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? :)

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[ there's a moment of pause where he suppresses a sigh, though it's not out of frustration. ]

I'm not wasting it. We're a team now, with a common mission. I'll help you.

[ and it's what he wants to do, because it's all he has left. maybe he's preaching to deaf ears, but: ]

Once, I was dropped into a world where travelers like us were rounded up and interrogated harshly. I won't stand for such things to happen once more.

[. . . huh. . .]

[and that is almost even more surprising than Julius's concern. the part about wanting to help, he means. especially after Julius told him not to steal]

Is that why you told me I had to worry about our reputation?

[as "tourists," so to speak. hm. . .]

I wouldn't do anything to put anyone else in unnecessary danger. I promise.

[ ah, but akira said 'anyone else', didn't he? that's a sentiment which... rouses some memory of his younger self, somehow. ]

I know you won't. But, don't forget about yourself.

[ he thinks back to when more than a few people chewed him out for doing some sort of foolish sacrifice. ]

Don't go alone, at least. And don't do anything self sacrificial....

[caught. . . ! he really is too obvious, isn't he? it's so weird, being fussed over like this. it isn't that he minds it; he just. . . isn't sure how to take it]

Hm. . .

So you're the type to worry about anyone, regardless of how well you know them?

[ julius closes his eyes for a few moments. he's said something similar to jusis once upon a time, so maybe: ]

I am. I may be a fool, but I do. I know all too keenly the pain of losing a comrade dear to one's heart. Even if we are strangers, there's bound to be someone waiting for you back home. Do what you think is right, but... you must live.

[ you must.

that night, in the red rain, his fate was sealed because he had allowed someone to die. ]

... I apologize if this is too overbearing.

[ he opens his eyes, his expression a touch weary. he shouldn't be dumping this on a kid, no. ]

[this guy. . .]

You've seen a lot. Lived through a lot.

[that weary expression, that wholehearted and earnest insistence that Akira needs to live, no matter what. it makes Akira curious. makes him wonder what Julius's life was like before he was recruited into Astoria's circle]

[a hum, and Akira finally turns on his heel to face the dirty orphan who had been watching the entire exchange, crouched in the shadows, hidden from obvious view. Akira steps froward, crouches down to the kid's level, and doesn't react when they jerk back in suspicious surprise. he finally pulls his hand from his pocket to reveal a swanky looking diamond necklace laced between his fingers. a necklace he holds out to the child, who-- after only a moment of hesitation-- darts forward to snatch it from Akira before bolting]

[ah, well. trust is earned, not readily given, right?]

[with that taken care of, Akira stands again, head tilted towards Julius]

Are you hungry?

[ he watches the exchange without much comment, aware that it's a space that he shouldn't intrude. the urchin sprints away, much as he expects him to - and just like that, the exchange is complete.

he has to wonder if there's another way. if not, then if another way could be made - but those are thoughts for another day, another time. ]

I'm alright.

[ strange that the idea of eating is brought up now. it's something so innocuous, yet it carries a much darker meaning for him; for the power that has now been forced into dormancy in his body. ]

Are you?

A little.

[Akira admits, although if he were being completely honest, he's asking for another reason entirely. he doesn't know Julius at all; and where he comes from, spending time together over a meal is one way to get to know a person better. entrapment by food, or something? eh]

I'm Akira Kurusu.

[he offers up his name first, which is rare thing, but it feels appropriate as he begins walking in the direction of the Sparkling Sapphire]

And you are. . .?

[ it's a form of socializing, and he understands it - enough to agree. ]

Let's go get something, then. [ most god eaters bonded over food and rest, too. ] I'm Julius Visconti. Nice to meet you.

[ it's a bit awkward to offer a handshake now, so akira will get a nod ]

It's nice to meet you as well, Visconti-san.

[huh. how polite. it's a stark contrast to his hard, almost defiant expression earlier, back when he thought Julius was scolding him for being a thief]

[ people fight hard for their beliefs. it doesn't stand out as particularly odd to him ]

Do you have a place in mind?

The Sparkling Sapphire. They should be putting out food for dinner, soon.

[and dinner food is hella free, thanks to their room accomodations]

[ he's learned that free things tends to come with strings, but he hasn't been able to tell which are tied to this one. it seems safe, for now... ]

Alright.

[ he'll accompany akira in relative silence, before: ]

Do you have a favourite food?

Curry.

[well, that answer comes quickly]

It doesn't seem to be a local delicacy, though. And neither is ramen.

[two of his favorite comfort foods, completely unavailable :(]

Why do you ask?

[ a tilt of his head ]

I'm curious, is all.

[ he's heard of those two, thank god. they can continue this conversation without him tripping over his lack of knowledge ]

I've heard of curry. It seems quite flavourful, maybe we can try making it ourselves.

[ this he says with Perfect Seriousness. food is important. ]

[ooooh, now there's an idea]

We could commandeer the Sparkling Sapphire kitchen, provided the chefs who work there don't kick us out.

I'm sure we can make a reasonable argument for it.

[ akira seems to know more about it - if not, they could always get some information on how things are prepared. sounds like a plan. ]

And if all else fails, sneak in at night.

[and. . . there's the criminal option, again]

[ and he has to chuckle, because it seems akira takes robin hood very seriously: ]

You'll have to teach me, if we get to it.

[ not that they'll need to, he's sure. he'll make a good case if he has to!! ]

Gladly. Though I can't promise that my lessons will be free.

[it looks like the Sapphire is just ahead. lunch soon!]

I'll give you the recompense you're due.

[ they can talk more over food. it's good to know someone with a different perspective, and he's willing to learn akira's - food is a good way to do it. ]

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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