but after a period of recovery, all members decided to stand down so that new councilmembers could be chosen. However, this move would open up new divisions in society. Older islanders generally wanted to restore the status quo, but others questioned if the traditional systems were fit for purpose in the new world.[21] Revisionists and renewalists generally tended to think of what could be done to improve the system in a new age. Meanwhile, a small but dedicated revolutionary group began to emerge after Xai Bau visited the island. Revolutionaries called for the complete abolition of the council, while also tending to champion isolationist policies.[23]
Appearances[]
Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game[]
Notes[]
- ↑ Zhao's exact role after the initial surprise attack is not conclusively stated in Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide: He was either defeated and captured by the Jasmine Island protectors, prompting him to defect to Lu Ten's side to save himself; or he successfully returned to his ship, whereupon he continued to tacitly support Yueya without fully pledging himself to her increasingly unhinged revenge quest. Regardless of the exact outcome, he played only a marginal role after the initial assault.[13][14]