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

[adelphoi]

i; shopping spree

[ alisaie is by no means an idle girl. the better part of her lest few years have been spent on the move, traveling, working, fighting; she does not take very well to sitting still, and she is perfectly willing and happy to help those in need, be they from her home world or not. however, being shunted around and dragged hither and thither like a dog on a leash is not comfortable, thank you, and she's getting rather tired of this astoria woman and her antics already. please and thank you go a long way, you know, and alisaie is too proud to take being forced around without a little grumbling.

so she listens to the king's address with a stony face and her arms crossed tightly over her abdomen, her expression hard and her posture stiff. she's not happy about this at all!! but she's also not about to throw a tantrum, nor is she willing to turn a blind eye to people in need.

at the very least, she has some coin to spend and there are weapons to be had, and alisaie misses the companionable weight of her rapier at her side. she has adelphoi at least, which is a blessing, but the tome is all but ornamental now, though she keeps it still slung at her back. nevertheless, it will be nice to feel a little less helpless, to have a better way to defend herself beyond whacking someone upside the head with a big book.

and so she peruses a weapon stand, drawing her fingertips over the hilts of several attractive rapiers before she at last lifts one to test its balance, stepping back to extend her arm and hold it out ahead of her. ]

Hmm..

ii; new digs

[ sooooo .. free housing? really? why?? alisaie certainly won't turn up her nose to hospitality, but she still cannot help but feel a bit suspicious. it's not as if they are refugees in need of succor - they are welcomed as visitors, not beggars searching for aid.

mayhaps she is reminded too much of ul'dah, this city is so very much like it, and ul'dah is nothing if not known for its.. love of wealth, to put it mildly. it's difficult for her to accept what's given to her without feeling as if something shall be expected from her in return. surely the other boot will drop soon enough.

but, she supposes, that is a problem for future alisaie. far be it for her to refuse free food, when her funds are already so limited. the atmosphere in the common room is quite nice, and even if alisaie is not naturally a sociable person, it's still comfortable here. and better yet, it affords her a chance to listen in on the conversations of natives around her, at least in what ways she can.

so she sits in a squashy chair near the fire with a meat pie cradled in her hands, listening to the bard while he spins his songs, and the voices of the men and women all around. ]

iii; fight club

[ all right, well, she's never taken part in a tournament of any kind, but it affords an opportunity to mingle with the syndicate, so. she may not be overly invested in the politics of this place, but if she is to help, she might as well begrudgingly do all that she can. at the very least, combat is a language she is quite fluent in.

with her new rapier at her hip (a poor replacement for the one she had had before, but decent enough, she supposes), it is not long before she is approached and asked if she has any interest in participating. she can only ghost about for so long, after all, without raising suspicions and well, there's certainly no reason not to. these are hardly fights to the death, after all. and so alisaie graciously accepts.

she might be very small, but alisaie fights with speed and agility, her blows quick and precise, her movement and footing sure and decisive, and she does not hesitate, taking initiative, her flurrying, endless onslaught of offense her best defense. perhaps you are her opponent, or a nearby onlooker, but after her victorious, if exhausting bout, alisaie swipes the sweat from her brow with her knuckles and leans her weight onto the sideline to catch her breath. all right, that was more exciting than she may have initially given it credit for.. ]

iv; wildcard!

[ not feeling any of these prompts? no worries! hit me up with something new, or contact me on plurk or via pm to plot something out! ♥ ]

i

[oculusriffs]

[Dave has a lot of questions. most of them involve the giant book. but he stands a comfortable distance away, watching as Alisaie holds the rapier out in front of her.]

Not bad. It suits you.

[adelphoi]

[ oh. hello. alisaie starts just slightly, not having expected to be approached, but it isn't long before she's scrutinizing the rapier again. ]

Do you think so? 'Tis hardly a fair replacement, but.. it shall do.

[oculusriffs]

[that was, unironically, the best reply he could have hoped for. Dave knows a thing or two about swords on account of his upbringing and also his normal weapons of choice, even though he doesn't really choose to use them much anymore.]

That sort of sword's used for thrusting, right? Don't know how wieldy it'd be using a book as a shield, but you'd at least look cool while doing it.

[and there's his roundabout way of asking: what's up with the book?]

[adelphoi]

[ uh

she stares at his blankly for a few moments, because what is he going on about a shield for?? a book.. shield..?? it's so far from the truth that it takes her several seconds to piece together what it is that he means. ]

Oh. This?

[ a vague gesture to the grimoire. ]

This is not a shield.

[ she don't need no shield, all stabs all the time!! ]

iii

[bulletbiter]

[ julius had taken note of most of the circle members in passing, and alisae's distinctive hairstyle doesn't escape his attention. he's also here at the fighting ring as a bid to earn some coin, though it is not yet his turn. there is a greatsword strapped to his back, one with a black blade edged in gold, as well as several patterns painted on the sword reminiscent of golden fleur-de-lis. he naturally gravitates to her after her victory, quiet concern in his voice: ]

Are you alright? I'll get you some water.

[ without much waiting for an answer, he would depart and come back within about a minute, a flask in hand for her to take ]

[adelphoi]

[ .. she probably should have thought twice about the expense of water before choosing to partake in this particular endeavor, but it may very well have been worth it to simply blow off steam, and to accustom herself to this new rapier. still, she is quite thirsty, and the offer of water from a stranger - how could she possibly accept?

alisaie straightens again, pushing her damp fringe from her eyes, and shaking her head. ]

Thank you, but please, keep it for yourself.

[bulletbiter]

[ he shakes his head, just once ]

You need it more at this moment.

[ what if she falls ill? medicine is hard to come by in the battlefield, this much he knows. and if she needs persuasion, he'll angle his free hand in such a way as to display the watch on his wrist ]

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie levels him with a hard, contemplative stare, but in the end, she relents. it is not worth arguing over, and she's done her duty with the initial refusal, so far be it for her to refuse his kindness, even if she's not so great at accepting it.

with a sigh, at last she takes the bottle. ]

My thanks. This is very kind of you.

iii;

[punshots]

[ Prompto isn't in the ring. There's no way in hell. You don't bring a gun to a fist fight, and besides, it's not as if he...enjoys fighting. Maybe sometimes he gets caught up the thrill of combating monsters, but actually facing off against another person just to see which of the two of them in stronger? No, thanks. Hard pass.

But he'll willing to watch. It's almost as much for entertainment's sake as morbid curiosity, as pairs face off in the ring and knock each other silly. He's reactive, wincing sympathetically when blows land hard, and he stays close to the sidelines, if only to led a hand to combatants who can't quite make it out of the ring on their own.

Alisaie is...definitely not one of those fighters. He recognizes her instantly, even tries to wave as she enters the ring, but after that, he doesn't distract her again. She is focused and deliberate and he doesn't want to distract her away from her fight. Given what he knows about her from their last encounter, he...hardly thinks she would appreciate that.

So he waits until she finishes her fight (winning it, of course, and boy, can she fight with a rapier, or what?) and steps over to the sideline, offering her a bottle of water he's been hoarding for the day. He knows how valuable it is, but... ]

Here. You look like you need this more than me.

[ Said casually enough, like he's not offering her something that's more valuable than just about anything else in this desert. He doesn't see it that way, really. He just...wants to make himself helpful. ]

[adelphoi]

[ she'd spotted him briefly in the crowds - there's no missing that memorable hair - but she had not expected for him to approach her. surely not with water. it's difficult to remember that something so simple and vital could possibly be so valuable, and so she very nearly takes it by rote, before withdrawing her hand and wagging a finger. hey, mr. sneaky, no!! ]

Ah - that is very kind of you, but please, keep it for yourself.

[ she'll be fine!! she'll get something back at the glittering garnet or whatever that place is that they're staying for free, somehow. her mind is still blown about that.

anyway, she hops nimbly over the edge of the arena at last. ]

[punshots]

[ Rejected...

But as helpful to a fault as he can be, Prompto follows her out of the ring, still determined to pass off his water to her. Sure, water isn't the easiest thing to come by here, but he's not the one who just worked up a sweat kicking butt in the arena. She's got to be thirsty (heheh). ]

A-are you sure? I-I don't mind, really! [ I mean, sure, he's plenty hot and thirsty himself, buuut that's irrelevant. ] You — you were seriously awesomesauce back in there, by the way! You're a whiz with that sword.

[ She should go toe to toe with Noctis of Gladio. He'd pay good money to see that. ]

[adelphoi]

[ yeah bye

not really though, she's not exactly walking off on him, just away from the ring to breathe more easily, and unsurprisingly, he's still offering the water. what a happy helperton!! alisaie levels him with a hard stare, looking from his face, to the bottle, to his face again, before she sighs, pushes the sticky fringe from her face, and accepts the bottle. arguing would likely do more harm than good, so she accepts this kindness only mildly begrudgingly. ]

.. thank you.

[ she'll simply have to find some way to repay him, soon enough. no doubt something will present itself eventually. alisaie tips back the bottle and takes a few hearty swigs - okay, maybe she needed that. ]

Awesome..sauce?

( i )

[protettore]

[Gladio has been given the good fortune of actually having a functional weapon with him, but it doesn't mean he can't window shop. Or appreciate a pretty girl who seems to have an interest in weapons. It's like a two for one deal.]

You've got good form.

[A voice speaks up from behind, deep and gravely.]

The hilt's kind of bare though. Might want something more complex. [Gladio slips in beside her, though not too close, and points out to another blade with a very intricate hilt.]

The tighter and complex the coils, the better the extra defense is.

[adelphoi]

[ well hello, super large man. are you into swords? alisaie is also into swords. what good taste you have, even if she definitely couldn't use that gigantor greatsword of his; it's probably bigger than she is. then again, who knows, she is a girl of great conviction..

anyway, she glances up toward him briefly, then to the rapier he suggests; setting down the one she is currently holding, alisaie lifts the second, examining the guard. ]

.. Admittedly, I am somewhat lacking where defense is concerned.

[ generally speaking, her offense is her defense. she's a dps not a tank!! ]

[protettore]

[Please seek parental supervision before attempting to even pick up one of his greatswords, he doesn't want to be responsible for having gotten your spine broken in half, tiny lady.]

Since they're made to be light-weight, as long as you're quick on your feet and got good footwork, you can learn to cover that easily. [Gladio shows his hand, curls his fingers into a fist then unclenches with a bit of a humorous smile on his face.]

Don't exactly got the hands for rapiers, but I know plenty about swords.

[He'd practiced with plenty types when he was far younger, but once his growth spurt happened he sort of lacked the ability to fit his huge paws under the hilt of those things. Then again, he took more to greatswords, and he was a shield after all. He just has certain specialties now.

Gladio points at the coiled hilt.]

Plus, if all else fails, if you can get in close enough then the hilt delivers a hell of an extra punch.

[adelphoi]

[ look, she can totally do it, okay. what if she signs a waiver? ]

Aye, a fair point.

[ alisaie's grin is perhaps a hair too savage, but she can't help it; it always feels nice to wallop a baddie right in the face parts. taking a few steps back again, alisaie lifts this new rapier to judge its weight and balance in her hand, giving a few careful practice thrusts.

well, there's really no surpassing the rapier that urianger had given her, or her own conjured aetherial blade, but as she has neither at her disposal, she must needs do with this common sword, alas. it's not terrible, at least. lowering the point, she shrugs. ]

I suppose it shall do. Thank you for the advice.

i.

[spellweave]

[The marketplace had been the most reliable location to eavesdrop on conversations. It was also remarkably easy to strike up conversations with just about anyone. Even the most trivial of information he could gain fascinated him although the traces of Ul'Dah politics this world had made him wary.

During his wanderings he had often seen the weapon displays and knew without really thinking on it that Alisaie would probably be at one of them. Sure enough he spots her at a stand tucked away in some corner and already with a blade in hand.

He approaches with curiosity but also to see how she is faring.]

Although you'll be hard pressed to find a suitable substitute for Urianger's work the weaponry here seems of fine quality. [Which, given all he has heard thus far, is likely thanks to the Syndicate.]

[adelphoi]

[ never let it be said that alisaie is not predictable in her own ways...

so alisaie is not so surprised that her brother has found her, and she greets him with a faint, easy smile, though she cannot help but look mildly disdainful when she settles her eyes on the blade again. ]

Yes. I suppose it will do.

[ she never was very fond of common rapiers, but.. beggars cannot be choosers. it is certainly better than nothing. ]

Shall we find one for you, as well?

[ she hasn't forgotten!! ]

[spellweave]

[He definitely didn't forget either...! He just... isn't sure what he should be looking for. His knowledge of such things is very basic--certainly enough to get by but definitely not enough to know what would be considered a good blade. He probably could not even tell the difference between blade types either.]

Seeing as how weapons are sold everywhere here and we know not if future destinations will have them so readily available I say we shall. [Just say 'yes' like a normal person, Alphinaud--]

Although I would not know what to look for. I doubt a rapier as you wield would be suitable for me. [Some type of blade, certainly, but... probably not a rapier? Right, he doesn't even know if that is a correct assessment.

He picks one up at random, just to see. It's a katana of some sort that's nearly as long as he is tall. .... Probably not this one.]

[adelphoi]

[ oh alphinaud, you goofy boy.. when he lifts the enormous katana, she can't help the way her mouth twists, her laugh barely concealed beneath a snort. okay, okay, she won't laugh at him, or at least she'll try not to, but it's just so refreshing to see him so out of his element, for once. he has no idea what he's doing. ]

No, that.. I don't think so.

[ she'll just.. guide him to set that right back down.. yes.. ]

Rapiers are quite lightweight, suited more to speed than power, you might be surprised by your ability to handle one.

[ i mean, they have literally the same build after all, down to the pixel. almost. alisaie has certainly put on muscle, but that came with training and effort, she was just as much a noodle when she started out. still, she hums thoughtfully as her gaze sweeps the racks, one hand on her hip, fingers tapping. ]

Mayhaps something with reach might please you, a polearm, or a bow.

[ ickle babby alphie is used to being a pampered range ]

ii

[tranquilforest]

[It's become something of a habit now to spend time in the evenings in the common area, conversing with the other travelers from the Circle. Presumably Astoria wouldn't just leave them here and they'd spend more time together outside of El Minha in the future, so it made sense to take the brief respite to get acquainted. But she's not quite used to the food, good and rich as it is, and she prefers to convert her ration of water into tea - or something close to it, since she hadn't brought much with her from home. She'd found some interesting dried flowers from her adventures in the marketplace a few days ago that the merchant had assured her were edible, and so she'd done some experimenting of her own.

Of course, a second opinion was always nice, and so she has a small tray with her, holding three small cups with fragrant steam rising from them, scanning the common room, until she notices Alisaie.]

Excuse me, young miss? Do you have a free moment?

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie is not the sort of girl to be comfortable walking right up to strangers to strike up conversation, so she's always surprised when it happens to her. but i mean, this is also why she's bad at making friends.

at any rate, her attention snaps up from her meat pie to the woman with the tray, for the moment bewildered. ]

Oh - yes?

[tranquilforest]

I tried making my own blend of tea from the materials I found in the marketplace. Do you think you could try some and let me know what you think?

[She's probably not trying to poison you here in the open in front of everyone. Probably.]

[adelphoi]

[ i mean if she is, alisaie would have no clue. poisoning someone that you don't even know in the open sounds pretty farfetched, so.. alisaie smiles, sitting up a little straighter. ]

Oh, of course, I don't see why not.

[ she's not a huge tea drinker but she'll do her best.. ]