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seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2025-04-05 01:09 pm

« 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.



⚔️ 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.

oathkeeper: <user name=sheme> (12964188)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-04-12 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[What a rough month it's been, already. Sora needs to find a certain Cloud Strife to check in on him.

He's been to the Seventh Heaven a few times to spend time with Ventus in the past. But today he's on the dock waving up at the large ship for a different blond.]


Heyyy! Cloud! Cloud, are you home?! You're back safe, right?!

[KNOCK KNOCK. Hello, let him on the ship.]
makoglow: (20)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-04-13 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It has been... A very rough month. Cloud's glad that it's over and done with. What he's not so glad about is the entire healing process. There's still crystal on his back and shoulders. His arm in a sling.

But people are still milling about the ship. It's not like Cloud is going to refuse anyone coming and going. So when Sora starts shouting, Cloud's leaning against the railing. ]


I'm back and in one piece, kid.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☾13)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-04-20 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sora smiles. He's so relieved.]

I'm happy to hear it! I heard from Ven that you got really banged up!

[But Cloud is way too cool to stay down for that long.]
makoglow: (50)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-04-22 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ A scoff. ]

Of course that kid would tell you.

[ Cloud sighs. Sets the cup aside. He knows how to deal with kids. So hold on, Sora. Cloud is going to bring you some juice so you might as well sit at the counter. ]

I heal fast so I'm fine.

[ Says the guy still healing from the crystal and a broken collarbone. ]
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☄6)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-04-26 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
[Don't mind as Sora makes his way up onto the ship and heads over to Cloud and the counter then!]

So, what happened to you? What's the story?

[He needs to know all the cool details. And if Cloud is really fine-]
makoglow: (50)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-04-29 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ Cloud will... Mix a NON alcoholic drink for Sora then. He can do that one-handed too. So enjoy a very tropical and fruity drink, Sora. ]

I'd been looking into this issue the last few months. People poaching whales and selling their parts and other things in these shady auction houses. I found a list of clients and suppliers and went to look into it myself.

[ So that put him... In a not so good position. He hadn't been aware, of course, that someone would come after him for it. ]
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 35)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-05-03 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sora doesn't care about alcohol at all, so he's happy with his yummy kid's drink! Yay!]

Whoa, you went undercover and tried to break up a shady international whale poaching scam?

[Well. Not exactly. Sora's imagination is a little strong. But close enough.]

But you got into some trouble and got locked up, huh?
makoglow: (40)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-05-05 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Good, because Sora was never going to get any regardless. But now that the child has been satisfied, Cloud is going to go back to work cleaning with one hand. ]

To get the information I needed, sure. What I didn't think about was how I was... Obviously causing them problems. Like, openly. Of course word was going to get back to someone.

[ So it's not that he got into trouble and got locked up. Someone had it out for him. On purpose. ]
oathkeeper: ??? (45)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-05-10 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, yeah. Donald always says that actions have consequences, or something like that.

[Sora tilts his head. Then he leans forward to sip his drink with no hands.]

But you were trying to do your best, I'm guessing. How did you get out?
makoglow: (119)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-05-12 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Who?

[ Sora, Cloud has no clue who it is you are talking about. Not that the guy seems to be wrong. Does Sora not realize that actions definitely have consequences? Who is letting you on the lose without some kind of baby leash? ]

...Guess it doesn't matter. You should listen to them.

[ Kid seems to have some kind of restless streak. Like someone else he knows. Augh. ]

Anyway. It was a group effort. Nims, Tifa, and Zack.
oathkeeper: <user name=reactioniconrequests site=tumblr.com> (12721359)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-05-14 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
Oh yeah, I guess you don't remember Donald. [Huff, always the same story.] Donald is one of my best friends! Or like... my duck dad. I guess. That's according to Auntie Della.

[Sora... Just what are you talking about. But that's not important right now, Sora waves off the topic with his hand and smacks it on the bar table.]

Did they bust you out in a storm of fire and glory!?
makoglow: (84)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-05-17 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sora. He can't remember someone that he's never met? Sometimes he well and truly wonders if Sora pays attention to conversations.

But at least he knows that they are ducks. This Donald and Della - Cloud thinks he might have seen a Della through the shellphone at some point?

Sometimes Cloud really does wonder about the world Sora lives in. ]


You're hanging around Nimona too much.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☀ 11)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-05-19 05:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[He mostly pays attention. But he also can't help thinking that Cloud is his Cloud. Even if he isn't.]

No way, I'm not hanging out with Nimona enough. She's really cool. [!!] Did she bust you out in a storm of fire and glory!?
makoglow: (14)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-05-21 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
She is cool, but also a little too hyper. I'm trying to calm her down, not work her up, kid.

[ But he's still going to sigh. Reach over and ruffle Sora's hair. ]

Nims got my friends in to help me. I wouldn't have wanted her to see what had happened. There was some fire involved.
oathkeeper: <user name=vhazzrhossze site=tumblr.com> (☄6)

[personal profile] oathkeeper 2025-05-26 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
What's wrong with being a little hyper? That just makes you sound old, Cloud. You're gonna start getting gray hair or something.

[Boomer.]

But I'm glad that she and your friends got you out. It's great that you're okay!
makoglow: (84)

[personal profile] makoglow 2025-06-07 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ His hand stills a little. Please don't mention grey hair. It makes him think of someone with... White hair.

Cloud shakes it off with a snort. ]


Some people were in a lot worse shape than me. I'll heal faster than they will so.