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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
At least try to wait until after we've gotten out of here before you worry about your next meal. If need be upon our return, I'll--
[But then Azul immediately stops speaking upon the warning given, and sure enough, now that he's properly listening for it, he can hear the sound of guards steadily approaching, shouting something about escapees as they begin to turn a corner. Thus, he very quickly curls his tentacles in tighter around himself here, but he adjusts Leona's jacket that he's still using to hide his upper half so that he can still see well enough should a guard get close enough that he will need to assist Leona here.]
no subject
[Because it sounded like a promise Azul would return this favor.
Except Leona's eyes narrows just as the guards begins to appear. A deep growl reverberates throughout the surrounding area, practically vibrating off the walls. A flick of his staff and a strong wind spell erupts from around the two of them, springing outwards to knock the guards back.]
no subject
Instead, he can only offer his own tentacles as a means of combating against the threat here--when two of the guards try to run at them from behind, two of Azul's tentacles manages to snatch them before they can land a strike on him or Leona. He then proceeds to none too gently throw them across the room where one crashes and knocks down a few more of their fellow guards and another hits a wall.]
no subject
Leona's ear twitches when he hears the guards being thrown back, but he doesn't turn to look at it. Instead, he moves his staff into an arc, sending out an ice spell that splits into spikes and pins the guards down. It'd be...so much easier if he can run out, but he can't risk it. Not yet.
For now, he keeps on moving while tugging Azul forward, small portals popping up around them and shooting down dark cosmic magic at any guards who try to come close to them.]
no subject
His next movements don't even attempt at grabbing the guards that come close enough to do so this time: they simply push forward and smack guards right off their feet, if not practically jab them hard in the chest or uppercut them right in the jaw, leaving them gasping for air upon hitting the ground.
Honestly, this is probably why the guards kept their distance or used things like starvation and long sharp sticks and so to keep Azul under control as best as they could while he was in captivity up to now.]
no subject
A cart of some sort. Perhaps used to transport cargo or whatever between the captured residents. Regardless, it has Leona lifting Azul over and into the cart. At least it's big enough to fit him.]
Think you can manage in that?
no subject
[Azul adjusts himself carefully here so that his injured tentacles are contained in the cart with him, while his still functioning ones are able to freely move if need be. He is still holding on to Leona's jacket for some semblance of cover for hiding his upper half, especially if they have the opportunity for sneaking out through some parts of the facility rather than fighting their way out the whole time.]
... Okay. I think this can work.
no subject
[Once Azul is tucked into the cart, he starts pushing it.]
Would be a lot more easier if we had a chariot to use.
[Not to mention they can just...drive out of there. In style.]
no subject
[Azul may have very little experience dealing with those, but at this point he would take whatever helps get them the hell out of here the fastest. Hell, if they had a broom right now, he might have seriously considered it, tentacles and abysmal flight experience be damned, at least before he realizes that it would make his goal of hiding his face here next to impossible. Anyway...]
I don't hear anyone coming this way anymore, do you?
no subject
[If he could find a broom, it'd be great. The only thing is that he does not want to fly with an octopus behind him.]
I don't. Not in this area, at least. They must've gotten distracted with the other breakouts.
no subject
[Azul gives a slight sigh of relief... or maybe it would be better to call it exhaustion, as his tentacles have noticeably slackened a little from where they are inside of the cart.
The downside of no guards to deal with means that there's a risk of the adrenaline wearing off too quickly. That Azul's injuries might finally catch up to him and he passes out in dire need of rest and medical attention, but for now he forces himself to stay conscious as he tries to listen for anything suspicious still.]
How much farther do you think we are from the exit now?
no subject
[He starts carting the octopus out. Still tense in case anyone decides to pop out of nowhere, but for now, he's wheeling Azul along.]
We made good distance already from where I broke you out.
[Stay awake, punk.]
no subject
[He's trying! One of his tentacles gives a light tap against the side of the cart, as if trying to stimulate him into staying awake. Leona's voice is also helping as well, even if it does mean there is a risk of someone hearing them and running in their direction.]
... I think... my pen should still be in my apartment? Provided that these people did not think to actually go through my things back there before bringing me here...
no subject
Not that I know of. I haven't exactly been to your apartment since you've gone missing.
no subject
Oh... the medicine I gave you before... did you make sure to give it to that girl? You know the one.
[He's talking about the task he gave Leona regarding passing off that Thornbind cure to the girl they met during their investigation.]
no subject
[What a time to be thinking about that.]
She said thanks.
no subject
Oh, good... at least one thing has gone right, then. It would have been dreadful otherwise... if all of my hard work on that cure had been for naught after having made such promises to do something about it.
no subject
[He can't help but sigh softly.]
Regardless, she gives her thanks for it. You can even go see her yourself once you got two legs again.
[And not half-dying.]
no subject
[He'd rather not think about how his last two weeks or so have been, but he's also supposed to try to stay awake instead of passing out. So his mind had drifted instead to thinking about work, about the things he still had to do.]
But yes... I should at least do a checkup of sorts on her. It would be rude otherwise.
no subject
[A scoff.]
I'll tell her you'll come visit.
no subject
[He lets out a weak laugh that sounds more like an exhale rather than an actual giggle of amusement, though it might be hard to tell if it's out of exasperation, or exhaustion. Probably both, honestly, given what he says next.]
That doesn't feel like... a fair deal to make in exchange for something of this magnitude...
[No, it doesn't feel right at all. To just wave away Leona practically saving his life here, for a second time in fact under even worse circumstances than the ice caverns, with just another measly meal. Leona deserves a lot more gratitude than that, even if Azul does not particularly like the idea of owing such a major debt like this to someone.]