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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

[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.

[She is a little surprised when he brushes his lips over hers, and she captures his with a chaste, soft kiss, though that ever-familiar heat lingers beneath.]

Quite tempting. I do quite like it when you miss me.

[A smile against him and she pulls back.]

I should not be long. I promise.

If you run into trouble, send a bird.

[Although he smiles teasingly, he does look at her with some concern. By now some of the crewmen and perhaps other infiltrating should have made it in so she should be all right, but that doesn't mean he still can't worry about her.]

And if you do... shout?

[A play on his comment when they'd gone and snuck into that party, but she gives him a reassuring peck on the cheek first before she lets her arm slip out of his. It's then that her expression hardens again, as if his closeness had been the only thing that kept her anger at bay. But as she gets a better look at their surroundings, at the people admiring that statue as it's rolled out into the large ballroom, she lets it come back in a wave of fury. She can only hope that they are not too late.

With that, she is subtle as she slips into the crowds and disappears, putting on an "I'm lost" sort of façade, the look about her innocent as she heads to the back, leaving Cid to deal with the the more face-to-face interactions.]

[He just laughs at that, but like her, that expression fades for a moment as he watches her slip her way through the crowds. What will she find back there he doesn't know and he's not sure he wants to know. But they've come here with a purpose and now it's his turn to do his part.

With a businesslike smile, he makes his way through, first spotting those who had bid on the other items and just idly chatting with a few. He tries to spread it out, seeking those who seemed to be similar minded to him, particularly the one who had wanted that treasure map piece. It seems he truly had been interested in it not just for collection purposes, but to also solve the map itself. Perhaps Cid can reach out to him again in the future for assistance...

There are others that he can make some friendly chitchat with, though mostly it's so he could be closer to the ones he's noted who had bid on the more suspicious items. He tries to catch key phrases and names, get a feel for who they are and a closer look at their faces. He even takes a closer look at those high priced items, wondering what true secrets they hold. While he wouldn't take direct action himself, never hurt to aid those who will.

Until about twenty minutes have passed and he's slowly made his way towards the Danos couple, the leopards laughing brightly and eyes gleaming as they stand before the two statues, the buyers clearly excited as others watch with some wariness.]

[It's surprisingly simple to slip behind the scenes. With all the excited commotion, people are paying less attention... including security. Between the fact that there are so many people coming and going and the easy confidence that she exudes, no one bats an eyelash at her as she sneaks away to the back. That, or the security are in on it too, which she wouldn't be surprised. It is quite a big auction, surely she and Cid were not the only ones who thought to infiltrate the place?

She does not linger on any of that as she wanders through the back. The building is huge, so of course there are many doors, many rooms and exits for her to look for. But there is an exit that she is trying to find—the one where she can let their fellow crew mates in to help. She has no doubt that the proper goods are back here—the ones that those people were actually bidding on—and so she wastes no time in using the noise outside to cover her breaking open the doors to find them.

Of course she is here to find other things to take, too. With items in storage, she does discover some things that were not on the sales floor. Some pouches of coins, a few very expensive looking jewels and jewelry that she stuffs into her dress, and a very ugly painting that she destroys by tearing the canvas.

And then there were the crates. The familiar crates that she and Cid had come across on that island the whales had shown them. They are sealed up tight, but she hasn't a doubt that it is exactly what she is looking for. Guarded by security, she and her men manage to "get rid" of them, stuffing them into a bathroom and barricading the door, so that they can collect them and bring them out back, ensuring that no one else gets their hands on the goods besides the authorities.

It will be no longer than half an hour before she returns, fidgeting with her rings as she tries to find Cid in the crowd...]

[Although still thinking about Benedikta and hoping nothing has gone awry, Cid has finally made his way to the Danos couple to congratulate them on their sales. They are still all fanged smiles, and even comment on how he and Benedikta threw their hat on that final prize, the one that stands next to their own fountain.

Cid eyes both statues with a subtle, hardened expression before giving cursory compliments and wondering about the craftsmanship. He tries to get as much information as he can, even if it really isn't much. But he does learn something new—the liquid in the fountain is something that would make one feel good no matter what, all said with a mischievous, playful smile. And now that he's standing so close to it, it's sweet. So sweet that it's pungent.

And of this larger statue, about the size of a child... How can anyone fawn over it? Especially as a closer look confirms that there is indeed something inside.

It will be in front of this statue that Benedikta will be able to find him, one of his cigars having found a way out into his hand.]

[She knows that he probably can already sense her coming, but she sneaks up behind him anyway when she does find him, and she takes that cigar out from between his fingers, her chin coming to rest on his shoulder as she steals a puff from it before handing it back, her eyes not once leaving the statue in front of them.

Not to admire, but now that she looks at it more closely, it all but confirms her suspicions earlier.]

So it is real...

[He does indeed notice her arrival, so she will be able to easily take that cigar away before he takes it back for another puff of his own.]

Aye...quite real.

[He then glances at her.]

Enjoy the sights?

[She clicks the rings on her fingers together, and with her position, it's easy for her to whisper into his ear.]

I managed to find quite a few things that had been stowed away, yes.

[Her voice grows lower, more serious.]

... We did find some crates in the back.

[He tilts his head slightly at that, and he'll reach up to touch her hair with his free hand, as if idly playing with it.]

What did you do?

[It is somewhat comforting, that motion of his hand in her hair. It helps to temper some of that rage roiling beneath the surface that she is trying so very hard to contain.]

Those who were waiting for us in the back took what they could so that their sellers cannot take it back. And they do not wind up in the wrong hands.

[She reaches around and fixes his collar from her spot behind him.]

They will hand them over once this is finished.

[A small nod before he turns more so that his lips can brush against her cheek.]

Then there's no reason for us to tarry any longer.

SPECIAL QUEST: AUCTION HOUSES

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