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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
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.)
no subject
I promise not to attack anyone.
[ He does get to be mad about it though. Fortunately for them, he will live up to that promise because not being in a good enough condition to fight is not actually something that would stop him. ]
no subject
(And they'll exit the dungeons and head out into the light.
And it is full of light. Windows and skylights flood these grand rooms and arched hallways with all of the illumination the sky can provide, and the building and its contents are thus on stark display.
On Earth, there are crypts and temples made of bone. It would be wrong to compare this to such displays, because those were made to honor the dead, to provide storage when cemeteries could hold no more and to remind the living that one day they too would be nothing but bone and dust. A mass grave would also be a poor comparison: even when used for truly evil purposes those were meant to dispose of the results. To hide them away like the shame they are.
This...
There are bones everywhere. They form the framing, the arches, the accents, in some cases even the furniture. Carved. Gilded. Crystallized. And the statues. Hundreds upon hundreds of them. Sconces made with crystallized hands holding the light source. Heads mounted on the walls staring down with empty, glittering eyes. People in various "interesting" positions when the crystal finally took them displayed on finely carved bases as they sob, scream, hold each other, hold themselves for comfort. An art gallery of suffering. A playground for the rich built on the literal backs of the poor.
These people are proud of what they've done. They want to look at the horror they've caused and take joy in knowing they were able to cause it.
They aren't hurting people for purpose or even profit. The cruelty is the point.)
no subject
He did promise not to hit anyone, so instead he grasps the straps of the backpack he's wearing in a tight grip, that he'll hold as he walks.
These people on display deserve justice.
He's so angry he can't offer a comment, just keep quiet and keep moving. That and keeping his promise. ]
no subject
Fewer corpses here though. Probably because a lot of them were captured.
There's the sound of canonfire in the distance. Occasionally, bits of ceiling come raining down.)
Hey Hawks, look out-Shit! (They were about to tell him to look out the window, see the way the ocean has drawn back and brought this artificial island to the sea floor, see those great walls of water that will soon come crashing in and the monster that lives in them.
Instead, they hurl themself at him to try and knock him down and shield him from the wall that will explode only seconds later, throwing their strongest perception shield over them in the hope that the angry shark mercenary now in the hallway doesn't notice them.)
no subject
He doesn't seem too alarmed about it, but he's pinned under Chris, and all he does is draw in a shuddering breath as the mercenary is making its way in. They don't want to be noticed, and he can keep still long enough to wait them out. ]
no subject
...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.
no subject
[ It was probably already damaged, thanks to the rest of the accommodations he's had. ]
Doesn't feel dangerous, let's keep moving.
no subject
(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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
(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.)
no subject
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.
no subject
(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.
no subject
I know. I feel so weird without them. It's like being naked, but worse.
no subject
(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.)
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
(Again, it's a feeling they know.)
Fortunately, I've still got mine.
(Their powers, they mean.
The other part of that sentence, that they'll use them to make sure thry both get out, goes unsaid.
Not that they need to say it, because they're finally stumbling out of snow exit and... well yeah, they sure are on an island of whale bone resting at the bottom of a shallow sea strewn with the remains of the dead, the water forming towering walls ready to crush and drown everything, everyone the moment the magic holding them up is gone.
There are ships up there, and smaller boats waiting to take people up to them, to safety.)
no subject
He doesn't add to it, because he doesn't need to. He looks worse for wear, even though he's acting like he's fine, and he's more than ready to be out of that place. He didn't think he learned all that much in the end. ]
I owe you one. [ That he will state plainly, because he does. ]
no subject
(But they don't say he doesn't. A favor might come in useful.)
Lets just get to the boats.
no subject
He keeps moving, heading towards the boat and moving as fast as he's able to clear it. Not fast enough for his liking, but he can't always get what he wants.
Once he's reached the smaller boat, before he climbs up, he'll shrug off the bag and offer it back to them. ]
no subject
They take the pack and immediately fish out the lunchbox to get some sugar into their system.
Looks like Hawks isn't the only one who's gonna need a break.)
no subject
You going to be okay?
no subject
(They take out the first thing they can grab--a jar of candied lilacs--and open it, popping several of the little flowers in their mouth at once.)
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