tushanshu_logs | LANDFALL | TAVIMBI

Entry tags:

LANDFALL | TAVIMBI | FEBRUARY MINGLE LOG

Characters: ALL!
Date: January 27th to ???
Location: City of Hatal, Tavimbi
Situation: After anchoring Tu Vishan to the coastline of Tavimbi, the city of Hatal welcomes kedan and Foreigners alike.
Warnings/Rating: Add warnings as needed.

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The southern port city of Hatal is used to getting its fair share of visitors, so after the initial surprise of having a continent-sized turtle washing ashore and parking there like it's going to be a while, the Tavimbians recover with admirable poise and begin processing the new arrivals through their customs procedure. After providing a basic summary of their informátion (age, species, duration of tenure on Tu Vishan, and list of "potentially disruptive abilities") they'll be issued a pass stamp, which they must keep on their person while in Hatal. It's made of a brassy metal, a little larger than a credit card, and inscribed with their information, their date of arrival, and whether they've had any run-ins with the laws in Tavimbi (it will be stamped accordingly by the authorities if such happens.)

Once that's all taken care of, visitors will be welcomed to Hatal!

OOC: There are starters in the comments for various areas of Hatal, or you can use the rest of the post for anything on Tavimbi which doesn't fit under those headings.

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The metal towers built into the outside of the mountain which houses Hatal are cold, rugged places. All of the towers are interconnected by many series of platforms and metal stairs, making it possible to navigate the otherwise impassible slope of the cliffside. However, this leaves them open to the harsh weather, especially the winds, which whip in off the sea. Those who aren't used to it often brace the frigid temperatures, only to return to the city within and find themselves the victim of severe wind burns, or their skin rubbed rough from the snow which is more like tiny pellets of ice.

There is a nominal force of guards patrolling the walkways, although the majority of their time is spent assisting those who get lost in the complicated maze of platforms. There's not really any threat of invasion, which they're relate was the original purpose of these outside vantage points, since Tavimbi is on positive terms with all the major international powers in Konryu-- something they're very proud of!

The other duty they have is to keep any Rakenga from getting too near the towers and, consequently, the people. Because of this, some guards carry long, three pronged metal weapons (vaguely trident-like) which are capable of emitting a blast of compressed sound and electricity both, which isn't lethal, but definitely enough to stun the Rakenga and send them tumbling down the rock face. (The Rakenga are, after all, too valuable as a food source to be wasting on pointless killing!) Most of the time, the guards don't need to use these weapons; the sky predators seem to have figured out that flying too near is an unwise idea.

The most frequently seen race in these outer areas are the Igheeri, who obviously enjoy the capability of flight, followed by the Muin. The Sinayg are seen much less frequently, and the Kin'nal almost never; while they're not banned from these areas, they have very poor body temperature control, owing to their chameleon-like natures, and suffer the same drawbacks as any cold-blooded creature in the cold temperatures.

This areas are also where its easiest to find the Xojan, especially to watch them working on their flying chariot scooters, training new recruits in their ways, or practicing with the various weaponry used in the Rakenga hunts.

While the Xunutane may be the mechanical heart of the city, the Causeway is certainly representative of Hatal's soul. It is a literal hub of activity, its economic and social anchor, twice as large as the other levels combined, and its bustle provides a steady thrum of white noise and lights that reach even as far as the Lorn Level.

One of the common ways to earn quain is by performing, and small troupes of people hold impromptu music and dancing, hoping for generous donations from passersby. These demonstrations are one area where races seem to mingle a bit more freely, and they add a festive atmosphere to the otherwise highly commercialized vibe of the Causeway.

Food vendors have created all sorts of interesting ways to serve Hatal's mostly vegetarian menu, and you can find everything from pickled radish-like vegetables, to blackened and fried strips of what's probably a thick and chewy mushroom, but tastes startlingly like a good slab of bacon. But the real jewel are an open-flame grilled skewer of Rakenga meat, rubbed with spices and something vaguely lime-ish. The result is a popular delicacy that people begin lining up for well in advance of mealtimes. These are fairly pricey as far as vendor foods go, and they're quick to sell out... but the savvy vendor might keep a selection back for the Foreigners, hoping to charge a little extra for these unique treats.

Late at night, after the majority of shops are closed, the Causeway quiets a little, and the Kin'nal come out to do their work, scuttling back and forth across walkways and building fronts, hauling the day's trash away and scrubbing the traces of a day's crowds. If approached, they're cautiously friendly, but they'll seem wary of getting caught appearing to slack in their work.

Edited 2016-02-01 23:22 (UTC)

Although some of the areas are monitored more closely than others, none of them are restricted to visitors, and there is obviously a great deal of interest in the various systems which feed such a thriving city as Hatal, and indeed most Tavimbian cities work on these types of systems. The food terrariums are the most sought after piece of technology, and while the engineers who tend them don't make a secret of how they're built or how they work, they do say it'd be difficult to duplicate considering that the energy which activates the nutrients in the soil comes from the Xunutane. They've also attempted to duplicate the effects using conventional energy sources, but have had limited success.

Out of the public works areas, the smaller businesses of the Reservoir Level should not be overlooked, as they may lack the flash and glitz of their counterparts on the Causeway, but more than make up for it in other ways. The textile shops on this Level often have open storefronts, allowing people to wander in and out of them, and often the shopkeepers will mock up a shirt or jacket right while you're waiting, to see if you like the look of it.

The cold-forging smithies are also areas of high visitor traffic, as its a technique not practiced anywhere else in Konryu, to the Tavimbians' knowledge. Many a custom metal souvenir can be purchased for a reasonably modest price by Sinayg who are on break from their regular duties, although they may offer them free of charge to those who seem particularly enchanted by the process.

Edited 2016-02-16 04:23 (UTC)

This level has somewhat restricted access, in that the Dexedi don't want people aimlessly wandering around the metal corridors when there is sensitive equipment being used. Anywhere near the Xunutane, especially, requires an escort by one of the supervisory Dexedi, although some of the research labs can be accessed without a chaperon.

These labs study everything from converting energy into more efficient streams for powering the various systems in Hatal, to how to better integrate the nutrient baths for the food terrariums on the Reservoir Level, to continuing to enhance the comprehensive telecommunications frequency employed by the various Tavimbian cities to stay in contact with one another.

The Dexedi, at least, are quite friendly with visitors, especially technologically inclined ones, or at least those who show a willingness to learn about it. In fact, those who ask may be given a brief lesson or two by some of the Dexedi during their off hours, including demonstrations of some of their labwork.

Edited 2016-02-02 00:07 (UTC)

Every city has its grey areas, and the Lorn Level is certainly Hatal's. Most visitors never have reason to venture to these outer areas, as the majority of their business can be conducted on the other Levels, so the Kin'nal may seem surprised that the kedan and Foreigners willing come to these outskirts to see what there is to see. Equally surprising, of course, may be the sheer number of Kin'nal to be seen -- whether that be because there are just that many more of them, or simply because the population is so much less diffused through the other areas, remains to be seen.

Despite this, the Kin'nal do show some hospitality, particularly if an interest is taken in their well-being.

The tunnels outside their rundown living areas are dangerous, not only for the Kin'nal, but also for any who venture into them. In addition to the very real possibility of rock shifts and cave-ins (which happen on a nearly daily basis), there is also a poor quality of air once you venture away from the properly excavated areas, and non-Kin'nal, not having the specialized lungs they possess, have been known to pass out simply due to lack of oxygen.

In addition to the environmental factors, the most dangerous things in the tunnels are the Koxalu scorpions. These six-foot long beasts have powerful enough jaws to crush stone, and are whip-fast and agile. The Kin'nal usually use their climbing speed and clinging ability to hide on the ceilings when these beasts are in the area, but realistically that's not possible for everyone!

Finally, all over these tunnels can be found large patches of a glowing fungus which manifests into long, grass-like tendrils. This is a highly harvestable resource, used in fiber production for the rest of the city, and the Kin'nal are uniquely suited to getting it, again due to their ability to climb and cling to most surfaces. For those who wish to help but lack the ability to defy gravity in such a way, there are many types of mushrooms and other cave vegetation to be gathered.

Edited 2016-02-02 00:27 (UTC)

The Jagaiz Rings are a grand source of excitement for Hatal, and indeed not only for the natives but also the visitors, who are often treated to prominent seating as a means of beginning a solid business relationship with the various factions within the city.

There are different types of rings, some flat like a boxing or wrestling ring, and others that are much larger have different types of simulated terrain, providing extra challenges for the participants. There are also practice areas, where those unfamiliar with the electricity-based energy weapons can learn to use them, and even a few particularly masochistic ones might willingly subject themselves to seeing how many times they can be zapped in a row.

Only Jagaiz weaponry is allowed in the ring games, due to their specifically non-lethal properties. Any physical abilities aren't restricted, but participants are not allowed to use magic or other accessories to compete, as it is intended to be a show of physical prowess.

The most complex of these playing fields are on multiple levels, suspended midair via heavy cables but disconnected from each platform, necessitating strongly acrobatic opponents needed to jump and climb between them. The Igheeri almost almost dominate this type of challenge, and the ringmasters will be looking forward to seeing if some of the Foreigners can unseat their winged winning streaks.

Edited 2016-02-02 02:14 (UTC)

Since his arrival in Hatal, Obi-Wan has sensed something interesting. A power not unlike the Force seemingly concentrated in the heart of this city. Naturally this deserved further investigation which led him down to the artery level. Only to discover that access was restricted.

After asking a few questions, including a request to see the Xunutane himself, he was politely directed to Charako. The supposed mediator between the Dexedi and the visiting Foreigners.

Valdis had pitched the idea to a few of the more well off sponsors for the Rings and, unsurprisingly, they had jumped at the idea of a father and daughter spar, especially a foreigner father and daughter. To prevent any kind of perceived deception that could land them in trouble, she had been certain to tell them that she had been adopted. She had chosen one of the rings without terrain, better to showcase their skills. It would be a challenging match as she would have to resist her usual instincts even further, relying only on her base agility and strength without supplementing with aid from the Void.

She glanced at the weapons offered and, despite her longing to try something different, choose something similar in weight and balance to Revelations. There was a rather large crowd waiting for them and she definitely didn’t want to show them anything too exciting right away.

"Oi, mate. I don't think we know each other well enough for you to be looking under there."

Customs. John Constantine was a little amused against his will that he had been on a turtle that maybe-sort of crashed into another place where everyone lived in mountain range. Made it a lot easier when a few shots of gin with some sort of amazing fruit juice that was purple but tasted like bananas with a hint of starfruit. That didn't excuse someone trying to peek under his trenchcoat. He wasn't that easy unless someone else was buying the drinks.

"Potentially disruptive abilities? Like what? No, can't say I've ever shot fire out of my eyes or hands. Felt like it once below. Got to be careful of taking some sorts home at last call. Had to get a shot for that one. No, never done that. No, not that either. What - "

That was the point that John was either judged too annoying or not having any 'ability' that would be trouble. When it came to running a game, the conman knew how to deal with overwrought public servants that were already dealing with a huge influx. The smell had him wrinkling his nose. Sulfur wasn't a reek John could say he liked. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he strolled into the relative warmth of the interior of the place. Never had liked snow and ice much.

The structure of it bothered John although he'd never admit it. A little choas never hurt anyone, and this reminded him too much of the constructs made by bees. Perfect. Unchanging. He watched for a time, moving among the crowds while giving a mild suggestion with a helpful spell that he himself wasn't worth watching. People came, new and old, and they talked to the Kin'nal. Letting go of the mild glamour, John watched the cleanup crew with real interest. A cigarette dangling from his fingers as he flicked ashes to the side.

"Not something right here. Just haven't figured out what yet. Other than the fact I just got off a giant turtle that was sinking or swimming in its sleep or some shit."

At first, Anton didn't think anything of the Jagaiz rings. Once upon a time he'd earned a living in a very similar way--mostly at Larrikin's insistence--but that had been a very long time ago and it wasn't worth the risk currently.

It was Valdis who brought it up, and after consideration, it seemed like a sound enough idea. Anton knew Valdis could handle him in a fight, and channelling some emotion into action usually helped. His main issue would be not pushing himself too far, given Raine's diagnosis a few months ago.

He hadn't quite been expecting the turnout, though, and spent a moment surveying the audience with a frown before turning to select his weapon. They reminded him of Hopeless's shockstick, a little. Its sigils had always glowed and these had a definite spark to them. After a glance at Valdis and her chosen weapon to judge reach, Anton chose a one-handed shorter-bladed sword. They were to provide a spectacle, after all, and Anton's naturally longer reach would offset that of Valdis's sword. He also chose a small shield.

Then he nodded to the referee to signal that he was ready.

Edited 2016-02-03 04:50 (UTC)

Valdis signaled the referee a few breaths after Anton, taking a few seconds to get a feel for the weapon. Despite the similar weight and length to her usual weapon, it seemed clumsy, less fluid, wrong. The crowd had quieted, waiting for them to do something, but suddenly Valdis wasn't certain of the soundness of this idea. Bakura had once helped her by giving her something to fight, a way to spend excess energy. Anton needed this and if he pushed himself too hard, then she would forfeit, a no brainer.

She darted forward at the referee's signal, trying to slip behind Anton and get a strike in to the back of his knee.

The human mess that was John Constantine was lounging in his premium seating, a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. It wasn't that he liked this sort of thing, but he did like to know what he could be facing. There were dragons outside that were evidently good dining for the people around here.

Dragons. Just when he thought things that could potentially eat him were limited to demons, werecreatures and vampires, someone had to bring dragons in.

"No, not interested in going down there. Why don't you try one of those over there?" John said, trying to get the ringmaster to leave him alone. Physical combat was not in his wheelhouse. "Just watching. Give him a try."

John waved towards some poor victim who had been minding their own business and watching.

"He's one of our best on the turtle. Sure he'd be up for it."

Victim meet bus that John had just thrown them under.

Objectively speaking, there was nothing strange about the man people-watching from outside the thrum of the crowd (apart from the fact that there was a man people-watching from outside the thrum of the crowd, that is). Objectively speaking, Skulduggery wouldn't have given him more than a second glance.

But he was human in a city of very decidedly non-human people, which made him a Foreigner. Skulduggery didn't recognise him, and there were few enough Foreigners for that alone to be strange. Plus, he was fairly sure the man hadn't been there just a few seconds before.

Skulduggery had on his own glamour, a magical facade that made him look normal, albeit with slightly waxy skin and eyes that didn't quite focus properly. It was easier to pass quickly through a city without abject staring everywhere he went, and it was a double blessing now - new Foreigners tended to do a lot more than just stare.

"Are you talking to me?" Skulduggery asked from a few metres away. "If you are, I agree. If you're not, then you're talking to yourself, and I should warn you that's a very worrying sign."

Simon had been drawn to the Jagaiz Rings, not as a participant, but as someone who wanted to be on hand to help in case a Foreigner was injured in the proceedings. The sponsors seemed happy enough to let him take care of things and even provided supplies; Simon supposed he should be happy for that, but he was mostly disgusted that organized fighting was a spectator sport here. He knew it had to happen back in his own world- it seemed like the sort of thing Jayne would do, or at least watch- but it seemed pointless to him.

Every now and then, a promoter would approach him to try and fight, but he would politely yet flatly refuse.

"What use am I to fix people if I get injured?" he'd reason.

Charako is a shorter Muin woman with dark skin and a shock of lime-green hair that matches her eye colour, making her part of the "chromatically correct" segment of Muin. She wears a practical Dexedi foreman's uniform, which easily identifies her among the other workers on the level, and greets Obi-Wan amiably but doesn't stop walking, beckoning him to follow.

"You'll have to keep up," she says, striding down the corridor. "I've got a power bleedover in the Rakar district that no one can see to pinpoint, and one of my researches apparently gave herself Tur'rayo poisoning while experimenting on some new samples, so I want to check on the containment in that lab. You and your people have kept the customs office pretty busy, I hear! I don't make it up to the Causeway that often, too much to do down here any given day. What was it you needed, again?"

Obi-Wan easily follows without complaint, taking moments to look around as they go. This city is rather fascinating to him, as are the people. The Muin especially are a rather attractive and friendly people he's come to find, and Charako seems no different. In fact he can easily tell by her words that she's passionate about her work. He likes her already.

"Actually, I have some questions about your power system. It's source is a crystal called the Xunutane, correct? I would very much like to learn about it."

Obi-Wan is said victim as he was watching the current match. The man stroking his beard in quiet disapproval as he looks on. Though he does manage to catch someone's voice nearby despite the roar of the crowd. Looking up just as the ringmaster comes over to harass, or rather persuade, him into joining in on the 'fun'.

"I beg your pardon? ... No, I'm not interested."

A look is then given in John's direction.

"Is that so? I'm afraid he's just being modest. He's far better than I am."

Have your bus back.

Edited 2016-02-06 05:02 (UTC)

Her hair was pulled back into a bun, pinned in place with a crystal feather. Her armor safely stored away in her sword's gem, ready to summon at any moment, if she needed it and if she could remember how.

"Do you always send others to fight for you?" She commented to the man after overhearing. "And that's not even a citizen of Keeliai."

He smelled heavily of smoke and alcohol, leaving a foul scent in the air causing her nose to crinkle in dislike. She hid it well, placing a pleasant smile on her face. Valdis leaned against the railing, sizing up the people around her under the pretense of watching the match.

The greatest risk here was a loss of control. If that happened, Valdis was one of the better people to be fighting. Matching her skill would, hopefully, keep Anton from going wild; and it meant he didn't have to struggle with holding back.

But he still opted for defense at the first, so when the referee signalled he didn't move in. Valdis was fast, anyway--no need to push through it right off--and she fought like a wolf, hassling and quick. Anton's shield came down to cover his knees and his blade went straight for her grip on her sword, intending to disarm.

To his credit, Cain didn't even flinch at having the attention turned to him. He just shifted in his seat as if he was paying even more attention to the match going on. Truth be told, he was more interested in the atmosphere of the arena than the match itself, although there did hold a certain amount of fond entertainment for good old style colosseum fights. Made him feel young again and all that.

"Sorry," he said, attention only momentarily splitting away, "I'm not ready to fight yet. Knowing thy enemy and all that."

The ringmaster only looked frustrated for the brush-off, but for the serious look on Cain's face, decided to leave it alone. Once he had disappeared, Cain turned to Constantine with a wry look on his face. "You make a habit of passing the buck whenever the going gets tough?"

China herself had been heavily creative when it came to listing her 'disruptive abilities', with the end result that the pass she was issued was accurate about her passive magic and her appearance, but little else.

They'd been impolite enough as to ask her age, after all.

But the city itself was interesting enough, and it behooved her to be aware of what was going on offshore as well as on, so China judged the annoyance worth it. She listened for what people would tell her; she investigated one shop or another with a blandly curious eye.

Then, however, there was the man her attention wanted to skip over. Anything people wanted China not to pay attention to was something she wanted to know about, and when it ceased, she drifted idly closer, looking for all the world as though she was focusing on the nearby food vendor. But then he spoke, and that was as good an invitation as any. "Oh, there are plenty of things not right here," she said lightly, glancing over and arching an eyebrow. "Take your pick. The turtle, for what it's worth, is something approaching normal, these days. Is it Keeliai that bothers you, or our temporary port of call?"

Valdis switched directions, spinning to avoid Anton's strike, though she felt the air shift from the near hit, and whirling around to redirect her sword's target. Higher this time, aimed at the shoulder of his shield arm.

Tony's been testing the waters of the Jagaiz Rings by participating in a handful of the lower-tier fights. He hasn't brought out the armor yet (it feels like cheating - at least until he knows if the champions have anything that can match it), and he's not familiar with any of the old-school weapons (swords are more Gene's thing), so he hasn't exactly had spectacular success. But he hasn't embarrassed himself, either: his combat experience, tenacity, and deceptive strength and durability have won him a nice chunk of prize money.

He comes out of his most recent fight (a loss) a little worse for the wear. He's got quite a collection of cuts and abrasions, and his nose is bleeding. Nevertheless, he looks upbeat. It was a good match, and he has no hard feelings for his opponent.

he exits the ring - and smiles when he sees River's doctor brother standing on the sidelines, hovering over what can only be a first aid kit.

"So, you thinking of doing some fighting?" This is obviously a joke. The only way Simon could possibly look less prepared and enthusiastic for armed violence would be if he were wearing big pink glasses and a tie-dye 'make love not war' t-shirt. "You're pretty nicely dressed for gladiatorial combat."

Edited 2016-02-08 08:57 (UTC)

John had once met a federal agent who told him there were two ways to go about things: make sure no one noticed or make sure everyone did. He found he preferred the first. It often helped if the police ended up called in on a disturbance if no one could quite remember what he looked like. They liked to use those handcuffs and put people in their cells a bit too much. Rarely accepted that a demon did it either.

He glanced over at the girl, although in this place, he'd learned not to take much for granted. For all he knew, she might be a ten foot tall grizzly bear under at that makeup. Not a bad looking bird though.

"The structure. Too perfect. Clean. Bit on the odd side if you ask me," he said quietly, gesturing towards the custodian crew with his cigarette. A none so subtle look was taken at the gemstone he wore on the wriststrap opposite his soul gem. Both looked exactly alike except one was red and pulsing, the other dim and grey. "The lizardy ones? You try talking to them, and they're a good lot but busy. Don't like questions. Seem afraid."

Which didn't sit well with John. He'd been watching long enough to figure out the caste system.

"If the worst I do is talk to myself a little, mate, then it's a good day."

Pulling his hipflask from the pocket of his trenchcoat, John spun off the cap and took a deep drink. For the sensitive of nose, the reek of juniper from the gin was a little sharp. Recapping it, he dropped it back into his pocket without offering any. He'd learned quick that few people cared for drinking and smoking the way he did. While dropping it back into his pocket, he took a peek at the wriststrap he wore, one on each arm.

Only then did he look up to Skulduggery's face, eyes quick to take the man in. The smile that came to his lips was easy and open, the sort that invited trust in normal people.

"Good to find that you agree with me though. Given some of the shit I've seen recently, I'd started to wonder if it was normal. You from the turtle?"

Those were words John Constantine never thought he'd be saying.

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LANDFALL | TAVIMBI | FEBRUARY MINGLE LOG

Hatal Exterior - The Metal Heights

The Causeway Level

The Reservoir Level

The Artery Level

The Lorn Level

The Jagaiz Rings

Closed to Charako

Anton | CW: It's a fight so....

John Constantine | Constantine/DCU | OTA

at least this time they won't be going around tearing off limbs.

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Simon Tam | Open

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