acatalepsy_logs | WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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? :)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Prompto positively lights up. That is, unsurprisingly, one of his favorite questions to be asked, and while she may get more than she bargained for in the asking of it, but he can't help himself. Evidently, everyone on Eos understands how a camera works, so it's not often he's had an opportunity quite like this, but as it arises, he is happy to explain. ]

See, it all starts with the lens. [ He taps it with his index finger, animated, with fervor in his voice. ] I can see what's in the lens through the viewfinder, and when I like what I see - a-actually, I could give you a demonstration!

[ That would be even better than him explaining it, he thinks. ]

[ she's a good listener and an even better learner, but there's really no better way to understand a new concept than by getting hands-on. at least in alisaie's case. theory is all well and good, but it never entirely sinks in until she's able to see it in action.

it being the camera, in this case. ]

Oh! Yes, please.

[ it isn't going to steal her soul or anything is it?? ]

[ Yes, it is.

Or, at least, her likeness, if she wants it to. But he doesn't want to be too presumptuous, so he follows up by asking: ]

D'you...want me to take a picture of you?

[ Then he'll...have a picture of her. It somehow isn't as daunting as when he wanted to get a picture of Cindy, but Alisaie isn't a grease monkey goddess!

...But she is still...super cute. Making the prospective of having a picture of her a bit different, somehow. ]

[ W O W it isn't her fault that she has tiny tiddies!! :c how quickly she loses goddess status..

unbeknownst to prompto's inner dialogue, however, alisaie breaks into a broad, warm smile, and nods. good thing she's not the superstitious type. ]

I don't see why not. Is there aught I must do?

[ it can't be too different from sitting for a portrait, right? ]

[ Look, goddess status is earned, she'll get there!! That smile is definitely winning her points, though, and Prompto can't help a creeping blush along his cheekbones as he readies his camera for the photo. She really is super cute...

N-not thinking about that right now!! ]

U-um — n-nah, just - just keep smiling like that! That's perfect. Oh — and say..."fuzzy pickles"!

[ Hopefully she's ready, because a moment later he lifts the viewfinder to his eye and clicks the shutter. ]

[ you know nothing, prompto snow, she was born a goddess. ]

Fuzzy.. what?

[ ah, it's too late, he's already clicked the shutter, so instead of smiling for the photo she likely looks mildly bewildered. saying that can't have been necessary to the process.. ]

[ Oh, it was very necessary to the process! And anyway, what's done is done. They can't possibly take another one!

She might not quite be smiling in it, but Prompto still likes the candidness of it, a smile slanting his mouth as he turns the camera towards her so she can see her image on the tiny screen on the back. ]

Check it! Your first photo. You're a natural, Ali!

[ Sure, he tells that to everyone, but he means it!!! ]

[ somehow she doesn't think that's entirely true..

anyway, he turns the camera toward her and - wow, there it is, right there! he didn't have to do anything else. how bizarre.. it is like a portrait, though far more detailed and clear and - ]

.. 'Tis quite small.

[ Wow, rude as hell. All those impressive things, and that's what she chooses to focus on???

Prompto takes it in strike, however, chuckling lightly. ]

Yeah, I know...gonna have to wait until we get to a world waaaaay more advanced than this one to print anything new. [ Oh! He reaches into his vest as he continues to speak. ] I-I have a few I could show you, this is what they look like after they're printed, um —

[ He hands her a stack of photographs. You know the ones. Various sights from all over Lucis, many of them feature the same four boys. Astoria let him keep these, too. ]

[ look, he was talking it up a lot?? either way she doesn't seem unimpressed. how does it work?? amazing. even if technology is a little bit unnerving for her.. she's seen it used for more harm than good on too many occasions.

but it's clear enough that this camera is innocent enough, and more than that, very important to prompto, given the warm expression on his face. alisaie cannot help but smile, and she accepts the photos gratefully and begins to filter through them. ]

Print?

[ He watches her expression carefully as she cards through the photographs. She is right in her assessment — they, as with his camera, are very important to him, and sharing them with someone who isn't from Eos, letting her see a glimpse of Eos in happier times than when he left it, is...bittersweet.

Those photographs, and the memories within them, mean the world to him. ]

You know...from a printer! [ ...But she hadn't know what a camera was, so why would she know what a printer is? ] I mean, uh— it's a machine that turns pictures from my camera into photographs like those. There're other ways with film-based camera, but I'd rather have my trusty Lokton, anyway.

[ they're bright and colorful, and she can only presume that these are images from his world, and friends of his.

wait. she knows this guy! alisaie sets the photographs onto the table, then points right to a big, bulky, dark-haired man. ]

Oh! Is he a friend of yours?

[ Ah...it begins. ]

Yeah! That's Gladio. You know him?

[ He's got a bad feeling about this, Chewie... ]

[ mad world plays in the distance. ]

I do. Well, not terribly well - but we've met, and had a good spar in the arena.

[ Why is he not surprised. Why does it make so much sense. WHY DOES GLADIO KNOW EVERY CUTE GIRL...THEY JUST GOT TO THIS WORLD...WHY!!!! ]

Uh—c-cool! That's...cool! Gladio's a great guy. One of my best buds from back home.

[ please don't ask if he's single please don't ask if he's single please don't ]

[ why does he seem suddenly so nervous?? this is clearly a friend of his.. boys are weird. alisaie brushes it off. ]

Yes, I cannot say that I got to know him particularly well, but he certainly knows how to handle a sword, and he was quite friendly.

[ really friendly.. ]

[ Handle a sword...THAT'S NOT A EUPHEMISM, IS IT ]

Ahh—hahah, yeah, that's Gladio, alright! He always knows how to...make a mood. He's a moodmaker.

[ He clears his throat. ]

A-anyway! We traveled around a whole bunch back home. Hence all the pics.

[ yeah, they banged. ]

So I see..

[ .. honestly tho, prompto is really giving her the impression that he's the one with the crush on gladio, tbh. i mean, she can't blame him, he was a good looking man. her smile curls, but she won't call him on it - don't worry prompto, your secret is safe with her!! ]

I am glad at least that you have company here.

[ To be fair, isn't everyone a little bit in love with Gladio? ]

...Yeah. Me, too.

[ There's weight behind his words that he doesn't elaborate on, how lucky he is to have certain company with him here. But moments later the chef is returning from the kitchen, setting the plate of fries down on the table between them.

Prompto rubs his hands together eagerly. ]

Aww yeah, this is what I'm talkin' about! Real, good, greasy, fattening fries...you should have the honor of trying one first!

[ i wouldn't know, prompto is my boy. :relaxed:

so these fries look good, sure, but they hardly seem.. mind-blowing, at least in the sense that prompto seems to be conveying. but they smell good, and they're warm and fresh, and she can't imagine the possibility of fried popotoes possibly being bad, so.

she shrugs, and lifts one, popping the entire thing into her mouth. ]

Mm. Good.

[ i mean, nothing to write home about, but tasty. ]

[ o-oh.... :blush:

Prompto's first fry is halfway to his mouth when Alisaie makes her assessment, and his eyebrows fly up in dismay. ]

Really? "Good"? That's it?

[ what?? he is being so sassy!! ]

Should I have expected more? They are good, but I am not like to swoon over them.

[ He sure is being sassy! She can't slander fries like that and expect no sass in return! ]

They're just— they're not as good as fries from the Crow's Nest. [ Whoops, he should have said that more quietly. From the kitchen, the chef shoots them a dirty look. ]

Believe me, if you were having the real deal, you'd be blown away.

[ look fries are not the incredible thing he thinks they are!! they're delicious, but they're not, you know, cheesecake, or ice cream, or a nice bloody steak. even if he doesn't want to admit it.. ]

I'm sure they are every bit as good as your Crow's Nest.

[ please don't make the chef burn their food for the rest of the time they're here.. ]

[ Sure, sure, whatever you say...but there's no accounting for taste. ]

I-it's totally different! Must be the...altitude. Yeah. A-anyway. There you have it! Fries. Now you can say you've tried 'em, at least.

[ And he won't be able to hold it over her head for not having done so! ]

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