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

[spaceforged]

[He reads between the lines as he reached for his tan flight jacket and pulls it on. A place where the guard won't tread means he should go as he is. He stands up, pushing his chair in.]

After hearing that even if I was busy I'd make the time. I've been through a few parts of that area. What is her brother ill with?

[People rarely mess with him. He's too aware and built like the gladiator he once was. Being six foot two with a steady stare makes scars and other details window dressing.]

[tranquilforest]

[She frowns a little, her thoughts momentarily turning inward to memory rather than anything in the present before she shakes it off and smiles up at him, clearly grateful.]

It seems to be something that he picked up from work. The little girl mentioned a fever and some generalized weakness, which I have some herbs for, but in this weather... [It's a bit worrisome.]

[spaceforged]

It could get worse pretty fast. ...especially if we have a heat wave. [It was something they were warned about back at the Garrison. And with water so expensive here...his brow furrows. His expression is troubled briefly and he clears it with a shake of his head.

Now he has to get involved.]

That means we should go now. Lead the way.

[tranquilforest]

[Well, she definitely appreciates the enthusiasm, so off they go.

Jing's never been especially careless, but Shiro is pretty intimidating, so no one seems inclined to stop them as she retraces her steps into a part of town that is clearly still in a state of some disrepair.]

It was close to here... [She's kind of surprised Shiro isn't dying in the heat with that jacket of his on.]

[spaceforged]

[As if on cue he pulls it off, exposing a web of scars along his shoulders and arms. He ties the coat around his waist in military style and scans their surroundings. So far no one has tried to stop them.]

...in which direction did the girl come from? [It isn't much of a clue but its something. Without the sleeves in the way his metal arm is exposed. More reason for no one to mess with them- shit.]

It's possible she's not coming out because of me.

[tranquilforest]

[She's...seen worse, but not a lot worse, but she's also a professional, and her gaze is more thoughtful and assessing than anything else, glancing once at Shiro as he shrugs off his jacket and then scanning the street due to their errand.]

I ran into her in the afternoon, so it's possible I got confused by the light. It should still be somewhere on this street though. [Or, and this was another possibility, those spying eyes that she'd noticed a time or two already on this visit had interfered.]

[spaceforged]

[He lowers his voice, conscious that they might be being listened to.] Does she trust you enough to come out even with a stranger around?

[As he speaks he subtly shifts his weight and scans the street around them. He catches the faint scuff of feet in the dark and pretends he hadn't noticed.]

Let's keep moving and see what we can pick up. She might just be further down, like you said.

[tranquilforest]

[She shakes her head briefly, responding quietly:] I'd be more likely to ask whether her concern for her brother is enough to brace her to approach again.

[She had remembered the correct street, she's nearly sure of that. She keeps her steps almost to a stroll, glancing at the different doors as she passes them, waiting for familiarity.]

That one- [She muses, tilting her head towards it, catching a hint of movement behind the curtains covering the dusty glass.]

[spaceforged]

[He nods and slows down to match his strides to hers. He responds, still talking quietly. Whatever happens he wants to be sure they have a plan in place first. She'd come here for a reason.]

She was pick pocketing the money for the medicine. If someone is willing to help? I'd bet she'll risk it. But I didn't get the read on her, you did.

We'll see which she chooses to do. ...do you want to wait right here?

[He shifts his head just enough to keep an eye on house she'd tilted her head towards. Is it the right one?]

[tranquilforest]

[Before she can answer, the door of the house they'd both been half watching bangs open and a blur of movement comes running out towards them, running blindly into Shiro before turning to look up at Jing's face.]

Hey, lady, you really came! I told you she would! [This last is directed back towards the house, almost defiantly, where an older woman is standing in the doorway staring at the three of them in the street with a worried expression on her face.

The faintly oppressive feeling of being watched intensifies slightly, but there is no other overt movement on the street as Jing tries to catch Shiro's eye.]

[spaceforged]

[He's ready for it when he's run into. He braces just before impact and settles with his arms crossed on his chest. His expression softens at the defiance in the tone of the girl's voice directed towards the house.

He catches Jing looking at him and nods, eyes flicking about to see if he can catch who is watching them. He pivots, turning partly towards the doorway.]

It's alright. I came to make sure she got here safely. I can wait outside if you'd feel more comfortable with that.

[tranquilforest]

[She really appreciates his solicitousness, but she doesn't feel safe leaving him outside either, and the girl, with the blithe ignorance of youth, has grabbed onto her hand and is tugging her back towards the house.]

Please... If you don't come in with us, don't go too far, either. I'll try to be quick.

[spaceforged]

[His gaze flicks to the older woman standing in the doorway. It's up to her if he comes in or not. He won't cast any judgements if she'd rather the male of her two visitors stays outside.]

I won't go far if I have to stay out here. [Shiro breathes in and looks again to the lady of the house.]

It's up to you. I won't intrude if that's what you would prefer.

[tranquilforest]

[The woman looks between the two of them and then down at the little girl, who is frowning up at her, one hand resting at her hip almost defiantly. Her gaze darts up and down the street - once again, no one is obviously visible, but there is the sense of observation all the same - but in the end she shakes her head and waves the whole group in.

Jing would feel a little safer if you came along as well, but the choice is up to you! It doesn't seem like there would be open trouble, but all the same...]

[spaceforged]

[He glances about without making himself obvious and undoes his coat from around his waist. He pulls it on and walks after Jing. He'd felt wary about leaving her alone with this family. Warier still of what feels like an observation.

Trouble might not happen. But his instincts are to be ready for it all the same.]

[tranquilforest]

[The tension drops slightly for her as the door closes with all of them inside, though she's not so naive to think that it meant they were perfectly safe. It's not a large space at all - just one main communal room and two smaller rooms behind closed doors - and it's immediately obvious who the patient is because he's lying on a mat on the floor covered in blankets. She goes over right away, murmuring quiet questions and grateful beyond measure for the magic that Lady Astoria seems to have offered to them to make a language barrier less of an issue.

Something he says when she asks how he was injured strikes her, and she looks back at Shiro questioningly:] You've been to the Fight Ring, haven't you?

[spaceforged]

I've spent a lot of time there, before bouts and after. [Shiro steps forward to get a look himself, his brows furrowing.] Did you have a bout?

[Did he forget to go to a healer after? They'll help anyone.]

[tranquilforest]

[[ooc: Sorry, I'm eliding timelines here a little bit here based on an NPC conversation, but-]]

He's not a fighter in the Ring, and I think I know how to help him. But he mentioned that some of the healers there know how to use magic?

[So she got curious.]

[spaceforged]

[ooc: No problem!]

Yes. They do. What do you have in mind? [And how can he help?]

[tranquilforest]

[She'll just be mixing some concoction up while they chat - it'll smell sharp and medicinal, but not too unpleasant - and casually pouring out the water she'd brought along in anticipation.]

I was just curious. I know the Lady Astoria has granted some measure of healing ability to those in the Circle, but with all the information about sacred rites and divine Blessings in the library, there wasn't much discussion of what other kinds of magics were native here.

[spaceforged]

...Can you tell me more about what you discovered in the library about blessings? Not all of the healers in the Ring have magic but...

I’m curious how the blessings work. But I wouldn’t say Astoria gives us a specific magic. Or has she said as much? [He tips his head slightly to the side in thought. After that first chat he’d focused solely on the Circle and bridging gaps, creating bonds that would help them make it through. The last world hop left scars in his mind.]

[tranquilforest]

It's a little frustratingly obtuse, most likely because everyone takes the history for granted here. [Which...reminds her that she should probably check in the fiction or myth sections and see what she can find there.] There are some references to the First King of El Minha, who was granted some power and the Blessings of the Phoenix, and from whom all the kings since were descended. So even King Kathashun must have some magic ability as well. But what the Blessings of the Phoenix actually are, and how they're different from any other magic abilities that manifest here... the information should be there, but I haven't been able to find it.

[She finishes mixing the steaming medicine and urges the young man - boy, really, older than his sister, but not by more than five or six years - to sit up and drink, gently insistent despite his reluctance at the strange method. His brows knit a little at the first taste, but he obediently finishes the entire cup, as directed and settles back down.]

As for the Lady Astoria... Drawing so many people from different worlds already seems to be phenomenal. And while some seem more inclined to take magic into stride than others, each person seems to have at least one ability that they discovered at the Temple, or were reduced in ability from what they were previously accustomed to. Where else could that come from?

[spaceforged]

[He listens and waits for her to finish with his arms crossed on his chest. Of course the king's magic wouldn't be made obvious for the very reason the lineage had to be continued. It could be exploited. He keeps that thought to himself since they're not in Circle only territory but he's tipped his head slightly forward and his brows have come down.]

I mean that she doesn't personally select what we can do. It's her magic that binds us to her and lets us use our magic. But the shape it takes is because of who we are. Possibly what we're tied to if we have magic before that time.

You're right we're all reduced to one ability. ...but last time there was only one to two healers. And my magic hasn't changed. It just got stronger.

in retrospect, doing these out of chronological order probably wasn't a good idea...

[tranquilforest]

[She nods, and sits back a little, watching her patient as he settles back down on the bed.]

It's interesting to think that there exist more than one of someone like Lady Astoria, with their own motives and goals, hidden from us. Were there others in your group from the last time this happened who had the same experience you did regarding their magic? Or does even that vary from person to person?

Probably but if you need to hash anything out I'm game to do so

[spaceforged]

I think it varies. It's possible we were in another reality entirely and Astoria is this reality's universal agent of balance. We know so little I don't want to speculate on it too much. We'll lock ourselves into a bias.

[He finally sits down, legs folded under him and relaxes just a hair. He's still on alert but not tense.]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the changes.