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? :)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The guaranteed way to get to have a discussion with the Champion is to fight in the ring long enough to be noticed.

[He keeps an eye out for pick pockets but most of them have learned by now he's not an easy mark.]

I want to hear his perspective about the city.

Do you think that point of view will impact things that much?

[It isn't a smartass question. It's genuine, with notes of curiosity and concern in it.]

I think we'd be making a big mistake to ignore what they have to say. If we want to understand this city and what they're living with...we need to hear all points of view. Especially the most influential.

[He saw the question for what it is, simple curiosity. Shiro runs his thumb over the scar on his nose.]

It takes more than skill to be a Champion you need a reason to fight to stay on top. People feel that and are drawn to you.

[Waver frowns.]

But he's also inclined to be biased, right? He's in a position where he isn't struggling and has a certain amount of respect. That's like asking a prefect if they like their school. They're in charge of stuff and have luxuries that other people don't.

[Shiro frowns in turn. Then he shakes his head.]

He will be biased, everyone is. But. A champion of a gladiator arena must struggle every day. Everyone will respect you but that only goes if you can keep the title. You have to defend it no matter how small the challenger. No matter how many.

You fight with everything you have every day with the knowledge at any point someone better than you might step forward. On top of challenges there is also your own training to keep up with. To stay on top takes a number of things and if you fall you’re forgotten the moment you lose.

[In his case, back in the Galra gladiator arena...it would have meant they finally took down the human that dared to survive. Finally crushed his life and all would be as it should be.]

I would have been against the Syndicate if that arena hadn’t been a voluntary and well regulated place.

Edited 2018-05-20 17:37 (UTC)

But that kind of organization is kind of the point of crime syndicates. [Waver doesn't have a dog in this conflict one way or the other, but this is important.] So I'm not exactly sure that speaks well or ill. It's more like...a function of what they're made to do, you know? It's like noticing that a patch of grass is green.

[But back to the original point.]

That's fair enough though, I guess he'd capture a cross section of a few different aspects.

[Does he admit something or not. Waver needs to see where he's coming from. Just as he sees Waver's point on things.

It's a good one. He breathes in and faces forward, eyes on the path ahead.]

Tyrants forge places to make anyone not of their kind lesser than them. An arena is the most effective I've seen to date. This arena is vastly different than the one was Champion of. No one dies and everyone signs up of their free will. Everyone is equal.

I'll hear them out just because of that. Whether they prove to be for good or ill, they are part of this city and people do respect them. I think finding out why is just as important as understanding the views of the people caught between the King and this organization.

[He finally glances at him.] You have good points. And I'm likely biased as well.

[He sighs.] I know I am. But I need to see for myself what kind of man has the eye of the people and why. I'll understand better if I talk to him.

[Waver's face indicates that it's logic he follows. It allows for murky nuance, which is most likely what this kind of place thrives on anyway. But it's all a little too heavy handed, and flinging out words like well maybe this could be fixed with a constitional monarchy? is pretty pointless.

Besides, and this part is glaringly obvious to Waver:]

You do seem to know what you're doing. Just don't end up getting your ass thrown around in the arena or anything, yeah?

Facing human opponents is a challenge and I'm rusty with a sword...but I'll be alright. [His smile is real. It reveals he's a little tired, a tad resigned, but still very much the fighter he has always been. He doesn't like fighting in an arena. But doing it makes him feel like he's putting something away.]

I'll be able to fight as long as necessary. And, [Shiro's smile morphs into a grin. He points to the edge of the library grounds in the distance.] We're almost there.

Firearms are your preference, I take it?

[That's the assumption, at least. If there's anything else, it's a whole new world of technology for him.

But never mind that, there's a library. Waver's steps increase a little, trying not to show his excitement but failing.]

You gonna come in with me for a bit, or bunk off?

Of course I'm coming with you. [He easily matches Waver's slightly increased pace. A library means information of some sort. He can look into the history and anything else he can think of that would benefit them to know.]

My preference is my arm. [He taps the metal arm almost thoughtfully.]

But it's a traditional arena and I'm good with a sword when I have to be.

Hey, I had to double check.

[Waver's feet carry him up the library steps with no small amount of utter glee as he moves, although when Shiro taps his arm, Waver does stop to look.]

Is it too weird to ask what your arm does?

No. In your place I'd have asked too. It basically serves as a sword when its weaponized state is active. Normally it cuts and burns just about anything. I wouldn't activate that mode and I do need to brush up on my sword training if I'm to help a friend of mine improve his.

[That's not the only reason. He's already shared he is stepping in the arena to clear out some bias. He mounts the steps beside Waver.]

What's the first thing you want to study in here?

Got it. I guess your technology's just gone lightyears beyond what I'm used to and have seen. Although...really, you already knew sword fighting too?

[Shiro, what don't you know?

As for his question:]

...The organizational system. Then I can just go browse by the subject that I want to look at first.

[Waver...]

[He fails to fight back a smile and laughs quietly.] Well, that's an efficient way to do it.

[Then he pauses, saying.] I learned sword fighting because I had to. Fighting with my arm is about the same thing. It just means I can mix those techniques with what I learned in basic training.

The technology of my universe....humans are behind. Everyone else is ahead of us. My arm is alien tech and so is the Lion.

You asked.

[As if that justifies everything. Waver listens quietly though, nodding along.]

So I guess the aliens are the ones who made first contact in your timeline then? And there was no...bad American action film reaction to the whole thing?

They captured an exploration team out on one of the moons beyond Pluto. [He recalls the files on Pidge's computer and adds, softly.]

The Garrison covered it up. I didn't find this out until I escaped and met up with my present team. Earth isn't on their radar at all. We don't have any useful technology or resources.

[Said like that it glosses over the whole thing. Just the facts. It's frankly the least personal way to put it.]

....Huh.

[Waver's surprised, to be certain. It isn't the dramatic contact he was expecting, but in a way? He's okay with that. It means the entire planet doesn't freak out, like they might.]

Wait. Garrison. Is that a new and improved NASA or something?

Something like that. Anyone that wants to go space gathers there. I came out under fighter class.

[He can't even feel bitter about what he knows they did to his career. It seems so small as he steps inside the library and breathes in the musty scent of books.

A career is nothing compared to what the Galra did.]

So, index first, then I think...it would be a good idea to check this city's history.

So they take of the training too, or do you need a scientific degree of some kind to enter first?

[It's an interesting way to approach space.

Either way, Waver's interest is absolutely gone. There's only books now.]

City history should be crosschecked with religion or mythology though, since there's usually an overlap.

I agree. As well as any public records of trade. Astoria said it was dangerous to venture past the city walls. Makes me wonder if they're completely isolated or it's just tricky going.

[He skips the questions about the Garrison. There's books to be checked and facts to be found.]

There has to be something, no matter how remote. Especially if there's any kind of precious metals or supplies that are used. They have to either have their own mining operation, or be getting them from somewhere.

[Waver taps his finger to his chin as they approach the doors.]

Magic might exist but given how limited it's use is, that's not a viable answer to any question.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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