( NPC LOG ) WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

[kathashun]

𝚔𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚞𝚗
𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚔𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛
𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚓𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚝
𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚡
𝚠𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚘𝚕𝚍
𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚕 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚑𝚊.

[ kathashun, throughout the duration of your stay in el minha, can be found in a plethora of locations in the city. whether he approaches you is a luck of the odds, apparently . . . but if you approach him, he certainly won't turn you away.

additionally, it may also be hard to spot him, because while he is very easy to place near the palace, in his deep purple robes and constant crown guard presence, he is not so easy to place elsewhere . . . mostly because, for the sake of some amount of privacy, he ditches the royal colors and instead wanders around in a loose outfit with a white linen hooded cloak, much like the rest of his people, to blend in.

some opportunities to see him, though (and some information to gather, should you ask the guard), are as follows: ]

( A ) The Palace:

[ king kathashun does not allow people inside the royal palace. should you ask the crown guard why, they will explain (in terse terms, as the king has instructed the guard to answer questions reasonably) that the late king was murdered, and security is on high alert. no one is allowed inside the palace without express written permission from king kathashun himself, and if you don't have that? piss off.

however, king kathashun can be found on the grounds (with constant guard presence). conversations here will likely be short, as the guard is protective and unwilling to allow you too close to the king. after a few minutes or so, they will likely tell you to fuck off. but you're welcome to try! ]

( B ) The Fight Ring:

[ should you wander to the fight ring, you can find kathashun dressed in (still nice, but not super nice) linens with a cloak, watching the fighting and sparring below. he seems to be scanning the crowd with his eyes, and should you approach him, he will happily speak with you. but he may also approach you first, with a knowing smile, and a finger to his lips, should you recognize him. his hood is still up, but quietly: ]

Are you here to challenge the Champion?

[ judging from the look in his eyes, kathashun seems 100% prepared to encourage your entrance into the contest, but who knows? you might be misreading him. ]

(C) The Casino/Syndicate Territory:

[ the one place you will not find kathashun is the casino, due to the rampant syndicate presence here, and the current war between the two.

that being said, you may find a man wandering through the streets in syndicate territory asking people of their needs. he is dressed in dark clothing, atypical for the desert heat, but doesn't seem to be bothered by the sun. instead, he is asking the citizens questions.

do they have enough food? what do you want the crown to provide more of? are you safe here?

and should you approach this man, he appears to be in his late-forties, but he won't be interested in speaking with you. ]

Later, later, enough --

[ absent dismissals when you approach him, and he brushes past you, heading down a nearby alley.

do you want to follow him? ]

Comments

B - Fight Ring

[mytearsaremine]

"Oh my god no," Jolie hisses back at him, though she is delighted that he came over, since her attempts at getting into the palace (or even the grounds) have all come to naught. After all, she's both obviously not human, and pretty young, and she's been unlucky in her timing to boot.

But here he is, coming to talk to her, one of the most obvious foreigners, so he probably needs to know something, right?

She does give her excuse for not fighting, though, before that happens: "I'm fourteen! And I'm not stupid! I'd get smashed."

[kathashun]

There's another arching of his eyebrows, at the defensive-yet-casual dismissal of his question. It's one thing to be treated in a friendly manner, but he's not quite used to people who recognize him for who he is and not being . . . well, bowed to.

It's sort of refreshing, but also a little off-putting, and Kathashun turns his attention to the fighting ring, his eyes scanning the crowd briefly. He considers responding to her initial comment (being fourteen doesn't preclude you from much, in El Minha, especially in fighting), but instead he comments on why he was drawn to her in the first place.

"You attempted to come onto my grounds, earlier." She is fairly easy to spot, and Kathashun doesn't appear all that bothered. "Why were you so desperate to see me?"

[mytearsaremine]

Jolie has literally never met a king, or the president, or anybody all that important really. It's easier to just treat him like another dude.

"Well. I mean, we're here to help, me and the others from, um, the Circle." Might as well be as honest as she can without trying to make them sound crazy. "But we can't help if we don't know what all is going on, you know? And it'd be nice to hear the details coming from the top guy, instead of just what rumors are going around the city, don't you think?"

C

[buff_for_a_nerd]

[ Sam's been careful about how much time he spends in Syndicate territory, Casino included, but he definitely can't stay away from it, not if he wants to actually accomplish anything. He was on his way to The Golden Phoenix when he spots a figure that stands out in an otherwise largely neutral-toned crowd.

He's immediately suspicious, but his expectations are almost immediately turned on end when he gets close enough to overhear a couple of conversations with strangers. It doesn't sound like any sort of nefarious plotting. It sounds like a man who's conducting some kind of informal survey, seemingly flitting from one person to another at random without any overarching goal. Sam follows him for a few minutes, making a point to make it as subtle as possible - he's at least traded out his plaid and jeans for some local garb, a pale tan tunic and pants as well as a hooded scarf to ward off the sun - and at the same time looking out for anyone who might be following them.

When he finally works up the resolve to actually talk to this man, and is subsequently brushed off, he's not sure what to make of it. But then he sees where the man is going.

It's rarely a good idea to follow a stranger into an alley around here, but Sam's intrigued enough to do it anyway. If this stranger is as altruistic as he seems, it could be just as dangerous for him. Still, when Sam shifts into the alley himself both of his empty hands are visible, though the angel blade is hidden in the fold of his tunic where he can grab it quickly if needed. ]

[kathashun]

[ the man seems to know the alleyways of the lower district of el minha like the back of his hand, navigating the narrow causeways of syndicate territory. however, at a juncture where he can either go right or left, he seems to . . hesitate. and, slowly, he makes his way left, slipping into the shadows, though a lot less sure of foot than he had been before.

eventually, if sam chooses to still follow, they come out to a smaller open-aired market -- nowhere near as grand and illustrious as the grand market in the wealthier section of el minha. this seems to be a lot seedier, more "black market" fare, and the eyes in this place seem to be a little more skeptical of folks who haven't been here before. still, no one seems to say anything, and so the man keeps moving, and ducks into an alcove on the right, in between two stalls.

should sam follow him, there is -- no one there. it's almost as if the man vanished.

whether or not he did vanish might require a bit more poking.

meanwhile, an older woman is washing clothes in the alleyway giving sam something of a questioning look, skeptical of the outsider, but definitely not hostile. she's hanging up linens to dry and collecting up a new basket to move inside. ]

the fight ring;

[sunborne]

Yeah! [ then he turns to properly addressed the person speaking to him and oh. oh. oh. oh.

he should probably lower his voice and actually try not to be too obvious for once in this trip here. ] Yeah... I wanna see if I can actually get to see them while I'm here.

[ because what's the point of coming to the ring if you don't want to go up against the champion themselves? well. besides trying to make money but that's besides the point he's trying to make, he thinks.

all the neat stories and awesome claims he's heard about this champion, ever since he learned of the fight ring, is what has been driving daylight to come here, often as possible. the probabilities of getting the champion to face him down has to be on his side sooner rather than later, right? right!

from behind daylight's shoulder, meddy peers out and gives an unhappy beep. they're clearly not feeling up to this unlike day. ] It's fine, Meddy. I know what I'm doing.

Are you planning to place a bet, sir? Mister? Your... Sirness? [ he has a feeling saying things like 'your excellency' and 'king' will not be the wisest of choices in a place like this. if that's the case then what should he be addressing the ruler of these lands then? this was never taught in diplomacy with softlight, that's for sure. ]

[kathashun]

[ indeed, daylight strikes quite the figure, and kathashun's eyebrows arch up even further at the sight of meddy . . . these travelers have brought strange new technology to el minha, which isn't unusual, given it's a merchant hub, and they do get visitors from around the world and, occasionally, the universe . . . but: ]

Ah, Kathashun is fine. [ a bit sheepishly, and he raises his hands, palms up, in a show of peace and understanding. ] My title is far too long, and I'd rather not be called 'Majesty' in a place like this.

[ he's attempting to be low-key!!! but at daylight's question, his lips twitch into a faint smile, and he crosses his arms over his chest, to look out toward the ring. ]

The last time I bet against the Champion, I lost a bag of gold. [ judging from his tone, no, he is still not over it, and yes, he is still salty. ] But I encourage the attempt, should you wish to embark upon it. I will warn you that they will take no hesitation in fighting dirty, and brag until the Gods strike them down should they win.

[ kathashun pauses before glancing back up at daylight. ]

But I may place a bet or two, depending on who enters the Ring. It has been some time since I've gambled.

B - Fight Ring

[spaceforged]

"I've been called that before. No desire to have that title again." He runs a thumb over the scar on his nose with metal fingers. He recognized the king but he treats him like he would anyone else approaching him. A king in regular clothes is attempting to be subtle. "I came here to observe and learn." He nods to the fighting below. There's blood but he hasn't seen a death yet.

"You can learn a lot just from this." His time as a gladiator hadn't been voluntary. This feels like people testing their might and gathering strength over time. Compared to the roaring for blood and death of his own time in the sands...this is so different he feels it wash over him like a storm wind.

[kathashun]

"Were you?"

It definitely piques Kathashun's interest, as he takes half a step closer, to keep their conversation relatively private. But as he looks back over at the ring, he seems to hum in agreement with Shiro's next statement.

"Plenty of people come to watch and learn and hope the Champion steps out of the shadows to face down someone who has won a plethora of bouts." Kathashun pauses for a moment before he slides his hands into the pockets of his robes. "I am not built for something like this, but if I were, I would go for the knees."

It's said with a modicum of experience. A hint, or a joke? The world may never know.

c

[rootbound]

[Vern's...not comfortable in the Syndicate territory, but then Vern's basically only ever comfortable in one place ever (i.e. in the middle of Geir's coils with no other company), so what the heck else is new.

the dark-dressed man catches his attention not because her recognizes him, but because, well, those questions are certainly interesting. and following him down a nearby alley seems like a great idea, actually. maybe he'll be mugged of his few coins, but at least there'll be fewer people around to make him uncomfortable while it happens.

out of curiosity, he also tries reaching out to to the man with his telepathy, not trying to read him, simply sending a message into his head]

Pssst. Hey. Suspicious guy.

[kathashun]

[ there's a pause, at the sending of the message. the man stops in the street, but only for a moment before ducking down another alley. and almost immediately, there is a voice that speaks back in return. the voice is rough, quiet -- wind-weathered and older: ]

Stay out of my head.

[ with no small amount of force. ]

b.

[theminotaur]

[ if abigail is being honest, it wasn't her own intentions that brought her here. instead she was ferried along as the keeper of the dog shuffling impatiently at her side while abigail's pale fingers idly run through his fur. winston is a good boy and he wanted to see what all the fuss was about and abigail simply followed him. it worked out anyway, abigail hoarding a small swath of shade to protect her downright comically pale skin, a splash of pink and freckles already sprinkled across her nose and cheeks from the unyielding sun.

and yet, still she has her seemingly ever present scarf looped around her throat, regardless of the heat and sun.

winston jovially jerks forward with an aggressively wagging tail to greet a frickin' stranger -- honestly, will needs to teach him stranger danger (with jj bittenbinder, STREET SMARTS!) -- and abigail finds herself forcibly jerked out of her comfortable, sunless spot not watching the fighting when his leash yanks on her arm.

immediately she is mumbling apologies, sorrys and "he's really a good boy" and assurances that the friendly pup doesn't bite or jump or carry any unusual diseases or any usual diseases actually, until she looks up and her bright blue eyes widen with sudden realization. ]

Oh.

[kathashun]

[ the sudden appearance of the dog does cause some amount of alarm, because kathashun never . . . had a dog growing up, but once he sees winston is friendly, he stoops down onto a knee to pet at the dog, scratching at his ears -- and at abigail's oh, kathashun glances up, with a knowing smile. ]

What is his name?

[ as he lets winston lick at his hands. ]

A

[thetenthstorm]

[He's definitely going to try. He wouldn't be himself if he didn't.] Truly, I just need a moment. I know he's busy doing... kingly... things, and you're very good at your guard duty. Please, I'm unarmed. [He pulls open his jacket, as though to show that he has no hidden guns or swords or... whatever.] You see, I'm a doctor. [He smiles widely.]

[kathashun]

[ the guard opens his mouth to say, once again, no one will come near the King under their watch, when kathashun seems to overhear the commotion and steps forward, raising a hand to silence the crowd guard's complaining, eyes bright with interest. ]

A doctor?

[ with some amusement, and he folds his hands behind his back. the guard, disgruntled, seems to step back at the king's asking. ]

A doctor of what, if I may ask?

A

[rootandbranch]

Oh, wow!

[Geir's head is courteously inclined to listen to the guard, which only emphasizes how ridiculous the picture they paint is. armed or not, he certainly looks like he could swat them aside in a second if he had a mind to. he doesn't.]

How'd he get murdered? Who did it?

[kathashun]

[ at the presence of a massive dragon, the guard immediately is at arms, raising whatever weapon they are carrying (spears, curved swords, a few crossbows) to aim before kathashun immediately calls out: ]

Stop, stop.

[ and the guard parts ways as kathashun makes his way through them -- and if geir is paying attention, there seems to be a golden spark of energy revolving around kathashun's fingers, weaving through his fingers. and the guard seem to be willing to allow their king to step forward toward a dragon, though they still do stick close by. ]

I'm sorry, are you asking me who murdered my father?

[ weirdly, kathashun doesn't sound all that offended. ]

( b )

[protettore]

[Aside from his brows raising as he clearly recognizes just who has suddenly approached him, Gladio keeps his voice hushed, not wanting to attract attention toward himself and the king as he just gives what appears to be a lazy shrug. Even though there's a clear light of excitement in his amber eyes, and he's certainly prepared himself for a fight with his shirt removed, all black tattooing spread over his arms and back in full reveal along with the long scar that streaks across his chest.]

Haven't found anything better to do. [But instead of directing his attention to the ring, which he's been watching for a long while now, he takes a long look at Kathashun instead with what appears to be humor on his expression.]

There something about young kings that makes them want to play hooky so badly?

[kathashun]

Have you ever been inside a royal palace?

[ a bit dryly, as he folds his arms over his chest. ]

They are insufferably boring -- and I'm here to locate someone, and they won't come to the Palace, since the death of the previous King.

[ he pauses, though, at the question, and kathashun tilts his head slightly, at gladio. ]

Do you know many young kings?

B

[reeliable]

[If there's one thing Noct has to appreciate about this guy, it's that while he's recognizable, Noct knows incognito when he sees it. Cracking a faint smile when he spies that knowing smile and the insistence to shh, he takes a step in just a little closer so it's easy to speak low and quiet.]

I didn't intend on it at first, but I wouldn't mind seeing what he's got. [It's not like he can't fight, but his change of powers makes it a bit more of a brawl that he'd have to get into. Which might be fun.]

Don't suppose you can point him out to me?

[kathashun]

Ah, I don't point them out.

[ with a slight grin -- appreciative, that noctis has kept his voice down, and therefore willing to continue the conversation. ]

I believe half the fun is figuring out who they are, but they will make an appearance, if they're not already here. They like to watch the fights.

c

[purrtagonist]

[truthfully? Akira hasn't really wandered into royal territory since his first day in El Minha, when the king made his address to the "tourists" of the city. most of his time has been spent in the Grand Market, keeping an eye on the pickpockets and occasionally helping them out with their craft. the rest of his time is split between loitering in Syndicate territory, trying to eavesdrop for information, and resting at the Sparkling Sapphire]

[it's after a few days of loitering in this section of town that he spots the man in dark clothing, and it's after observing the way with which he interacts with the citizens that Akira decides he'd like to chat]

[unnnnfortunately, as is natural in the world, what Akira wants isn't always what he gets]

Wait, actually-- [he calls out, but. ah, welp. nope, there the man goes, right down the alley. for a moment, Akira isn't sure he should follow (he's still dressed like a tourist, fancy magical watch and foreign clothing and all), before he decides. . . heck, fuck it. might as well]

[he slips into the alleyway after the man, ducking behind corners and any other cover he can find, doing his best to stay out of sight. for now]

[kathashun]

[as akira follows the man, he'll notice that he stops at a few more places. what appears to be a small food stall (black market, likely); a laundry place; an alcove where you can purchase linens. he asks questions, purchases goods, and keeps moving, much to the thankfulness of the people who are living in the lower ends of el minha.

he doesn't seem to notice, quite yet, that akira is following him -- but the man does linger at a specific door, with an odd symbol painted above it -- a broken crown. and if akira edges closer, he'll hear pieces of a quiet conversation: ]

-- not here -- ?

c

[bowtiedbones]

[Honestly, she's only been around the casino for the lizard races, but when you're spending half of your day in the territory, the odd guys start to stick out— Not so much his clothes, but the questions. Interesting that there's someone poking around the same things the Circle should be...]

[When he ducks into the alley, Eliza doesn't follow, making her way back to small bustle of stalls around the casino, browsing for lizard harnesses and scarves.

Just nevermind the small eyes getting chalked here and there, all watching the alley...]

[kathashun]

[ the man does not reappear from the alley . . . nor does there seem to be anyone in the alley at all. should eliza explore around or ask about, she'll find that the man hasn't been seen around in the local area. but it's on her sixth or seventh chalk eye that a voice seems to appear from a nearby stall -- rough, husky, matching the voice of hte older man she had seen before: ]

Vandalism is a crime, in El Minha.

[ . . the man doesn't seem to mind, as he crosses his arms, shoulder resting against a cool clay wall. ]