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« 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.
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.
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.
🏃♂️➡️ 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.
no subject
(They can hear it in the distance, coming towards them. Hopefully it'll just pass by the cell without event.)
I need to put you down, I think. I've heard that the brand can cause actual problems if you push it too much for too long.
(And maybe after all that they need a few minutes of rest.)
no subject
[ He accepts being let down, taking three unsteady steps to separate them. See? He's fine. ]
You don't have to carry me, I can go under my own power. I'm fast.
[ Not at the moment and it's unclear if he'd make it out on time, but not if the risk is that they don't. Sacrificing himself to save a friend? Nothing more noble than that. ]
no subject
Hawks... I want to help you get out of here. I just can't carry you unless it's an emergency.
(Supporting him was fine. They just ...need time to let the brand reset after carrying him.
Also, they've been overusing their powers and it's taking a massive toll on them.They open their pack. Fuck this, if they have to wait for this fucking robot to leave they're gonna eat something while they wait. They offer one of their Pemmican cakes to him wordlessly. Whether he actually takes it or not they're gonna eat a honey seed bar themself.)
no subject
The pemmican gets his full attention though, his eyes widening slightly, his focus on the little cake because he's very hungry, and his instincts are more at the forefront than they usually are.
He stares, muscles taut like he's about to pounce, but no, all he does is swipe the cake clean off their hand, not making contact with them. It's a reflexive bit of quick speed because likely before they process he's taken it, he's already stuffing it into his mouth.
Hawks needs to chill on his bird instincts. ]
no subject
(Despite him trying to put off food until they're out of here. Asshole.
They'll move to the other side of the cell to eat their candybar but take the lunchbox out of their pack and leave it open in case he wants to take anything else. There's ...more pemmican, rolls of fruit leather, jars of candied flower petals, honey and seed bars, and several kinds of jerky.
That isn't hugely relevant though. What is relevant is that the robot hasn't fucking left yet. Instead it seems to have walked past the cell and to the end of the corridor... and has now turned around and is headed back along the corridor, approaching the cell again. Is it coming for them or just going back the way it came?)
no subject
I'm hungry but we didn't have time...it's fine. I'm okay. I can go longer without food.
[ Except the way he's looking at the food is almost feral. ]
no subject
(Admittedly, eating and walking is kind of hard when you can barely manage the walking, but still.)
...You can't hear very well without your wings, can you?
no subject
It's different. I should have relatively normal hearing but I don't usually use it? [ Hawks rubs at his ears lightly. They're not bothering him but it's weird. ]
It's like if the volume is usually a thousand, right now it's down to like five. At least I use my vision far more often.
no subject
(He's probably used to having to tune most of what he hears out.
Well, they can at least hear pretty well.
They sigh.)
It's at the end of the hall now, I think.
no subject
I'm sorry. [ He mumbles again. ] I haven't kept up with my training enough. I will be better.
[ This never should've happened, he shouldn't have been caught. ]
no subject
(How long are they going to have to keep repeating that, they wonder?
The heavy clanging footsteps pause at the end of the corridor. Chris holds their breath as they wait, silently willing the damned thing to leave.)
no subject
He shouldn't need rest. He can handle this. He was trained for it.
Hawks only sucks in a sharp breath, but he doesn't argue. He can wallow later, tear himself apart with their words, later.
He knows better.
He can smile for Chris. His inner turmoil is his own. ]
no subject
Of course it isn't working. Has something like that ever worked on them?
Words mean little in comparison to actions.
So they try taking a page from Ortega's book instead.)
Hey, after we get out of here and back to Eltrut... you wanna go get chicken somewhere?
(Food was always a pretty good approach. Harder to fear a punishment when you're being given a reward.
The robot finally starts moving again, headed away down another passage. Chris relaxes, but they're not going to leave until they can't hear its footsteps at all anymore.)
no subject
He's a little bit aware that his instincts are less under strict control right now, especially because he's so food motivated. He's too tired to feel guilty about that. His gaze sharpens on Chris at the offer, it's a look of interest, but some people tend to find that kind of thing unnerving. ]
I could kill for some chicken right now. [ Metaphorically, he's not really feeling bloodthirsty at the moment. ]
no subject
Might have to at the rate things are going.
(Or Chris will, since Hawks can barely do anything right now. They aren't much of a killer, but they'll do it to avoid either of them getting recaptured and used to start up a new corpse gallery.
Their expression darkens at the thought of it. Then they stand up.)
It's gone now.
no subject
It sounds somewhat reasonable but he is very unsteady on his feet. Crouching into a perch-like position, he's stable, but once he gets on his feet, the weight that should counter balance him just isn't. He huffs in frustration, but he doesn't ask for help. ]
Let's go.
[ His legs are fine, it's his brain that's working against him and it's mildly irritating. ]
no subject
Huh. Overcompensating for the wings? Thst gives them an idea.)
Think a backpack would help you balance?
no subject
[ That's probably very obvious, considering. He's carried a duffel bag before, but that's about it. ]
no subject
(Their own rucksack can be carried like a purse or as a backpack. They gesture at it.)
no subject
[ Hawks is sore, but not enough that added weight is going to be a problem. He'll take the pointer and strap it onto his back. The weight is good, somewhat familiar. It's not quite perfect, all of his senses are confused, but it does kind of help. He's stumbling a lot less.
It feels more like when his wings have gotten small, due to feather use. ]
This is better. A lot better.
no subject
(They'll open the cell door and take a look down the corridor before stepping out. They couldn't sense anyone there, but at this point they're taking no chances.
A mildly interesting thing to note about the backpack: it's very slightly heavier than one would expect for a pack of its size, because there's a sizeable amount of dubloons stored in it alongside their more practical supplies.)
no subject
If he's healed and out of danger he can walk as slow as he needs to until he can get the tattoo replaced.
He follows after him, glancing around with his eyes, taking in the details. His other senses might not be completely right, but his vision is fine. ]
no subject
As they near the exit, Chris pauses.)
They've got corpses on display up here. It's ...bad.
no subject
[ Hawks doesn't look surprised. Even if he was squeamish, which he isn't, they have to get out of there. That's pretty necessary, unless they're planning on dying down there. He isn't. ]
I've got a strong stomach, I'll be okay.
no subject
(The last thing they need is for him to go running off... even if they doubt he's actually in any condition to do so.
...They saw how he got at the auction, even if he doesn't know that was them.)
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