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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.

garudas: (🗡️ 229)

[personal profile] garudas 2025-04-12 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Benedikta has seen some truly horrible things—has done some truly horrible things—but none of them amounted to this. This makes what she had done in her past look like child's play, and it's a bit strange to think now how sickening it truly is.

She tries not to dwell too much on those thoughts, but it is hard as they pass the cells and she spots more victims, with some of the rooms almost nearly encased in the crystals by now.]


And they are doing it to the animals, too. [There's an abrupt WHOOSH of wind.] And for what?

[Speaking of, there comes a high-pitched cry from somewhere ahead.]
astudyinviolet: Sherlock with his ear to a door (Silence is Golden)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-12 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ Luckily, for Kaveh, there are pipes. Something has to fill the pool underneath what was Sherlock's cage for there's no apparent natural or magical source. The pipes are designed to fit in this strange ideal of luxury. They are hidden along molding and columns as "decorative" elements. An architect of Kaveh's caliber could pick them out. The pipes themselves probably place too much emphasis on looks rather than a balance between design and function.

"Naw, this is your only warning. You're out numbered." The three with weapons spread out before the ox man, and the human rolls her neck as she puts two fists together. "Even if I stay back, that's still two against one because my work in progress has already proven himself worthless in a fight when first captured him."

Sherlock ducks behind Kaveh to keep his lips from being read as he whispers, hopefully loud enough for both Kaveh and Alhaitham to hear.
]

The squid man tried to read my mind and seemed to break his own instead. This is the first I've seen him in days since then.

[ Yes, something in Sherlock's head was enough to cause another to lose his mind, and even now the squid man chants under his breath. "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn... Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn..."

Without waiting for any response to the ox man's threat, the rhino and badger women start the charge forward with claymore and sword respectively. The squid man wobble with his lance, and the single human on their side closes the distance to prepare for some hand-to-hand.
]
ramuhs: (⚡ 215)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 07:13 am (UTC)(link)
For whatever depraved "hobbies" they have.

[But upon hearing the cry, he looks at Benedikta.]

But we need to hurry—

[And then there are shouts, almost deranged and manic in the laughter as the cries sound more pained. At that, there are no words—they just need to run through towards the sounds.

It will take a little bit, the way obstructed by bodies and debris, but when they finally round the corner they will be met with a bloody tank, spears protruding from the back of a young whale floundering in the water with a group above the tank—a mix of guards and two of the "elite guests."

"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" the crow screams, their once fine garments torn and bloodied as it claws at the whale trying to escape. "LOOK WHAT YOU DID!"

It's then they may catch a glimpse of a wing already turned to crystal, and they will have a chance to see another crow already submerged in the water, its crystallized head pressed against the inside of the tank's wall before it drifts back away.

Of course, they won't spend too much time taking it all in, or at least Cid won't. without his lightning, all he can do is grab a broken steel bar and hurl it right at the crow, impaling it through its back as Cid continues to rush towards the other mercenaries and guards that were gathered nearby.

He already knows Benedikta will be able to take care of most of them...or maybe he's not really thinking. Maybe he's seen this enough times that he just rushes in, anyway.

Regardless, none of these people will know what hit them—and they needed to hurry and save that whale before it's too late.]
astudyinviolet: Scruffy Sherlock looking very lost (⩑ The Adventure of the Two Jo(h)ns)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-12 07:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ If there's one thing that will make any unpleasant situation marginally better, it is explaining what is being done. Sherlock tries to focus on Alfyn's words and voice. Alfyn is only doing what he must to help. And Sherlock needs the help.

However, there is that moment when Alfyn leaves, his hand slipping from Sherlock's, that worry fills the part of his face that can still move. After being isolated from a friendly soul for so long, he doesn't want to be alone again so soon. Then he chides himself for being so immature; he knows that a healer such as Alfyn is in high demand on this ship. He's not his only patient.

The reason for Alfyn leaving is soon explained as wet clothes are removed, and Sherlock is wrapped up in the blankets. He might have blushed a little when Alfyn cuts away the chemise because he doesn't have the layers to spare now. Needs must, and regardless, the chill no longer grows stronger with the blankets around him. Sherlock would be willing to call himself comfortable compared to what he endured before his rescue.
]

You have my gratitude....

[ Despite his condition, Sherlock tries to observe Alfyn. The facts come slowly. Pale, winded, drained... could all that be worry over him? ]

Are you hurt?
astudyinviolet: Scruffy Sherlock in the rain (⩑ The Adventure of the Remade Problem)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-12 07:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ From one terror to another. Engrossed by the eye and the feeling that some familiar horror lurked under the waters, Sherlock misses the beast coming towards him until he is within it clutches. Sherlock could do little against it. His body ached and lacked the ability to overpower his foe. Those strange waters washed away his tattoo, and with it, his magic. Blinding light was not an option either.

Yet, Sherlock recognized those petal-like clusters even as he couldn't recognize the... person?
]

... Miss Miriam?

[ This form is new, but somehow he knew this was an affliction, perhaps like what he had on occasion. ]
ramuhs: (⚡ 241)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 07:59 am (UTC)(link)
[He is very serious, and he knows very well what Shadow is thinking. But despite that stumble, he'll prove himself at least not completely useless by slaying a few more on his own, whittling the numbers down until there's only one left...

...

Who is already starting to run off.]
ramuhs: (⚡ 031)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Just going to ignore that gaze~]

Perhaps it's mutual fault then.

[A light chuckle.]

Regardless, I apologize for disrupting your nap.
ramuhs: (⚡ 259)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 08:10 am (UTC)(link)
[There's just an understanding smile at the curse remark. That one is still a tricky one to solve... But for now, he downs that vial and he immediately can feel the effects.]

Aye, and if we're going the same way might as well stick together.

[AND AWAY HE LEADS...]

Have you encountered anyone else from the crew here? This place is so large and complex I have yet to determine if there were others or not.
ramuhs: (⚡ 304)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh nothing that interesting. For some reason he has some maps and navigational charts out and seems to be mostly writing something. Who knows what it all is about.]

Not to worry. Fortunately the island is large enough for a wyvern and her hatchlings...though the gryphons might protest.

[A wry chuckle.]

Where is she nesting?
ramuhs: (⚡ 161)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 08:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Of course Cid has no plans on leaving leaving just yet, however Emet-Selch doesn't need to know that. Instead, his brows furrow for a moment at seeing Emet-Selch's leg, but he doesn't comment.]

Down this way should take us to an exit.

[HEY EMET WANNA EXPERIENCE ONE OF CID'S SHORTCUTS—]
astudyinviolet: Scruffy Sherlock looking out the window (⩑ A Problem of Reason)

[personal profile] astudyinviolet 2025-04-12 08:22 am (UTC)(link)
I see things that aren't there and dream of horrors within the Abyss.

[ And potentially a genetic disposition towards madness.

(It's trauma. Traumatic coping for a child in an age where such things were not understood nor treated kindly.)
]

While searching for his answers, I believe he came across those instead.
ramuhs: (⚡ 304)

[personal profile] ramuhs 2025-04-12 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Let's just say Cid was at least aware of Sherlock's presence and some what of what transpired, and enough time has passed that at least most of the crystallization has cleared save for a few shards that are on his lower forearm near his wrist. Because of course it had to.

Seeing the text, he's a little surprised, but there is some relief as well.]


About as well as anyone else. Working on getting a stock of those remedies to at least help our own.

And you?
octoblot: (your voice)

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-12 12:18 pm (UTC)(link)
The better to flaunt both their wealth and the quality of their product in this world, I would assume: crystal allows for finer details to be preserved than say, using gold perhaps.

[But, at this point, Azul has privately lost interest in why these people are doing this. There's a familiar itch that has started to be felt under his skin, a telltale sign that the magic and potions he uses for his appearance is in danger of wearing off soon the longer he stays here. His priority has since become finding out a means to get the hell out of here before that happens...

For now, however, Azul does not let on to that fact. Instead, he takes interest in his fellow captive as he asks--]


So! Since we're here and all, I suppose I should ask who you are, since I don't believe I've caught your name yet in our time being here so far.
octoblot: (the fluke is the duke of the soul)

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-12 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[What Shadow does with the truth potion, or how much of a beating Robotnik might get is none of Azul's business at this point. As long as his name stays out of both their mouths while Azul gets to reap the benefits, Shadow is free to kill the man for all Azul cares.

Even if the doctor is admittedly interesting in his own way, from what Azul managed to learn from talking to the guy himself not that long ago. But yeah, Azul doesn't personally care enough about either Shadow or Robotnik yet to want to intervene on either one's behalf over the other.]


Wonderful. I'm glad that you were able to bring the other half of your payment.

[He holds out his hand to accept the pouch of money. He'll have to count it to make sure it is indeed not a cent short, but otherwise, that's one less thing on the list of work Azul has to catch up on from his kidnapping to worry about...]
wherethereislight: (chaos lance)

[personal profile] wherethereislight 2025-04-12 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[How cute, they think they can run. In a flash, Shadow was gone. The next, the shark is keeling over as a spear of light is thrust into their back, Shadow reappearing and landing on them from behind.

He remains standing on top of the merc once they've fallen, spear in his hand as he glares over to Cid. Are you going to be a problem he has to deal with? Cause you have to do something and ignore your current condition? Don't mind the blood dripping from his own right arm where the acid had hit.]
apothecarry: (unruly hair)

[personal profile] apothecarry 2025-04-12 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[He was very quick and professional, regarding the blankets. Most people wouldn't want to be seen so vulnerably, no matter how necessary it was for treating them, and he would never do anything to make it more awkward or stressful than it is already. It's just sometimes part of the job.

Alfyn's primary condition is "wet," though he's started to dry off a bit since he's been with Sherlock. The seawater washed away all of the blood and most of the dirt - so for now, he doesn't have any visible cuts, and only a couple of bruises.]


Aw, I don't look that bad, do I? [A quick grin; he runs a hand through his salt-soaked hair. This does nothing to help, and may even have made the whole effect worse, but maybe it'll get some humor out of Sherlock in return.] But I'm okay. Just a little knocked around - promise.

[Later. Later, he can be haunted and bothered by how much damage he had to do in order to free the people who'd been abducted. No matter how necessary it was...having lives on his hands won't sit well with him any time.]

I'm gonna mix you up somethin' - not medicine, but somethin' for your stomach. [It was evident that he'd been sick - from the pain, or the ship motion, or the stress of escape, it doesn't much matter which. Though Alfyn is already pulling things from his satchel, he makes sure to stay where Sherlock can see him.] Take a couple deep breaths, deep as you can, and tell me how it feels now?
oathkeeper: <user name=sheme> (12964188)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-04-12 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[What a rough month it's been, already. Sora needs to find a certain Cloud Strife to check in on him.

He's been to the Seventh Heaven a few times to spend time with Ventus in the past. But today he's on the dock waving up at the large ship for a different blond.]


Heyyy! Cloud! Cloud, are you home?! You're back safe, right?!

[KNOCK KNOCK. Hello, let him on the ship.]
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 39)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-04-12 05:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[With Roxas and Axel deep in the foray of things, Sora has struggled to try and help them. It's rough trying to navigate the entire situation, and even tougher to find them. But eventually Sora finds the shore where he thinks he might be able to find his way onto land safely.

What he's not expecting is to see the stretch of wet shore covered in... bones and bodies. Seeing everything has a chill go up Sora's spine. This isn't good. He scans over the shore for anything and anyone that he might be able to help.

It's a good thing Axel has bright red hair.]


... Lea? Lea?! Lea!!

[Sora's still out on their ship out in the water. But he might be able to get in closer soon.]
garudas: (🗡️ 287)

[personal profile] garudas 2025-04-12 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well. It doesn't take much to understand what it is that's going on here, especially when the little whale makes distressed sounds from the tank, spouting water and kicking its half-crystalized fins while it tries to escape and shake off the spears from its back, the water staining a deep red with every desperate thrash of its body.

Neither the guards nor the elites seem to notice them at first, which is good for them. As Cid nails one of the crows in the back of the head, Benedikta goes for the guards that turn their heads at the sound.

"Who are you—!? You aren't supposed to be—"

That is all they are able to get out before Benedikta is rushing at them, wings spread and winds battering. She picks up two of them in her claws, squeezing them into a tight grip while a sharp wind lifts one off their feet and throws them back against the wall. They scream, and the other elite on the ground tries to scramble away. She lets him, trusting that Cid will be able to take care of him one way or another as she keeps the three guards pinned in place for a few moments longer before she shoves them down to the grates. They crash with a loud thud, held beneath Benedikta's claws as the whale swims beneath them.

And once she is sure that it will be the last thing that they see, she brings her talons down upon them with a scream, gouging at their bodies and ripping them apart in one fell swoop.]


You next.

[She snaps her gaze to the one at the wall, and all he will manage is a scream as Benedikta lunges at him, grabbing his face with a claw and twisting, snapping his neck with a loud and easy CRACK.

Her boots thunder against the steel grates.]


Cidolfus?

[Does he need her help?]
brokenlight: ((147) Can only be what's true)

[personal profile] brokenlight 2025-04-12 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[He tilts his head at that.]

What do you usually listen with?
brokenlight: ((146) One remains)

[personal profile] brokenlight 2025-04-12 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
...You're bad at staying still, aren't you.

[Not even a question. He thought he was a bad patient.]
velocityraptor: Credit recadreuse (pic#17383433)

[personal profile] velocityraptor 2025-04-12 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The part he tends to omit. ]

My feathers. [ Hawks grumbles a little bit. ] They pick up and produce vibration. I can both see through echolocation and hear through them. But they washed off my tattoo and left me quirkless. My headphones are noise cancelling so usually I just listen to things with my feathers.

[ He has hundreds. This is like the opposite of sensory overload - which he sometimes gets. ]
sunsetking: (020)

[personal profile] sunsetking 2025-04-12 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Leona takes a few steps back when the tank disintegrates and water flows out. It isn’t exactly in his plan to get wet, after all. But seeing Azul like this is…interesting. Not quite something he was expecting to see either.

His brows furrows at the sight of the cords.

No wonder.

Walking over, Leona crouches down and his nose twitches at the scent of his blood. A glance over at the crystallization.

Interesting.

Ignoring the look Azul is giving him, he turns the cords into sand.]


Can you talk like this?

[Golden sand glitters around them briefly to get rid of the remaining cords tying Azul down. He does have to concentrate a little more to ensure he doesn’t accidentally turn the octopus into sand with it. Not that he thinks it would; he’d have to put more effort into it.]
sunsetking: (102)

[personal profile] sunsetking 2025-04-12 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
If you apologize, I’d be tempted to drag you down for a nap with me.

[Leona isn’t above using someone as a pillow.]

I’m surprised the missus is letting you move around and about.

[Let’s. Just pretend Leona knows the news. And has hung around enough to know that.]
octoblot: (but under the sea we're off the hook)

[personal profile] octoblot 2025-04-12 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thankfully, the tentacles that are tied down don't wiggle too much when Leona starts turning the cords to sand, so that should mae it easier to not accidentally turn them to sand somehow.]

Yes... now that I don't have to try to shout at you from inside of that tank... for you to hear me.

[Now that he's not underwater and in a glass box, Azul can be heard more clearly now, and perhaps thankfully for Leona, despite the ink staining his face, there isn't any ink that spills out right now. However, his voice sounds awful, like as if he's trying to speak while dealing with a sore throat.]

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