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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!

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.

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.

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"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."

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?"

"...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.

"I suppose so..." They continue to look thoughtful. He's like their creations in that way only he is a soul, isn't he? A soul given form.

It's strange to think about.

"Ah, yes. Let us go inside."

Hades initially leads the way inside the baths, although he lets Azem pick whatever treatment/bath they wish to experience. Hades himself isn't so fussy (he will gripe a little about the massages though).

Once they're settled, he returns to the topic from before.

"I've had a lot of time to think about what constitutes a living being," he says quietly, gazing at nothing in particular. "But ultimately, it does not matter what I believe. I no longer have the right to decide such a thing."

Azem opts for a private bath for the two of them. Something with a soothing scent to help them both relax while they talk. At least, they hope it'll help Hades relax, they know how tightly wound he can be.

Azem relaxes against the side of the tub, eyes closed as they lean their head back. Though when their friend speaks they lift their head to look at him. They remain quiet for a moment.

"It is a tough question to answer. Back home many consider our creations nothing more than that due to their lack of a soul, but do they not bleed when injured?" It's something Azem has thought about a lot as their job has seen them kill many a creature to cull their potentially dangerous population or to see to someone's safety.

"I feel we've had that debate before." And given their equal hardheadedness they've likely left the debate frustrated with one another. "May I ask why you feel you no longer have the right to decide?"

He hesitates initially over completely disrobing in front of Azem. It's not that he's embarrassed over being nude, but the scar left on his front (visible even now, to be fair) will be completely revealed.

Eventually he sighs and settles in, telling himself that it's a question he is going to have to answer eventually. He sits partially hunched over in the bath anyway.

"Well, I lost, didn't I? Against Rhea'li and his determination over man's right to exist. Our people are gone forever... And I no longer have a say in the direction our star is taken."

Azem does their best not to stare at the scar.

They remain quiet for a few moments before finally speaking again. "I suppose that is true."

What can they say to that?

"I would like to think the star is in good hands." Their people weren't going to exist forever anyway, right? No matter how much they might have believed so, nothing can last forever.

"You would think that."

It's just a particular trait of Azems, he supposes. Not that he's known more than two.

"...Well, it is out of my-- our hands now," he sighs, sinking slightly deeper into the water, up to his neck. "They will have to limp along with only half-complete souls. That will have to be enough. Has Rhea'li told you who he is yet?"

"I would like to see it." They sigh wistfully. To see what has become of their world, no matter how terrible Hades might think it is. A new adventure in a land that is both familiar and not. It's exciting to them.

Azem scooches closer to him as he sinks into the water.

"Aye, that he is a part of my soul. So much makes sense after learning that." They chuckle.

"I could show you," he blurts out. As soon as he does, he hunches his shoulders, glancing away. "I travelled the star in your stead," he mutters, "thinking I would share the sights I saw when you--"

He trails off. When Azem had been restored, he means to finish.

Azem perks up, eyes widening at the offer. Whatever he meant to say after is ignored in favor of being able to see what he's seen. They move closer, stopping only once there is very little empty space left between them.

"I would like that very much." They smile brightly at him.

Ah. Azem is suddenly very close. He glances at them without thinking and immediately regrets it when heat starts to fill his cheeks.

"R-right. Well... Which region do you wish to see first?" he stammers.

Azem thinks little of their current naked and wet situation. They're much more focused on what Hades can show them.

"I wouldn't know where to begin so I leave that to you." The urge to tease them does bubble up, but perhaps later they can do that. For now, they want to see the world he's seen.

Seeing that Azem is not taking advantage of their present circumstances, he settles himself and clears his throat. Thank goodness because that may taint the memory he shows them.

"Alright." He reaches up, gently turns their head towards his so their foreheads can rest against one another. "This is a memory of a desert land and two kingdoms which fought over its sparse resources..."

Using the power of what has come to be known as the Echo, Hades shows his old friend a vision of Thanalan in the days of the Ul'dahn and Si'dihn empires. The days before the two sister cities were in open conflict.

Heat waves rise visibly off the dunes. 'Hades' treks as part of a longer merchant convoy making its way to do trade with Sil'dih. Even with tensions building between the two, it has not yet exploded into outright conflict. Hades hopes to change that.

They have a sufficient distraction from their usual teasing nature, exploration, and new discoveries will always trump that.

Azem rests their forehead against his and closes their eyes as Hades shares the memory with him. There's a giddiness welling up at them may very well be felt by him.

They aren't sure what to expect but the hazy dunes of a desert nation are as good as anything he could have shown them. They're eager to see more but they don't push, they let the memory play out while taking in the sights, sounds, and scents.

The merchant convoy reaches Sil'dih without incident and Hades - although that is not the name he responds to when the other traders hail him - quickly slips away as soon as he's paid his escort fee. The desert city is rich with vibrant, criss-crossing tapestries overhead (a measure against the blistering sun) but he has to be incredibly mindful of its dimimuitive population: Lalafel.

Through his eyes, Hades shows Azem the properous city. Yet conversations overheard as he meanders by tell of an uncertain future. The citizens mutter of a potential Ul'dahn incursion, but Hades hastily glosses over most of those. He doesn't want to remind Azem that he had only been in the city to see to its ruin.

Eventually he reaches the Sil'dih palace and it is a marvel to behold, hewn from sandstone and proudly bearing its silver coat of arms. One can
assume the inside must be just as magnificent as the outside. Unfortunately, the Echo forcibly draws to a close as Hades begins to walk towards it.

The city is beautiful to Azem, so foreign yet somehow familiar. The thing that interests them most is the Lalafell. Azem is immediately enraptured by their small stature and cute appearance, wanting to know anything and everything about them. Alas, they only get the little snippets as Hades, not Hades, walks by.

The palace is just as beautiful, as everything else they've been shown. However, the memory is cut short.

Azem lets out a frustrated noise and pushes their forehead against Hades'. If he opens his eyes he'll be met with the rather close up and pouting face of Azem.

He winces and opens his eyes. He can guess the reason for Azem's pout immediately.

"What?" he asks defensively. "I wasn't there purely to sight-see. Do you really want to watch me bring that kingdom to ruin?"

Azem continues to pout for a moment before drawing back with a sigh. "No, I suppose not."

They lean back and close their eyes, staying like that until they speak again.

"Surely you have some memories to share that don't include you going to ruin a kingdom?" They ask while opening one eye to look at him out of the corner.

He drops his gaze to his lap, hands fidgeting.

"...I do. I just thought that one might be less jarring considering we're in a sauna at the moment."

The heat and all that. Anyway--

"Allow me to try again?"

Azem's expression softens as he explains. His answer makes sense when he puts it that way.

"Mayhap we should do this later when we're dry?" They offer a smile and reach to take his hand in order to reassure him that they aren't angry about the choice and would like to see more. "Mayhap we should simply enjoy the here and now, yes?"

He curls his fingers around their hand and his tension eases.

"I would like that. I'm-- I do have better memories of that region. I can show them to you. And more - later."

How unlike him to let his anxiety show. He presses his lips together after he gets that out, embarrassed.

Azem shifts closer and leans into his side, drawing their entwined hand up onto the their thigh. Their mutual state of undress doesn't seem to bother them. If anything, it seems they're now out to embarrass him more.

"I would very much like that," they respond with a lazy grin.

Edited 2024-12-07 12:32 (UTC)

"M-mm..."

His eyes skitter one way then the next. Hades finds himself unable to look at Azem properly. His hand grips a little more tightly.

"Please don't tease me, Azem."

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