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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

True enough, certainly.

(Huh. They didn't sense that person. Not entirely shocking, but concerning. Worth keeping an eye out for. Best not to get caught because someone slipped through their defenses...)

How about we take a peek as to where they're going? As far as I was told, everything should be stored down the this way.

[He nods towards a different hallway, opposite of where the other person had hurried off to.]

An excellent idea!

(The vocal distorter turns the cheer in their voice into something more screechy and grating. Sorry Cid.

They'll turn to head down that hallway, reaching out with their mind to see if there's anyone or anything they can detect.)

[Oof—there will be a grimace at that as well as a glance. As if that's not even more suspicious...

But fortunately, the only presence Sidestep will sense is the one person who disappeared down the hall, and he should be able to pick up that they are in a room a few doors down.]

(Look, they needed some way to hide their voice from people who knew them back when they were Sidestep, and the vocal distorters used by villains such as Psychopathor seemed appropriately, well, villainous.

They weren't expecting to get dragged into another world without a Special Directive to fight against, or any sort of decent enhanced scene at all. Becoming a villain in name (and allegiance to Ganon) only has been a weird journey, and they can't really change the way their suit works now.

They'll focus their mind on that person to see if they can find out what they're doing, gesturing at the door.)

In there. (The quietest hiss.)

[It's all right, Cid will get used to it—

For now he nods and will quietly make his way over...

As they get closer, depending on how good Sidestep's senses or the suit's abilities are, he may be able to pick up the faint, very faint traces of life inside the room and the man muttering about their "condition" and need to make "arrangements" to be loaded unseen. Things that certainly make them sound quite suspicious.]

(It's not regular senses that they rely on, but telepathy. Both theirs and the suit's. They have the minds of its telepathic interface--the rat king--scout ahead, seeing if they can pick up anything while they focus their own mind more narrowly on what's behind the door.

Condition, huh? Interesting, though the information will be useless until they know what they're talking about the condition of. For all they know, these people could be discussing shipments of that ugly clay vase they saw people going nuts over at another one of these auctions. Apparently it was supposed to be some priceless relic.

The faint life traces, though... those... they ignore the conversation and focus, try to feel the minds--and feelings--attached to them. Fear? Pain? Distress? Are they victims? Something else?

They stand next to the door and go still, losing focus on Cid and the world around them.)

[It will be a bit of a strain, but Sidestep will be able to feel very faint, very subtle feelings of fear and despair. Feeble cries for help as if their life is slowly slipping away...

Cid will be focusing on what he can hear, catching some names, but before they can do much more the sound of the man returning to the door can be heard, footsteps growing louder.

They have two choices now—either ambush the man right here or hide and let him go. Cid is actually more than ready for an ambush, now that he's certain nothing good is behind that door.]

(Fuck. It is crystal victims, or something equally bad.

!!!

The shot of alarm from the rat king draws their attention back to the men, who are now approaching the door.

Fuck! What to do?

Cid is clearly planning to ambush these guys and while it's less subtle thsn whst they'd usually go for in a situation like this, they're more than happy to bust some faces in over this. They move to the side of the foor and... disappear? No. They're still there, it's just really hard to focus on them, or remember they're there when you aren't looking directly. For someone who didn't already know they were present, they might be invisible.)

[At this point, subduing the men so they can be taken and arrested later seems like the better option. The auction will start soon, anyway, and by the time they're noticed missing, they may be able to get whatever is inside out.

He is a little taken aback when he notices Sidestep disappear for a moment, only noticing him after some looking around. Seeing him in position, Cid considers his options and decides he'll just serve as a nice distraction so that Sidestep can ambush them. Taking a few quick steps back, he pulls out a paper and pretends to be as if he's just passing by when the doors open. This causes the two men inside to be caught off guard as Cid just smiles embarrassed.]

Ah, sorry, was a bit lost... Mine telling me the way back to the main gallery?

[This should be enough time for Sidestep to take action, especially when one of the men, clearly some kind of guard, looks ready to attack Cid. The other is just confused, and by how well dressed they are they are not a combatant. Whether Sidestep takes on both or just one, Cid will be able to help when needed.]

(They move for the guard first. A quick, disabling blow from behind, calculated for maximum chance of incapacitating him with minimal risk of death.

He'd probably deserve it, but they're still no killer.

Once he's down, they'll attempt to grab the other, the rich looking one, by the neck and pin him to the wall.)

[While he had been ready to deal with the other, Sidestep was fast enough that he had no need to intervene. Instead he just glances at Sidestep and jerks his head back into the room.]

I think we should have a nice little "chat," eh?

[He'll also kick the unconscious man back inside, glancing around them briefly before walking in.]

(Perks of having a supersuit designed to enhance speed above all else.)

I agree.

(They'll drag the rich fucker in after Cid enters. It'd be a stretch to call them gentle, but for the moment they're careful not to hurt the guy beyond some bruising.)

[With everyone inside, the door will be shut quietly behind them with Cid leaning against it, a cigar already out, lit, and in his mouth before arms cross over his chest and he stares at their new "friend."

Of course.

His eyes will also note all the crystal statues that fill the room, and what a variety. From simple animals to magical beasts to people and animalfolk. His eyes will narrow at them in particular.]

So, hoping to sell them all for a high price? Or do you already have some buyers in line?

[Of course, he doesn't expect the man to answer so willingly, and he doesn't, refusing to open his mouth despite looking petrified.

Unless Sidestep would like to help with that.]

(Their eyes widen as they take in the sheer number of "statues", and the vocal distorter turns their horrified gasp into the softest of static hisses.)

Some of them are still alive. I'll need to inspect them closer.

(They're saying it for the "benefit" of their captive as much as Cid. Revealing, to some degree, that they can sense what others cannot.

Is there a convenient chair to make their new friend sit in? If not they'll push them into a sitting position on a crate or something.)

Here's what's going to happen. You're going to answer his questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge, and we'll turn you into the Paladins. (A nice cushy cell. A fair trial. If there's a death sentence, it'll at least be quick.)

Or... you can refuse, or lie, and I'll get the answers anyway the same way I know there's still life in your statues, and we'll turn you into the Corsairs. (The cell won't be nearly so cushy, and the less said about the kinds of punishment doled out by the Corsair "authorities", the better.

They stroke the rich fucker's neck with the suit's claws as they talk for a little added intimidation factor, bringing the tips to rest lightly against his throat.)

So. What'll it be?

Edited 2025-03-07 06:34 (UTC)

[Nah, he can just sit on the floor, there's no need to be so hospitable. But a crate works, too.

Cid will watch with some intrigue as Sidestep gives the poor man the ultimatum, and at least judging by their clothes and how much they tremble they might actually be smart about their choice.

"P-Paladins!!" the man squeaks. "I'll tell you anything, just p-please don't kill me! It was just for business!!"

Cid scoffs at that.]

A business no different if not worse than human trafficking?

[The man groans.

"L-Look I'll give you names! You wouldn't believe the sickos who are into this market! But I'd be careful if I were you... Names...big names."]

(They tilt their head curiously, the shit eating grin of victory hidden under their mirrored helm.)

It is easy to get sucked into terrible things, isn't it? Keep talking.

(They'll reach out telepathically, listening to his mind for the telltale signs of a lie.)

[As the man sputters, they will indeed hear a number of names. Of course, Cid isn't so privy to who all is who in terms of leaders and notable members of society, but he notes them down just in case. But the way the man rattles off the names does suggest that there may be some lies mixed with the truth, and Sidestep will be able to pick up when a name is suspect or withheld.]

(They sense the obfuscation but they don't interrupt, waiting til he's done.)

So... (And they'll proceed to list off only the names they can sense were true, or likely to be true. Let him pick up on that. Let him know that they know.

Then they look at Cid, smirk hidden behind their mirrored helm.) What do you say? Think that's enough truth to spare him the Corsairs?

[Cid notices how Sidestep only repeated certain names...and noticed the way the man paled with some confusion. He'll just make a little mark on those...]

Hmmmmm.

[He then looks at the victims still barely alive in those crystals and after his expression hardens for a moment, he smiles. A chilling one.]

I don't think so.

[And unless Sidestep wants the honors, Cid will slam his boot against the side of the man's head, sending him crashing to the floor and hitting the crate where he'll lie unconscious. Only with a disgusted look does he look back at Sidestep with more seriousness.]

We need to get these people out of here and fast.

(They don't want the honors, actually! Chris is great in fights and when acting towards a necessary goal, but an unarmed opponent who is already neutralized and can't fight back? It feels too much like the farm.

No matter how much the person might deserve it.

...His fear was really satisfying though. What does it say about them that they enjoyed it?

Fortunately, the mask hides any conflict they're feeling. They brush it aside. There are more important matters to focus on.)

I'll find them. (They stand up and beeline for the strongest feelings of misery and terror. Are there multiple living victims clustered together or just one really strong mind? They'll need to inspect more closely to find out.)

[Cid will turn and look, but his expression is grim. He doesn't know how long they've been in there or how much more time left, so he'll get his phone out to contact his men waiting.

As for Sidestep, they'll be able to feel that the ones clustered in the center are the ones still alive with the most desperate thoughts. But they are weakening by the second, all with similar thoughts of wishing they could be saved and live.]

(They count the number of statues with distinct thought signatures, then point.)

These five. They still have hope that they'll be rescued.

(That's quite a few statues. Hopefully, Cid's boys have got a way to get them all out.)

If anyone else is still alive I can't pick it up over them.

[His frown deepens at that before he releases a low sigh, tapping the final messages before putting his shellphone away.]

Suppose that's better than nothing, but I'll try and get the others. At the very least they deserve a proper burial and reuniting with any family or loved ones who may looking for them.

For now, let's see if we can't find anything else that might be useful here.

Alright.

(And they'll start looking around, mind still scanning for signs of life just in case there's some far off faint one they won't notice until they're right nearby, but they doubt they'll find anything. They're surprised that anyone can be still alive when this thoroughly encased.

They're also looking for non person in crystal related useful things, letting their suit's HUD analyze stuff as they look it over. A part of them might be hoping to find treasure to steal: if they can divest these people of even a small portion of the profits they've already made, it might help discourage others from joining in or continuing this horrific and monstrous industry.

...Also they just like having money.)

« mini manta board log: auction houses »

SPECIAL QUEST: AUCTION HOUSES

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omg i lost this i'm so sorry lakjkdsf

Lol it's fine I have been absolutely shit about tags

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