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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]

[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—]

[ramuhs]

[There's a small laugh at that.]

Best not. This place is already crumbling at the seams and we might make worse. I also doubt your winds would be able to carve through rock on its own.

[garudas]

[That earns a disappointed click of her tongue. Well, she can just blow shit up when they are out of here...]

Fine. Then let us head this way. If we follow the litter of dead bodies, then we no doubt will find something.

[And she gestures back the way she came which is the only way out of this corridor for now, but she knows that there will be more, assuming no one's moved them. She'll kick the one at her feet out of the way and lead on, his hand in hers.]

[ramuhs]

[There's just a quiet huff of laughter.]

Is this the same trail you followed to find me? Although you've clearly added to it.

[He had to fight through to get here, but it was certainly not this many.

But they will have to walk a bit before the path branches, and after glancing around he'll take one of the paths down.]

[garudas]

It is.

[Said with a proud smile, and as they round the corner, she arches a brow at him.]

I assume you have been through these halls already? You seem quite familiar with them.

[ramuhs]

Passed through a few times and made it a point to remember should ever such an opportunity arose.

[garudas]

Well, today is your lucky day then, is it not? To think we'd passed through the same places.

[Stepping over that very dead body bleeding on the floor with very clear sword wounds scattered across their chest.

But she narrows her eyes as the light seems to fade at the end of the corridor.]

That is odd...

[ramuhs]

[Seeing the darkness, Cid frowns and they take a few more steps before he lets out a low exhale.]

Blocked.

[He stares at the fallen rocks, completely blocking their way.]

I was afraid something like this would happen. Suppose we'll have to turn back and try a different way.

[garudas]

[She grabs hold of him where there's a violent quake nearby. Likely a cannon landing against the house's walls right above them, as more debris starts to crumble down. She staggers back, bringing him along with her, when another sizeable rock tumbles and shatters only inches from where they had been standing.]

Shit.

[She could try breaking through this, but who knows how far the hallway has collapsed in, and so...]

There was that other corridor. We just have to pray that it is not shut off as well.

[ramuhs]

[There's a momentary frown as he stares at the rubles before nodding and turning back.]

This way, hurry.

[And this time he will lead her back down at a brisk log, mindful of any other tremors that might occur. Fortunately, when they reach the intersection, while there was some fallen stone it was not as much and they can easily get past.

But now, although the path is windy and there are a few paths branching off, Cid moves forward without any hesitation.]

[garudas]

[Benedikta will at least help by blowing some of the rubble away, moving it out of their path so they don't risk falling over it.

However, when he starts leading her through the hallways, passing through several doors and empty cells, Benedikta calls to him.]

Cidolfus, do you know where we are going or are you just rushing through blindly?

[Around corner after corner, it's like this place truly is built like a maze meant to confuse people.]

[ramuhs]

[He only glances at some of the empty cells before he looks at her.]

Well I've been here for over a week, I should hope I would have learned something of the neighborhood.

[Odd attempt at a joke?]

[garudas]

[She snorts.]

Well, you have certainly kept yourself busy in that case... I assume they had caught you each time you attempted to make nice with the rest of the "neighbourhood"?

[ramuhs]

[Aha...

There's a few steps of silence as he doesn't answer right away.]

Actually, I pretended to be as quiet as a lamb.

[garudas]

You have much to tell me once we are out of here...

[There's an air of both amusement and worry in her voice.

Amusement that is short-lived when they hear footsteps approaching and they round the corner at the exact same time that a panicked guard does, chanting something about having to get out get out get out and as soon as he sees Cid, there's a flicker of recognition.

"You—!"]

Friend of yours?

[ramuhs]

[Honestly, he normally wouldn't mind so much to regale someone of his exploits while here. However, his only concern is Benedikta and how she might feel should she learn the truth, and he finds that perhaps such a discussion would be better somewhere else.

But he might not have much of a choice as he also recognizes the face, and he lets out a wry laugh.]

We're fairly well acquainted, though he might not be used to me looking so "hale and hearty."

[As Cid reaches for his sword, the guard shouts at him, yelling if he's the one who killed the others and how they knew he it was all an act. Driven by rage and fear, the guard rushes at them, their own blade now drawn.]

[garudas]

[She looks over at Cid as the guard rushes at them, her eyes wide and flashing with malice and confusion at what that could imply.]

Oh? Would you like to do the honours?

[She is ready to sidestep and let him have the kill if he should like it.]

[ramuhs]

[Just something of a hollow grin.]

Suppose only fitting.

[It's all he has the chance to say before he's stepping forward to swiftly up bring his sword just before the guard reaches them, the blades clashing hard against each other.

Feeling the strength behind Cid's arm despite holding it with one hand, the guard is surprised and once again exclaims that he knew he was faking it the whole time!!!

Not that it matters as Cid just swiftly kicks him in the stomach, sending the man staggering back before continuing on the offense. Despite his own handicap, he has a great advantage given the instability of the guard, and after a few quick bouts he's able to cut in and deliver the killing blow, his blade slashing through the guard to send them falling back to the ground.

At the end of it, however, he has to take a moment to catch his breath. During the fight he was able to maintain it all, but due to his weakened condition as well as what happened back at the tank, it was a bit of a toll on him.]

[garudas]

[She has many more questions, especially after what the guard says and watching Cid fight. She will step in if he needs her to but ultimately, she thinks he deserves the kill. Not even for the satisfaction, but just to balance the scales, so to speak. Her hand is on her sword the whole time, gripping it tight, prepared to draw it if she needs, but he handles it quite swiftly.

After a lingering look of concern at him as he catches his breath, Benedikta steps up and presses her sword through the guard's chest. That is for her own satisfaction.]

Clearly they were not expecting this, judging by the look on his face.

[She takes him by the hand again and urges him forward, hearing the sounds of blasts—cannon fire?—in the distance, several going off one after another.]

[ramuhs]

[Sheathing his sword, he just looks down at the fallen guard before continuing on with Benedikta, hand in hand.]

Well, I did make myself appear as a feeble old man who wouldn't be worth worrying about.

[They continue down the corridor, and his expression hardens a bit as they near the upcoming chambers.]

I was waiting for them to lower their guard around me so I could have a chance to strike back, but the fleet's appearance granted that for me.

[garudas]

Clearly... That, or they severely underestimated you.

[Her eyes narrow at him in question, sensing that slight shift in him, and as they move further down the corridor, her steps slow.]

Is that...?

[There is crystal along the floors, the wall, the ceiling, all of it seeming to come from the room ahead. Like it had erupted from there, or crept outward like a spiderweb seeking purchase. Even now, it seems to be alive, in a very uneasy sort of way, as Benedikta can hear the same sound she had when it spread across Cid's arm back at the tank in between cannon blasts.

And from inside the room, there are several voices that shout at each other.]