acatalepsy_logs | WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

Entry tags:

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

[He sees the flicker in Keith's eyes when he figures out what Shiro had months ago after a very bad fall. But he's chasing a horrifying thought that speaks of a flaw in Keith's magic.]

...If it puts stress on your entire body...you might not want to risk flying when you get seriously hurt. [Neither of them are idiots. He waits for it to sink into Keith's head as he promises himself to keep him safe and reign in his reckless behavior as much as he can.]

And yes, it is. But any combat is dangerous.

Yeah. Any combat is dangerous. But... still...

[But back home, fighting in Voltron, the lions took the damage. And yes the lions are important, but they're also crazy advanced space ships that often times seem indestructible.

Shiro seems really destructible, in contrast. And Keith... Keith doesn't want to see him hurt. That one time when Shiro'd been wounded by the druid, when they'd been stranded on that planet and Shiro wouldn't stop talking like he thought he was dying has never really left his mind. He'd prefer to never repeat it.

He does at least put some thought towards what Shiro is suggesting about his own magic, before nodding.] Yeah... I guess it might end badly. I'll avoid it if I can.

[But like Shiro said. Any combat is dangerous, and Keith is sure there will be times when it's worth the risk.]

So we'll both take it as carefully as we can. When we can afford to be. [He says, glancing at Keith with mild regret. They can't promise to always put their own safety first. They aren't built that way. But,]

And obviously, I'll watch your back while you keep an eye on mine.

[Shiro pauses and ducks his head a little to really catch Keith's eye as he grins.]

It won't be that hard to watch mine. Especially with our current set up. [If Keith rides him into battle they can keep a sharp eye on each other.]

[Keith gives a nod of agreement, barely a movement at all, but enough. He meets that gaze, and he understands what Shiro is and isn't saying. They'll do what they have to, when it comes to it, despite the risks.

But then Shiro grins and says that honestly dorky attempt at a joke, and the tension in Keith breaks into a grin of his own.]

Yeah. Sort of hard to miss your back when I'm literally on it. And it's a big back. Wings and everything.

And pretty starkly colored. [His grin grows wider. It should be weird to mention but, it feels as natural as anything else. Just like the ease of pressure from the future that had loomed in their talk of injuries and dangers. His shoulders relax as he leans back in his seat.]

And with that glow you have going on I could pick you out of the sky or on the ground. Does that glow even have an off switch?

Are you criticizing this traditional and... very glowy expression of my Galra heritage?

[Keith can't hold back the smirk before he glances down at the definitely luminescent bits of his spacesuit.] They expect me to run stealth missions like this you know. No off switch.

In fact... [And here he reaches up to engage the mask. More glowing.] Worse, right? I'm an alien firefly.

[He lasts five seconds before he snorts and ducks his head with a breathless laugh.]

All you need are wings to complete the look. [He's clearly tipsy. It's not that funny or maybe it is. He really should be more respectful to a new ally's gear. Then again last time he saw them they had beat the crap out of his best friend for two days.

He shakes his head slowly.]

I guess it makes sense for stealthing onto Galra ships and bases. They glow about the same way. It wouldn't look that out of place and it keeps you from being in complete darkness. So it does have purpose.

[But alien fireflies. He'll never unsee it.]

[In fairness to the Blade, Keith did ask for and continue asking for that beating.

Behind his mask, where it can't be seen anyway, Keith smiles, entirely too fondly for a moment before laughing himself, reaching up to disengage the mask.]

Yeah, it blends well enough in Galra territory. And the suit comes in handy, the mask definitely helps with vision in low light, other readings.

[But yeah, alien firefly chic.]

So as much as it makes you look a bit like a bug, [He laughs quietly. That is going to be a joke between them next time they see any Galra. Hopefully it isn't Kolivan because even while he's sober he'll need a second to keep a straight face.]

...and Paladin armor. I get we're supposed to stand out. We have shields, bayards, and it's important to see your fellow paladins in combat in case they need help.

[Wait. He pauses and glances at Keith. Keith has seen the future and been part of it. Normally he doesn't ask about it. It's ahead of them, not now.]

You said Allura became a Paladin. What does her bayard turn into? [Even tispy he won't ask the questions that could hurt them both. This is safe ground.]

Yeah. Just don't let Kolivan hear you say that...

[...Keith will never be able to keep a straight face again honestly if this comes up. Oh well. A risk that he'll have to weather.

And there is that. The paladins are meant to be seen, by each other, but also by everyone else. They're a symbol, a visible rallying cry, operating fully in the light. The Blade is their photo-negative image, meant to be seen and known by no one.

The question is safe enough.] Actually, it's pretty cool. It's this long... energy...whip thing. You really don't want to get caught up in it.

You don't want to get caught by her either.

[He's seen her in action. She's quick, clever, and hits like a speeding truck. The energy whip is interesting. He'd have to see her use it to get an idea how to support her in combat. If Astoria keeps bringing people in he might just have that opportunity.]

Once you're in her strike range, a few hits from her and you're down.

That is definitely true.

[Their poised, diplomatic princess is not to be messed with on the battlefield.]

She's a good pilot too. It took her some time to get it straight, but we were all sort of in a learning curve at that point.

[Watching Lance get used to Red had been a bit harrowing.]

[And they're back on thin ice. He treads carefully just like last time. But miss-steps happen and here's his foot in it.]

I'll bet. Black is a lot to handle even for an experienced pilot. And Red...that's a massive jump in speed for Lance. To say nothing about how Allura is used to being in command of the ship. Lions don't work the same way.

But all of you worked it out. I always knew you would. Should... [He trails off and realizes he stepped wrong about the same time he realizes he's a lot closer to drunk than tipsy.

Shit.]

But that doesn't matter right now. It only will matter if the others arrive and end up being Lions themselves. They'll have us to help them adjust. Which is a lot better than having rockets welded to your paws to figure out how to fly.

[He wants to tell Shiro that the challenges flying Black were never because of the mechanics of it, because of adjusting to how piloting the head lion went -- that they were because of the crushing weight of Shiro's absence, of trying to step into his shoes and lead when Keith barely knew how to move forward on his own having lost him again.

But now isn't the time for that. It doesn't help anything. Won't help anything. So instead he just smiles,] I thought Lance was going to break Red for sure. But yeah... we all worked it out.

[He tries not to wince as Shiro trails off. They can't go down that path now. Keith doesn't know where it ends, so he goes with the subject change.]

I definitely don't envy you having to figure that out on your own. ...do you think it's likely the others will show up?

...for a while I thought I'd be the only one. So, I think there's a possibility they will. [Just one lone Paladin starting over all over again. With so much happening that had been a dead ringer for his year imprisoned and used as a test subject...he'd thought it better he be the only one. Now Keith is here.

He tries not to wince. So many bad things could happen to him.] It may be just us.

We'll have to see.

Edited 2018-06-08 00:32 (UTC)

Either way, we'll figure it out.

[Whether the others eventually pop up or not, if it's only the two of them.

In contrast, the one thing that Keith is grateful for is that he is here, now. He doesn't like the idea of Shiro being here alone -- even if it's clear the older man has made friends in his time in the Coven that are also here.

Doesn't change the fact that Keith's got a protective streak that isn't going anywhere when it comes to Shiro.]

For what it's worth, however any of this goes, I'm glad I'm here with you, Shiro.

[He turns and wraps an arm around Keith in a one armed hug.] Me too, buddy. I'm glad you're here. No matter how this goes...we'll face it together.

[He can't protect Keith from everything. He knows that. It's all too obvious that somethings will be out of their hands. But he can make a difference by being right there. ...as many times as it takes to bring them both home safe.]

[Keith leans into the hug, ducking his head. Good. Keith can work with that, can handle facing this together They can watch each other's back.

For his part, Keith will protect Shiro from whatever he can, will do anything in his power to make sure they get through whatever comes at them. And in the meantime... things have been calmer than they usually are back home; like he's almost been given a chance to catch his breath.]

Sounds pretty familiar.

[He only smiles his grey eyes warm. His hand shifts and gently squeezes Keith's shoulder. It's good to talk like this. He can remember how harrowing things got before the Blade trial and what was coming up behind it. It feels like the first time they've ever gotten to catch their breath.

Even at the start when he'd come back from space...feels like a pause before a head long sprint for the horizon. He wraps his other arm around Keith and leans into him. Letting the hug linger is fine. Keith seems like he needs it too.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject