acatalepsy_logs | WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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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

...Yeah, guess you're right.

[ He's gone and said the wrong thing again when he'd been trying to be comforting, but he can see where she's coming from. If they had any choice in the matter, what would they have done? Would Noct still have chosen to come here, to help others? Prompto would have deferred to his friend, but of course, they very well may not have had a chance to converse, given...

The Crystal.

He follows up with a chipper, if uncertain: ]

A-at least your home'll be right where you left it when you go back! That's...what Astoria said, anyway. She puts us right back where we came from when we're done.

[ she can't help but cast him a withering look. ]

If you are willing to believe that, at least.

[ alisaie is Not A Fan of astoria at all, and that she acts so bubbly and kind is even more grating than if she weren't - how dare you kidnap her from her home and then toss her into a strange world without her consent, and also smile about it?? ugh. alisaie could kick her right in the face.

but it certainly is not prompto's fault. reining in her anger, alisaie breathes deeply and straightens up. ]

How are you finding your time here?

[ If Prompto weren't already putting more of a smile forth than might be natural right now, that look might have made it falter more, and even so, his stomach still knots uncomfortably. It's not that...Prompto is happy to be here, though perhaps he had gone a little too far in giving Astoria the benefit of the doubt. Had he already forgotten what happened the last time he and his friends gave a mysterious benefactor such a benefit? And yet Astoria seemed so earnest and kind that it's difficult for him to look to her with even due skepticism. Even if she did pull him and his friends away from something so enormous as the fate of the world.

Perhaps, in a quiet way he doesn't wish to acknowledge, he is...a little bit grateful, too. An impossible circumstance such as this may be the only way he ever sees his best friend again. And that's knowledge, he's beginning to suspect, he bears on his own.

Which is an answer to her question in and of itself, but one he does not give, even if there's something of a sigh in preamble to his words. ]

Too stinkin' hot! Seriously, I'm thiiiis close to hiring someone just to wave a big palm leaf at me. Think the king has any pools at his palace? A dip sounds great right about now...

[ He tucks his hands behind his head, casual, lacing his fingers together. ]

And you? Big fan of sand, sand, and more sand?

Edited (i forgot a line...) 2018-05-23 02:36 (UTC)

[ better to segue to lighter topics for now, anyway - alisaie's none-too-kind feelings toward astoria will not accomplish much at the moment, and she's worked off a great deal of frustration in the ring, which certainly helps. this genki boy doesn't deserve her foul moods. ]

I grew up on an island, so I am far more comfortable beside the sea, but nevertheless I have spent a great deal of time in such climes as this, so I suppose I've adapted well enough.

[ shrug. ]

Still, no, 'tis not my ideal.

Yeah? Never really been anywhere quite this desert-y myself. Leide could get pretty hot and dry, but nothin' quite like this...

[ He was hilariously unprepared for it, but that's par for the course for him when it comes to most things.

A beat passes before he speaks again, a bit more hesitant. She hadn't liked his suggestion that perhaps some from her world show up here, and he has no intention of making her homesick. But he can't help but be curious. Experiencing this new world is one thing, but there are so many represented just by the members of the Circle. What were theirs like? Were they anything like Eos? Hearing about other worlds will, at least, make him think less about his own. Maybe it's a bit selfish to ask her about a world she must miss too, but...oh well. ]

Did you...travel much, back in your world?

[ oh she misses it, but it does not hurt to talk about it - not keenly, at least. of course she is homesick, but hydaelyn will be there waiting for her still whenever she manages to pry herself and her brother from the grips of this petty little problematic witch. ]

Aye, I did.

[ she cannot help her wistful smile, though before she goes on she takes another drink, then gestures in the general direction of the exit. ]

Mayhaps we should return to the Sapphire; they do not seem particularly pleased that we are lingering.

[ He follows her gesture, seeming to only then recall where they are once she does so. Right. Best get a move on. ]

Gettin' tired of the sun, anyway. [ He starts to walk towards the exit, a little haste to his step after making eye contact with one of the waiting fighters. Yeah...no thanks, time to go.

He isn't...quite sure where to take the conversation next, however. She definitely said "we" should return, so he's not about to bail on her, but she hadn't volunteered much in the way of an answer to his question. Did she think he was prying? Was he prying? ]

Um, sooooo... [ But saying anything sounds better than lapsing into silence, so he redirects to: ] H-how's the chocobo-ifying going?

[ THIS ISN'T BETTER ]

[ well she'd been perfectly willing to continue the whole travel conversation, just on the road, but then he's bringing up the chocobo thing and she's pulling a face akin to :weary:, before a flush colors her cheeks. ]

I.. cannot say that I have given it much thought. I've not tried it again.

[ not since that FATEFUL DAY. ]

Really?

[ He sounds genuinely surprised, before he actually glances over at her and notices that blush in her cheeks. Oh...is she still embarrassed about that? What could possibly be embarrassing about turning into a chocobo? It's the greatest power ever.

...He at least has enough tact not to ask that question out loud. ]

O-oh. I mean, whatever floats your boat! I-I figured out my ability, by the way!

[ After Astoria just straight-up told him what it was when he asked... ]

[ don't look at her, she's super embarrassed about being a chocobo okay!! of course she had to go and befriend the One Boy who is like, obsessed with chocobos.

but hey, is that a segue she spies? seizing it gratefully, alisaie smiles and casts him a glance while they walk. ]

Is that so? Any feathers for you?

[ He laughs, slanting a grin down at her. ]

Hah, I wish! Nah, my ability's still pretty cool. I can run really, really, really fast.

[ Like, really fast. ]

[ why can't they swap abilities?? he would enjoy being a chocobo far more than her, no doubt. either way, it's clear enough that she's pleased by these new developments. ]

Now, I told you you had it in you, didn't I?

[ she believed in you, prompto!! ]

A shame you could not put it to use on the track, just now.

[ heh!!! ]

[ Just now? You mean several days ago? Or in the future?? Is Alisaie's ability actually clairvoyance?

But anyway, that lift in her voice and accompanying words have color rising in his cheeks. After his failed attempts to discover his power before, he's quite invigorated by her reaffirmation. He...truly didn't think he did have it in him, and while it was nothing he did on his own to unlock his ability, it's still gratifying to know he has one at all. ]

Hey, if you want a rematch on foot, I'm all for it. [ Cheeky! ] Don't wanna come off as too flashy though. Tryin' to stay humble, y'know? That's the burden of a super cool superpower....

[ She should be able to understand that, with the chocobo transformation, and all. ]

[ wow maybe it is!! ]

Right, I should be glad to race on foot, if you would agree to a sparring match.

[ sassing the sass queen, prompto?? but her mouth curves into a warm smile nonetheless, a soft chuckle in the back of her throat. he had hidden it (badly), but it was clear how disappointed he had been in himself when he'd been unable to manifest his ability; that he's finally managed to work it out is a relief. ]

But I am very glad that you discovered it. Mayhaps you could give me a demonstration, sometime?

A...demonstration?

[ And she's...glad for him? That's so thoughtful of her. Not that he's surprised that she's that thoughtful — she had put up with him trying to work out his power, and encouraged him when he was uncertain — but it's still...sweet, that she's taken an interest in him in this way. ]

Yeah, mayhaps I could. [ His mouth quirks, eyes shining with warmth. ] Just say the word, and I'll show you what I've got!

[ ...Though perhaps not right in the middle of the bustling street. If she really wants to see the full extent of his abilities, then he will need some room. ]

Whenever you'd like.

[ because yeah, curious as she is, this uh.. isn't the best venue for showcasing it, really. who knows, maybe he can dart between people and objects easily - but he also might slam face first right into a lightpost.

.. okay, that only makes it more appealing, really. BUT SHE WON'T PUT HIM THROUGH THAT.. yet.. ]

[ That's probably for the best, since she'd be the one who would have to deal with his broken nose, but even if they go out into the middle of the desert, he'll probably find some way to embarrass himself. Count on it. ]

You got it, Ali. [ His grin remains broad. He's actually quite eager to show it off to her, given how she had encouraged him and helped him. He might not have discovered his power then, but he still appreciates what she did for him. ]

Mmmaybe later on tonight? After it's cooled off a bit. This heat is killin' me!

[ As he has already mentioned...several times. ]

Is it? I had hardly mentioned..

[ alisaie isn't terribly fond of the oppressive heat either, but he's just so whiny that she can't help but call him out!! one corner of her mouth twists. ]

Not so accustomed to this sort of weather?

[ given his parade of sleeveless hot topic shirts she would've thought otherwise.. ]

[ He groans, but not really at her ribbing. That he's used to, and to be fair, he does deserve it. ]

Noooot exactly. I mean, I've been in plenty of hot places before, including a literal volcano, but nowhere as hot as this for as long as this. These guys could probably solve their political drama if they just invented air conditioning!

[ Truly, their issues would be much easier to work out if they weren't sweating all the time! ]

[ ah, this whiny boy!! it's not as if she disagrees, really, it's hot as hells out here, and it's certainly not her preferred weather, but still.. ]

Honestly, every time you use the word hot I am certain the temperature rises another few degrees..

[ can't we talk about blizzards and snow cones and ice cold showers? ]

I wonder if there are any swimming holes about.

[ ...He is kind of laying it on thick, isn't he? His mouth twists sheepishly, a nervous laugh following. ]

Heh...guess I'm not helping, am I? Think it'll help if I start using the word cool more? Mind over matter, 'n' all that!

[ Or maybe they should just stop talking about the heat altogether. ]

Man, I could seriously go for a dip right about now...I mean, this is an oasis, right? There's bound to be something.

[ not talking about it is probably the safest bet, yes, but that's pretty difficult considering prompto's incessant whining. and even without it, it's still so warm. why is her jacket so heavy!! ]

I should think so, but given how precious a resource water is..

[ they might not be allowed to put their sweaty dirty bodies in it. :( ]

[ Speak for yourself! Prompto sweats drops of gold. But okay, maybe the people don't want drops of gold in their water, either... ]

I'll ask around and let you know what I hear. Buuuut in the meantime...

[ They've reached the front doors of the Sapphire at last, where they will find shade and cool water both. Prompto steps ahead to grab the door and hold it open for her to pass through. ]

After you, milady.

[ after all of this talk about heat, she's very happy to reach the doors of the sapphire at last, and the gust of cool air that greets her when he pulls open the door is enough to have her heaving a pleased sigh.

him holding the door for her, though, earns a withering look, though she smiles as she shakes her head, and passes through. he's just trying to be nice, alisaie!! but she such a strong independent woman.. anyway, in they go. ]

Gods, that is much better.

[ Sorry, Alisaie. A gentleman grabs the door for a lady!! Let him have this...

As soon as they're inside, Prompto waves his hands towards his face, welcoming that cool air onto his skin. That feels amazing... ]

Man...why did I ever leave this place?

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