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seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2025-04-05 01:09 pm

« mini manta board log: abductions finale »


ABDUCTIONS FINALE

This mini log is for the Special Quest listed on the April 2025 MANTA Board. All threads are worth 12 points.

Somewhere far out in the ocean, many days away from where the leviathans currently drift and settle, rests an "island" that can only be described as a beautiful abomination. Completely manmade, at first it looks to be an island of crystal and mist, its colors shimmering in the moonlight to give it a mystical aura. But every so often, when the mist moves and the light happens to pass through the crystal, large shadows with large fins and tails can be seen trapped within. Moving in closer will reveal even more than just crystal—large curved bones protrude here and there, but they are still placed carefully, supporting the crystals that make the island. In the front the bones arch around to look like the skeletal form of a massive whale, the tail deep into the water and a magnificent palace made of crystal and bone on its back. More bones curve around the tail with floating crystal lights illuminating the path down towards the island, the waters stained red.

Several luxury yachts are docked along the pearl studded pier, the sound of music, laughter, and other party making sounds drifting through the wind and echoing throughout the island. Inside the mansion, a number of rich, elite members of society are reveling in the ambergris wine and staring up at the numerous crystal statues of people and animals lining the walls and even hanging from the ceiling. Their eyes sparkle through the clouded haze created by the sweet fragrance that permeates throughout the building.

A stark contrast to the groans and cries that drift from deep, deep down beneath the island, where the crystal and rock form numerous dungeons and caverns housing those who were taken in for one reason or another. Whether they were arrested or kidnapped, they had been rendered unconscious and found themselves in these dungeons for the past few days, even weeks and months. Their tattoos wiped clean and stripped of their powers, the trapped are contained in all different ways: locked in barred cells, sometimes chained to the wall; locked in small isolation rooms, crystal from the walls slowly creeping closer towards them as if to swallow them; hanging in cages over tanks of water where others struggle in their water confinement. Humans, animalfolk, animals, riftfarers, and locals alike—all scattered throughout a giant dungeon and all in some process of being crystalized to become the next grand centerpiece to be put on display. It all seems hopeless…

…Until an ominous song echoes throughout the island, a sound so deep and raw that it rattles both the giant bones and those of the living. A song of no words yet sings of death and doom as the waters around the island begin to recede, making the structure suddenly sink down and slam into the ground. The seafloor, now exposed, reveals piles of bones and barely decomposed bodies of untold numbers of whales of all ages and sizes along with other remains of the victims that were once held on the island over the past few months. As the waters continue to recede and reveal the ghastly graveyard, the waters begin to rise and rise and rise to form a giant ocean wall, a massive shadow slowly passing before disappearing.

And riding at the top of those waves is a fleet of ships, Corsair and Paladin flags whipping in the wind. It is a partnership formed by the renowned Stormbringer and Royal Fortune captains, Fiona "Redbeard" O'Malley and Miranda "Wavebreaker" Thorn, both of whom are ignoring orders from the higher ups to work together, with Miranda leading the fleet through the violent tides, living up to her reputation as the "Wavebreaker". Lines are dropped, row boats surf down the wall to land on the wet sand, and people rush out towards the doomed island.



⚔️ Insignias. Due to the distance, the effects of the insignias on everyone will be lessened a little to allow cross-Armada interaction for longer periods of time. Otherwise, the effects are still active and while there may be some remedies around the mansion, it's still so new there wouldn't be too much.

🏃‍♂️‍➡️ Escape. Due to the sudden drop of the island, some doors may have broken open or sealed even tighter. Chaos will have erupted so the guards may also be scattered and confused, making escape attempts much more viable. Just be wary of the crystal golems and mechanical sentries that will be roaming through the lower dungeon.

💎 Crystallization. The crash has activated the magic system that will seek and target anything that appears living and try to fire a blast of cold air that will crystallize the area hit, similar to ice freezing over. Some fire more concentrated "goop" of crystal that will quickly solidify and start growing to encase the target.

🤖 Defense systems. Defense systems outside the island are still active. The "underwater mines" are now settled on the ground and while easy enough to avoid, some may still detonate. There are also sharkfolk mercenaries that will rush out to fight anyone they see. For those who may try to sneak through, there are some hidden entrances now made available, many of the larger crystal structures cracked to reveal ways in and out. However beware of the leeches that might attach to those not careful. They're mostly harmless, but instead of blood they will drain one's energy if not removed quickly.

⛓️ Arrests. While some may be quite happy to just stab their captors and those operating this island, taking a few back for questioning would also be worthwhile, especially since clearly a number of powerful people are here. But there are also some well-known riftfarers in the mix…

🪦 Underwater graveyard. As the tide recedes, it will reveal an underwater graveyard. Anyone rushing in to help with the rescue efforts or escaping might recognize partial or whole remains and bones of not only countless whales, but of animals and people who had been taken as well. The Captains are asking people to find and take back what they can find, whether they are remains or mementos, so that they can have a proper burial.


The raid is thorough and brutal, more and more of the island rumbling as it is gradually destroyed from within and without, ships firing cannons to chip away at the structure. However, they cannot stay forever. Once more the seafloor and the waters start to tremble as a high pitched shrill call pulses through. It's enough to knock anyone off their feet, even stun them for several seconds before there is a whisper of hundreds of voices. Voices so low and eerie, filled with a hatred that claws directly into the minds of all who are there:

"Drown."

That is the final warning before a large red eye glows from behind the waves, so large and bright it could swallow the island itself. Then the once high walls of water start to tip forward, a slow drip before it all starts to cascade downward and rush in to flood and destroy the island completely, crystal and bone shattering into oblivion.

As everything is flooded over, whales and dolphins will rush in to rescue those they can while orcas will move in to hunt down any criminals who managed to escape the first time, biting into their limbs and throwing them high into the air like toys before breaking them with their weight. The fleet of ships that had remained behind will sail in close to pick up those still stuck in the water.

It will be a long voyage home, and those who are injured or have the crystalized effects will receive immediate treatment with Eltrut able to provide more full treatment.

If you have any questions, comment here.

ramuhs: (⚡ 166)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-10 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Aha, he remembers well their conversation and he just gives him a wry grin.]

Aye, I know very well how difficult it can be. Though at least with stone it wasn't quite so...clunky.

[He playfully swings his crystalized arm a bit, the rocky covering glistening in the light.]

Does serve well as a club in a pinch, however.
ramuhs: (⚡ 031)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-10 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Cid won't mind the interruption and he looks up at the unfamiliar face, but then he recalls about the young man needing a place for his wyvern, and he smiles all the same.]

Well chose quite well, although I would have accepted alcohol just as well.

[A playful wink as he takes the cup and brings it to him. Honestly, he could probably use it after all this work he's inflicted upon himself.]

You're the one with the wyvern, correct? How is she faring?
ramuhs: (⚡ 173)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-10 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Hearing the sound behind him already makes him turn, and he's surprised to see Emet-Selch as the one who felled the would be attacker. His words would have carried more weight if it weren't for the goose that makes Cid look beyond and can't help but release a huff of laughter.]

Just making sure there's no one else trapped somewhere. But it looks as if you've also made your own rescue.

[A nod to the goose.]
ramuhs: (⚡ 018)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-10 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
Oh they certainly did.

[There's something of a smug look there, but it fades as he hears the voices...ones that he certainly recognizes and he lightly tugs on her hand to pull her back a step.

"Hurry up! This place is going to blow any minute, we have to get all this research and get out of here!"

"Who knew that old man could be so resilient..."


Without looking at Benedikta, Cid will slowly step towards the doorway where they will see three men hurriedly gathering papers and materials that were scattered, a table flipped over as they ignore the two dead guards on the floor.

"T'ch, grab the needle, they missed the dose."

"Do you think he really did this..."

"Who knows who cares, we gotta go!!"
]
Edited 2025-04-10 04:34 (UTC)
telepathicignorance: (Blood)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
(And as the mercenary gets up, she looks right at them.

...And then her eyes move on, as though she saw nothing there but more rubble.

Chris, meanwhile, can't bring themself to be relieved, swearing under their breath.)


Fuck. Hawks, did I break something? Don't lie.
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (pro heroes 059)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-10 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
A rib, but it's fine. If it helps you had a lot of help with that, I just happened to take quite a few hits before you got here.

[ It was probably already damaged, thanks to the rest of the accommodations he's had. ]

Doesn't feel dangerous, let's keep moving.
garudas: (🗡️ 215)

[personal profile] garudas 2025-04-10 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Benedikta shoots a look and a hiss to match it over her shoulder at him when he pulls her back, but the things that they're saying inside... It makes her stomach turn with disgust. Enough that a light wind suddenly blows through, though the men inside are too panicked to notice.

And without speaking, she steps up behind Cid, smacking him lightly on the shoulder because what the fuck—

"Ah, it's spreading!" One of the voices cries out, and there's a crash of something like metal as things are knocked to the floor, and the crystal creeps a little further along the wall, as if growing.

"You idiot, don't touch it!"]
telepathicignorance: (Nervous)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
(Yeah that's... a bit much for them. They're gonna try to block out the sounds as they continue making their way away from the terrifying woman and the carnage she leaves in her wake.)
Edited 2025-04-10 04:51 (UTC)
ramuhs: (⚡ 105)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-10 05:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Because he didn't want to rush in and listen in!!

But it seems that it doesn't matter too much, and he'll just quietly knock against the doorframe. Or, well, what was left of it.]


You look like you could use some help.

[His voice will of course startle them, and when they turn and look...

"AH! It's him! How the hell—"]
octoblot: (and you don't know why)

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-10 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
Oh... thank you, for bringing me these things.

[There's a beat, before Azul seems to realize that Kaveh does intend to stay, probably at least until he's taken the medication and a decent amount of broth or tea to wash it down with. So he gives a quiet sigh, before he holds out a hand.]

Normally, I would never encourage eating anything while I'm still in bed, but there should be a tray you can use somewhere nearby that we can put everything on while I sit up here... and of course, you need not stand the whole time, Kaveh-san. You can pull up a chair from the table if you'd like.
octoblot: (that one wants to get the girl)

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-10 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
Mm. Indeed.

[Azul gives a small smile at that before he sighs.]

Still, I can't help but be a little infuriated that I was unable to do as much as I wish I could have about those brutes myself. Especially whichever one it was that decided to use what felt like an electric spear being jabbed into one of my legs not too long ago before I was found... between that and the crystallization I was already dealing with, I'd like to exchange some words with that particular guard if they haven't already been dealt with...

[For that guard's sake, maybe one should hope they are already dead, given the kind of aura Azul has for a moment despite his "oh well what can you do" tone that accompanies his words...]

... Anyway, enough about that. On to business...

[He says, as he takes out a phial of a potion from his bag here, and holds it up to the light. At first, it might be hard to tell that there's even anything in it, before he tilts it and Shadow will be able to see a clear liquid inside.]

This truth potion can be consumed directly from the phial as is, or it can be mixed in with most drinks or foods if you plan to be discreet when giving it to someone. It will not be permanent, however, and this particular amount only lasts up to a few hours, since you did not indicate how much time you would like to have for interrogating someone under the influence of the truth potion. That said, you're more than welcome to ask me to make another one if you deem it necessary enough that you would need more than... oh, roughly 4-6 hours I believe to get the information you want?
telepathicignorance: (Fight)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
Shit. Sorry.

(They ball their hand into a fist at the thought of what probably happened.

After a moment, they'll let him up.)


You're gonna need to see the healers on the ships anyway.

(And well, now that some of the fight has made it's way to this area, more will follow. Chris swears as ...some kind of person leaps on the shark woman, reaching out to grab Hawks' hand.)

You need to stay close if you don't want them to see us.
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (pic#17383447)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-10 06:09 am (UTC)(link)
Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal. [ Hawks waves his hand a little bit, sure enough when he gets up he doesn't even flinch. It's not the first time he's broken something, in his line of work. He has an extremely high pain tolerance too. ]

I figured. Nothing critical right now.

[ That's all that matters, as long as he's not going to drop dead. At their bidding, Hawks moves closer to Chris. ]

Sorry, I'll keep up. [ He's not carrying genuine guilt for that apology, it's more of a throwaway acknowledgement. ]
octoblot: (the carp plays the harp)

highfives!!!

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-10 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Azul waits until the guards are gone before he responds, one of his hands feeling out his face where the guard had punched him in order to get an idea of the damage as he speaks.]

Judging by the amount of guards, and that most of my usual offers didn't work on the ones I've spoken to so far, I have to assume our captors that hired the guards are very wealthy. At least, wealthy enough that they have offered these guards quite a large amount of money or valuables for them to go along with this, even when another businessman such as myself has offered to pay them a not so minor fee to grant our freedom.

And when it comes to the rich and powerful, they are often more than happy to throw lots of money at anything that can potentially be used to make them even more rich and powerful, or be used as a status symbol of sorts among their fellow elites, rather than say... spending even a cent of that wealth for anything that would be seen as a sign of having a moral compass or compassion for others.
astudyinviolet: Sherlock with an arm over his eyes (The Muse From Abroad)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-10 06:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ As Alfyn works, Sherlock cannot keep quiet. He whimpers, hisses, cringes in pain as Alfyn moves aside the pieces of his tattered clothing. Still, he tries to remain as still as possible and doesn't tell Alfyn to stop even as tears squeeze out of his working eye. Is it some of Sherlock's stubbornness at work? It's not directed at Alfyn at least.

The pain begins to ebb and flow in ways Sherlock doesn't understand; there are moments of relief after a piercing agony. Not having his eye open means that he can't see any of Alfyn's magic at work... or even that he has magic. He thinks the pain and crystallization interferes with his senses enough as it is.

Sherlock slumps when Alfyn finally stops, gasping for air that comes easier. His one eye flutters open for a moment.
]

... I could... try...

[ His voice is weak and trembling (being in a drenched chemise isn't the warmest thing), but he doesn't sound as out of breath as he once was. ]
refantasma: (pic#16301801)

[personal profile] refantasma 2025-04-10 07:03 am (UTC)(link)
[He looked around, motioned to his zombies to spread out, they chitter in acknowledgment and do so.]

Where'd you see him last?
telepathicignorance: (Bleed)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 07:13 am (UTC)(link)
...You apologize a lot, don't you?

(They say absently. Their focus is on the animals. Not cloaked, but initially unnoticed as just more escaped creatures wandering around, they now join the fight, carving a path with fire and pecked faces.

Chris will pick their way through said path as their nose begins to bleed. They've been using their abilities a lot.)
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (Hawks 02)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-10 07:16 am (UTC)(link)
I try not to ruffle most people's feathers, unless I like them. [ Hawks chuckles lightly. His fellow heroes are fair game, especially Endeavor. The more the man seems to hate him, the more he riles him up. ]

Just a force of habit. I've probably never had to promise I would be the one keeping up before in my life, cut me some slack.
astudyinviolet: Sherlock with an arm over his eyes (The Muse From Abroad)

Surasthana Cafe

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-10 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ Perhaps Azul can spot a weary neighbor in the middle of his own recovery. He's taken to inhabiting a corner of the cafe, surrounded by pillows, blankets, and cushions. (And hugging some plushies. Don't worry about it.) He's still half-crystallized, including his ear and eye on the right side of his face covered, making him look partly carved out of a pale green crystal. Sherlock is in a strange mood, at odds with wanting to hide away during his recovery and not wanting to be isolated and alone. He's probably watched anyone who entered the cafe floor with a trained, observing eye... probably a little unnerving when someone is just minding their own business.

As chance would have it, Sherlock also has a way to cure the Thornblind illness. Maybe his (crude) method could inform Azul of potential tweaks for his potions.

Or they could just complain about the horrible room service they suffered on that island, hiding their traumas with jabs at their abductors. (Did you see how tacky some of them dressed? They should be arrested for fashion crimes on top of everything else.)
]
astudyinviolet: Sherlock with an arm over his eyes (The Muse From Abroad)

text | un: astudyinviolet

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-10 07:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Whether they had cross paths during their escapes or if one of them had been aware the other was taken, Sherlock sends Cid a text once it's all over. How soon is this text? How recovered is either of them? Who is to say? Both of them have to recover from their crystallization, and Sherlock has a good bit of it. This is text, so neither of them will see the other's recovery progress unless prompted.

Besides, maybe it'll do Cid some good to nag someone instead of being nagged at and feel like he's accomplishing something.
]

How are you and the other Corsairs managing?
telepathicignorance: (Thoughtful)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 07:59 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I guess you're used to being ahead of everyone usually.

(They squeeze his hand as they continue picking their way along. They won't leave him behind.

They're nearing the exit.)


You'll get your wings back soon.
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (Hawks 10)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-10 08:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hawks smiles a little at the squeeze, despite himself. He shouldn't be so surprised by it, but he is. He didn't think for a moment that Chris would leave him behind. ]

I know. I feel so weird without them. It's like being naked, but worse.
telepathicignorance: (Thoughtful)

[personal profile] telepathicignorance 2025-04-10 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
You can still function when naked.

(One of the privileges of being human: he won't be killed--or worse--if people see him. Not in any normal circumstances, at any rate.

They've been without their powers before. Because of drugs, or dampeners, or inhabiting a body other than their own. It can be relaxing, at times, to not hear the minds of others, but they can never forget that missing input.

It feels... vulnerable. Dangerous.)
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (Hawks 22)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-10 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'm aware, I function just fine when I'm naked, but I'm used to having my feathers. I don't even have any swords as back up.

[ His nose wrinkles a little bit. It's not just that he finds the loss of weight and senses strange, but it's also a security. Hawks doesn't feel safe, he pretty much never does, and his life so far has borne that to be true. ]
indispensable: (advancement.)

\o/

[personal profile] indispensable 2025-04-10 08:46 am (UTC)(link)
[Alhaitham may not be fully recovered, but he does still stand a better chance in a fight compared to Kaveh especially with Sherlock in the picture right now. So its not so much of a surprise that he only takes a moment to consider it before he not so gently lugs Sherlock over for his senior to hold onto instead.]

Go. I'll meet you back outside.

[He gives a shove for good measure before stepping back, both normal and Dendro blade quick to appear in each of his hands as he turns to face their approaching enemies. In some ways this might be considered as some form of payback, and Alhaitham isn't going to deny it. He owes these people a thing or two for the number they did to him, even if indirectly.]

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