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

[purrtagonist]

Iwa-- [and he cuts himself off with a surprised yell]

[because Iwai-kun has just shimmied right up the sleeve of Akira's blazer and is now crawling around under his shirt]

[SOS]

[flyingsolos]

... Someone really likes you.

[ HOW IS SHE SUPPOSED TO HELP HIM HERE???? ]

[purrtagonist]

[sorry he would respond, but he's too busy doing the THERE'S SOMETHING IN MY SHIRT AND I'M TRYING TO GET IT OUT dance. meanwhile, Iwai Lizard-kun pops his head out from underneath Akira's collar, blinks at Rion, and then dives back into the abyss again]

He needs a leash. . .!

[flyingsolos]

In case you couldn't tell, I'm a little short on leashes right now!! We just need to get him to come out of there!

[ And then she can grab him!! Or something. She's not entirely sure on the plan. ]

[purrtagonist]

No kidding!

[stating the obvious, Rion! but. . .]

[with a muttered apology, Akira swiftly spins on his heel, until his back is facing Rion. doing the THERE'S SOMETHING IN MY SHIRT dance is not helping, and truthfully, Akira doesn't want to hurt the poor scampering lizard. so, uh. next best thing]

[he shrugs off his blazer, grabs the hem of said shirt, lifts it up, and gives it a quick shake to try and knock the lizard loose]

[I'm sorry Rion]

[at least he isn't facing her]

[but this is still happening in a public space]

[I hope she never ever thinks he's cool]

[flyingsolos]

[ why is this happening, she is a normal teenage girl who normally went into a normal casino run by people who do crime in order to help cheer on a lizard because Akira is a terrible influence.

And now here he is, stripping. Well. Hardly stripping. It's even understandable not-stripping, so Rion has absolutely no reason at all to be embarrassed.

But she's also turning around?? To not look?!

Because she's embarrassed, and her voice is emerging as a squeak at first. ]

H-hey!!

[purrtagonist]

[he isn't stripping he is SHAKING OUT HIS SHIRT to free the lizard??? gosh!!]

I'm sorry--!

[poor Rion, poor Akira, what an unfortunate situation. but fate smiles on them both, because with a few shakes, the lizard tumbles out of Akira's shirt. with reflexes just as fast as the ones he used to catch the pickpocket earlier, Akira catches Iwai Lizard-kun before he can hit the ground]

[. . . the lizard is okay, lying in the palm of Akira's hand on his back, staring up at the ceiling, blinking rapidly. and he stays like that only a moment before he scurries up Akira's arm and neck again, to perch and nestle in his hair. w-whew]

[Akira's cheeks are a bright scarlet as he bends down to scoop up his blazer and slip it back on]

I got him.

. . . that was an adventure. . .

[flyingsolos]

[ Rion is absolutely not turning around until Akira has announced his victory, and she does so slowly, as though she's making absolutely sure.

... Okay. The coast is clear, the lizard is in a safer place (though she's starting to wonder if she needs to hold him at this point), and Akira is... bright red. ]

... Feeling a little hot under the collar?

[ she says it rather feebly, though. ]

[purrtagonist]

[aha]

[it isn't every day that Akira's unflappable demeanor is shake like this. but hey, on the bright side? he recovers quickly. he presses a hand against his mouth and clears his throat, turning away from her as he dips his fingers back into the pockets of his pants]

We are in the middle of a desert, Kugayama-san.

[flyingsolos]

[ She's not sure what does it-- whether it's the utter ridiculousness of what just happened, or the withering way Akira says it, or the still vivid memory of him yelping apologies and blushing furiously, or some amalgamation of all of the above.

But whatever it is, Rion can't even muster a witty retort. Instead, what breaks free is laughter, even though she tries to muffle it behind her hand at first.

It-- this whole thing-- it's too absurd not to laugh at. ]

[purrtagonist]

[. . . . .]

[WELP]

[he'll just take that laughter like a man, and wait patiently for it to die down before he speaks again]

[flyingsolos]

[ It's going to take a few minutes. She's going to have to wipe away some tears.

Oh, man. ]

... Sorry, sorry.

[purrtagonist]

No offense taken. If I were you, I'd be laughing now, too.

[flyingsolos]

You sure you don't want me to hold him?

[ there's no way that lizard is going down her shirt. ]

[purrtagonist]

I'm. . . sure.

[Iwai the lizard must have used up all of his energy crawling through Akira's shirt, because he's calm now. calm. . . er]

If we're going to be partners from here on out, we need to learn how to get along.

[flyingsolos]

Maybe you should let him sleep with you?

[ Bond with your son, Akira. ]

[purrtagonist]

There's a slight problem with that plan.

He's so small I might crush him in my sleep.

[HE'S YOUR SON TOO RION, DESPITE PROTESTS OTHERWISE!!]

[flyingsolos]

... A little lizard bed on a nightstand or something?

[ death by cuddling probably isn't the best way to go. ]

[purrtagonist]

[it is absolutely not]

Or maybe a fancy lizard pillow? Do you think they sell those in the Grand Market?

[flyingsolos]

I bet they do! Dave found a slushie maker, so why not a lizard pillow?

[ Those two things are not related. ]

[purrtagonist]

[those two things are not related, AND YET]

Want to go check?

[he's mostly done in the casino for now. it's about time for him to check in on the marketplace pickpockets, anyway]

[flyingsolos]

If you hold my hand! I think we deserve a victory walk through the marketplace, and what better way to do it than by sauntering through with a cute girl?

[ she is not at all serious. ]

[purrtagonist]

[of course she isn't]

[but Akira holds his hand out anyway]

[fingers wagging]

[(he also is not being serious, this is him calling her bluff)]

[flyingsolos]

[ ... shoot. He's actually going along with it instead of giving her the patented Kou Deadpan Stare??

Thankfully, Rion is prepared to follow through, so after a quick blink, she recovers and reaches out to take his hand.

SO THERE. ]

[purrtagonist]

[HE'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF PROTAG, RION]

. . . you were being serious?

[he doesn't mind, really! evidenced by the way he curls his fingers around her hand and takes a firm hold of it regardless. but he was 99% sure she was just bullshitting him]