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

[lonered]

[There is a tense moment where Keith has to hand over his blade to have it looked at if he's going to use it in the sparring match, but the tension passes and Keith lets them take the sword to examine -- and currently aside from the faint glow of it, it's a normal blade. Even when it isn't, the extent of its ability is just its two different forms. He feels better when it's back in his hand, but when hasn't that been true?

Out into the sparring area and he watches Shiro swing his blade, curious for a moment at the way it cuts that neat little arc through the air. He draws his own blade and turns to face Shiro. There's the start of a smile on his face that stretches into an all out grin. All right, he's looking forward to this. No sense pretending otherwise.]

All right. No holding back, Shiro.

[Not from Keith and not from him. His weight shifts, falling into a readied stance. He raises his blade and there is the distinct impression that the sword is a natural extension of himself, part of his body and being rather than simply a weapon. His gaze sweeps over Shiro just once before without any further warning he's in motion, moving towards him. Keith is quick and precise -- he has to be, because he'll never defeat his usual opponents (or Shiro for that matter) with brute strength; that's a losing bet from the start -- the momentum of his movements following straight through the quick swing of the sword, up and in a compact arc towards Shiro.]

[spaceforged]

[Fast just like always but he can see the refinement in Keith's swordwork already. It's a beautiful slash and he moves back away from it letting it swing through empty air. He has a longer reach than Keith. The blade doesn't feel like part of him yet. He's been away from it too long. But his own answering step in and neat slice at Keith is meant to drive him back.

No holding back means he has to consider that their endurance might be about the same. Keith is fast and the skill level he's seen already sends sparks down his spine. Keith has always had the potential to be an incredible fighter. Seeing it in action when he always had to consider he might not get to? That's something exciting.]

[lonered]

[Longer reach and Shiro has the size and strength advantage, but that is where Keith is used to being when he's facing the other Blades in training. But Shiro's style is different from theirs, entirely, and that's half the fun.

Instead of letting that slice drive him back, Keith is quick to spin, coming back around with his sword in hopes of catching Shiro before he can turn his momentum to meet it, though he's certain Shiro will manage it.

Keith doesn't stop moving, in constant motion. And there's no shaking the grin from his face.]

[spaceforged]

[Their swords touch. Shiro had caught on to Keith's plan and met him with his own momentum. Keith had said no mercy. He hammers a punch at Keith's jaw. But he pulls the hit enough if it lands it will ring his skull but not break his jaw.

Testing each other's strength is what fighters of almost equal will do. With a sword in his hands, Shiro learned to face things bigger, faster, and strong enough to crush him with a back hand. His training was life or death. It shows in how he uses his sword with intentions of saving the blade. He'd turned it so the edge caught the blow.]

[lonered]

[Keith sees the fist coming, but not quite quick enough to dodge it as well as he'd like. Instead he twists and lays back, bending, agile enough to slip beneath the majority blow, a glancing contact that has him grunting before a grin spreads over his face. Good. Shiro isn't holding back, even if that punch was pulled.]

Nice hit, Shiro...

[Keith twists fast to get back on his guard, regain his balance moving quickly to come around with his blade, moving immediately at him again, a feint to one side before a quick toss has his sword switching hands at the last moment so that he's coming at Shiro from the other side, non-dominant hand still wielding the blade precisely.

His heart is beating hard, adrenaline racing through him. It's been a long time since he's sparred with Shiro, and it feels good to be back into this, feels good to be laying all he has out here and knowing the other man will meet it.]

[spaceforged]

Nice reflexes. [He replies, turning a swing he'd started into spinning away to put distance between them. Keith needs to recover and he needs to be away from that next strike. It doesn't come the way he'd expected it to. Keith never has been a conventional fighter. His blade comes up to fend off the feint only to realize what it really is. Shit.

He jerks his right arm up and the blade hits it. The metal screeches. His muscles are warming up becoming loose and easy again. The real fight is about to begin.

Keith is quick as always. He's more refined, still flashy, and just as ever changing as the wind. His breath escapes in a rush as he shoves forward with his right arm, fast and hard. He sweeps his sword to the left of it. This is a forced retreat. Retreat or first blood is to him. It's been so long since he wielded a sword but all the instincts are flooding back but without the flashes.

Huh. It's true you never forget. He drops his right arm and on a thought he tosses his sword to it. It's not as skilled as Keith, he's never been one for flashy.

But the sword in his right feels right. It fits his memories even if the hand that holds the sword is wrong. Even at a glance his stance shifts, aligning with the ease of muscle memory. He looks like the Champion he was, ready to take all challengers and walk over their fallen bodies to stay alive for one more fight.]

[lonered]

[The change in Shiro isn't lost on Keith, but for now he doesn't react to it except to drop back, going with the motion to avoid the sweep of that sword, putting enough space in between them so that he can regroup, can take Shiro in, his posture, the sword in his hand, the look on that familiar face.

Keith straightens up and for a moment just watches, sword gripped and up and ready, but he's dropped off the attack, taking measure of his opponent as if he's evaluating him for the first time. This time he'll let Shiro come at him, since he'd been the one to charge forward before -- if he's being honest, he's always the one to charge forward. That impulsiveness, that empty void where his patience should be something of a weakness. Anyone who knows him, knows that's his nature; it's obvious to see.

So he'll try to be patient, try letting the moment play out instead of forcing it, for once. And he wants to see what this change in Shiro means -- though he's grateful it's not that haunted, terrorized look he's seen in the older man's eyes far too often when memories of those days ambush him.]

[spaceforged]

[He watches him back. Keith isn’t charging in like he usually does. He’d considered how to counter if he had. The plan is discarded and he moves forward. Slow at first but he picks up speed as he closes the distance between them. He rewards Keith’s patience by spinning and cutting with the sword right to left then abruptly reversing it left to right.

The motion is fast making it seem like one singular cut instead of two. His face is unreadable save for the familiar spark in his eyes any time they sparr. He likes to see the progress of his friends and how well they protect themselves. And with an opponent of equal skill it’s a challenge and a thrill. He’s only a man. Sometimes fighting is what he needs.]

[lonered]

[Keith has to remind himself not to just get caught up watching Shiro. But it's a little hard not to be distracted. He moves too well, the strength and grace in his movements. But Keith keeps his focus on the battle, sees the angle of that sword, his own blade up to follow it and then deflect back. He turns into it.

He brings a leg up, a deliberate kick aimed at Shiro's center mass, one that he'll complete the momentum of with his sword following directly after. There's a grin on Keith's face too. In the end, he's sure Shiro will have him beat, but there's something in him that feels thrilled that he's holding his own against the other.]

So... definitely haven't lost your touch... [Keith quips, playful, despite how seriously he's taking the spar.]

[spaceforged]

[He has enough time to tense the muscles of his stomach to take the kick. The air in his lungs turns to fire and he lets it out in a rush. He's going to feel that later. Shiro brings up his blade, it's an awkward angle but weak as the parry is, Keith put himself right in the path of his best strikes.

He doesn't even hesitate to aim a punch for Keith's unguarded middle. But there's a grin on his face too. He's proud of Keith and all he's managed to accomplish. The gap between their skill levels is so much narrower.]

And I see you've graduated to being a kangaroo. [He sure as hell kicks like one. Oof. His stomach still aches a little from that hit.]

[lonered]

[Keith realizes that he's left himself open a second too late. He starts to twist away, but still soaks the majority of the blow, which knocks an audible oof of sound out of him, but only stretches the grin on his face wider.

It doesn't slow him down either, a rapid step back that brings his sword up, ready and moving in again. That's another thing that Keith has learned with the Blade (and a talent he's always possessed, if you can call it a talent) how to take a beating and to keep going, keep fighting. It's the stubbornness in him. It nearly killed him in the Trials.]

A kangaroo? [He laughs. Okay, not bad. He likes kicking. He can put a lot of momentum behind it.]

[spaceforged]

You’re fit and you can put incredible speed and power in your kicks. It fits. [Taking a beating and keeping going is a skill they both have. Keith steps back and Shiro does the same. Their blades come up before they move in again. Shiro fients a cut to the right but actually goes for a sweeping cut upwards to the left at a diagonal.

His smile grows wider. If he catches him off guard enough times and sinks in a few more punches he knows who will win the fight.]

[lonered]

That's... the nicest comparison to a marsupial anyone's ever made about me...

[There's a breathless note in his voice as he quips back, but he doesn't let his focus stray. He can't afford to drop his guard for an instant with Shiro. The older man will notice it just as quickly, he's sure.

Keith recognizes the feint for what it is, ready to bring his sword clashing hard against Shiro's, the impact jarring through his arms, through muscles that will ache pleasantly later. He shoulders into the block before all at once pivoting, going from bracing all his weight against Shiro to none, sword following in a tight arc to come around the other way -- quick but there is a moment where Shiro's out of his sight, which Keith recognizes as a risk.]

[spaceforged]

Be honest. It's the only comparison to a marsu-

[He cuts himself off as Keith brings his sword clashing hard against his. The impact runs up his arms. He'll have to stretch to work out the aches from this fight. The weight is there and he leans in to test it when it abruptly vanishes.

The hell? He catches what is about to happen and drops immediately. The blade passes so close to his hair it cuts a few strands of it off and his heart rate speeds up. Well.

He hadn't been wrong. Keith has really closed the gap in their skill levels. He sweeps his leg out hard and fast, intending to bring him down. Timber?]

[lonered]

[No time to answer back to that because there's a moment where Keith thinks I've got this, and then the very next moment when he feels that leg catch his, his own legs out from under him. A flash of a second where it feels like time slows and gravity hasn't caught up with him before he's falling, landing flat on his back.

Timber indeed.

He manages to bring his blade up to shield his body -- full on reflex from a battle for his life rather than a friendly spar -- before he groans with a laugh.]

Ow... [Okay. This one definitely to Shiro.]

[spaceforged]

[Shiro immediately leans over Keith, seeking to make sure he fell alright. There's something apologetic in his eyes. If he landed wrong, he'll feel bad about it. He should have tried to control his fall.] Keith, are you okay?

[He gets his feet under him and holds out his free hand to help him up.]

[lonered]

[Keith answers the concern with a grin, even as he catches his breath back to himself, looking up at Shiro as he pushes himself more into a sitting position.]

I'm great.

[He takes the offered hand though, pulling himself to his feet with a grunt.] One of these days I'll beat you, you know. But I've still got a ways to go.

[spaceforged]

I know you will. You've rapidly closed the gap between our skills. You nearly had me on that last attack and a few other times. [He pulls Keith up as he rises to his own feet. One step back to keep them solid and he smiles.]

That was a great match. [His joy reaches his eyes making them spark as he sheathes his sword and looks up through his white bangs.]

It's been a while since I've really enjoyed a spar. [The smile spreads out into a eager grin. He'd love to keep grinding his edge against Keith's and see what they end up with.] We should do this more often. If you'd like.

[lonered]

[Keith perks up at the compliment, visibly, even if he's unaware that he's doing it. Shiro's opinion matters a lot. So he's happy to hear something like that. And more than that, he's happy to see that sort of expression on Shiro's face.

His own grin brightens in response.] Think so? I'll have to work even harder then.

[He's determined! ...and he has a competitive streak several light years wide.] We should do this more often. Anytime, Shiro. It was the most fun I've had in a while.

[spaceforged]

[He pauses, releasing Keith's hand but staying in his space. Fighting sword to sword had woken him up. Keith is really good even if he moved around too much. But the burn to see all of his skills prompts him to ask.]

...How about another round? This time, hand to hand.

[They'd have to put their swords aside but that's fine by him. He's better in hand to hand for very good reasons.]

[lonered]

Not tired yet?

[Keith shoots back, but thee grin on his face is widening.] Let's do it. ...even if you've got even more of an edge hand to hand.

[He's used to his sword. Sure he's also gotten better at hand to hand -- because even a Blade needs to learn to fight without their sword -- but that's solidly Shiro's territory. Which honestly just makes Keith more eager for the match.]

[spaceforged]

I only have more of an edge because you keep forgetting once you're airborne you can't control your direction.

[He has made him pay for those leaps before. He'll do it again until Keith refines that part of his fighting style or does away with it entirely. He walks to the edge of the ring and sets his sheathed sword and sword belt down. He rolls his shoulders back and stretches one arm then the other, pulling until he can feel the strain in his back. He'd already warmed up.

He makes the familiar beckoning motion as he drops into a defensive stance.]

Introduce me to what new tricks you have up your sleeve.

[lonered]

...I'm not airborne that long, and I've already picked a direction--

[...he's way too easy to bait and he knows it. So he clams up and well, tries not to admit to himself that Shiro has a point and he sure has shown him quite plainly that leaping about opens up a major weakness.

Fine. FINE. Shiro has a point. Like usual. THOUGH.] ...you know that's not actually true anymore. Can't do it in this ring, but...

[Aerial combat? Keith will now need to learn that. Now he's excited. But for now, he sets his blade aside (reluctantly leaving it) and drops into a stance himself, taking a moment to look at Shiro before he's moving for him. He keeps his feet on the ground this time (for now), feints right before coming about with his left arm, a quick jab of a punch, not really expecting to connect, but more wanting to prompt Shiro into motion.]

[spaceforged]

[He waits, controlling his breathing and stares straight ahead. Keith starts to close the distance. The world becomes crystal clear. He jerks his right arm up and turns into the left jab in a block. He moves to thrust the arm aside.

If he's successful and Keith stays close. He'll reach for Keith's right shoulder to yank him down to introduce him to his rising knee.]

[lonered]

[Keith, however, has met that knee more than once, and has not exactly enjoyed the interaction. So he's ready for that, and is quick to drop his shoulder and slip back, far enough that he can bring a kick around.

This is what Shiro gets for kangaroo comparisons. It's only fair.

Keith is well aware he's going to be exhausted after all this, but that doesn't shake the grin of his features. It'll be a good exhaustion, honestly, the sort that means he'll drop off to sleep within seconds once the day has wound down.]