WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

[acatamods]

I ▫ main IV ▫ premise       XI ▫ applications XIV ▫ activity II ▫ logs V ▫ rules VII ▫ bestiary   IX ▫ canon updates XII ▫ taken XV ▫ drop/hiatus III ▫ ooc VI ▫ faq VIII ▫ setting   X ▫ mods XIII ▫ reserves XVI ▫ players welcome to el minha. It will happen at random- you could be asleep, or wandering the Temple, or a variety of other options. It will feel a little strange, like a sudden warmth spreading across your skin, and then your bracelet will light up and a semi-familiar voice will be heard. I hope you are able to help the people of El Minha! And oh- in case I didn't mention it already, water is very, very valuable here. And then you will blink, and it will be bright. Bright, and warm, as you are standing just inside the grand walls that protect the impressive city before you. At your hip there will be a small bag with a few bits of coin - nothing too crazy, and definitely not enough to last you the entire stay (which...you're not exactly sure how long it will be), but enough to get started. Your presence brings a couple of glances, a stare or two, but overall the city seems to continue on with its day. Welcome to the Red Desert, the city of El Minha. THE PALACE After a few hours of being within El Minha, the King has heard that a large amount of travelers are now wandering within the city limits. An audience is called in front of the Royal Palace, and King Kathashun steps out onto the dias. He is dressed rather plainly, for a monarch -- a purple robe, with some gold bangles and bracelets, but no ornate crown or anything like that. However, when he appears, the natives around you grow quiet, at the presence of their King. “I understand that there are a lot of new people, within our fair city. Welcome to El Minha, the Jewel of the Red Desert. Enjoy our culture, our people, our wares; we welcome you, and hope you enjoy your stay.” There is a pause, though, as King Kathashun seems to weigh out what he wants to say. “I normally do not spend my time greeting tourists to our city, as our Crown Guard typically handles educating our visitors on our ways,” he continues, folding his hands behind his back. “But the heart of our city has been heavy, in recent months, and I feel it is my duty as King to be clear, to be honest, and to speak the truth. Recently, we have been attempting to hunt down individuals who wish our city harm, who have harmed my family, and my people. The Syndicate has been active, as of late, and I warn all of you who are not familiar with El Minha to avoid certain areas of the city should you wish to keep your pocketbooks.” There’s a slight quirk of his lips, as he says that, before he tilts his head in a polite gesture of greeting toward the crowd. “Please, enjoy El Minha. And should any of you garner any information concerning the Syndicate, please do not hesitate to contact me.” For the duration of your time in El Minha, King Kathashun will be within his palace . . . or so the Crown Guard says, should you ask them for an audience. That being said, you might be lucky wandering the streets. The King of El Minha tends to mingle more with the common folk than the Crown Guard would lead you to believe . . . THE GRAND MARKET Welcome to the heart and soul of El Minha - a massive outdoor market in the center of the city. Covered by fabric stretched between the buildings, this market feels almost like a city, or living soul, in and of itself. It is constantly moving, constantly evolving. Anything you could imagine is for sale here - spices, jewelry, weapons - whatever you’re looking for, anything at all. While you won’t necessarily find specific items from your home, you can find any matter of similarly made or crafted ones. Think cheap knock-offs, or unnecessarily well-made versions, because they can vary widely. There can also be items of some level of magic, though nothing particularly strong or overly impressive. (feel free to ask the mods on the previous ooc post about if an item is too over-powered to be found in the market - and also know that there’s always the chance you could find it in the underground. It just depends on how determined you are to track it down.) Stalls can range from cobbled together boxes and goods to grand, incredible stands - it all depends on what you’re looking for, and how long you’re willing to look. There is no map here, so tread lightly! The merchants that work in the market are experienced, practiced sales people. They know how to sell to anyone, but especially tourists. Barter to your hearts content, but it will take a little more than a ‘please’ to get those prices down. They have expert eyes and will not take pick-pockets or thieves well. However, as experienced and watchful as the merchants may be, that won’t stop young kids on the streets targeting the tourists as well - so keep an eye out on your pockets! As long as you have coin, water, or something to trade you are welcome as long as you’d like to stay here in the El Minha Marketplace. However, if you loiter for too long, you might get a swift kick in the ass to either get moving or buy something - they’re not giving away anything for free, and that includes the shade. THE SPARKLING SAPPHIRE As the announcement from King Kathashun comes to an end, all members of the Circle will be communicated - in one way or another - the direction to the Sparkling Sapphire. Free housing, you’ve been told. All you have to do is go, give them your name, and let them know you are part of the group that King Kathashun has directed here. Here, as it turns out, isn’t too shabby of a place. A large building with plenty of rooms, it is clean and fairly busy, with a bustling tavern area and rooms upstairs. You can pick up your key from the older woman behind the front desk, and are directed to the staircase in the middle of the establishment. The rooms are clean, but plain, with one or two beds depending on your preference. Downstairs in the tavern you can find food served for both breakfast and dinner, which is included in the room. Otherwise, there is a small fee for food or drink, and the servers are talented and experienced and very, very friendly. It is in the tavern that you can find the hookah, and some strange liquor as well, but it’s up to you if you choose to drink it. The food is incredible, beyond incredible, and they can make almost anything that you’ll like, though it may come out a bit creative. The main room is comfortable - with a roaring fire but without the suffocating heat. There is a bard in the corner, who will sing or tell stories or simply play, depending on the feeling of the room. Have a drink! Or a meal! While most of the people here are indeed Circle members, there may be a couple of natives mixed in as well. Take a load off, relax, and enjoy the hospitality that only a King’s Coin can bring. THE FIGHT RING The ring itself is somewhat on the outskirts of town - a colosseum-esque collection of buildings that watch over a pit-like arena. The buildings protect the Fighting Ring from any outside eyes, or any unwanted attention, as this area is solely under the command of The Syndicate. Anyone is allowed inside, as long as you don’t cause any problems and don’t start any trouble. There are a number of what you can assume are Syndicate-employed figures that are constantly canvasing the area as well, so don’t expect to be able to sneak in unless invited or allowed. The Fight Ring is open for volunteers at any time, and once you’ve been checked for any fun business and told the rules (no magic, only weapons allowed are the ones provided, the fight will end once one side relents or is taken out of commission). If this still feels like your cup of tea, you are invited to take a spot in line. Perhaps, if you’ve shown yourself promising enough, The Champion may appear to protect their crown. Otherwise, you will find plenty of adversaries around. If you are looking for a less aggressive route, there are plenty of seats open to watch, as well as many other members of the city taking a break to watch the fights, and they certainly wouldn’t mind sharing some of their favorite stories of matches or victories. The Champion is the resounding favorite, but the stories shared will vary to the point that almost no useful information can be gleaned. Join in the festivities that surround the ring! Pick up some food, bet on some fighters, enjoy the competition, and maybe you’ll be lucky and catch a sight of The Champion, or any of the other legendary figures of the El Minha Fight Ring. THE GOLDEN PHOENIX The Golden Phoenix is the central location of the Syndicate . . . and locals will make absolutely no effort to hide that fact from the Circle members. However, people don't seem to be afraid to go, though you definitely need to have coin to get through the door. There are multiple tables where various dice and card games are being played, as well as old slot machines. There are multiple employees in dark uniforms wandering around, offering drinks to all those who are spending coin on the machines, free of charge. If you loiter too long without spending money, you will be asked why you're there -- not in a threatening way, of course. But the relationship between the Syndicate and the King isn't all that great, as of late . . . can't be too careful with spies. In the back of the Golden Phoenix, there's a tiny racing ring in the back where small lizards are being raced in a little track set on a table. You can place bets on any of the lizards and, who knows? You may win a prize, including a little lizard! How cute! (Be careful, though: they nip.) But out back, there's another lizard racing ring, though these ones are . . . well, they're certainly not tiny. In fact, people seem to be riding on them akin to horse racing . . . and jockeys are a dime a dozen, in El Minha. Fancy yourself the next Triple Crown winner? Step right up, step right up, and take a spin on the track outside! Additionally, please feel free to write up and work with your own prompts! These are presented as jumping off points for your characters, not limitations. The idea of this world- as with all the others- is to explore. There will be some NPCs interacting with characters as well, so keep an eye out for those as well! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask them back on the mod questions thread back in the OOC post from before! From this point forward, the Circle has become involved with the political stasis and climate of El Minha. What your character finds out, decides, and does from here on out will affect the future of this city- one way or another! But what you do is completely up to you. What you discover, explore, and uncover in this city will be yours to discover, explore, and uncover. Who knows what you might find? :)

Comments

[flyingsolos]

[ Well, she's saved from windmilling, even with one arm outstretched to break her fall-- though she still looks slightly bewildered from this quick chain of events. ]

T-thanks... I underestimated this crowd.

[purrtagonist]

I never thought so many people would find lizard racing to be so--

[something suddenly glints in Akira's expression, and his free hand lashes out to snatch quickly at the wrist of a nearby patron. a. . . nearby patron with their fingers halfway dipped into Rion's pocket]

[uh oh]

-- ah. Getting a little handsy, aren't we?

[flyingsolos]

[ what the--

When did that--

How did he--

What the heck kind of reflexes does Akira have?? Because Rion's frozen with shock, but as it registers exactly what just happened, the shock fades into something a whole lot like...

Barely-restrained ferocity. ]

What the hell do you think you're doing?!

[ Akira, please move this person before she slaps this person. ]

[purrtagonist]

[now why on earth would he do that??? though Akira does let go of the pickpocketing patron's wrist as he jerks it away, stammering some kind of sorry excuse about it being an "accident" or whatever. he's trying to move to the other side of the table too, but the large crowds make maneuvering kind of. . . difficult]

[with his work done, Akira's just going to watch the scene unfold with a look of satisfaction on his features]

[flyingsolos]

Listen, jerk, any kind of accident like that requires at least five dates, and you're not my type!!

[ So before this poor(????) guy can flee, Rion is definitely laying... the literal smackdown. It's enough to make him stagger back, and then he's finally finding a space in the crowd to bolt for it. ]

... Geez.

[purrtagonist]

[wow]

I think you actually left a hand print on his cheek.

[impressive?? impressive!!]

[flyingsolos]

I know. My palm's still stinging.

[ WORTH IT. ]

[purrtagonist]

Worth it.

[ECHOING THAT META TEXT, before he turns back to the lizard races. ah, it's about to start. . .!]

I don't like to lecture, but be careful about what you keep in your pockets, all right?

[flyingsolos]

I know, I know. I'll move it somewhere safer when I can.

But for now, we're cheering on Lizard-kun, aren't we?

[purrtagonist]

And crossing our fingers for a well-deserved victory.

[goooooo underdog!! the crowds fall silent as the head bookie at the table announces the beginning of the next round and reminds everyone that interference with the races is strictly prohibited, thank you very much. they run a clean establishment, here. Akira leans forward, eager to see how things shake out, just as the referee shouts go! and the lizards bolt from their starting positions]

[. . .]

[Lizard-kun is in lat place :(]

[flyingsolos]

... Everyone has bad days! Don't mind it!! You'll find a better stage!

[ She still loves you, Lizard-kun. ]

[purrtagonist]

Keep trying! Don't give up! Everyone loves a comeback story!

[so does Akira]

[flyingsolos]

That's right! Be the lizard to inspire all the underdogs!!

[ okay kids, calm down. ]

[purrtagonist]

[the lizard, somehow fueled by Akira and Rion's words, starts to pull ahead. gasp! no longer last place!]

[Akira speaks, super cheekily]

Now that's some impressive C-rank cheering, Kugayama-san.

[RUDE]

1/2

[flyingsolos]

[ not-so-gently nudging him in the ribs with a truly beatific smile. ]

If he wins, you're going to owe me big time, Gambling Ghostly Low Self-Preservation Tree-kun.

[flyingsolos]

[ Said right before she inhales inaudibly, placing a hand over her chest--

And wow idols sure know how to project from the diaphragm, don't they? ]

I don't care who told you that you couldn't do it, you didn't spend ten years of your life trying your hardest with all of your might just to fall short here!! Show 'em exactly how strong your will is!!!

[ ... this lizard has probably not spent ten years of its life training for this day, but hey, it's heartfelt. ]

1/2

[purrtagonist]

[URK]

[purrtagonist]

[also, what the fuck, that's the most impressive pair of pipes he's seen in a long time. and Lizard-kun is so moved by Rion inspirational yelling that he moves even further up in the rankings. HE'S IN SECOND PLACE NOW???]

[Akira kind of gives Rion a look that's like, halfway impressed, and halfway offended at the lengthening of his stupid nickname]

[flyingsolos]

[ she is so proud of Lizard-kun, he never stopped believing in her, unlike this Disheveled Mess of a Person standing beside her.

... Who is only getting one very small smirk in return, because you know what, he deserved that (in her eyes). ]

[purrtagonist]

[SHE ISN'T WRONG]

[he arches a brow at her, the faux offense fading into just appreciation]

If he wins, I'll buy you lunch.

[flyingsolos]

Deal.

[ Look, she's not going to knock free lunch. The appreciation itself she can see is honestly worth the effort here. ]

[purrtagonist]

[looks like Rion is getting a free lunch, because. . .! Lizard-kun is pulling into the lead, much to the shocked dismay of everyone else around them. and when Lizard-kun crosses the finish line first, Akira and Rion will prooooobably be the only two celebrating that victory]

[a victory that Akira, admittedly, celebrates pretty quietly, with a satisfied nod and a hmph to go with that curved grin]

And sometimes, the risk is worth it.

[flyingsolos]

[ He can celebrate quietly, Rion is jumping pretty jubilantly in the air with one fist pumped. ]

He did it!! Did you see that?! That was amazing!

[purrtagonist]

The most amazing turnabout victory I've ever seen.

[as she jumps about, Akira extends a hand across the table for his winnings. the bookie, with brows raised and an impressed look on his features, drops a small bag of coins into Akira's palm. it isn't a lot, because hey, he didn't put a lot into the pot in the first place. but it's enough to treat Rion to that lunch]

He couldn't have done it without you.

[flyingsolos]

I didn't really think my job as an idol would apply to lizards, but...

[ Rion settles back on her heels, a more subdued pose, but still beaming. ]

It feels kind of nice that I was able to inspire someone else.