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« mini manta board log: auction houses »
SPECIAL QUEST: AUCTION HOUSES
This mini log is for the Special Quest listed on the January 2025 MANTA Board. The IC and OOC timeline for the log is for the entire month of January, and players can play with the idea that things get more difficult later in the month as word spreads and auction houses become more difficult to access and deceive.
There are multiple auction house locations, all with different inventory passing through but all are high end with only those in the know or of elite status will frequent. They are often held on remote islands, but some are clever enough to have them literally underground beneath venues such as casinos. Some are actually "innocent" in the sense that while they likely have illegal goods in their stock, they are not related to the whales and crystal trade. However, they still need to be investigated, and who knows? Maybe there are interesting items there…
Objectives: The following are objectives or assignments that members of each Armada can do in an attempt to infiltrate and investigate the auction houses to find the targeted goods and those involved in the trade. While listed generally, players can be creative to alter and change things to fit the style of the Armada. Working together or against opposing members is allowed.
The following are items that one might find at any of the auction houses, but players can also come up with something else that could be interesting! If a player would like to claim or be part of a specific find or list something they made up, comment to this subthread.
It goes without saying that any auction house that is selling either or both the whale parts and crystal statues will need to be shut down. How that happens, well. Guess it depends on who is there.
If you have any questions, comment here.
There have been recent reports of large amounts of inventory potentially related to the recent whale hunting and crystal statues appearing in various underground auction houses. They are hard to find and both Armadas are feeling heat from the public and higher officials: Corsairs for being suspected as the ones behind all this illegal trade and the Paladins for not being able to close this case out yet.
Both sides will either be working against or with each other depending on what they are assigned to do or how they meet, and suspicions will be high from both sides. Be careful!
Both sides will either be working against or with each other depending on what they are assigned to do or how they meet, and suspicions will be high from both sides. Be careful!
There are multiple auction house locations, all with different inventory passing through but all are high end with only those in the know or of elite status will frequent. They are often held on remote islands, but some are clever enough to have them literally underground beneath venues such as casinos. Some are actually "innocent" in the sense that while they likely have illegal goods in their stock, they are not related to the whales and crystal trade. However, they still need to be investigated, and who knows? Maybe there are interesting items there…
Objectives: The following are objectives or assignments that members of each Armada can do in an attempt to infiltrate and investigate the auction houses to find the targeted goods and those involved in the trade. While listed generally, players can be creative to alter and change things to fit the style of the Armada. Working together or against opposing members is allowed.
"Security." Pose as a security member to guard any of these positions: outside the building, high ranking auction participants, storerooms where inventory is kept.
Buyer. Participate in the auction and try to win the item! Where the funds are coming from—not our problem.
Seller. Find something to be sold at the auction house. Is it actually worth something? Is it fake? Have to be convincing to get it on the list somehow and allow entrance into the building.
Other. Any other possible means to get inside the auction house. Just sneak in like a thief? Post as an inspector? A journalist? Crazy drunk? Be creative!
Raid. For those who don't have the patience or have determined that targeted items are there, just raid the auction house! Arrest, capture, or kill(??) them all!!! This might not always be the best option, but perhaps the chaos could create openings.
Buyer. Participate in the auction and try to win the item! Where the funds are coming from—not our problem.
Seller. Find something to be sold at the auction house. Is it actually worth something? Is it fake? Have to be convincing to get it on the list somehow and allow entrance into the building.
Other. Any other possible means to get inside the auction house. Just sneak in like a thief? Post as an inspector? A journalist? Crazy drunk? Be creative!
Raid. For those who don't have the patience or have determined that targeted items are there, just raid the auction house! Arrest, capture, or kill(??) them all!!! This might not always be the best option, but perhaps the chaos could create openings.
The following are items that one might find at any of the auction houses, but players can also come up with something else that could be interesting! If a player would like to claim or be part of a specific find or list something they made up, comment to this subthread.
🐋 Whale parts. From raw materials such as bones, ambergris, and oil to specific goods made from such materials such as perfumes, scented oils, wines, and furniture. Without a specific license of approval, this is all considered illegal and one of the main targets for this quest.
👤 Crystal statues. Encased in solid crystal will be animals and people who are victims of the illegal operations that started late summer. Are they still alive or not? Like the whale parts, this is the high priority target.
🫙 Potions. A number of different potion sets will be up for grabs. Their effects range from powerful healing to love potions to dangerous curses.
🦄 Creatures. Various creatures and beasts are a common staple for these auction houses. Sprites and fairies, golems, rare animals like the unicorn, or even dangerous monsters that can barely stay contained in their cage. Some of them may even resemble past bounties: horned dolphins, small carnivorous rabbits, mermaids. Some of these are legitimate, but many are fake.
📚 Forbidden Tomes. Various books that deal with ancient myths, legends, spells, curses, creatures—the topics will vary. There is even a limited edition signed copy of the hit erotic dragon fanfiction, Dragonheat. However, some of these may be fake and contain grandma's old recipes instead. Wait, that actually might be valuable—!!
🪈 Sound of Music. There are special instruments that are said to have special effects when played, such as talking during one's sleep, compelled to speak the truth, etc. There is even a very rare otamatone that only plays the song Thunderstruck. Music sheets are also in demand, some claiming the music could lead the way to treasure, or the notes are actually a secret code for something else. There is also a valuable antique music box said to have a haunting melody, the dancing figure seemingly able to move on its own…
🐕🦺 Commanding Collar. A special collar that when worn will make the wearer obey whatever their "owner" demands. "SIT BOY!" Handcuffs sold separately.
🗺️ Treasure Map Pieces. Treasure maps are common to find, but only a few are worth the gold the auction houses bring. Scattered throughout numerous auction houses are pieces of a treasure map said to lead to an "ancient treasure" that dates back to the time before the Flood, when the world had more land masses than water. Is it real or not? (A map CAN be formed, but it will depend on how many map pieces are found during this log!)
❓ Wildcard. For any other items that players may think of!
👤 Crystal statues. Encased in solid crystal will be animals and people who are victims of the illegal operations that started late summer. Are they still alive or not? Like the whale parts, this is the high priority target.
🫙 Potions. A number of different potion sets will be up for grabs. Their effects range from powerful healing to love potions to dangerous curses.
🦄 Creatures. Various creatures and beasts are a common staple for these auction houses. Sprites and fairies, golems, rare animals like the unicorn, or even dangerous monsters that can barely stay contained in their cage. Some of them may even resemble past bounties: horned dolphins, small carnivorous rabbits, mermaids. Some of these are legitimate, but many are fake.
📚 Forbidden Tomes. Various books that deal with ancient myths, legends, spells, curses, creatures—the topics will vary. There is even a limited edition signed copy of the hit erotic dragon fanfiction, Dragonheat. However, some of these may be fake and contain grandma's old recipes instead. Wait, that actually might be valuable—!!
🪈 Sound of Music. There are special instruments that are said to have special effects when played, such as talking during one's sleep, compelled to speak the truth, etc. There is even a very rare otamatone that only plays the song Thunderstruck. Music sheets are also in demand, some claiming the music could lead the way to treasure, or the notes are actually a secret code for something else. There is also a valuable antique music box said to have a haunting melody, the dancing figure seemingly able to move on its own…
🐕🦺 Commanding Collar. A special collar that when worn will make the wearer obey whatever their "owner" demands. "SIT BOY!" Handcuffs sold separately.
🗺️ Treasure Map Pieces. Treasure maps are common to find, but only a few are worth the gold the auction houses bring. Scattered throughout numerous auction houses are pieces of a treasure map said to lead to an "ancient treasure" that dates back to the time before the Flood, when the world had more land masses than water. Is it real or not? (A map CAN be formed, but it will depend on how many map pieces are found during this log!)
❓ Wildcard. For any other items that players may think of!
It goes without saying that any auction house that is selling either or both the whale parts and crystal statues will need to be shut down. How that happens, well. Guess it depends on who is there.
If you have any questions, comment here.
no subject
Sherlock feels his insides twist as he hears the number jump up double, and he tries to locate the voice. He didn't expect to see the familiar face, but the wink tells him everything he needs to know.
The auctioneer is all too pleased about the price increase. "1000! We have a bidding war happen here, folks! 1200! Do I hear a 1200?"
"1200!" yells another person, separate from the one Sherlock was bidding against. The high price has caught the attention of some curious onlookers. For someone to bid that high means the item must have some greater value. ]
Hell's bells...
[ "1200! Do I hear 1400?" the auctioneer shouts. ]
1400!
[ He doesn't need to eat. He still has cookies from the holidays. ]
no subject
(Well, there goes their plans to simply bid so high the other would give up. Do they keep going, or switch to stealing the statue from the buyer?
They're not even sure they can save this kid. Are they just playing into these assholes' sick desire to profit off of the abuse and murder of the vulnerable?
...They're definitely stealing the profits from this thing.
As it is, raising the bid doesn't seem to be helping, so they wait, instead, to see if anyone else is gonna try and outbid Sherlock before making their next move.)
Dice: Sherlock 8, Others 10
Sherlock holds his breath as he waits for the gavel to hit the sound block podium, but just as the auctioneer raises the gavel, someone shouts "1600!" Another shouts "1700!" before the auctioneer can even ask if someone will raise the price.
Sherlock curses under his breath and tries to deduce what he can about the newcomers and those who were already present in the audience. The one who had been glaring at him earlier shoots similar glares at the other participants. Similar or smug glares are returned. Even if Sherlock doesn't meet the next bid, someone else gets to it.
"2000! Do I hear 2000?" the auction yells over the crowd growing more and more agitated by the minute. ]
2000!
[ Who needs savings anyways? ]
I rolled and it was absolute shit, use that as you will
Well, if they're gonna steal the funds after anyways...)
2100!
Sherry managed a nat 20
They don't know how priceless it is, thinks Sherlock.
"2200!" shouts another participant, one of the ones who had been here this whole auction. ]
2500!
[ From the corner of his eye, he sees his opponent toss down a hat in frustration. Sherlock's heart pounds within his chest.
The auctioneer scans the crowd and readies the gavel. "2500! Do I hear 2600? 2600?" No one is so much as raising a hand. "Going once! Going twice! Sold to the pretty gentleman for 2500!"
Sherlock feels numb, too many emotions running through his head. The only positive one is that this child may have a chance to be free. ]
no subject
...These people don't deserve profits, and Chris is going to take everything they have.)
I'll help carry the kid out.
(They say, quietly, to Sherlock. Hopefully they're still alive in there, they don't add.)
no subject
Thank you.
[ Together they can carry the child once they are far enough away to avoid anyone who might want to drag this "art" back on stage. Something with wheels would certainly help. He doesn't want to picture what might happen to the child inside if something breaks by a drop.
With a quick message to someone on the Paladin side of the investigation, Sherlock arranges for someone to transport the child to a Paladin facility. Then it will up those with more magical know-how to find a way reverse the crystallization. ]
I know there are at least five others currently listed in the inventory, all to be put on auction in the coming days. The size listed for this auction suggested a child. There are at least two more labeled with similar dimensions.
no subject
They make an expression somewhere between distaste and exasperation when they hear there are more.)
I think it might be better to just steal the rest.
(They say quietly so no one will overhear.)
no subject
I certainly do not have the funds to do so, but I could not pass this up.
[ Those people do not deserve a coin of it. They deserve a pair of handcuffs.
A plain clothes Paladin arrives. The Paladin doesn't have a cart, but they are a literal bear folk, stronger than either Sherlock and Chris combined could be. The crystalized child will in good hands. ]
I need to get back to my job. I took my lunch to attend the auction, and now I need to go back guarding the inventory in the back.
[ Hint hint. ]
no subject
(They'll happily take him up on the offer to potentially rescue more crystal victims and they'll make sure he has something to eat.
Since when did they start providing everyone with food? They're turning into Ortega. Now that's a terrifying thought.)
no subject
It's likely they would. Regardless, I would rather have my attention on my work than on eating and digestion.
[ Which work is he talking about here? Yes. ]
no subject
(They don't need to read his mind to get the sense he probably regularly neglects himself in favor of the job.
Still, they'll follow when he heads back.)
wrap up or continue?
Sherlock makes a noncommittal noise and acts as if he doesn't know them on his way back to his post. He enters the door to the auction storage and should have locked it after him. The door is closed, but the lock is not turned.
Blame the lack of lunch. My how irresponsible of him to be so lax with security. ]
Sure lets wrap
It likely won't work so well on Sherlock, but he's not the one they're hiding from.
Anyway, a useful ability that will surely aid them in any possible thefts.)
o7
This cannot have consequences for Sherlock in the future. (Spoilers: it does.) ]