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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Why not? Only good I can see in keeping it is for evidence or to see what's in that fluid. Other than that, so long as you make it look like an accident I see no reason for it to remain.

[At that, he'll feel a trickle of her magic. Subtle enough that no one else will notice, but not so subtle that he will not know what it is or that it's hers.]

What if I did it right now?

No, too soon for that, love. You'll need to wait a little longer...

[He feels it and he'll just move his hand up higher up her thigh.]

Besides, who knows if there might be something else waiting behind it. Believe there are three more items on the lot.

[She was only joking—how else is she going to pass the time at this boring auction?—but she puts her winds away with a playful click of her tongue, and she nudges her knee at him. That, and she's feeling a little fuzzy-headed now, her cheeks warm like she's had a couple glasses of wine.]

Fine, I will wait until after. I must admit, it might have been a little funny watching it malfunction in front of everyone.

[A quiet chuckle as he leans more against her, fingertips now idly tracing lines around her thigh.]

It will be even better when it's in front of the person who bought it, hm?

[And while he doesn't have to really keep up the ruse as much, his lips still brush over her skin, dipping a little to her jaw.]

[He ought to stop teasing her like this. Between the light-headedness and her already wandering thoughts, he is playing a very dangerous game. She purrs at him, a light wind tickling the back of his neck in response.]

Not in front of an entire audience? Where is the fun in that?

[But she knows, and for what it's worth, she'd like to see the look on their faces when she quite literally blows it up from the inside out and scatter it at their feet. It would be kind of difficult to see it here.

There's a loud CLACK at the podium up front.]

Ah, it looks like it is finally over.

[The item has sold to another feline gentleman for the hefty price of seven hundred and fifty thousand, and Benedikta nearly chokes.]

[He glances over when the gavel sounds and his brows raise at the price followed by a low whistle.]

Truly makes you wonder what it's really worth... Or if there's something else about it we're missing.

[There's a mix of envy and congratulations towards the winner, and Tatiana is practically preening, clearly pleased by the results.

But all right, fun and games are over be supposes as he leans back. But he feels reluctant, even a little sluggish about it, as if wanting to continue... Even if this really isn't the time.]

[She mourns the loss like she does any other, chasing after him when he moves away, using the sound of the applause and surprise to mask the little noise she makes at him. She brushes her nose against his cheek, her lashes unconsciously fluttering, and she is hard pressed to lean back in her own chair. Instead, she is far more eager to get out of here, her body feeling both warm and uncharacteristically antsy that she has to wonder if this is something to do with that smoke that still billows through the room.]

I very much think there might be.

[She stares at him for a moment longer before she's watching the others.]

There is absolutely no plausible explanation for something like that going for as much as it did, regardless of who is doing the bidding.

I've at least taken note of the buyer, and I believe there will be some sort of display afterwards...so we still have some time yet.

Let's take a look and see what else they have. And if this sold for this much... One must wonder what the last item will be.

[Which is usually the most valuable product in the entire selection.]

[Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse than the map piece...]

Oh, I have. I am keen to see where they go after the auction is over.

[Perhaps a tailing is in order.]

But at this rate, I would not be surprised if they merely set out a chest full of... that. [Trying to be subtle.] And the Paladins would do nothing.

And all the more to wonder how deep it goes.

[He's not so surprised that there would be corrupt Paladins or elites on Elah that would participate in such things. It would be more suspicious if there weren't. But he's also wondering what the others like them hidden through the crowd will do, as they can be unknown variables. Are they Corsairs like them, actually wanting to steal the prize? Or are they Paladins actually ready to pursue justice? Will all hell break loose or things pass quietly?

Answers that can only be had after the last three items come through, the first of which is another caged beast of a mythical type creature. Poor thing, really, but the bidding has already started and once it's over it will be the next.]

[It leaves a sour taste in Benedikta's mouth, that. All of it does, but seeing a caged creature that otherwise should be free makes it that much more bitter. Her stomach turns when she can see just how afraid and confused it looks, its jaws snapping at the auctioneer when he motions to it, and she wishes that it hadn't only just missed. And of course, people are willing to pay a hefty sum for it before it's carted away. She'll make a note of that bidder for later.

The next piece is... interesting. Only because it isn't very remarkable at all. It's the same piece that Benedikta had pointed out outside on display with the jewels embedded in the frame. The art itself is... alright. It's not something she would hang up on her own walls ever, but what's more curious is that the bids continue to climb for that, too.

Enough that there's that little prick of suspicion in the back of her mind, and she nudges Cid's knee beneath the table.]

[Cid glances towards and taps her foot with his own in acknowledgment. There is definitely something going on with this point as she suspected, but what? It's not as if it's the first jewel encrusted piece. Was there another code word they missed?

They won't be able to dwell on it for long as the bidding soon closes out at eight hundred thousand doubloons, a little higher than the previous but still highest so far. And soon it is time for the main event, an item that no one knows about but has heard that it will be a rare treasure, the likes of which no one else will ever have. The lights dim, the curtains pull back and...

There are audible gasps, a mix of awe and discomfort as the curtains reveal a large statue of a baby pygmy whale...a large crystal statue. At first glance, it looks like it's just a statue made of crystal, but when the light shines on it just right, one can see a darker shadow within, obscured by the way the crystals are cut and the jewels that decorate it. But even more disconcerting is that is "framed" by ivory bone, polished to shine brightly and constructed as if to appear like a cradle.

"This, ladies and gentlemen, is a masterpiece called Ocean's Birth, a piece to celebrate and honor our patron leviathan, Elah and the magnificent whales that swim through our oceans. All proceeds on this item will be sent to the Whale Conservation Project that serves to protect this beautiful creature.

And please, do not be alarmed. While it is true that the bones you see here are genuine, they were taken from remains found on one of those dreadful hunting sights and from specimens that were already approved for research. Everything was properly cremated and returned to the waves.

Thus, with the funds from this particular auction, the Conservation Project will be better able to find and help endangered whales. Now, let us start the bidding..."

While some relief trickles through the audience and bidding begins in earnest, there are still many who feel uneasy—least of Cid and Benedikta.]

I call bullshit.

[There is something very suspect indeed about the way that painting sells for far more than it is worth. Compared to all the others that had sold for less, she cannot help but let her mind wander to far worse ideas. That perhaps this painting is a code or a cover for something else—that the real item that the buyer is bidding on is something that they cannot see. Something more hidden, a well-kept secret between seller and potential buyers.

But that thought is pushed aside when they bring out the final item. The most prized possession at this auction and surely the one that will send this one off with a bang. And as soon as it is rolled out...

A feeling of dread sinks Benedikta's stomach like an anvil had been dropped there. Having seen it already before, it doesn't take her long to recognize the look of the crystal. It would take much more than the passage of time to make her forget what they saw on the ship that night all those months ago. To anyone else, it might look like a crystalized statue, but to her...

She feels sick to her stomach, and it feels like she might just vomit her entire dinner. Even more so when they give that speech and she finds out that it is, indeed, exactly what she feared. The frame of the statue is made up of the bones of the fallen whales, no doubt hunted rather than taken from the remains. Yes, the remains that had been sought out and killed...

But what is worse is that within that crystal...

...]

I think I am going to be sick.

[His hand goes to hers, and at least there are others who are suspicious and uneasy. This crowd is truly a blend of genuine entrepreneurs and collectors, and those who are not. Something made clear by how eager and happy some of the bidders look.

And after another glance at her...

...

He raises his hand to join the war.]

[She feels his hand take hers, and she gives it a subtle squeeze. It helps to know that there are others who think that this might be a terrible idea, but it does not do anything to stem the disgust at those that are eagerly bidding on the piece. She hopes to whatever horrible god will listen that they are like them.

And when he raises his hand, she looks at him, conflict warring in her expression.]

Cidolfus...

[A soft mutter of his name, but when someone outbids him...]

Fuck.

[She raises her own hand.]

[There's a slight arch of the brow when she bids in his stead, and he just gives her another squeeze as he takes his turn when the bid is matched again.

Honestly he's not sure what he's trying to do here. Drive up the price to see who they need to investigate? Try to win it to save the poor thing themselves? Would it matter since this auction is likely about to turn into a mess, either by themselves or by the others hidden in the crowds?

All he knows is he couldn't just sit there, the risk of his own name and reputation be damned.]

[There's a wind that stirs in their spot, rustling the edges of the tablecloth, when she is outbid, and then again when the same happens for Cid.

She looks at him then, and just before he raises his hand the next time to bid, she takes him by his wrist and brings it back down so that she might do it instead.]

... It looks familiar to you too, doesn't it?

Aye, it does. And I wager this entire auction that everyone else feels the same.

[There are still three others that are in this back and forth, and he's eying all of them. There may be one more who is doing so with the same intentions as they are, their expression unreadable compared to the other two who have far too much greed and eagerness in their eyes and voice.

And it will be one of those two that will double the price.]

[Her jaw tightens at that new price. It has already climbed up so high that even if they are just pretending, she isn't sure that she could pass off having that much money.]

Remember their faces.

[But that doesn't stop her anyway. With a small, knowing look at him, she raises her hand one more time, taking the risk that they will try to outbid her. There is a moment of silence as her stomach turns over itself, and just when she thinks she might have won it...

"Going once, going twice... Oh, and we have an even higher offer!"

Over one million dubloons now. Ridiculous.

But this time, Benedikta doesn't raise her hand and she keeps a firm hold on Cid's.]

[He's also tempted, but there's just a light grinding of his teeth because it would be ridiculous for them to go any higher, especially since they've both placed significant bids on other items. The other two also remain quiet, and so...

"Going once...going twice... Sold to the gentleman at one million seven hundred and fifty doubloons!

As the crowds murmur in astonishment, the auctioneer thanks them all and for the generous donation before the curtains close. They are all then invited to main exhibition hall where everyone can meet and look at the items one last time before the buyers can make arrangements to have everything transported home...

Words that just flow in one ear and out the other as he watches other rise up...and noting a few seats already empty.]

[As everyone starts to rise, Benedikta remains where she is. She instead watches, remembering to relax her expression, especially when she sees Tatiana meet her eyes and wave at her. She waves back, forcing herself to smile when in reality, she wants nothing more than to carve those lips right off that woman's face. Sebastien does the same, and Benedikta leans in close to Cid, hiding the way she has to chew on the inside of her lip to stop herself from frowning.]

And so what shall we do now?

[Her voice is low in his ear, but there is a sharp eagerness to it, too.]

Continue with the plan as it was?

[He'll also throw them a friendly smile and wave before gathering his things. Slowly.]

Aye. I'll keep an eye out on things in the hall, see if I can't meet some of the people.

Be sure to keep an eye on them.

[She motions to the Danos's, who are quickly making their way to the exit, and she gets to her feet.]

Guilty parties are not likely to stay for much longer than they need to.

[With her arm looped through his, they filter out of the room at a leisurely pace along with the large crowd, some of whom are chatting excitedly amongst themselves while others are more quiet, pensive. Slowly, so as not to rouse any suspicion on them, though fortunately, no one's eyes are turned their way. And once they're out of the room, she takes a breath, the fresher air out here already doing wonders for clearing her head.]

You will be okay on your own?

[He'll also feel relief in the fresher air, though it won't last for long once everyone else appears and he's back in the thick of it, so he's taking the opportunity as much as he can. And to that, he just grins.]

What, it's not the first time I've had to suffer through niceties in questionable environments. I'll manage.

[He then leans in close to brush his lips against hers, the gesture before affectionate as well as to cover their secretive murmurs...and perhaps for a little "recharge" for the upcoming "battle."]

Just don't take too long I'll start sorely missing you.

SPECIAL QUEST: AUCTION HOUSES

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