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]

a;

[ Most people were lucky enough to appear just inside the city, and that's great! Very swell! Rion is so very happy for them!!!

Rion, however, was not that fortunate, and pre-meeting the King (because there was no way she'd show up in a disheveled state), you can find her...

... Completely coated in sand, trying to knock it loose from her hair and off her clothes, and looking delightfully miserable as she simultaneously shuffles about and tries to locate any familiar faces. ]

Who delivers people right into a sand dune...

[ Hi, guys. ]


b;

[ She's been finding small, quiet places to practice-- sure, she's had some time in the temple to work on using her power properly, but that was there and this is here and Rion isn't about to waste any opportunity to get these wings tamed. If that means diligently practicing short flights, so be it.

Except.

One short flight has resulted in her perched on the edge of a rooftop of some random building, peering down at you and-- wincing. Okay, so the back pain side effect hasn't improved any. ]

Heeey. Heeeeeey!

I maybe kinda need a favor.


c;

[ No matter where you are, no matter what position you end up in-- Rion firmly believes in using who she is and what she does to her advantage. So you'll find her in a variety of places over the next few days! One is hanging with the bard over in The Sparkling Sapphire, learning what songs she can and even singing along on some occasions. Another is in the Grand Market, flat-out performing on a small square of carpet-- one of her songs as an idol from back home, or one of the songs she's picked up from the bard. It's all acapella, unless someone wants to conveniently drop in with instrumental back-up, or join her in dancing.

She'll even show up in Syndicate Territory to sing there, though it's only to perform, because creeping around to gather information on her own sounds like a terrible idea and Kou would Not Be Happy.

... Alternatively, you can probably catch her trying to chase after a pickpocket because they are definitely better at it than she is at protecting her money. ]


d;

[ Wildcard!!! Feel free to hit me up for anything, or you can reach me at starswept for plotting!

Some tourists are actually passing her the occasional coin or three, so she seems to be doing fairly well for herself.

c

[voidform]

[ Rean had been deep into the Grand Market, taking in the sights and the surface situation of the people of El Minha. Scanning around for what's on sale, he took some interest in the weapons and pretty jewels they had on display. They were eyecatching, but he had to wonder where some of these people got their stock. His eyes would fall on the instruments they had to sale next.

But as he was looking, he could faintly hear the sound of...singing. While the song wasn't anything he's heard of before, the voice sounded familiar. In fact, it was so familiar that it gave Rean the excuse to try out his power bestowed by Astoria: his Sense Focusing. He raised his fist and clenched, closing his eyes before singling out one sense to center on, hearing.

He could laugh to himself. It was then that, in a spark of genius, he bought a guitar from the store display, played with the strings for a minute, and decidedly strolled along the marketplace until he happened upon her stage, entering from behind.

It was sudden, but he tried to match the beat of her vocals with what string to pluck, and before long, he had invited himself to play backup.

He'd tell her not to mind him if his smile wasn't already doing it for him. ]

[flyingsolos]

[ Rion is far too much of a professional to snap out of singing just because a certain someone who'd had way too much trouble explaining something he was good at had just swept on in with musical accompaniment with no practice whatsoever.

But she does blink, not missing a beat, and finishes out the song with a quick one-two step before she glances over at him with an amused grin. ]

And what was that about not having anything to brag about, again?

[voidform]

Don't give me too much credit. [ Rean abashedly looks to the side. ] I was just following your lead. Which, I should say, was incredible.

[ Don't pay too much attention to his guitar or his guitar playing--he just learned from playing the lute a long time ago! ]

If anything, I'm sorry you had to play with me holding you back.

[flyingsolos]

I don't know what you're talking about. If I thought you were holding me back, I would've said something.

[ She would! ]

So none of that, okay? I appreciate the back-up.

b;

[sunborne]

[ someone asking for help? in daylight's vicinity?

it's more likely than you think and it's the reason why he's soon making his way over to rion's direction, paying little heed to those below. watch out, passerby! there's a giant robot-looking alien coming through and he's on a mission to help. ]

Sure! What do you need?

[flyingsolos]

[ ... Oh. Well-- ]

I was going to ask if you could help me back to the Sparkling Sapphire after I get down, but...

[ Considering just how big he is-- ]

Could you help me get down first?

[sunborne]

Not a problem! [ of course he's going to help out. why wouldn't he? they've gotta stick together after all!

being ten feet tall has its perks. one of them is being able to help out in situations like these thanks to his long limbs finally coming into (useful!) play. he hurries to the side of the building holds up his hand out for her to jump on if she wants to do that. it's kind of steep but beats being stuck on a roof, right? ] Just hop here and I can take you back to the Sapphire no problem!

Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?

[flyingsolos]

No, I'm fine, just...

[ Another wince as she shifts herself off the roof to plop herself onto his hand. Steep is right, but she's pretty sure he isn't going to drop her. ]

I was practicing flying and it's still a huge pain in the back... literally.

b

[rootandbranch]

You have wings too!

[Geir peers delightedly over at her from the edge of another, his expressive face lighting up in a bright grin. he hadn't even guessed when he took her flying!]

You didn't tell me, you didn't tell me! What is it that you need?

[flyingsolos]

[ Bless Geir and his big adorable doofy face. As tired as Rion is, she has to smile, even as the wings dissipate in a swirl of golden-orange light. ]

I didn't know back then. I've been practicing for awhile now, but it's been hard on my back, so... could you maybe help me get down?

[ Can she do it herself? Probably, but it's not going to make her hobble any less once she's on solid ground again. ]

[rootandbranch]

What's wrong with your back?

[he doesn't need to know the answer to that to tacitly agree to Rion's request, so he starts towards her over the rooftops, flowing over the tiles with a strange liquid grace. Geir's very at home with moving over rocky high places, and rooftops are just one more easily scaled barrier.]

Just stay still and don't be scared...

[it's a warning: it took him very little time for him to get close enough to scoop Rion up gently in his claws. his intention is to swing out into a precarious lean over the street to set her down again, if she lets him. he'll try not to jar her.]

[flyingsolos]

I'll explain in a sec--

[ Because all of her attention probably has to be on the dragon, especially when he says things like that. And oh is she ever glad she'd met him (and flown on him) before this, because getting handled - no matter how gently - by a dragon might just always be a little bit unnerving.

But she trusts him and obeys, stilling herself until he's got her and lowered her safely down.

What a delightful summer vacation she's having. ]

b

[rootbound]

[looks up at her, raising both eyebrows]

If it's to do with you jumping, you're going to flatten us both, because I do not have that kind of arm strength.

[flyingsolos]

Getting down isn't the problem. Getting back is.

[ Rion gazes back, rather flatly. ]

So you don't have to catch me, but could you let me lean on you a little?

[rootbound]

[he fidgets a little, but -- be nice, Vern]

Yeah, I guess so.

[not enthusiastic, but at least Rion won't get dropped in the dirt...?]

[flyingsolos]

Thanks! I promise to save you an autograph later.

[ ... yes because clearly he looks like an idol fan. ]

( b )

[protettore]

[He finds himself looking up at the sudden voice that calls out to him from... quite a distance above, atop a building, and from the looks of it there's no way she climbed up there. Unless she got up from the interior of the building?

Regardless, if she's asking for what he thinks she's asking--]

I'm tall, but not that tall.

[flyingsolos]

That's not it!

[ gosh!! ]

I can get down just fine, but I kind of need a little help... walking.

[ Because hobbling back like a woman three times her age is a little awkward. And annoying. ]

[protettore]

[Wow be more clear next time then. But Gladio uncrosses his arms as he keeps looking up, just in case he might need to catch her. Whatever the heck her plan is, he has no idea, but he doesn't intend to just leave.]

If you've got the getting down thing covered, then I'll take care of the walking part for you.

[flyingsolos]

Thanks.

[ She'd be a little more tentative, given that the person she's talking to is burly and tattooed, but she'd seen glimpses of him around the Temple. He's an ally.

And because of that, Rion can push herself off the edge of the roof, a pair of wispy, golden wings manifesting from her back in a burst of orange light and beating slowly to slow her descent. She lands safely in front of him, wings disappearing--

And promptly staggers, because the back pain is real. ]

b

[cakebuffet]

Huh?

[The familiar voice draws Ann's attention upwards, causing her to halt her progress towards the Grand Market. Oh... uh. How did she get up there? It's hard to see much of anything with the sun as bright as it is, but Ann shields her eyes with one hand as she squints to filter out the worst of it.]

Kugayama-san? What's up?

[OTHER THAN YOU.]

[flyingsolos]

[ Rion brightens immediately-- though it might be hard to see from Ann's current vantage point. ]

Takamaki-san! Do you think I could lean on you once I get down? It's kind of a long story, but walking's gotten sort of tricky.

[cakebuffet]

Sure— did something happen?

[She'll probably have a better idea of what's going on once Rion is down at ground level with her, but for now, she remains momentarily puzzled, especially with the sun making Rion's figure appear as more of a silhouette than anything.]

Either way, I'll help you get wherever you need to go!

[flyingsolos]

It's not that big a deal, just-- I'll explain in a sec.

[ And she leaps!!

... Not tragically or idiotically, thankfully, because there's a pair of golden, wispy-looking wings unfurling from her back and they're acting to slow her down until she lands before Ann in a gymnast's dismount pose. ]

-- Ow.

[ and promptly hunches over. ]