« mini manta board log: auction houses »

[seaboards]

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 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!

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.

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!

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.

Comments

[garudas]

[Again, another situation where she should not get her hopes up... but this could be the closest they have been to it. If there were any maps that could lead to such a valuable and powerful treasure, it would be at a place like this, would it not?

She leads him along by his hand, and she eyes that empty but guarded hallway that sellers are coming and going from... Surely he can guess what she is thinking just by the thoughtful look on her face.]

Have you so little faith in us? As if security is going to be an issue.

[ramuhs]

[A wry chuckle.]

Perhaps if it were our main goal.

[His gaze follows hers.]

But we have quite a few targets, so best to come up with a plan or we risk losing everything.

[Which is not saying they shouldn't, in fact they can go for it. But just his usual reminder to not rush in.]

[garudas]

[As more people begin to filter past them, some pausing to look at the items on either side, she steps up close so that she can keep her voice low.]

Fine... [A touch of disappointment to her grumbling.] But I am not coming out of here empty handed.

[She'll waaaaait to go pocketing things.]

Finding Danos or his items should be our first priority, yes?

[ramuhs]

[He just quietly, and with a sly grin he moves in closer so that he can kiss her lips.]

Aye, and then you can have all the fun you want.

[garudas]

[She pouts, though it's only party a real one, when he pulls back. But she wants to have fun now! She wants to steal from the disgusting, pompous, rich people now.

But he is right and she knows it, and she will not argue.]

We can have all the fun we want.

[It's a team effort, after all.]

Come. I think we may be in the wrong section, then.

[ramuhs]

[A glance at his watch.]

And we only have so long before we need to take our seats. I thought I heard some chatter just now about an area with "top prizes" down that way, so let's try there.

[garudas]

As if these are not top prizes?

[She motions for him to lead the way, but she does snort under her breath.]

Have you not seen the starting bids on some of these pieces? I am not so sure what these people here are desperate for...

[ramuhs]

[A light grin.]

Not if compared to what we're always seeking.

[Pulling her hand to tuck it around his arm, he chuckles.]

But that is the way of the "aristocratic elite," is it not? To use symbols of prestige to show off their wealth, to lay claim and boast of a treasured, sought after item. To be the envy of all others.

[garudas]

Well, I certainly do not envy anyone who has that displayed in their sitting room.

[Yet another overly large, gaudy vase with gold swirls of decoration. What the hell does one even put in those things? Surely there are no flowers big enough? What's it's purpose? It's not even that nice, and yet, the starting bid on it makes her balk.]

Do you think we might find Danos where we are going? I'd like to try speaking with them if they are here...

[ramuhs]

If his items are among the "top prizes," then I would wager so. Not only would he want to be sure his wares are protected, but may also to drum up a sales pitch to bolster buyers.

[garudas]

Mm... Top prizes...

[She says that with no shortage of disdain to her voice, a growl that she drowns out in her champagne lest she draw a suspicious eye of anyone nearby.]

Did he mention what else he is selling, besides perfumes?

[ramuhs]

Wines, lotions, and other beauty products, I believe, thought that as more from the wife. From how it sounded, she would design and create the idea and he funded the manufacturing.

[Sort of similar to them—]

[garudas]

[Except they aren't going around selling whale parts—

But it does make her wonder again just how much the wife knows. Tatiana, was it? She seemed so happy about her perfume business, and there's a little twinge of ire at the idea that she would do such a thing.]

Seems a bit strange to be selling them at an auction. Unless they had other "special properties" thanks to their ingredients.

[As they enter another part of the auction hall, Benedikta tries to peer over the crowd, and—]

Look.

[There's a familiar set of ears poking up from above them at the other side of the room.]

[ramuhs]

Quite possible they're selling other things that's not released to the public.

[So either a special version of their product...or something else entirely, the latter of which he expects is more likely.

But then he sees the pair of ears and meets her eyes.]

But why wonder when we can just ask ourselves.

[Time to meet their quarry at last.]

[garudas]

[It has been some time since they had spoken. Benedikta had made promises to visit the perfume shop and then had done so when Tatiana had not been there, so the answers that she had been seeking before had gone unanswered when she refused to speak to one of the other workers there. But this time, they are graced by the presence of both husband and wife, who are currently trying to talk up their many products on the table.]

Just be careful. We would not want them to suspect—

["Ah, if it isn't you two!" Tatiana recognizes them instantly and waves them down, and after a fleeting glance at Cid, Benedikta puts on her most winning smile.]

It has been a while, hasn't it?

[ramuhs]

[Just a slight glance in return before he grins.]

I hope you both have been faring well.

[Danos just chuckles as he reaches over to accept Cid's extended hand, large paw grasping his forearm for a firm shake.

"Always a good thing for us businessmen. And hopefully we'll be even busier."

There's a gleam in those dark amber eyes as Cid arches a brow.]

Oh? Is that why you're here?

[Tatiana takes her turn and smiles playfully. "Even if we weren't here to buy or sell, it's always a good opportunity to meet potential new investors. But this time we are offering something."]

[garudas]

[As the three of them chat, Benedikta looks over the things on the table, clicking her tongue when someone else rudely bumps into her to glance over her shoulder. The stare that she shoots back is enough to send them away.]

I see you've brought more than just perfumes.

[While there are several fancy bottles, there are also other things that she hadn't been expecting to see. Some expensive face powders, lipsticks, and even some fine cloths... but she wonders if that is what she means by it.]

Something beyond all of this?

[ramuhs]

[Tatiana's eyes glimmer as she holds up a paw.

"That's a surprise~"]

What, not even a little hint?

[garudas]

[That has Benedikta intrigued, but Tatiana just shakes her head with a happy little giggle.

"You'll just have to keep an eye out for when we go up to sell our things." Sebastien winks at them both. "But I think you both will enjoy it."]

Oh, Cidolfus... we must find out what this is.

[Both out of genuine curiosity and... there's a hidden meaning, a glint in her eyes only for him.]

I am already interested in these lovely powders and perfumes you have.

[ramuhs]

["Oh I do hope you bid on them!"

He smiles, but this is definitely something to keep an eye out for.]

Good thing we have enough funds to spare. If not, we should be able to help drive up the price at least.

[A playful wink that the couple laughs in appreciation.

"It will be item number 37, in the last batch that will go out. Saving the best for last."]

[garudas]

And what of these perfumes? I visited the shop a couple of weeks ago and you were not there to advise me like you said you would be.

[Benedikta gives a playful pout at the other woman, who laughs again in amusement.

"What would you like to know?"]

I thought that they'd smelled quite... fragrant. More so than other perfumes that I have seen. What exactly are the scents meant to be?

[ramuhs]

[Tatiana continues to carry that playful smile.

"Oh, you know, the usual. Essences of various flowers, roots, fruits, and a few trade secrets, most we cultivate on our own." She winks before turning to smile widely at Cid then. "Your coolers have been of special help! We were able to transport our wares without issue thanks to them."]

It's good to hear that you have not had any issue with them.

[garudas]

[Benedikta tries very, very hard to school her expression and to keep that smile from twitching away, even for a moment.]

Of course they haven't. You only build the best, my dear.

[She smiles sweetly at him.]

Would you mind if I took a few samples of the scents before we go and get seated?

["Oh, of course! Go right ahead."

While she does that, Sebastien grins at Cid. "I may need to order more of those coolers from you soon. With business starting to boom, I think we'll be seeing more transport happening in the near future."]

[ramuhs]

You know my number.

[A grin before he steps in closer as the ladies do their thing.]

But is it just from Tatiana's ventures? I wouldn't have imagined it to be so lucrative.

[To that Sebastien just laughs. "Now I can't tell you everything we sell, but it has been primarily through her sales along with some new wines we are developing. A taste like no other and no one else can make."]

I do recall you mentioning such. Don't suppose you have any on the auction for sampling?

[A shake of the head.

"Not this time. I wanted this to be Tatiana's day."]

[garudas]

[While the men discuss new business opportunities, Benedikta keeps one ear to them and one to Tatiana as she shows her the latest perfumes. She takes a little whiff of each sample that she's offered, noting down the numbers and names of each in her head. While some are more floral, others are a fruitier tang, there is one particular one that makes something in the back of her mind tinge.

Something familiar... and a smell that she is not likely to forget anytime soon.]

Oh, this one is quite pleasant.

["Ah, yes. This is our most valuable one. The Call of the Sea."

Cid will feel a small nudge against his side.]

How very apt. It does remind me of the ocean with its crispness.