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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
He's still dumbfounded, but he'll grab Shadow—]
Hope you know what you're doing!!
[—and flings him towards the remaining stragglers.]
no subject
Chaos... [In a moment, they won't need to worry about escaping or doing anything anymore.] Blast!!! [From where Cid is, and hopefully he didn't try to run in, he'll see a small red flash from Shadow's moving form, then suddenly a massive explosion from him. A red ball of destructive energy expanding from that small form, disintegrating everything caught in it's blast. Crystal shards flying everywhere, turning into weapons themselves as they pierce through anyone and anything. The screams of the passengers, music to his ears. Perish to their own hubris.
And just like that, the explosion soon passes a moment later. Silence. He had made a crater, and part of the boat's hull is now missing, caught in the explosion. There are no bodies left, just crystals and maybe few chopped limbs that were outside the radius his blast. He lands at the center of the crater, down onto one knee, catching his breath. All those irritating crystals no longer cover his body. Except the arm that had taken the hit from the beam. Traces of the crystals still linger, but they are not growing at a rapid rate like before. He had depleted a bit of chaos energy from that blast, thus there was less flucuations. But that also meant....he clicks his tongue. He hadn't completely rid himself of the crystals, he cannot move right away. He's a sitting duck until his body decides to listen to him.]
no subject
His eyes widen as he witnesses such power, one that could rival a Dominant when semi-primed, perhaps even when primed completely. Of course, that depends if he can do it again or not. Regardless, the result is evident through the carnage and while a normal person would probably horrified, and Cid is a bit stunned, there's not much more than that. Hard to feel much against the people that were here. If anything, perhaps they deserved a far less instant fate, even if grisly...
Anyway, seeing Shadow has yet to move, concern makes him move, jogging over to him. There's nothing else around them, so there's not really much of a threat. Surely he won't be angry for that???]
Well that's one way to finish 'em off. You all right?
[He sees that some of those crystals were blasted off which is...good, but clearly not all of it.]
no subject
Of course I am. [He brushes a bit of dust off his fur. The crystals on his arm remains unchanged. The jets from his shoes come to life as he gets himself out of the crater he created. He staggers when his feet touches ground, but he remains standing. Walking is...he can do it. If Cid was expecting a thank you for that assist, he will be disappointed. It's their fault for not sooner taking out whatever shot him with the crystal beam anyway.]
no subject
Well you've cleared up this area. Time for you to see a healer.
no subject
no subject
Clearly you do. This won't be something you'll be able to fight off on your own, especially with it being more potent than what has been used before.
no subject
no subject
Even "ultimate lifeforms" have their limits.
[...he'll let Shadow walk until he's passing by before reaching over and just clubbing him behind his head with his crystallized arm.]
no subject
Call it a sixth sense, but he had a feeling Cid wasn't quite finished with him. But his reaction time is lacking. A hand was balled up into a fist, ready to retaliate, but Cid gets the hit in as he was about to turn. A sound escapes him as he falls foward into the dirt, consciousness leaving him. Arm still sparking, a display of him still fighting until it eventually stops, when the world fades from consciousness. You...Cid will pay for this.]
no subject
Always the stubborn ones...
[With a sigh and grunt, he picks up Shadow to lug him over the shoulder. He could have been nicer, but perhaps this is a little bit of revenge for having to deal with his arrogant little self. Not like he'll know, anyway, right?
So with that, Cid will glance around, taking one last look at the carnage before he makes his steady way back to the mansion where some healers were stationed. At least for now the area is clear, but he'll pick up the pace as he hears movement, not wanting to risk getting attacked while he has Shadow like this. And soon enough, he'll take Shadow over to where others are being treated for their injuries and hits by the crystal.
Now how long will it take for Shadow to recover, he wonders... Well, he could leave once he's done, but he'll stick around, taking this as an opportunity to try and learn of any updates until Shadow wakes again.]
no subject
Sometimes, most times when he eventually manages to wake from the nightmares, destruction follows after. There's a commotion from the healers around Shadow's vinicity. Things were being knocked or turned over as he prevents anyone from getting their filthy hands on him. The healers speak to try and reason with their violent patient, but Shadow isn't hearing any of it. He will push aside anyone who tries to stop him, stomping his way towards the way out of here. They should be grateful he isn't doing more to them. His arm is visibly without crystals, so they might have managed to help him before he became pissed with the world.]
no subject
Sure you should be leaving so soon?
no subject
Cid though. There's no mercy. He lunges at the old man and attempts to give them a swift kick to the stomach. No warnings, just right to violence. Their damn fault he's even here.]
no subject
But now he's more aware and will be quicker to react to whatever Shadow tries next while also remaining aware of where they are.]
no subject
...
There's a flash of light and Shadow was suddenly no longer standing before Cid. He's teleported himself to the other side of the door. Fuck that. If Cid decides to give chase, at least there isn't a crowd and space for him to let loose.]
no subject
Dammit—Shadow!
[Bit unfair when he can't access his powers!! And for a moment he wonders if he should bother, but—his gut tells him to follow so he'll at least chase him a little bit. Well, as best as he can. He's not sure if Shadow is trying to lead him somewhere or escape him, so he'll just have to find out.]
no subject
no subject
What, are you that upset you were treated?
[No, well maybe he actually is, but Cid throws the question out to try and get the real answer, anyway.]
no subject
If you don't turn around, I'll fucking kill you. [And Cid should know at this point, that Shadow means every word.]
no subject
All right, suit yourself.
[Clearly there's something more to this, but this is neither the time nor place for it. Not to mention he also wants to return and finish what he set off to do.
So with something a half shrug, he'll do exactly as Shadow wishes and turn to go back deeper into the mansion.]
no subject
The workers and healers near the entrance of the mansion are speaking among themselves as they restore all the furniture and equipment Shadow had turned over during his rampage to the exit. No one is hurt from his behavior, just caused a minor setback. Further back, the healers that worked on him were speaking with mild concern, confusion, fascination in their voice.
They don't expect riftfarers to be made up of the same composition as one who is local, but there are still common threads shared between them. Wounds are still tendable, their medicine and magic still act effectively with their otherworldly visitors. Shadow, there weren't any complications treating him or anything, in fact it almost went too smoothly. His body helped the healing process along, some impressing on his regenerative rate. The only challenge was a race to make sure they take out all the crystals before the wound closes over them. A piece of crystal they had set aside and still stained with his blood, had grown slightly in size without their notice. They also noted other injuries sustained by the patient, not recent ones. They had planned to take care of those too, but that was when Shadow decided he had enough. Certainly, one of their more interesting patients they've cared for.]
🎀
For now, leaving him alone is the better course of action and he'll just take care and watch how things are the next they meet.]