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[seaboards]

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.

Comments

[garudas]

[It is a very long story, and she looks at him, then at the whales, and then down to the pool beneath them.]

Release gate?

[She pulls back and shifts so that she's looking further into the water and the iron bars that he's trying to point to.]

How do we open it? What does it do?

[That is to say... tell her what she can do and she will do it.]

[ramuhs]

[He looks at her and he has an inkling of what she's thinking.]

From what I figured, there was a wheel that you could turn to open the gate. But that's now broken so the only would be to somehow pry them out or break the wall.

[garudas]

And that would free the whales?

[Sensing what it is they are talking about, the whales make their way over to the gate that Cid has mentioned, albeit awkwardly and crookedly, their crystal fins making it difficult for them to swim in a straight line. And never before has she felt more urgency to free them than she does now...]

I could dive beneath and try to do it. Same way that I had broken this.

[ramuhs]

It will at least take them out to another area that will bring them closer to the exit. There are numerous chambers like this and, from what I can tell there are different channels, but they all lead to a larger area. That's likely where they had originally brought them in and forced them through.

With the waters receded, they'll need to stay there with the main gate weak enough that once the waters rush in, they'll be able to swim free.

[A small exhale.]

That's the plan, at least, and at least a better chance than here. So if you truly think you can do it...

[garudas]

I think I can.

[She isn't completely sure, but she is certain enough that she wants to at least try it. She tries to get a measure of how far she will need to go before she reaches the gate, watching the whales as they swim back and forth in front of it like a beacon for her.]

... You had better not let me drown, yes?

[And with a quick kiss to his cheek and no more time to waste, she dives into the water. Her wings spread out behind her and beat in the water, and she tries to use them to propel her forward alongside a wind. It is difficult, but it works, moving her through faster than she could manage with simply swimming. She's holding her breath, but... for how long will she be able to?

She stops at the gate, looking it over, and moves back to the surface for some air first.]

This is the one?

[ramuhs]

Of course.

[Even with one arm handicapped.

But he still watches warily, worried how well she would be able to swim with everything and the whales watch carefully, too, keeping a small distance away. But they all marvel at the use of her wings, and when she surfaces he nods with a call back down to her.]

Aye, that's it! Just be careful with the rocks, they might have loosened work the recent tremors.

[garudas]

[She does look over the rocks that litter the floor of the tank, and then up, her expression hardening.]

I will go as quickly as I can.

[She takes a deep inhale and dives under again, swimming down to the bottom where the gate is. She gives it a quick scan just to be sure, and then reaches for it to shake it, checking for any loose places, but it is on there as tightly as the rest of the steel cage was.

Alright then...

It will take her a moment longer to focus on that magic again, so for a few seconds, Benedikta closes her eyes and simply floats there, the wings curling around herself protectively while she searches for that same feeling again. Searches for that little tiny voice in her heart that belongs to Garuda. And though she does not draw upon Garuda's powers or her own aether, she still listens for it. And once she finds it, Cid will feel that gust of wind in the room grow stronger again as the lines of magic pulses on Benedikta's skin.

The water bubbles as those claws form over her arms, almost as large as she is, and she swings them forward to grasp at the gate tightly, bracing herself against the bars with her legs. It's a little harder to do underwater, and she can feel herself losing more air, but perhaps that is what spurs her forward, firing up her adrenaline again so that when she squeezes on the bars, bending them under the large talons, and then pulls, it comes loose. It takes several more of the same, alternating between the motions until there's a muffled screech and then a CLANG when it comes loose off its hinges.

She tosses it aside, and it immediately sinks to the ground, and the whales circle around her before trying to shove her up. She takes a gasp when she breaks through to the surface.]

[ramuhs]

[Being only able to wait like this makes him feel strangely... Useless. Which is silly to think, of course, especially considering all that he had managed to do up until now. However, as much as he is for moving away from magic, it's times like these that show where it can be useful. Then again, would he have been able to do much with his lightning without harming the whales?

He shakes off that feeling and watches Benedikta instead, his brows furrowing with each passing second she's under. But then those lines appear and that claw forms—

But she's not semi-priming?

It's very similar, but her appearance is not fully changed and while he braces himself against the strong winds, he can't feel Garuda in them. At least not as strongly. And as she starts to pry off those bars...]

...It really is your own magic. How far you've come, Benna.

[His voice and soft yet filled with immense pride, one she will see traces of once she's caught her breath and he leans over to look at her a little worriedly.]

You all right? Don't push yourself too much now.

[garudas]

[One of the claws slides up out of the water to grip the metal as she tries to catch her breath, and when she looks up at him and sees that look on his face, she tilts her head at him.]

I am fine. Just need a moment.

[She coughs some of the water out of her and gives her head a shake, trying to shove her wet hair out of her face before it keeps whipping her cheeks.]

Is that enough for the whales?

[Both of whom are now swimming under her, trying to nudge her back up and out of the water.]

[ramuhs]

It should be... Though they seem more preoccupied making sure you are safe then getting themselves out.

[A wry grin before he leans over to hold out his hand.]

Here, lets get you out first.

[garudas]

[Benedikta tries to bat them away.]

Go! You cannot stay here.

[But they don't seem to want to go anywhere just yet. Not until she is out of the water, so... she stares at Cid's hand for a moment before she aways her claws—he probably does not want to be grabbed by them—and takes his hand in hers so that he can help her out and she can pull herself from the water and into the winds.

The whales come up near the surface and chirp at them.]

What are you still doing here?

[Shoo!!!

She turns to Cid and brushes her hair back out of her eyes.]

They will be alright from here?

[ramuhs]

Hopefully. Unfortunately I don't know what it's like in there or where exactly it goes, so they will have fend for themselves for a bit. But they are a strong ones, I'm sure.

[He gives them a smile and a wave before gesturing them to go like Benedikta did and calling to them.]

Now go on, we'll be all right and meet up with you again later!

[garudas]

[Her eyes linger on the crystal on their fins, but the whales get the hint when another rumble tears through the dungeons, and some shouts can be heard outside, and they head to the now torn-open gate and swim through it as fast as they can.

Benedikta stares at Cid's shoulder, her lips pressing into a firm line, the question there on the tip of her tongue and in the hardness of her gaze, but as much as she wishes to ask what happened, they cannot stick around for long. She grabs his hand instead.]

Come. Do you know where they have stored your things?

[ramuhs]

[He can hear her question in her gaze, but they did have to go. With a squeeze of her hand, he furrows his brows.]

No need, I already got my swords and that's all I really needed.

[garudas]

...

Wait.

[Before they go, she tugs on his hand again and pulls him closer.]

I have something that belongs to you.

[She gives him a pointed yet worried look before she's pulling out the chain around her neck, and dangling from it alongside the pendant are is ring of returning and wedding ring. She unsecures the chain so that she can slide them off, his wedding ring first.]

[ramuhs]

[His eyes widen at seeing the rings, a storm of emotions brimming in his eyes as they fixate on the wedding band on the chain. But before she can pull it off, his right hand presses against hers, his expression hardening into something more unreadable.]

You should hold onto it for now. Can't exactly wear them properly at the moment.

[There's a wane smile at that, fingertips squeezing over hers.]

[garudas]

[Her heart twists at that, as if his hand halting hers is what squeezes at it, and her gaze drops to the rings and then to his other arm.]

... I forgot.

[There's sorrow in her voice, disappointment and shame flitting across her expression before it hardens again, and she gives him a look of "you are going to tell me everything after." It's hard to remember when she is so used to him not having it there... And it only makes her anger flare up at the reminder.

She slips the chain back around her neck.]

Grab your swords and let us go.

[ramuhs]

[He can so those changes in her expression, and it pains him a bit. But he just nods and moves towards the edge of the grating to jump down. He'll wait for her to join him before grabbing his swords, which had fallen to the ground from where he had rested them against the wall due to the tremors, and as if to remind them another one rumbles through.]

They seem to be coming in faster... What's going on outside to cause them, do you know?

[He'll start walking down the path as he asks. At least for now their path is straightforward as there was only one way in to this particular area.]

[garudas]

[She hops down right behind him, and once he has his swords, she'll take his hand as they head for the door.]

Did you not hear? There is a rescue effort... The Captains of the Stormbringer and the Royal Fortune led the charge, and there must be at least a hundred people here. I can only guess that is what is causing all the ruckus outside. Never mind the giant wave...

[ramuhs]

[A small nod as they continue on their way.]

Aye, I did manage to catch a glimpse when I found my way out briefly. But it sounds as if they're firing the cannons at the entire island.

[Which, honestly, no one would disagree with.]

[garudas]

[As soon as they step out into the hallway, Cid will find some bodies littering the floor that were not there before and were left there by his darling wife on her rampage to get to him.]

I am not surprised that they are. Trying to snuff out those responsible, I am sure. Makes it easier to round them up and do with them what they will.

[ramuhs]

[There will be a small look of surprise at suddenly bodies, however, he can easily guess the one who left such a gift. Glancing at her, his hand tightens a little as if in appreciation, pulling her a little closer to him.]

All the more that we should try and hurry and see if there aren't any other trapped whales before we head out. I stayed as long as I could to free the others.

[garudas]

[She feels that squeeze and returns it with one of her own. Fortunately, anyone who was down here has either gone up or been at her mercy, so they have a bit of freedom. For now.]

Do you know where the other tanks are? You'd mentioned they were all connected.

[ramuhs]

[A low hum in contemplation.]

I know of at least two more. I hope they've already been tended to, but it's best to check just in case. They are not too from here, but this place is like a maze so we'll need to be careful.

[garudas]

Well. We could make it less of a maze.

[There is magic thick in the air.]

How about some good old fashioned making our own shortcuts?

[Of course, she has no idea yet of the magic being stripped from them—]