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

[kimaris]

the golden phoenix.

[ There's been a lot to digest. All in all, he's taking it pretty well; outwardly he's not reacting more than usual, though it helps when he hides behind a metal mask and has stuck to the sidelines, arms crossed while leaning against a wall during much of his stay here.

But right now, he's at a place where he looks like he belongs, but he really doesn't. Thankfully, nobody should know already that he's not the type of person who would loiter here, and he's blending in well enough.

So, you can either—

( A ) be across the card table from him, watching as he shuffles neatly. ]

Are you looking to play?

[ Sounds innocuous enough.

Or ( B ) be the new recipient of a little lizard he's just won, because he sure doesn't want it. At least he's politely asking, with a tilt of his head and said lizard sleeping in a white gloved hand. There's a tiny dent in the cloth where it tried to bite him. ]

Is this what you were here for?

[ Or something else like that, it sure wasn't why he was here. Surprise, it also lets him gather information, as... strange as it is. ]

wildcard.

[ leave me a blank tbh i'll come up with something! also give me dreams to dream if you'd like! ]

b

[bowtiedbones]

Oh my gosh, you won one!

[Yes, yes lizards are in fact 100% all of why she's here. After that first yelp her tone drops, shushing herself so she doesn't wake up the little lizard with her chatter.]

I've been watching the games all day, but I haven't bet on any yet... Look how cute it is!

[kimaris]

[ It's... well, it's a little cute, he supposes. He was always more of a cat person, though his childhood was likely filled with fish and the like; pets that rich people could show off daily, but had little work required. ]

Do you think it's luck?

[ There's probably some skill in it, but he's not especially knowledgeable in the prowess of those below them. Mobile suits, sure. People, sure. Lizards, not so much. ]

[bowtiedbones]

No? It can be difficult to predict and the result's not hard set when all the lizards are of similar skill and fitness, but you're dealing with live animals. The variables aren't random, they're just changing too quickly or too narrowly to keep easy score of. Saying it's luck is like looking at a track & field sprint and saying that's luck.

[kimaris]

Hm. I was never very good at gambling like this. Or rather, I was good enough but someone else was always better.

[ He is definitely trying to gesture to her to maybe take the lizard... ]

[bowtiedbones]

Oh! I haven't made any bets, I've never done any real gambling at home, and I spent all my money in the market already...

[She sees that gesture, and she wants that lizard, but! but manners!!]

Can I hold it??

[kimaris]

[ He's definitely hoping that she likes the lizard enough to keep it... so he's gently depositing it into the palm of her hand. It seems pretty content now that it's nipped the crap out of his gloves, and just stretches once before going back to sleep. ]

I don't really have the time for taking care of a pet.

[bowtiedbones]

I have time! I have so much time.

[she tucks the lizard safely and comfortably into the crook of her arm and yeah. yeah he is not getting this lizard back anytime soon.]

[kimaris]

What was that rule with pets? If you name it, you must keep it.

[ Hint hint. ]

[bowtiedbones]

He looks like an Arthur.

[kimaris]

[ An Arthur. Well, it's not that he doesn't look like an Arthur, once Gaelio looks a bit closer. If a lizard were able to look like a noble librarian, perhaps... ]

Arthur is a fine name for your new friend.

[bowtiedbones]

Isn't it? Thank you!

[kimaris]

You'll take care of him, then?

[mcskittles]

[shows up late and leaves you a blank comment, GOMEN asdfkj

I'm leaving the power in your hands.✨]

[kimaris]

[ i am blessed by u, this is too much power.

The bard in the corner of their new, temporary, housing is singing a rousing tale of two brothers. The brothers don't reek of irony, but it's good background music for when Gaelio finally sees him. Stops in his tracks. Clenches both fists hard enough to feel the faint bite of his nails between the gloves.

And he's immediately about to take a step towards him, but freezes.

He's supposed to be dead.

The mask goes on first. Then he's stepping near him, careful to keep his voice reigned back; there are dozens of people around. The bard's song is picking up now, punctuated by clapping from onlookers. ]

Do you recognise the tale?

[mcskittles]

[PSH, I'm the one who's blessed. ♥

McGillis is more than fine with small talk (or, well, "fine" in the sense that he could deal with it, not so much that he liked it), but it's not everyday that you're approached by a man wearing a mask. Color him intrigued.]

I can't say that I do, I'm afraid. But I do love a good story.

[kimaris]

[ Of course he does... he briefly considers whipping his mask off (and maybe at him, he's pretty annoyed) but pauses that thought. He was dead and now he's perfectly fine? Enjoying himself, even, if that's possible.

He'll keep his tone nebulous, so that his voice isn't as familiar as it could be—at least until he figures out how this is possible. ]

This is the second time I've heard it today. [ Not that he's dragging the bard for being repetitive, though. ] One of them betrays the other, stabbing him in the spine and leaving him for dead. The story ends before it's resolved, but it's implied that there's a second verse.

[ Don't ask why he's explaining the story as this bard sings about it, okay. ]

[mcskittles]

[Wow, first of all? Spoilers. Second of all, that story sure does hit a little close to home...

If McGillis were a different kind of person, he might be vaguely alarmed by this conversation. A man hiding his face, speaking of something so eerily familiar that it's hard to think it's just a coincidence... but, well, he doesn't. He doesn't feel enough guilt for that. And so he responds, as cool as ever:]

Is that so? How interesting. I suppose a story like that doesn't necessarily have to end in tragedy. But the more dramatic, the better, don't you think?

[kimaris]

[ No, he doesn't think that at all! He would much rather a story about friendship prevailing! ]

Perhaps. I wouldn't call it a tragedy, but I wouldn't be able to say it was uplifting, either. Apparently the end of the tale was lost to time.

[ He'd like to find out how it ended. Was it as depressing as his own? And yet, he's still not calling it a tragedy. ]

[mcskittles]

That's a shame. Then again, open-ended stories lend themselves well to creativity. It can be fun to draw your own conclusions, too, sometimes.

[Of course, he'd like to know the real ending, himself, but he's prepared to draw some conclusions of his own regarding this particular situation.]

[kimaris]

[ He would like the "somehow you bring everyone back from the dead, somehow undo the emotional damage, then hold his hand and go skipping off into the sunset waving a BFF banner" ending but that isn't going to happen because McGillis is bad and also resurrection isn't possible. ]

Ah. Then maybe the ending is better left unsaid. [ There's the briefest pause, where... the tiniest laugh is forced out him. It's so annoying. Why is he laughing. ] Or it was meant to be that way from the start. Did you arrive with the others?

[mcskittles]

[It's good that he realizes this can only end in disappointment.]

I did. And I assume you did as well? You'll have to forgive me saying so, but you stick out like a sore thumb.

[His tone is friendly, teasing, as if any part of McGillis could possibly be any of those things.]

[kimaris]

[ He could stick out even more by removing his mask and making a scene with his face, but look, he's not doing that! ]

Do I?

[ He's very much asking that just to be aggravating, yeah. As if he's not aware of his metal head. But, for a completely different reason: ]

I believe you stick out just as much.

[mcskittles]

[Somehow, that only— amuses him, even though he doesn't know his reasons for saying it. He smiles.]

Do I?

[Certainly, it was clear he wasn't from here, but he's sure that's not what he means.]

[kimaris]

Mm. [ There's a moment where he's about to say forgive me for saying so before stopping himself. ] There's something about your presence that sticks out.

[ Well, he's not lying. That very same presence was what he's always liked about him. As strange as it is to think about, it's still very much true; just because he's angry and betrayed now doesn't mean he doesn't still think that.

Wild how emotions work, huh. ]

May I ask you a question?