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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
[Well. Transportation was still an issue. But not having every single person in the auction house maimed or mauled definately helped- A clear manner of communication made things a ways easier. If the creatures were truthful. Some might be half driven to madness and would say anything to get out. Some might crave vengeance for all that they had endured.
It's still a risk. ...But he trusted Nanaki. He was far from a fool. He finally nods in agreement before he turns his eyes as to where the other indicates with the turn of his head- his eyebrows furrowing as he looks upon the creature.
Vincent was not a man especially given to pity.
But the creature (a beast of burden?) evokes it nonetheless. There are lashes, yes. A great number of them- visible even beyond the thick, matted fur that envelops the body. Its horns scrape against the roof of the too-small cage, likely painfully, making it bow its head pathetically. But what strikes Vincent most of all is the look within its eyes. A harrowed, empty, haunting stare- suggesting that the injuries were not simply external. Its soul was utterly broken.
He turns his gaze away, to his friend.]
Speak with who you can. I'll see about getting some keys while you do.
[Without another word, Vincent steps backward- moving behind some crates. Seemed he was on a guard hunt.]
no subject
[He knows mammal speak pretty well, and birds he could guess at... he's sure he could communicate somehow. Still, he knows it won't be as simple as just releasing the animals. And this large, white beast that both he and Vincent are looking at... he can tell in those hollow eyes that it's all but given up. It moves Nanaki down to his soul, makes him want to protect these creatures. Isn't that what a Watcher of the Vale is supposed to do?]
[He turns to Vincent and gives a nod.]
Right. I'll do my best to convince them.
[While Vincent goes off to look for the guards, Nanaki is going to try and speak to the animals, starting with this beast of burden before him.]
no subject
There's no need to look back, after all. While the younger of the pair seemed somewhat unsure at first, the resolve in his latter statement meant that it was as good as done. ...That, and Vincent needed to focus on his end. He's unsure if the guards patrolling various sections of the warehouse are trained or not- but he had no wish to take chances.
So. After identifying three groups (one pair, two solo) amongst the warehouse, Vincent set about dispatching them. Quietly. Quickly. A dropped bullet upon the concrete floor here or there calling their attention, a drop, and a quiet, non-lethal, takedown. Despatching the pair is the only thing that causes noise, as (of course) he wasn't capable of choking or knocking out two people at once- so his gun does the work for him. Namely, the barrel. A good, hard knock to both as they scramble in surprise as he lands between them does it- and keys (of course) are found upon each. As well as a cursorary search for weaponry, which is brought with him.
Once his targets are disarmed, he ascends once more- creeping his way back to Nanaki.
And...]
Clear. How are you faring?
[The voice from above Nanaki is low. Quiet. Mostly to not startle the animals he speaks with.]
no subject
I promise, there's a lot of grass, and it's really comfortable there... and you won't ever have to be lashed again! But you have to believe me, alright?
[The beast lets out a huff, shifting a bit, but otherwise doesn't move. Nanaki's ears lower, but then his ears flick as he looks up.]
Vincent!
[He shifts to properly face his friend from above, taking a seat.]
I've talked to as many creatures as I can. I've gotten a lot to agree to wait for us to release them, and I'm pretty sure most won't just run off once we release them. [What.] I was just trying to convince this guy to come with us too, but...
no subject
He drops down from the roof, looking to the creature which was indicated. That one. He's got no experience (or affection, to be frank. Nanaki excepted.) for animals. But that one... he's seen that look before. On each and every one of Hojo's monsters, underneath the frenzy. So ...yeah. There's a slight reluctance to move on, even though if they did, the group of animals at large would likely stand a far better chance.]
...Hm.
[An option is transforming. Terrifying the thing enough to evoke at least a basic flight response. The Galian Beast would be the best option. It's animalistic enough to at least bring out the creature's prey instinct. But given what the thing's been through- it could very well drop dead at the sight of something so awful- something far more monster than animal.
There's lashing it. Driving it, like whoever broke it, into action. No. That's too cruel. Nanaki herding it, instead? No. Too cruel, again. On the both of them.
...It's a difficult one.]
Take your time with that one. Do all you can. I'll see to the cages.
[The most he can offer is a little more time.]
no subject
Look, this is the guy I said would help me. See? And listen, all the others are going to come too! You have to trust me...
[While Nanaki talks with the beast, the other creatures seem rather eager to be free. And Vincent can probably tell there's an eagerness, a swell of hope that's spread among the creatures. Some even seem to want to reach out to Vincent, as if to ask him to break their lock first. And if they are broken, many seem willing to agree to Nanaki's offer, sticking close to the feline or to Vincent once freed.]
no subject
[The look of coldness Vincent gives the creature certainly isn't helpful. So he decides to be more useful. He shifts- making his way to the cages with the creatures to be released. He's probably most useful there. Having hands, and all. The swell of hope that overcomes the animals is helpful, too. Helpful for the fact that he knows which cages to open without being directly told- even if some of the creature's swells of hope- a chimpanzee for instance that insists upon rattling the bars and whooping excitedly- is a little too loud for the fact that Vincent wished them undetected for a little while yet.
Soon enough, the task is done. And as he approaches Nanaki, looking not at all like a disney princess with all of these animals accompanying him, Vincent glances to him.]
I noticed a service entrance to the rear of the warehouse. That's likely our best option, but I expect guards outside. From there, jungle. I'll need you to navigate the way through it, to the beach.
[A task Nanaki would be best at. Fantastic sense of smell and all.]
As soon as we're out, they'll know. We won't be able to return without risking the animals.
[Vincent pauses.]
Has he decided?
[The beast is probably a he. Horns and all. ...Right?]
no subject
Sounds good. From there, if some of the creatures want to make it to the jungle they can, but otherwise we can carry them back on the boats.
[He looks to the large beast of burden, who is watching the two of them intently. It still looks weary, but with all the commotion around them it appears to have gained a glimmer of light in its eyes. It lets out a low chuff, before snorting out loud and moving to slowly stand on its feet. Nanaki's tail wags behind him.]
Great! You won't regret it, promise! [He turns back to Vincent.] Are you ready?
no subject
[When the horned beast is freed, that is. There's a click and a thud as the key is inserted and the creature's way is clear, Vincent moving forward, amongst stacked crates and pallets, toward the back of the warehouse where he had known the door to be. It's likely going to be a tight fit for some of the animals. The majority of them get past with barely any extra accommodation. The larger ones do have to squeeze, but soon enough, they're all at the closed doorway.]
Nanaki.
[His voice lowers. Barely even a whisper, for the guards on the other side. His gloved hands moves to his gunbelt, preparing Cerberus with a few rounds after it is taken unto his hand.]
When we're out, I'll get their attention. You concentrate on defending the others, and getting clear.
[Probably best that way.]
If we get seperated, don't stop. I'll find you.
[There would be quite a lot of tracks to follow, by the look of it...]
no subject
[He turns, watching Vincent prepare Cerberus. His ears lower a bit, but he nods, expression firm.]
Alright. You be careful, too.
[And then, before they lose each other in the ensuing chaos, he speaks once more.]
I really have to thank you for all your help. I couldn't have done any of this without you.
no subject
[Circumstances meant that they didn't have time for pause. But the look that Vincent gives Nanaki is somewhat quizzical. A thanks certainly wasn't needed. Never had been. Never would be. Vincent had no strong feeling for the captive animals regardless of what happened to them- but this was a request. From a friend, at that. Of course it would be done.
He moves his gaze away, to the mechanism that controls the door.]
You're welcome.
[And yeah. He hits the button that controls it- moving out into the moonlight. There's a few shouts of confusion at the door being opened and an unknown figure walking out of it. Shouts that turn into cries of anger when he begins to unload unto the security guards that approach him.
It should be a massacre. A single shooter against a team of pirates should be a foregone conclusion. Yet it is not. His gunfire is returned. Yet the muskets and blunderbusses that the guards carry are inaccurate, compared to the guns of their world- compared to Cerberus. Difficult to aim. Slow to reload. And thus, he is able to avoid the gunfire- taking full advantage of his ...enhancements to move faster than the guards. At a glance, one might think that he was tormenting them- bending and twisting in the air like a leaf in the wind as he continues to rain hell upon them. Yet being a distraction was the best way to lessen the chances of the animals being targetted.
...And he would hope Nanaki isn't looking. Instead, that he's running.]
no subject
[Nanaki waits as Vincent moves forward, and listens for when the gunfire erupts. That's when he turns to the other creatures now gathered behind him.]
Come on! Follow me!!
[And that's when he takes off, darting out of the warehouse and down towards the jungle before them. It's not exactly subtle, especially when winged creatures take flight and some let out victorious roars or cries in their wake. The guards see the escaping creatures, but with Vincent's covering fire, the patrolling guards aren't really able to target the bestial convoy as they flee into the jungles.]
[Nanaki isn't sure if he'll see Vincent before this raid is over, but he trusts in the other man's ability. At the very least, they can convene after the fact.]