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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

[ramuhs]

[When Benedikta speaks, his attention goes to her and he can see the storm of emotions in her eyes. It's now that he feels some guilt and regret that she had to learn and see it like this, but that all is momentarily blown away when she throws herself at him. His right arm naturally goes around her, although the grip may feel a little lighter than usual. His reception of her kiss is also softer and lighter, as if he's just mostly quietly accepting whatever it is she wants to give.

And finally, he'll have some words to say.]

I'm all right.

[garudas]

[She has far too much to give, and he will feel every one of those emotions—anger, guilt, regret, worry, and then more anger—behind the fierce yet somehow gentle way that she kisses him. Her forehead presses to his when he speaks, one hand cradling his cheek while the other moves to grab hold of his left arm.]

No.

[He needn't be that way with her.

And as her fingers graze over the crystal, she fights a sob.]

I am sorry that I was not here sooner.

[ramuhs]

[Her touch is like a salve he didn't know he needed, his eyes briefly closing as he savors that warmth. And while he can't feel the one on his arm he can imagine it.]

But you are here now.

[It's his turn to soothe her, hand going to her cheek and thumb brushing under her eye.]

[garudas]

[He should not be the one comforting her! But she trembles with fury as his thumb brushes away the tears on her cheek.]

I could have stopped it... What did they do...?

[She knows that they have to keep moving, and that rumbling reminds her that they should, but her fingers grip his crystal arm tight, nails digging in where he can't feel it.]

[ramuhs]

[He starts to answer, but the tremors do give him pause. So there's a moment of silence as he stares at her with that troubled look before gently reaches for her hand and squeezes it.]

I'll explain it all... I promise. But it would be better if we didn't have an island about to come down all around us.

[garudas]

[She makes a choked, displeased sound in the back of her throat, pressing her forehead firmly to his. She looks like she is about to protest, and she is, but the rumbling and tremors make her pause too, and all she gives him is a slow exhale.

A sigh that does nothing to calm the storm that still continues to roil.]

Fine. Where do we go next?

[The tanks. He mentioned there being more tanks.

But he might feel that wind picking up again, trailing out of the room and into the hallways.]

[ramuhs]

Believe they're down this way.

[His hand tightens over hers as he leads her down the hall, quickly stepping over bodies of both guards and a few prisoners were unable to make it out alive. Those are the ones that will make Cid pause, glancing at their crystalized or bloodied forms in their cells before moving.]

[garudas]

[Benedikta's eyes skim past those in the cells, that sense of dread only provoking her anger further. She tries, in those few moments when her gaze rests on the bodies, not to let herself imagine Cid in their position, or her. The stones on her back throb obnoxiously, and she gives her shoulders a roll, her wings shivering from the motion, before she hears footsteps and steps ahead of Cid.

And whatever poor soul rounds the bend—fortunately for them, it's another guard trying to find their way out—does not make it a step beyond that because Benedikta is lunging at the burly man, knocking him back into the wall behind him and thrusting her sword through his chest. He slumps to the ground with a choked noise and she moves on, completely unfazed by the kill, flicking the blood away and hunting for her next as she take Cid's hand again.]

Did they keep you here, too?

[ramuhs]

[There's only some slight surprise more at the suddenness of it all than the act before he just continues along with her.]

Aye. It seems they had different types of cells and "containment" throughout this place. Suppose better one of these than one of the hanging cages I've seen.

[garudas]

The what?

[It's probably exactly how it sounds, but that does not make it any better.]

What the fuck could they possibly do with those?

[ramuhs]

[An idle shrug.]

Who knows, I wasn't really aware of what was going on in them. I had heard some mutterings about them, but it wasn't until I was out could I see them.

But I will say, this is truly the worst I've ever seen.

[garudas]

[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.]

[ramuhs]

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.]

[garudas]

[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?]

[ramuhs]

[As Benedikta takes care of the others and goes upward, Cid works his way to cut down the ones that remain on the ground, not minding the blood that flows as he ducks and weaves to cut down the ones that are left. It's just two, so not too much for him to handle even in his current condition. He even rams his crystalized elbow into one of their faces, shattering their teeth before slashing through their neck.

After the mini massacre is over, the only one left alive is a human man cowering in the corner pressed up against the tank, his once fine silk suit now splattered in blood and frayed in place. However, what's more interesting is the way crystal shards can be see crusting his neck, and seeing it...

Cid just snorts before looking up at Benedikta.]

Seems these fine gents had a taste of their own medicine. Not that it excuses what they've done.

[He then looks towards the whale still trapped in inside.]

Can you heal them?

[garudas]

[Benedikta looks down at the man and indeed takes note of the way Cid stops before him, not bothering to end it. An arch of her brow, a quirk of her lip, and taking that signal, she magics away her wings and claws for now and rushes over to the whale as it continues to thrash helplessly in the water, its cries echoing throughout the room.]

I could, but I need to get these spears out first...

[She tries to reach down, but she's just met with splashes.]

We need to hold it still.

[ramuhs]

Bit of a tall order with it being in the water.

[Seeing the man trying to slowly crawl away, he just stabs their leg, ignoring the pained scream as he slashes over the tendons of the second leg and walks over closer to her.]

Should I try jumping in?

[garudas]

[Ignoring the cries of the man on the ground, Benedikta tries to reach out for the whale, but it's no use. She cannot grab one of the spears without harming it further with the way that it's moving.]

With that arm? No.

[Benedikta makes a face as she stares down at the whale, her brow furrowing.]

... I will, if you think you can remove them.

[ramuhs]

[....She knows one arm is completely turned into crystal, right—

However, that's all he might really need. It's going to hurt regardless, so he just nods.]

I may be able to manage. Just a moment.

[Finding the ladder, he'll quickly make his way up.]

[garudas]

[And that is exactly why she is saying no. He would have a harder time staying up, and she has an idea.

As Cid comes up the ladder, she'll step closer to the edge where the grates have been opened, and she stares at the red swirling into the water as the whale continues to cry out in pain.]

This might frighten it a little, but it is our best option for holding it still.

[She kneels down and speaks in a softer tone.]

We do not have much time, little one, so this will have to be swift.

[ramuhs]

[It does seem like she has something in mind, so he crouches down next to her.]

What do you have in mind?

[garudas]

[She breathes in deep and lets it out on an exhale.]

These new... claws... of mine should be strong enough to hold it still.

[The whale is not unlike the one that they had found and brought back to the Conservatory, although a little bigger. She could at least grab hold of it enough to try calming it down.]

... You will need to pull out the spears.

[ramuhs]

[....Ah.

Yeah, that would be certainly terrifying for a little whale, so his brows furrow a bit, but—]

It's our only option.

[He nods at her.]

I'll try and make it quick. Just be prepared to heal it once they're out as I can't promise they'll come out cleanly.

[garudas]

[She gives him a firm nod.]

I will.

[With that, she climbs down into the water, groaning at the way the blood laps at her as it continues to spill from the wounds on the whale's back.]

Sssh. It is going to be alright.

[It kicks its fins and wails, trying to swim away from her, but one of the spears gets caught on the grates and when it pulls on its skin, it's forced to stop. She feels terrible for having to do this, but as those claws form again, she reaches out and clamps them down around whatever part of the whale's body they can wrap around, mostly near its tail and its fins. As she suspected, it tosses and flails wildly, and all Benedikta can do is hold onto it, wrapping her arms around it as well to keep it from wriggling too much, hoping that it will help soothe it even a little.]

We are here to help.

[ramuhs]

Easy, easy now!

[He also tries to call out to it, but of course even if it could understand the fear and pain would override all reason. So, to reduce the risk of the whale being injured further or Benedikta getting hurt or pinned in the tank, he quickly reaches for that first spear. But as he starts to pull on it, he feels a strange resistance and looking closer he swears.]

Fuck, they're barbed!

[Meaning the tip has a hook, catching more of the flesh inside and it also means he can't just quickly pull it out like he initially planned.

Lying flat now against the grating, he grits his teeth and tries to carefully work the spear out instead, but this is going to be hard with the whale trying to pitch about screaming.]