acatalepsy_logs | WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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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? :)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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?

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.

[ daylight is doing his level best to not jostle her too much while he steps away from the building, now looking for a more comfortable (aka shadier) spot for them to head towards to.

he also looks pretty excited by her answer. ]

You were practicing how to fly? Really? [ not only is his interest obvious by the grin on his face but his winglets on his back hitch up why, fluttering at the mere mention of flying. ] Oh wow that's so cool.

[ ... Oh, he has wings(????) too. Is this guy really a robot? ]

Thanks! I figured it'd come in handy at some point, even if that hasn't really happened yet. Can you fly too?

I can! Here, check it out-

[ without any warning because daylight is going to dangerously be daylight, the galateion moves his hand about so rion can see his back.

there's a jetpack literally mounted on it, seemingly infused with the plating of daylight's armour. the winglets are, naturally, from the jetpack though it's a little strange the wings are the only things that are moving with the constant flutters and twitches they do. everything else about the jetpack seems... innate. unresponsive maybe a better word for it. ]

[ Rion ends up lurching a bit, hunching down warily in the fear that he really is about to drop her--

But thankfully, there will be no bodily damage today, and she finds herself staring instead at the jetpack. ]

Is that... built in? Like, a part of you?

[ daylight tilts his head, looking over his shoulder in an attempt to look rolo in the eye while he answers her question. ]

It is now! [ the winglets begin to wiggle again. ] It was a regular old jetpack but my frame assimilated it so it's a part of me now. Was still learning how to use it when I was brought into the temple. Can't use it anymore.

[ which sucks because he really thinks he was getting the hang of it. ]

There's a lot of things I can't use right now, either. I guess Astoria couldn't power everything, huh?

[ poor guy. ]

[ he shrugs, trying to be casual. it kind of stings he can't fly anymore - just when he's getting the hang of it too! - but he gets it. he really does. ] I guess its for the best. Don’t think the folks here will take kindly to a giant me flying around.

[ he can tell his size is making the inhabitants wary or annoyed or scared or all three. adding a jetpack to the mix? might not be a good thing.

he decides to change the topic because he knows this can be a bummer to talk about and he doesn't want to be a bummer: ] Soooo- How’s your flying lessons so far?

[ To that, Rion makes a face. ]

Not terrible, but not that great either. I know it's just a matter of getting used to it and working on the back muscles, but it's kind of tough to go as far and as fast as I want to.

[ At least with her Soul Device back home, she had automatically known what to do. ]

I know that feeling. [ he sounds sympathetic, recalling his own frustrations with wanting to do something but not having the ability to do it yet. ]

Um... A few friends of mine give me a couple of tips about flying when I assimilated my jetpack. It was pretty useful! Maybe they can help you too?

... You know, I wouldn't say no. At this point, I'd take any advice.

[ she's simple!! ]

[ the winglets? they are now excitedly fluttering as if trying to fly themselves. ]

We can start now if you want! [ the sooner the better when it comes to these sort of things in his opinion. ] Um! If you're open to the idea, 'course.

[ For a moment, she's tempted to plead off until the next day, if just because her back is already aching from previous attempts.

But what kind of idol stops practice when they have room to approve and time to do it? ]

... Yeah. Let's do it.

Awesome! [ he wants to pump his fist in the air but oh yeah.

there's a person on it.

barely managing to avoid catastrophe from happening, daylight tries to find a place for them to begin the exercises. all the while he tries to assure his new friend thart there's nothing to worry about. ] I promise it's nothing strenuous and stuff. Just stretches and motion exercises. It's supposed to help improve stuff like joint functions and help expand mobility.

Things like that, you know?

[ thanks for not endangering her, Daylight!! She really appreciates it!!! ]

You know... stuff like that sounds exactly like what I'd need.

[ That ought to help with back pain, right? ]

Glad it can help you out! I've been told wings can be tricky things to take care of so we wingies gotta stick together!

[ hmmm... now that he thought about it... ] ... I wonder if having these wings means you need to do maintenance on them too.

[ daylight that's a very r u d e question to ask what on earth. ]

... I don't think so. They're not very mechanical...

[ how would you even do that?? ]

Oh? [ he tilts his helm, a little surprised to hear that. ] So they don't need to be cleaned or anything like that? No need to be washed up or stuff?

[ hmmmm. maybe it's an organic thing. ]

Nope! If you touched them, actually, it'd be a lot like touching air. They're really wispy!

[ Thankfully. Having to wash them would be an even bigger pain. ]

Really? [ and this is where daylight gets a curious expression on his face.

which is quickly followed by shyness as he ducks his helm and puffs out one cheek, looking away from rion as he mutters: ] ... Can I touch them?

[ a little louder now: ] I mean! If you're alright with that and stuff. If not then I totally get it and um sorry for making this weird.

That's, uh... definitely a little weird.

[ She's just going to say it, apparently. ]

But you did help me out, so fine. Only once, though.

[ And there's no further fussing; with a single breath, golden-orange light forms at her back, taking the form of wings with the barest suggestion of feathers. There'll be a sense of warmth there if he investigates but no tangibility. ]

[ honestly? she’s right and she should say it.

funnily enough, despite asking it in the first place, daylight is pretty shy when the wings appear and he looks unsure of what to do. after meddy, sluggish and tired from where they’re curled up in the crook of day’s neck, smacks his cheek, daylight startles and takes action.

by giving the proffered wings the briefest and softest of pokes with a finger before pulling back. still, daylight looks amazed by the end of it. ]

That’s really… um… [ what’s a word? ] Ephemeral, in a way. Soft? I don't know it kind of reminds me of how the wind and sunlight interacts with each other and—

[ daylight, you’re being weird again. ]

—Sorry if that’s weird to hear. [ using his free hand, he rubs the back of his neck as they finally reach a spot he can set rion down for the exercises. ] I just don’t see a lot of other, um, beings with wings. Especially wings like that.

[ the wings flutter slightly as Rion adjusts her balance, settling. She's not sure if she'll need to keep them out for this, but she does for now-- it won't hurt her back unless she tries to actively fly. ]

Well, it's not really something most people would use anyway. I was surprised when I found out about them here.

[ especially when she'd seen what form they took. It's still kind of a painful memory, and she wonders if Astoria had known. ]

Surprised?

[ that's an interesting choice of words, he thinks while he tilts his head and unconsciously causes his winglets to hitch up from concern. ] Why would you be surprised that you found out about them here?

WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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