« 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

[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.

[ramuhs]

[Cid feels that nudge and had heard those words.

"It took many years to reach what I believe is the perfect scent," Tatiana continues, her eyes taking on a more predatory glint.]

And all that hard work is finally paying off.

[She quietly laughs, her expression loosening. "I should hope so! And hopefully it will help repay my darling for supporting me so," she adds as she wraps her arms around Sebastien, purring against his shoulder.

Quite the couple they are...]

[garudas]

[Reminds Benedikta of someone—

But she has a hard time feeling as amused about it in spite of her easy smile. She always was good at pretending, but even here, it's difficult to hide her disgust.]

Well, we do not want to keep you. It would seem you've garnered quite the line. [A glance over her shoulder at the people waiting to sample and view their wares. They do not make it easy...] But know that you will likely be seeing me in that auction hall later.

[With a wave and a kiss to Cid's shoulder, she tugs him away.]

[ramuhs]

Good luck to you.

[A cheerful wave as they walk away, Cid glancing at the other items in the hall before they are out of the crowds and in a quieter section.]

They're using it, aren't they? That.

[Even though he speaks quietly, he'll be vague to avoid any unwanted ears.]

[garudas]

[Her smile immediately fades once they are shielded by the crowds.]

I am no expert, but there was no doubt about what I picked up in that perfume. It was far too distinct a smell when we were there for it not to be so obvious.

[Of course to anyone else who had no idea, it wouldn't mean much of anything beyond it being a nice smelling perfume. But those who knew of it would know its value.]

[ramuhs]

[A low sigh.]

And they seem quite gleeful about it. Did you see that look in her eye? I'm afraid she's no innocent bystander.

[garudas]

It was foolish of me to hope for otherwise. She is just as guilty as he is for selling the parts themselves.

[This is where being a hopeful idealist gets you, and she does feel both ashamed and disappointed that she had even fallen for it once.]

What do you suppose their secret item might be?

[ramuhs]

[He's actually surprised. He hadn't realized she had hoped for Tatiana to be innocent from all this, whereas he fully suspected her involvement. It really does feel as if they had switched places somehow, but regardless he gives her hand a small squeeze in comfort.]

That I do not know, but I am sure it involves their "secret ingredient." At least we know the number, even if we will have to wait a while.

[garudas]

[It was such a silly thing to hope for, too. She puts too much faith in other women these days, it would seem, but she does appreciate that little squeeze of her hand in comfort, even if she doesn’t say so. He'll be able to feel it in the way that she moves a little closer to him.]

Mm. Having to sit through all the others...

[A slight roll of her eyes.]

Well, it is hardly any consolation, but I do not think her other products used it.

[ramuhs]

Hmm, I suppose that would make sense. It would be less of a "luxury" ingredient if it was used too much. However...

[He frowns a little in thought, not quite continuing as he wonders if his thought would dampen her mood further.]

[garudas]

[She is already grumpy about her bad read on character. What's a little more—]

However...?

[She coaxes him to finish, sliding up closer to him.]

[ramuhs]

[He glances at her for a moment.]

They could have also used the oil.

[garudas]

[Ah, yes. She kind of figured that much already, even if she hoped not.]

... In their other products?

[ramuhs]

Aye.

[A small nod.]

And who knows what else. On the one hand I suppose I should give them some credit if they used the parts thoroughly, however that's as far as I'd give it.

[The whole affair being as rotten as it is. Perhaps if they actually did it legally, there wouldn't be much issue, but he suspects they are not. Especially now that it is very likely the whales will be protected, increasing their cost.]

[garudas]

[They already know that they are not doing this legitimately—not that there would be any way to do that in Benedikta's eyes now. After knowing that those hunters had met with Danos to sell, they know where he is getting their ingredients...

It makes Benedikta's nose crinkle with disgust that she quickly tries to hide.]

The face powders likely not, but there were some other items I noticed. Some nail and hair oils... I would not put it past them anymore. [A click of her tongue.] A shame, I might have liked those products otherwise.

[ramuhs]

I'm sure we can find you something better.

[Another gentle squeeze of her hand, and he's about to say more when he hears the announcement that it's almost time for the auction to begin.]

And suppose that's our cue. Let's take our seats.

[garudas]

[Yes, she knows there will be something better out there. Strange to think that had she not known, she likely would have purchased these products and used them without a second thought.

But at the announcement, she gives a nod, and there's a glance down towards the hallway she'd eyed earlier before she's following him along with the crowd heading into the ballroom. She does shove a bit, moving people aside so that they can find a spot closer to the stage. All the better to see the items and the people selling them.

And once they do, she shuffles her chair close to his.]

You have the coin?

[ramuhs]

I did say I had "funds."

[A wry grin as he leans his head towards hers.]

Not to worry, payment will be made in one way or another.