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

[spellweave]

[Even just openly carrying a weapon is often a deterrent for anyone who might want to try anything funny. This thought is partially the reason he agreed to learn to wield a rapier as well. Of course there would ever be a time and a place to have one at his side but having it there at all would go far. For now it would only be for show until there was time enough for practice.]

I will manage. [He echoes her words to reassure her. He's already set his mind to it and as stubbornness runs deep in this family she can rest assured he will learn it no matter what. He also wishes to not be a burden on her. It's already off putting to him to not be able to properly protect her. It's even worse when he realizes he'd have to depend on her protection entirely.

He smiles at her.] Although there appears to be no suitable location for such practice here so we may be delayed until we return to the Temple. [The colosseum is for people already looking for fight. Unless it's open to the public during times it is not in use but he doubts that. The Temple had an actual empty one sans the angry training dummies so it would be better but...]

Seeing as how that may not be until quite some time, however, I will keep my eye out for a place here regardless. [Who knows! Maybe there was one they hadn't found yet.

For now he starts speaking to the shop owner. There hadn't been given that much coin and so he opts to only buy this rapier for now. Should he wish something ranged in the future like a bow hopefully there will be another chance to obtain one. For now he'd rather not use everything he has on weapons...]

[adelphoi]

[ considering the withering look she gives him, alisaie is not content to wait until they return to the temple - who knows when that could be? who knows what could happen here, before then? ugh. she's not happy about any of this. but he isn't wrong, either; it certainly wouldn't do to spar in the open, with people around. someone could be hurt, and like as not there are.. probably laws in place when it comes to people just waving swords around at each other in the open.

alisaie heaves a sigh; there's not much to be done about it. ]

Aye, I suppose that is the best we can do.

[ but yes, at least he's armed, even if he can't really use it. it's certainly better than nothing. ]

[spellweave]

[He doesn't acknowledge the sour look he receives but he does note the grumpy sigh that follows. Honestly, Alisaie, you need to learn a little bit of patience...

Transaction now complete he turns back to her with a soft chuckle. It isn't that he doesn't appreciate her concern--nor does he want to belittle it as he fully understands where she is coming from on this--but as she observed their hands are a bit tied. They are guests to a strange world and it would be best to behave as such.]

Pray be at ease, Alisaie. All in due time. I do not believe we are in such a precarious position here as to be in need of our weapons so long as we remain on our best behavior. [He really doesn't want her to worry though.

Of course like a week later he nearly gets stabbed by thieves but... hopefully she never finds out about it.............]

[adelphoi]

[ being at ease is certainly far easier said than done when in so many ways she feels like the only sane woman in the room, here. they have all but been kidnapped, for all intents and purposes, stripped of their abilities, their weapons - and for what? to dance on the end of some witch woman's strings? to what end? it's infuriating, and what is even more infuriating is how many people are not infuriated. ]

I suppose so.

[ he isn't wrong. but gods, this is all so frustrating, and alisaie has never been particularly good at keeping a lid on her opinions or emotions. but then, perhaps this is simply particularly grating to her; alisaie has always chafed at the idea of being controlled. crossing her arms tightly over her chest, she scowls. her fury is useless for the moment, but that doesn't mean she has to smile about it!! ]

Anyroad, what have you made of this place?

[spellweave]

[He shares her frustration completely although no one would ever know it. As he is ever wont to do he internalizes these feelings and remains outwardly accepting of their situation. It is not unlike when their grandsire chose to leave for Eorzea since much like back then he recognizes the clear futility in making any protests.

Her inquiry gives him pause as he ponders over how best to answer that.]

The atmosphere is... turbulent. It is very like Ul'dah except that it is much more on the verge of a civil war. Neither side is interested in a parley. I even spoke with the king on it but he was not receptive to negotiations. [It's a bit worrisome that they may become embroiled in this and he realizes belatedly his words sort of contradicts his previous statement that they'll be safe. He still believes that but who knows what war would mean for them as a third party if it breaks out.

When he continues some frustration does slip into his tone this time.] I offered my expertise regardless but given how little we are being made aware of I would rather not have to take a side should it come down to that. [Because although he would lean in favor of the king he knows that's from some bias on his part and that never allows for good judgement.]

But I would pose the same question to you.

[adelphoi]

[ it's not so different an assessment as she would have expected, really, and more or less in line with her own observations, but nevertheless it feels nice to have her thoughts corroborated. that the king would not even entertain the idea of a talk is concerning, however, and certainly does not bolster her sympathy for the crown. if even alphinaud could not talk his way in there and hammer some reason into their heads, well, that doesn't exactly inspire her with confidence. she sighs. ]

I do not disagree. It is.. not to my tastes.

[ she has little enough patience for politics as it in, and ul'dahn politics were more frustrating even than most. sneaky, underhanded tactics.. gods, it's enough to prickle under her skin. ]

Mostly I worry for the smallfolk. In a city like this they could easily find themselves in a tight spot, I've no idea where they could find refuge in the barren surround, should the need arise.

[ alisaie may be cynical for her age, but the both of them can easily enough recognize tensions that threaten to boil into more. ]

[spellweave]

[He definitely has no fondness for Ul'Dahn politics either given what had happened. It's that very thing and the familiarity of the situation here that causes him a decent amount of hesitation to get involved. Not for lack of trying as he is willing if he is needed but... he is not overly eager to play a part in it.]

A fair thing to be concerned about. They will be the ones to made suffer should a civil war break out. [Or when one breaks out, considering how things are going.] I fear at the moment the king is not taking them into consideration much. [Supposedly the Syndicate murdered his father hence the reason for his refusal to parley. If only he could see a bigger picture.

He shakes his head.] We can only do what we can for them if the time comes. For now we should tread cautiously. [He says that pointedly. If anyone is bad about being careful in a delicate situation it's his sister.

Anyway, this heat is getting to him and the merchants don't seem to like it when people linger without plans to purchase more goods.] I am going to return to the Sparkling Sapphire for now. Will you remain here?

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie shakes her head, crossing her arms lightly over her abdomen. ]

No, I think I will poke about a bit longer.

[ read: she's still very restless, and it's going to take a good bit of walking and looking at things to clear her mind enough that she'll be able to sleep tonight, rather than just stare up at the ceiling and fret angrily. ]

I shall find you there this evening.