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

Yeah, that's the problem... I think either one would work, so modeling it works!

[ ... if she can figure out how people wear this. ]

Just a moment. [She goes to consult with one of the store owners, who nods and points out the small space in the back with a few mirrors set up.]

I think I have a good idea, since the way the layers fit together remind me of the clothing from the country to the south of where I'm from. Shall we?

Okay! You really seem like a pro at this, uh... miss.

[ what does she call this woman, what is polite here, uhhhhhhhhhhh.

Maybe she just needs to keep her mouth closed and edge towards the back. ]

[Jing is getting accustomed to seeing that particular hesitation and expression by now, so she says, almost offhandedly as she follows Rion back to the room.] If it's not too familiar, you can call me Miss Jing or Auntie Jing.

[Thoughtfully adding, as though to skate over any hint of possible awkwardness:] I've had to practice a lot with clothes of this style. It seems it's not as popular in the time or place where you're from.

It's pretty for sure, but yeah, it's not exactly what's on the up-and-up back home right now. I like it, though!

[ And after a pause, to consider-- ]

Thanks for helping me out with this, Miss Jing. You can call me Rion!

It was very nice to be asked. [She replies, with complete sincerity, noting Rion's name for her own memory.]

So, whenever you're ready, you should start with this layer... [and explains in simple terms how to put on the particular outfit they'd selected.] I can wait outside, but let me know if you still need assistance.

Got it! I'll give it my best shot.

[ And thankfully, she'll manage-- maybe the years of wearing idol outfits and costumes are coming in handy now, but after some rustling, Rion emerges in the green outfit and gives a slow, careful twirl. ]

What do you think?

[T-too cute...]

I think the style suits you very well. How is it? Do you find it comfortable? [She wants to do your hair /sobs]

[ She'll let you play with her hair, Jing! ]

I like it a lot! It's cooler than I thought it would be, even if it covers a lot more.

Yes. The cloth they're using is very remarkable, it's very light and allows the breeze to pass without being so thin that it doesn't provide protection from the sun. [She's going to want a sample of the cloth at some point...]

Do you want to try on the lavender this time? or any other colors?

I might come back for the lavender, but I think I like this color better.

... Um, but what about you, Miss Jing? I think it'd be fun to find something for you to model!

Me? [Well, she'd been eyeing something but...] I was actually contemplating getting something small at another shop a little down the street.

[Should we complete this purchase first?] I think this color is excellent for you, and the cut is very suitable. I am a bit worried that it's too long... [If you say yes, she's trying to set the stage for bargaining power.]

A little, yeah... I don't think I'm about to get a growth spurt while we're here, either. But it's so cute...

[ are you going to teach her how to haggle, new mom. ]

[She's going to try!]

I think that's as much due to you as to the clothes, Rion. [Well, she'll just wave the shopkeeper over, who's been trying to surreptitiously listen in for a while. While Jing wasn't at all unfriendly or standoff-ish, there's something else in her manner as she addresses the other person that seems to imply that on some level, she has some familiarity with giving orders and being obeyed.

The shopkeeper names a price - not ridiculously high, but their resources were somewhat constrained - and Jing frowns with almost gentle disappointment, pointing out the fit of the clothing Rion is wearing, the length (it was indeed a little bit long, though that was more a matter of personal style) and a few other apparent imperfections.

In the end, the price is halved without too much fuss - confirming to Jing's mind that they had certainly raised the price for a pair of obvious tourists - and the shopkeeper offers a matching length of the same green cloth, suitable as a scarf or a hood to block out some of the sun.]

Does that seem reasonable to you, Rion?

[ For her part, Rion has been fighting to keep her jaw from scraping the floor. One, because it won't be very convincing if Jing talks this shopkeeper done while she's gawking, and two, because that's just too embarrassing. But--

She nods, keeping her chin high. ]

That should do fine, thank you.

[ aaaand she is back to staring at Jing like she is some kind of holy haggling goddess. What had been that tone she'd used? And her bearing?? Damn! ]

[She neatly folds the matching scarf into a more reasonable size and tucks it into her sleeve out of habit for safekeeping.]

Do you want to change back into your other clothes or wear this as is? [She asks with a small, almost conspiratory smile. Rion can ask questions later, if she still wants to.] We have some more things we want to look at, yes?

I think I'd like to wear this for awhile! No better way to test it out than like this, right?

[ ... Jing you are scarily impressive though, she is definitely making a note to ask her later. ]

We should probably ask them to pack your own things for later so you can bring them back with you. [She observes, and asks for a bag from the merchant, who hands one over almost immediately. So the two of them can be out of the store and on their merry way.]

How is it so far? If it really is too long, I can help hem it for you when we get back to the inn.

It's not too bad if I go slower than usual! [ so no bounding through the marketplace. She's just going to hold her bag close and concentrate on her walking. ]

But I think I'll have to take you up on that, Miss Jing.

I'll be happy to help. I used to do a lot of fine embroidery, but I haven't had much opportunity recently. It's good to maintain old skills; you never know when they might be useful again.

[Actually...] There was a shop a little distance back that I wanted to see. Would you mind accompanying me?

Sewing's one of those skills that always comes in handy at some point, right? [ She's sure of it. ]

But sure, I'd love to go with you!

I've always found it to be, but I didn't have much opportunity to buy my clothes as seems to be the case now. [It's amazing how much supply there is now, though of course you did run into small issues with fit now and again compared to having everything custom-made.

Well, while they're strolling anyway...] Are you still a student back in your home, Rion? [By the time Jing had been what she guesses is Rion's age, she'd been of age to be married, but that no longer seemed to be the convention.]

[ Thankfully not; Rion has way too much going on in her life to even think about adding marriage to it. ]

I am! I'm in my second year of high school-- we actually just started our break for the summer.

[ And then this... happened. ]

What do you usually do in the summer when you're not in school? [Sounds weird, but okay.] Or, I suppose, what would you be doing if you weren't here?

[Oh look, it's a shop with a lot of shiny jewelry and hair ornaments.]

Rehearsing, definitely. My group was planning on a tour.

[ sorry, guys, that she just up and ditched you like this-- but Rion blinks, intrigued, when she takes a closer look at the shop. ]

Oh, wow... this is definitely my kind of shop!

WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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