Agrarian Enclave Mingle: Oca Street Bathhouse

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Agrarian Enclave: The Oca Street Bathhouse

This mingle is OTA and can be used like a mini-TDM or meme!

This is another mingle set in Magisteria's Agrarian Enclave, or the Agriculture District. For maximum thirst, it can be combined with the first Enclave mingle, specifically the ambrosial honey. Visitors are welcome to play it as their characters exploring both, either individually or together!

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Known throughout the district as a haven for relaxation and wellness, the Oca Street Bathhouse features luxurious hot springs, invigorating steam rooms, and therapeutic pools infused with herbal extracts, all housed in/among rooms with soft, ambient lighting. Visitors may select from among a wide number of "Aqua Aromatics" to produce different sensory experiences.

The Oca Street Bathhouse also offers an impressive number of massage options derived from Otherworlders' ancestral cultures. Whatever your desire, every aspect of the bathhouse is fully customizable for all patrons, lending to a wholesale self-care experience.

[Below are some ideas to get everyone started, though players are of course free to make up their own massage options, bathing rituals, and aromatics! A world like Magisteria would of course have options beyond those from Earth history, but I kept it simple here. Again, feel free to add more!]

Massage Options & Bathing Rituals

Elemental Stone Massage: This unique massage technique incorporates smooth, heated stones placed strategically on the body's energy centers to promote deep relaxation, balance, and a sense of grounding.
Aromatherapy Massage: Using a blend of carefully selected essential oils, this massage focuses on soothing the senses, relieving stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Thai Herbal Compress Massage: A traditional technique that combines gentle stretching, acupressure, and the application of warm herbal compresses to stimulate energy flow, release muscle tension, and promote detoxification.
Shiatsu Massage: Based on Japanese acupressure principles, this massage involves rhythmic finger pressure applied to specific points on the body to restore balance, relieve tension, and boost energy levels.
Deep Tissue Massage: Ideal for those seeking targeted muscle relief, this massage utilizes firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, releasing chronic tension and promoting flexibility.

Hinoki Wood Bath: Inspired by Japanese traditions, the Hinoki Wood Bath combines warm water and fragrant Hinoki cypress, known for its therapeutic properties. It rejuvenates the body and mind, relieves fatigue, and promotes a sense of tranquility.
Moroccan Hammam: Experience the purifying and exfoliating benefits of a traditional Moroccan Hammam ritual. This steam-based cleansing ceremony invigorates the skin, leaving it refreshed, smooth, and glowing.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga: Drawing from the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda, this ritual involves a full-body massage using warm herbal oils tailored to balance the body's specific dosha (constitution). It aims to restore harmony, improve circulation, and nourish the skin.
Turkish Ottoman Bath: Step into a world of opulence and relaxation with the Turkish Ottoman Bath ritual. Enjoy a sequence of hot and cold water treatments, exfoliation, foam massages, and invigorating splashes, all designed to cleanse, revitalize, and refresh the body.

Aqua Aromatics

Blissful Lavender: Extracted from lavender flowers, this herbal extract promotes relaxation and stress relief. It has a soothing aroma that calms the mind and helps to create a tranquil atmosphere in the bathhouse.
Revitalizing Eucalyptus: Derived from eucalyptus leaves, this extract has invigorating properties. It releases a refreshing scent and provides a cooling sensation, revitalizing the body and mind.
Enchanting Rose Petals: The extract from rose petals adds a touch of luxury and romance to the bathhouse experience. It has a delicate and captivating fragrance that promotes self-love, sensuality, and emotional balance.
Soothing Chamomile: Chamomile extract is known for its calming and soothing effects. It is perfect for those seeking relaxation and relief from anxiety or muscle tension. It helps to create a serene and peaceful ambiance in the bathhouse.
Invigorating Peppermint: Peppermint extract offers a refreshing and uplifting experience. Its cool and minty aroma stimulates the senses, providing a burst of energy and clarity. It can also help soothe headaches and improve focus.
Grounding Sandalwood: Sandalwood extract has a woody and earthy fragrance that promotes grounding and centering. It creates a sense of tranquility and aids in meditation and spiritual practices.
Energizing Citrus Blend: A blend of citrus extracts, such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit, can provide an energizing and uplifting experience. The vibrant and zesty scents help to rejuvenate the body and mind, boosting mood and vitality.
Nourishing Oatmeal: Oatmeal extract is known for its nourishing and soothing properties. It can help moisturize and soften the skin, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive or dry skin. It provides a comforting and gentle bathing experience.
Purifying Green Tea: Green tea extract has antioxidant and detoxifying properties. It can help cleanse the skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized. Its subtle aroma creates a refreshing and purifying atmosphere in the bathhouse.
Harmonizing Jasmine: Jasmine extract is often associated with relaxation and harmony. Its sweet and floral scent promotes a sense of balance and peace. It enhances the overall sensory experience and encourages self-reflection.

Left: This woman currently manages the bathhouse. She goes by Tai. She will be happy to accommodate clients.
Right: Yokai clans comprised one of the groups that founded the bathhouse. Murals can be seen on the walls.

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Pleasures of all sorts may become quite real within the sensuous sensory-rich environs. Citizens of diverse backgrounds visit this place. Waterfolk of various kin, but also mundane normie humans, elves, faeries, and even some on the tech-forward side.

PCs are free to handwave interactions with amorous locals or with workers at the establishment, who are trained in full-service massage+pleasure work. Random one-off NPCs can be made for this purpose in the location, so go wild! ♥

Plot Key

At some point, Otherworlders might encounter a worker who looks a little uncertain. She’s conversing with elf guy (likely also a worker there).

Otherworlders may overhear the worker say that lately certain of their clientele had been behaving a bit strangely. Unfamiliar women arriving and … there was talk of induction into some group. Otherworlders will overhear her saying she did manage to collect digital business cards for certain individuals/the organization.

If Otherworlders listen closely, they’ll hear concern: these people were kind of giving off… culty vibes.

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PCs are free to approach and ask about those business cards... Simply reply to "Plot Key" below.

[Note: This plot clue relates to an ongoing game plot in the works. It may be a little confusing to new players, but any are free to ask into the clue/pursue details.]

Comments

Emet-Selch | Final Fantasy XIV | open (will match format)

[emet_sulk]

1. Moroccan Hammam

After much deliberation, Emet-Selch opts for what sounds like a sauna in the 'Moroccan Hammam' - whatever that is. It seems the most similar to what he has experienced in Garlemald (and he had grown quite fond of the custom). Once upon a time he may have been afflicted by a severe case of self-consciousness, but that had long since vanished.

When offered a choice of aromas, he selects the peppermint after some short deliberation. The sharp scent tends to keep him alert. And so that scent will accompany him in this sauna-like treatment.

Emet-Selch finds the warmest part of the room that is still comfortable and leans back with a sigh. He wears only a towel securely wrapped around his waist, leaving the large, discoloured, scar-like area on his stomach (and back, but who can see that right now?) fully visible to anyone passing by. Something that large shouldn't look so neat or so healed. It's almost like it represents a memory of a fatal wound.

The only other mark of note is the tattoo that all Otherworlders have, situated on his abdomen. Basically a womb tattoo.

2. Would you like a 'happy' massage?

Later, you may overhear - or even walk in on - a conversation between one of the bathhouse workers and Emet-Selch.

"No, thank you, I do not need those services."

A smooth voice tries to reassure. "Oh, but are you sure? I know many ways to help you relax..."

The mage is firm. "No. I'm fine. Do not touch me like that again."

Hmm.

3. Wildcard

For whatever else you may want!

1. Moroccan Hammamamamammamam

[lightduties]

Rhea'li is always up for trying new things, which is how he ends up at the Oca Street Bathhouse and after briefly considering the options, selecting the Moroccan Hammam. It sounded... interesting!

But when he strides into the steamy room with naught but a towel around his waist, he's caught completely off guard by the sight of Emet-Selch in a similar state of undress, ears flying up in surprise.

...His gaze immediately slides down to the scar and Rhea'li's mouth moves before his brain has put on its shoes. "Did I do that?"

[emet_sulk]

Emet-Selch twitches in place and he cracks open an eye. That eye glares sullenly at Rhea'li.

"What do you mean 'did I do that'?" he asks scornfully. "Can't you recognise your own death blow when you see it?"

...He self-consciously adjusts the towel a little, but there's only so far it can ride up. At best, it hides the mark on his abdomen a little better - the mark that's just the symbol of his office.

[lightduties]

Emet-Selch may be adjusting his towel upwards but Rhea'li's gaze has already fallen further. Nice... tattoo...... was Emet-Selch that dedicated to his old job that he had it permanently marked upon his body? Or had it been the consequence from a poorly thought out drunken bender?

Since there are no others currently occupying this part of the bathhouse, Rhea'li turns to make himself comfortable on the other side of the steamy room, lying along the bench and for all intents and purposes looking much like a cat sunning itself. With only the towel, the tattoo of a sun on his shoulder and the Ruin spell inked on his left thigh (the latter being the consequence from a poorly thought out drunken bender) are on full display.

"I suppose I thought such things would not come with you beyond the bounds of the Lifestream." The tip of his tail curls from under the end of his towel. "It doesn't hurt, does it?"

[emet_sulk]

Call it a lack of other meaningful symbols to use that wouldn't also embarrass him to be seen with.

He sniffs and settles back into position. But his gaze does end up skirting over Rhea'li as well, noting the marks on their own skin. Why... Why is there a Ruin geometry inked on your thigh, Warrior? Emet-Selch makes a pained face at the sight.

"No. I suppose the memory of it was strong enough that the image imprinted itself upon my skin." He shifts a little. "This body isn't quite flesh and blood, you know. It's an excellent facsimile of one."

[lightduties]

Emet-Selch's frown would certainly deepen into a valley if he knew the story of how the Ruin spell came to be inked upon his leg. Fortunately(?) the Bios tattoo on Rhea'li's lower back remains covered by his towel.

Rhea'li's ear twitches. "Is it like the bodies of the Scions pulled to the First? Soul intact but housed within a body that is not true?"

[emet_sulk]

"Mm... Yes, I suppose that would be an apt way of describing it. As far as I can tell, however, this vessel is stable. No need to fret about me disappearing into aether."

He shoots a lazy smirk Rhea'li's way. "I'm sure that would inconvenience you greatly."

[lightduties]

Good...

He mirrors the smirk -- if only to hide his relief -- before he replies, "Aye. Who else would I bother when the whim takes me?"

More seriously, however... Rhea'li tilts his head. "Are the others the same as you? Bodies of... Bios, is it?"

[emet_sulk]

"Hmph. Elidibus is. I believe that young man, Erichthonios, is of flesh and blood however."

Lucky them, he thinks enviously.

[lightduties]

Erichthonios is of flesh and blood? Rhea'li frowns, a thought striking him. "Like Azem?"

Does that mean Erichthonios is unaware of the future that lay ahead of him...? The thought of needing to explain the Final Days and the Sundering to him doesn't sit well in his gut.

[emet_sulk]

"Yes. Like Azem."

And unlike Azem, who is - was - a member of the Convocation, Erichthonios is essentially a civilian. A civilian who happens to be the son of Lahabrea, but even so...

"Are you going to tell him?"

[lightduties]

Rhea'li considers the question with a low hum, tail flicking behind him.

"I'll leave that decision to all of you." And in particular, Themis.

He pillows his head on his arms.

"I'll answer only if asked, as I did for Azem."

[emet_sulk]

"...I suppose that's fair."

A part of him still worries though, that perhaps the burden of knowledge will be too much for the boy. There's no danger of Terminus beasts spontaneously appearing here, but even so...

"At least Azem is speaking to me again," he mutters.

2

[starshepard]

Azem happens to overhear the conversation and is torn between letting it play out or doing something to potentially embarrass their dear friend. Unfortunately for Hades, the desire to potentially embarrass him is too strong.

They make their way over and slip an arm around him as they level their gaze on the other person. "Don't worry, I have that covered."

They're in their masculine form and thankfully covered by a towel.

[emet_sulk]

Hades twitches but doesn't say a word. The worker attempting to harass him covers their mouth with a dainty but very-much-faked gasp.

"Oh, pardon me then. Please enjoy yourself, sirs." And they sashay off with a sly smile, fingers fluttering in farewell. Once they're gone, Hades glances at Azem.

"...Thank you," he says reluctantly.

[starshepard]

Azem waggles their fingers after the employee with a little grin. Their attention only returns to Hades once they're alone.

"You are most welcome, my friend." They move so their arm behind drop but not without running a finger down his back, tracing the scar. "This is new."

[emet_sulk]

He twitches. Partly from the intimacy of the gesture, partly because of what it traces.

"It is how I died," he says stiffly. "Rhea'li used the Light of a dying world and destroyed me, right as I was about to smother him in Darkness."

[starshepard]

"I see." Any teasing tone has left Azem's voice. One might think they would pull their hand away after hearing that, instead, they place their hand with their palm fully against the scar.

"This doesn't hurt, does it?"

[emet_sulk]

"No."

His pride stings though. Just a little. Laid low by a mere mortal (a shard of Azem, but still) - how embarrassing.

"I think it represents the memory of the blow rather than a physical scar. Having had time to analyse myself...I believe I may be more spirit than flesh."

[starshepard]

"More spirit?" Azem can't seem to help but move their hand away and poke a couple of times at Hades' shoulder.

"You seem pretty solid to me."

[emet_sulk]

He sighs, gently brushing Azem's hand away.

"I inhabit some sort of vessel. A rather sturdy vessel. If I bleed, I will bleed aether-- or rather, Bios. That's all."

[starshepard]

Azem frowns but lets the brushing of their hand go and drops it to their side.

"I see. Have you tested that it bleeds ae-- er Bios?" They're a little worried about what he's been getting up to without him.

[emet_sulk]

"There was a fight a short time ago. I sustained a minor injury then and bled Bios. That was what confirmed my suspicions."

He had of course healed himself immediately. No need to panic, Azem.

"Not to mention I recovered much faster when I drank water from the spirit grove. Their environment was suffused with Bios."

[starshepard]

No panic, but they do worry about him. Sure, he's an excellent fighter and a far better mage than them, but they still feel bad that he got into a spot of trouble without them.

"I see." Their brow furrows a little as turn those facts over in their mind. "But you are otherwise living, yes?"

[emet_sulk]

"...I suppose that would depend on your definition of 'living'."

The irony doesn't escape him. He has scorned the mortal races for so long, telling himself that they're broken remnants of their former souls, but now he's a spirit given form. Much like he had been when Rhea'li summoned both him and Hythlodaeus at the end.

"Do you want to discuss this inside? I'd prefer not to loiter in the open."

He doesn't want another solicitation.