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

[punshots]

[ Geir...okay. Geir the Dragon really wants him to race and will not eat a chocobo if he does so. Makes no sense, but okay. ]

Okay, okay, I'm goin'! What, you got a bet ridin' on this one, or something?

[ But even as he ribs, he backs up towards the track again. ]

[rootandbranch]

I don't. Should I? How do you place a bet? Are you going to win?

[he leans further out, nearly falls off the roof as the edge groans ominously, and flaps his wings in a sudden clumsy scuffle to back up and right himself again. the wind of it stirs Prompto's hair, but at least the roof doesn't break.]

--I just want to cheer someone on! Gooooo, Prompto!

[punshots]

[ That encouragement is strangely adorable, and while he can't quite claim he's going to win — don't bet on him, Geir, he's never ridden a creature like these before! — he can at least move forward, bolstered by Geir's vote of confidence.

...But don't break the roof, buddy, that seems bad. ]

Alright! I won't let you down!

[ ...He might let him down, but oh well. Prompto chats up one of the officials, and a few moments later, he is led to one of the waiting lizards. ]

[rootandbranch]

[Geir doesn't go to try to bet on Prompto -- it seems like a lot of inconvenient getting off the roof and figuring out how to navigate something he's never done with officials who might have never seen a dragon. besides, he doesn't carry any of his money on him, it stays in a pile in a safe place, of course!

he does resettle himself to intently watch Prompto's progress, though. the lizard races are pretty exciting: he feels bad for them, poor wingless things, but at least they seem to be competitive creatures that are enjoying themselves and their races.

when Prompto's lizard makes its way to the starting line, he lets out a loud roar of approval and encouragement that startles a few of the birds on nearby rooftops into flight.]

[punshots]

[ For his part, Prompto looks a bit unsteady on his beast, still getting his bearings, but he's at least managed to stay in the saddle for the time being. Whether or not that holds true when the race actually starts is yet to be seen. These creatures are much lower to the ground than the chocobos he is used to, their four squat legs all spread out instead of the long, tall legs of the bipedal birds. But the principle is the same. Lead with the reins, spur with your heels, and whatever you do, don't fall out of your saddle.

He nearly fails that last rule when Geir roars from his position atop the roof, as Prompto jumps in his seat and must grasp the reins to keep upright. But, hey, that roar was for him! Rough on his nerves as it might've been, he nevertheless appreciates the encouragement, and flashes the dragon a cursory grin before refocusing his attention on the track in front of him.

The officiant takes position on a platform to the side of the startling line, readies the racers on their mark, and then fires a pistol into the air.

They're off, and Prompto spurs his lizard forward, knuckles white on the reins. ]

[rootandbranch]

[Geir can barely contain his excitement -- somehow these races are a lot more compelling when you've got someone to cheer for. he doesn't roar again, but he does tighten his claws on the roof until the tiles creak, tail lashing behind him.]

C'mon! Run fast!

[punshots]

[ Prompto can just make out Geir's voice over the din of claw pounding the ground, but it bolsters him on. Even so, he is an novice at this, and no amount of chocobo racing can really make him a master lizard racer on the first try. He stays in the competition for the duration of the race, but he never pulls out of the middle of the pack. Then again, he doesn't fall to dead last either, so honestly, he's thrilled with middle of the pack!

As they cross the finish line and the officiant waves the flag signalling the end of the race, Prompto hops off his mount and takes a moment to show the beast the proper care and affection it deserves, scratching it beneath its chin. Then he trots back other towards the building, beaming up at Geir despite his placement. ]

Whoa, that was a blast! Way different than riding chocobos.

[rootandbranch]

You did a really good job!

[Geir doesn't care about how well Prompto actually placed either, in the end -- it was all about having a reason to be invested in the race, and once he was, watching it was a lot of fun. he comes close to hopping on his front feet as Prompto returns to the casino, like an eager puppy too enthusiastic to quite keep its paws on the ground.]

Was it exciting? They were all so slow, but they're much faster than humans... and all of them were bunched together like that. Wow!

[punshots]

[ Like a baby chocobo, Prompto veritably preens at the compliment, a laugh bubbling out of him. You know, for how big and intimidating Geir was at first - by virtue only of being a dragon, really - he's actually pretty adorable, all excited and bouncing around like that. It feeds into Prompto's own enthusiasm, like a steadily inflating balloon, fit to burst. ]

Dude, it was awesome! I was all like - [ He cuts to his side with one hand. ] Whoosh! And the other guy was like - zoom! And then my mouth got all full of dirt, and that was kinda gross, but, uh—

I gotta try that again.

[rootandbranch]

Eeheehee. I'm glad it was fun! That was a good idea I had.

[Geir preens too, not above taking credit for the whole episode. he did sort of twist Prompto's arm into going racing, for no particular reason. therefore, he's responsible. what a smart plan! he should clearly make people do things on a whim more often.]

Maybe racing makes up for not being able to fly for those guys! I'm sure they must enjoy it too, or they wouldn't run so fast.

[punshots]

[ Well...to be fair, it was a good plan, and Prompto had a great time because of it, so he's happy to let Geir have the credit. Even if he was sort of strong-armed (strong-clawed?) into it. He doesn't mind! ]

Hey, yeah! Bet that's why chocobos run so fast, too. [ Gotta make up for being unable to fly.

Then, he adds, more to himself: ] Wonder if I can outrun a chocobo now...

[rootandbranch]

Could you? Have you gotten faster lately?

[Geir considers his options, then finally leaves the roof, landing next to Prompto with a thump that's far lighter than it should have been. catlike, Geir tends to be lighter on his feet than the weight and size of his huge body should suggest.]

[punshots]

[ Prompto is indeed expecting quite the thwump when Geir lands, but it doesn't come, leaving him to wonder if this dragon isn't actually part house cat, too. He wouldn't be surprised. Noct would probably love this guy.

But anyway, he crosses his arms, trying to hide his joyful grin behind a confident one. ]

You could say that. Astoria gave me a lil' speed upgrade when I got here.

[rootandbranch]

[Geir's eyes widen in gratifying surprise. truth be told, he tends to think of humans as kind of slow and puny, though through no fault of their own -- just making them stronger and faster at the source is a good idea. Astoria has a few of those, he guesses.]

Oh! That's a really good power! I wish we knew what everyone could do -- I'm sure Astoria could tell us.

[his mind goes to the same place as Prompto's.]

Maybe you could win a race!

[punshots]

[ Prompto rocks on his feet, clearly considering that very idea, though hesitating a little. It'd be kind of silly, right? To race around a track with a bunch of lizards. But he's never turned his nose up at something silly before and if it means he gets to really test out his speed... ]

Yeah...I bet I could! Think they'd let me join in with the lizards?

work trip happened oops! feel free to drop if needed.

[rootandbranch]

[Geir measures the height and weight of the lizards by eye. would it be dangerous for Prompto to race around the track with them? if he got stepped on, sure, maybe, but the idea is just as funny as Prompto riding one was -- perhaps even funnier. he feels the need to qualify his enthusiasm, but it's worth a shot.]

If you're winning, there's no chance they'll step on you. You should be careful, though!