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Welcome to the first Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our Interest Check can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice. If undecided, put "Undecided" for the Armada.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carryover the threads. We'll have more armada focused prompts in the opening log in September. The log itself is set to cover the next two weeks, until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAGIC USERS!! All magic abilities will be "sealed" until characters get their tattoo from the Inkwave parlor in Eltrut. That means no magic on the starter ships before docking.

We do require TDM threads for samples for our application!

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated August 28)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

After reaching the port of Eltrut, several birdfolk will appear and happily greet all the new arrivals from both starter ships. Here it doesn't matter which side they are affiliated with, as long as they keep those swords and weapons sheathed and not pointed at each other's throats. The birdfolk will even act as guides, showing them the main places they should visit and give them a visitor's map to help guide them.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

It's a lot to take in for sure, with the port city bustling with all walks of life. Not only do they have both armadas mingling with each other, there are different races and species from all over Escordvi gathered here. It's not just humans, which many riftfarers always seem to be surprised about. There are also plenty of veteran riftfarers who will gladly give some advice and even share stories of their world. Maybe some are familiar.

After finding their belongings, exploring the town, and meeting other people, being able to just sit back and enjoy a drink and warm meal will be in order. While there are plenty of places to choose from, the Minstrel and Cask will be the top recommended tavern for all newcomers to visit at least once. Great drinks, great food, and can learn a lot from the patrons or meet more people.

Of course, as expected of a highly popular tavern, it's not always peaceful. A man will ask travelers what they want to do with their life. Clearly drunk, he only accepts answers that hint at wanting to find riches. If told this he will give out a treasure map. But if told anything else, he'll put up a fight, hoping to deliver a black eye. Those who do receive the map will be sorely disappointed—it will lead them down a long, winding, circuitous path around town and end at a random outhouse, likely occupied and certainly stinking to high heavens. There's likely some kind of moral here, but at some point, others who have been duped will return to the tavern to sling their fists around.

Looks like another tavern brawl for the night.

QUESTS

For those who want to try their hand at some quests, there are a few that would do well for newcomers. Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there.

Spicy Squid Eating Challenge

Eltrut Port

There is a traveling food ship (think food truck but on the water) that has been going around challenging ships to their extraordinary Hornswaggle's Spicy Squid Eating Challenge. If participants can scarf down a prepared three-pound bowl of exceptionally spicy ghost pepper squid and rice, they will win their meal for free as well as a crate of dried spicy squid for their ship's stores. If participants fail, they will have to pay for the meal and the crate.

...Careful, are some of the squid tentacles still moving?

Coral Reef Snacks

Eltrut

Rumour has it that certain types of coral reefs contain unique properties that can make you more alluring to the one you desire, but no one is sure what the side effects are. Test this out by trying to crunch into chunks of coral reef pieces to see if there are any added effects on your body. Hopefully, they don't ruin your teeth in the meantime.

Oh, and you have to find the correct coral reef too! Red chunks seem to make you more affectionate towards others, while blue chunks seem to make you more volatile towards others. Eaters, beware!

Giant Sea Slugs

Starter Ships

Giant sea slugs tend to only attack ships if they feel threatened but are otherwise peaceful creatures. They're about the size of a large wild cat. They also secrete a slime that contains strong disinfectant properties. This thick slime is highly sought after for its ability to heal wounds cleanly, so kill them and collect as much slime as possible.

Killer Sharkgulls

Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These new birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds. Beware and kill them before they can kill you!

Siren's Serenade

Out at Sea

A merchant's ship has crashed upon an outcropping of rocks after being lured in by a group of rogue sirens. These captivating creatures possess the power to ensnare their prey with their enchanting voices, luring unsuspecting souls into the depths to meet the grim fate of drowning.

Search for the missing ship and help rescue the captive sailors before it's too late! You will be supplied with special earplugs to muffle out the siren's voices so be careful to keep your ears effectively plugged. You don't want to succumb to the siren's bloodlust yourself.

Any sailors or rescuers affected by the siren's song can be treated with a harpy's potion that can reverse the song's effect. Or tie up the afflicted for twenty-four hours to wait out the effects.

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[ Xenk pays close attention once more, taking this 'game' as seriously as he does everything else. ]

I see... I must discern the lie.

[ He looks down at his beer, pondering the options. ]

The last? Your magician's tale is quite specific. A misdirection, perhaps.

I take it you decided not to try.

[ What a shame!! you gotta try new things, Xenk. ]

[ His eyes glitter and a slow smile works its way across his face. ]

The first. I speak five.

[ He gives an open-hand, inviting gesture towards Xenk's tankard. Drink up, sir. They're actually sitting on two different ends of the spectrum here when it comes to honesty, but Alucard likes to drink and he's almost decided to like Xenk, so he might throw him a softball eventually. ]

[ The 'warning' earns a huff and a roll of his eyes, but it's not tough to see he's begrudgingly amused.

Having no context of why Astarion is being so stubborn about this, Alucard simply assumes the man does not like getting his hair wet. The analogy actually gets him raising his brows. Seriously? ]

It doesn't mean you're any good at it. And at least if you fall off a horse, you have a chance of surviving.

[ Alucard, your fussy paternal side is beginning to show. ]

I'm sure there are plenty of gruesome ways to die falling off a horse.

[ That was not actually the point of Alucard's comment at all. ]

[ Xenk hums, defeated but also vexed. He can somewhat understand the appeal here. Finding the truth is, after all, a paladin's job. But this is meant to be difficult, and it seems Alucard is a skilled liar.

He takes a drink of his beer with no malice, merely accepting his defeat with grace. ]

Now it is my turn.

[ He pauses to think, then gives it a shot. ]

I can purify food and drink with a touch. I am partially undead. [ For the third one he pauses for a second longer. It's obviously the lie: ] And I am unable to swim.

[ Indeed, no broken oath here. He did it, he told a lie!! (As part of a game where the rule is to lie, no one take my dnd card away from me or Xenk) ]

Edited (out of context oathbreaker out here ) 2023-08-29 07:25 (UTC)

[ Alucard sighs. If Astarion is trying to troll him, it's working. ]

Do you want to leave a risk that someone is going to have to rescue you again?

[ Okay, he hears himself now. Time to be flippant before it's any more obvious he's worried. ]

There are easier ways to receive mouth-to-mouth, you know.

Look, we both know being able to swim wouldn't have done a damn thing with those sirens. Clearly, I would have let them drag me down to the depths, regardless.

[ He sighs and shakes his head. ]

It's just embarrassing, alright? I'm almost three hundred years old. Stop worrying over me like a fussing mother.

[ The purpose is to get to know one another and, see, Xenk is learning Alucard is good at lying in addition to the things he's already said! ]

What does 'undead' mean?

[ It seems pretty self-explanatory, but he'll ask anyway. Perhaps this will teach Xenk a possible technique he can employ in a future round; asking for details might give away if it's a lie or truth.

Also, is Xenk wearing his armor? ]

[ Xenk totally did not realize questions were something he could ask. This does open up complexities to the game... ]

"Undeath," is a state of life in which one is brought back from the dead, or sometimes cursed with an immortality that robs one of certain traits that are considered human. Though the condition itself is not exclusive to humans, and may occur in any species. Thus, someone is undead when they are afflicted with one of these curses, though the symptoms vary greatly.

[ Really, the best way to learn about Xenk is to ask. He's a great explainer. It doesn't occur to him that this is meant to glean a lie, more to learn the truth.

And also let's go with him not wearing his armor and say he left his at his apartment, because he was getting his tattoo and therefore didn't want to carry too much with him. So he's just shirt and jacket and pants, no cape for once! ]

Edited (explained it even better) 2023-08-29 07:34 (UTC)

[ It's a good point, but still. Astarion might have been able to get away before they pulled those plugs out of he'd been a stronger swimmer, or maybe just stronger in general. Swimming is good for that kind of thing! ]

Then stop being childish about a bit of water.

[ Two can play this call-out game! Though now Alucard leans his head back to look the man over. ~~This conversation has been going on for a bit, so are these two actually off the boat and bickering their way down the dock?~~ ]

Saints, you look amazing for being that old.

[ Yes, they're definitely heading down to the docks and Astarion hasn't left yet. Amazing. ]

I know. But I'm glad you noticed.

[ He's hot what can he say!! best hair in camp, too. ]

Actually, for elf, it's not that old. Do you not have any, where you're from? We've got the pointy ears. [ He points to one, see, yes, we all know you're an elf. You're doing great sweetie. ] The average elf lives 700 years. So I'm still quite in the prime of my life.

[ Or, you know, eternally young. ]

How could one be partially undead? It seems like something you either are or are not.

[ Alucard will allow his lips to curl into a more mischievous smile the moment Xenk opens his mouth to answer, letting the man in on the trap he's just laid. ]

[ You underestimate Xenk's ability to barrel on for the sake of honor and truth. That, and he notices Alucard smiling but has no idea why. ]

Most undead betray obvious symptoms due to their curse. Whether this is pale skin, a coldness to the touch, or visible signs of decay. Partially undead means I do not suffer from many of the symptoms that most associate with the condition, though the most obvious is—

[ Wait. He narrows his eyes. He's been caught in his trap. ]

I see now, you have tricked me into admitting a truth.

No, there aren't any elves where I'm from. Sadly there's only humans in the world and we have to keep our youth and longevity the old fashioned way - forbidden, life-stealing objects of power.

[ So they do actually have some necromantic things even if Alucard doesn't know they're categorized as that. ]

Supposedly some of the saints were able to extend their life as well. They were priests so great at balancing the magics of the world that they were able to slow the aging process within themselves.

There were too many options. I will need more time to decide, next time.

[ But he doesn't totally write it off... He understands that Astarion can't try these things at all, so it isn't something to take for granted. He just didn't want to stand there and keep Astarion waiting.

But right now, he's happy with his herbal tea. He takes a seat across from Astarion and pours some into his cup, letting it cool. It smells great, though. He could probably drink it this hot, but it'd burn his mouth and then he'd have to wait for it to heal. So he'll wait. ]

I would not have thought to patronize this place without your invitation. Thank you for showing me.

Edited (he's very polite) 2023-08-29 07:58 (UTC)

It is difficult for humans to ignore the allure of immortality, with your short life spans. But it's also that much harder for you to comprehend what it means.

[ This may be the most elf-brand thing he's ever said in his life. His ancestors are probably proud. ]

[ Alucard gives a rich laugh at that. ]

I have. I hope you can forgive me. You are allowed to deny answers to questions, in case that wasn't clear.

[ He settles his chin into the palm of his hand. ]

Purifying things seems like it matches the nature of your magic and oath, and I have a hard time seeing a strapping specimen like yourself unable to swim. So I will guess you can swim.

[ He'd guessed the lie right away, of course, but winning felt better with the route he'd chosen to take. Alucard gestures to Xenks tankard with the hand that isn't propping up his head. ]

Partially undead... what's the story behind that?

What does it mean?

[ He'll bite. He likes to learn things and, perhaps unfortunately, still considers Astarion's opinions to be worth hearing. Go off, king. ]

I still haven't hit my 300th year and I'm not immortal, so how should I know?

[ He's lying, of course. Every day of the last 200 plus years has felt like forever. A lonely time. But yet, he still wants to live it. He hasn't gotten tired of it yet.

He laughs, mostly at Alcuard's seriousness in wanting to listen to him. ]

But I could tell you a few more elvish platitudes about it if you want.

I forgive you, as it is part of the game. And I will keep it in mind.

[ Oh, but he does love explaining things. That's practically his favorite thing. You've really got him in a pickle here, Alucard. ]

Correct, I am a capable swimmer.

[ This, he must take another drink. It's not too bad, the beer isn't very flavorful either way. ]

I am the only survivor of a great and terrible curse that claimed my home nation of Thay. A mighty wizard named Szass Tam called forth the power of the Horn of Beckoning Death, which consumed the wills and souls of every Thayan, transforming them into undead thralls to the newly formed lich king. I was able to escape with my will intact, though the curse took only partial hold over me.

[ He taps the mark at his hairline, it's not just a tattoo, it turns out! ]

This mark is the proof of the curse. I age slowly, and heal quickly, and have several abilities that a human would not. I can see perfectly in the dark, am able to slow my breathing to complete stillness, and am immune to most poisons.

[ Did I mention that he loves exposition ]

Edited (can't miss out on a chance to take something literally) 2023-08-29 08:22 (UTC)

[ He gives a little chuckle. ]

Go ahead. I do like the sound of your voice, even when it's this dripping with condescension.

I don't have any problem with humans, it's only that sometimes the things people do for the sake of life are so stupid.

[ Also he has had to deal with people with vampire fetishes! Do you know how awkward that is! ]

I don't know. Some elves would probably just find it amusing. I didn't grow up around them. [ A successful insight might notice there's a hint of uncertainty. ] Life in the city is very mixed--different than the insular nature of some of the elvish communities.

People also trade their years away for stupid reasons too. I wonder which you think is worse.

[ He might be able to relate on the basis of being a noble. He doesn't mind so much if people fetishize him for being a celebrity with a stupid amount of power - he earned that for himself, after all, people should find it sexy! ]

Do you know of any particular reason they're so insular?

You mentioned magic like that before. I don't know if it's worse or not. Just different.

[ Really it's just less personal, so he hasn't thought about it as much. ]

Perspective, I think. Few others live as long as they do.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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