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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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Fine.

[ Alucard realizes he has touched a nerve. It's not his first rodeo dealing with someone who is affronted by the mere suggestion of comfort or care. His patience isn't infinite, either.

But there's one thing to do before they separate, one parting shot. ]

I'll try harder next time.

[ Because Astarion isn't going to get rid of him that easily. Alucard will, however, go and pick up his loot with the expectation that when he leaves the center, the churlish rogue won't be there. ]

[ Xenk nods. He raises his own tankard and clinks it against Alucard's before taking a long swig. Fair's fair. ]

Thank you. It was difficult to plan a strategy so quickly. I will be ready next time.

[ Always improving, that's the paladin way. Always taking things too seriously, that's the Xenk Yendar way. ]

I'm sure you will.

[ He'll make a fine liar of you yet, Xenk Yendar. Alucard leans back in his seat, stretching his legs out a little beneath the table before settling in to work on the last of his drink. ]

Thank you for humoring me tonight. [ He means it in more ways than just the game. ] It's been nice getting to know you.

Look at that then! Always satisfying to start to get the hang of things.

There's more than enough to keep us all busy trying to understand it, so we'll be doing fantastic as long as folk share what they do sort out. Return the favor for me some time!

Off putting- but telling of something else that may need to be worried about.

[Something that was growing troubling- but also had the reds of his eyes glowing briefly as his gaze drifted towards the door. A few people passing by that open doorway. The twitch at the corner of his mouth growing into a smile that could easily be predatory, or that of someone putting a few pieces together. Getting a real good look.

Oh, this could be fun after all- once he had gotten himself a bit more settled and felt less bare.

His head tipped a bit-]

Could be worse, not a terrible sight to stare at- but I think giving the hull's contents a second look may be well worth it, unless you want a quick run above deck.

[He was more than happy to leave placating the labor to Jarlaxle, giving their surroundings and the map itself the majority of his attention. Some still there, given Reaper's habit of keeping up his guard even when he looked at his most relaxed. Walking along the sand as he kept rested a hand near his sash where only one of those large shotguns of his and a knife were secured.

No show of threat, just an easy place to rest his hand as the other was keeping good hold of the map.]

Not all bad, at the very least.

[Already new he was going to make the best of the situation- even if that meant raising trouble to make his being stuck here anyone else's problem if the want arose.]

Been told that once before, and at the very least I can amuse myself with it- or offer a hand of thread to those that know the use of hidden pockets.

[Guess who could well help make someone a far more secure walking arsenal, could do so for himself as well.]

[At least it was along a street, rather than towards something else, given the last time he lead someone anywhere—

There was that low, thoughtful noise as a hand lifted ad rubbed along his chin in thought; other hand easily rested within a pocket.]

A troubling line of thought, but no less possible than anything else that could come to mind. Battle as I understand it would likely be quite different here as well, given the last horrible one was when I was very young.

[As far as what memories he had, at least.]

Of course, what else did you think I meant?

[All with a smile!!]

Not much...

[There's something of a bleak, defeated look as she follows after him, setting the spare towels down on a nearby rock.]

They said they found some sailors dragged a little further down the beach, so it might be worth checking down there, but... they confirmed not all of them could be found.

[She stops mid-bite while also trying to wipe away the melted cheese that's drooped over her nose to glare at him... and it would look a lot more threatening if it weren't for the fact that she had a piece of pizza hovering over her face...]

If you are going to laugh, just do it.

[Do not hold back on her account, SHE CAN ALREADY SEE YOU.

Besides—]

This is impossible. How are you supposed to keep the cheese from... dripping...

[As more of it just falls off and tumbles unceremoniously onto the other pieces on her plate.]

[ Astarion loves that he can do that to Xenk. He laughs, short and fond, and makes up for it quickly with the kiss.

It's obvious how much more Xenk is opening up, now. How he seeks for explore for himself. Astarion opens his mouth for him, encouraging him to keep going. This is Xenk's first time, after all. He should be allowed to explore and learn as he'd like. ]

[ Noo, don't turn Xenk into a liar he's so sexy haha ]

I did not expect to enjoy myself. You have my thanks for providing me with this distraction.

[ Xenk smiles, grateful and understanding. He straightens up his posture again, but it's something natural to him, not out of discomfort. ]

Likewise, I am honored to know you better, Alucard. This world is strange and filled with unknowns—to begin to understand another, especially a new friend, is a rare boon you have granted me. I am very grateful.

[ All that because of a game? Yeah. ]

[ Xenk takes what he's given—not greedily, he's still languid, but he manages to keep kissing Astarion with complete focus, and complete commitment. He feels so attuned to his body, each sensation for so close, when it's often so distant thanks to his curse. He wants to explore this feeling, chase it until he can capture it once more.

So he kisses Astarion so carefully, tongue finding his fangs and avoiding their points—at least for now. He hasn't forgotten who he's with. His other arm comes up between them, tracing up Astarion's chest but of course only finding clothes for purchase, rather than skin. ]

You are still fully clothed.

[ He says this with his usual observational tone, though there's a hint of breathlessness to him that even he doesn't recognize in himself. He doesn't mind it. ]

You're right. Let's fix that, shall we?

[ he's just wearing his "slightly better pirate clothes" that were assigned to him, he wasn't about to get his good clothes or his armor all mucked up by slime. So it's easy enough to shed the jacket and pull the shirt up and over his head, although he misses touching him while he does.

But he can fix that. He takes one of Xenk's hands and leads it to the ties on his pants, letting him do this part for himself. ]

Here.

[ Xenk watches in wonder as Astarion strips off his jacket and shirt—the man is more fit than he would have expected, though thoughts like these come with more difficulty as his focus remains solely on exploring these feelings and chasing his pleasure.

What a very strange thought for Xenk to have. Yet have it he does, and indeed he allows Astarion to guide his hand to rest below his navel, where his pants are tied. Xenk takes the fastenings and pulls them free, deft hands making quick work as he loosens them and tugs them down, along with his underwear. ]

Beautiful.

[ I'm sorry, I hate him. But these are indeed the first thoughts in his mind as he strips Astarion of his clothes and sees him fully naked at last. He takes Astarion's cock in hand and holds it in his palm, observing every crease and tracing his thumb over the vein, just as Astarion had done to him.

It's somewhat awkward, but Xenk is somewhat awkward. He'll get the hang of this, right now he just has to get past the awe. ]

[...Ah.]

It's unfortunate, but expected given how long it took to receive word of the incident. We should be grateful any survived.

Yeah... There could be some still out there, but...

[That's just how it is. As much as she wishes that she could save everyone all the time, they can't always. So, she only nods and helps herself to a glass of water once he's finished pouring himself some.

Ah. Tifa turns around to him then, lowering the glass that she'd raised to her lips for a sip.]

I, uh... meant to say... thanks for earlier.

[With everything now in hand, he's ready to move to sit somewhere so he can eat in peace, but he pauses when he hears her.

And then tilts his head slightly.]

For what?

[Hold on, he has to somehow swallow and wipe his mouth with the napkin—

Snort—]

Just use the fork!

Ashe moved after Faris, folding the map and tucking it into the pocket. It would be important later, but for now she'd take advantage of a stranger's kindness. Or presumed kindness.

"Clothes can be cleaned. I dislike being disarmed in a strange land less," she offered. Her hope was that her weapons were below, and the crewman had said she'd find her belongings there, so it seemed likely.

"May I ask your name, sir?"

"I'm unfamiliar with England, though I suspect we came from different...Rifts? I believe the locals call them."

The idea of other worlds was strange, but not so odd to be difficult to grasp. The Occuria had briefly spoken of them, and surely Ivalice was not the only island of solidity in the chaos of the universe. It simply was a fact, and she would take it as a matter of course.

"May I ask your name? You can call me Ashe."

[And she tilts her head right back.]

For taking care of that siren...? When I didn't see her coming.

[Even if he did point his gun almost right at her, and shot almost right at her. But she's already told him off for that, so all that was left was to thank him.]

Not sure what might've happened, or if anything would have, but... still.

[But her pride—!

She stares at him for a little longer in silent warning before she sets the pizza down onto the mess on her plate. There is cheese everywhere, as well as the toppings that had fallen off, and she picks them back up and places them carefully on top again.]

Everyone else is using their hands...

[How in the world is she supposed to blend in if she eats it with a fork and knife?

But she's going to stubbornly do it anyway, taking that fork and stabbing one edge of it into the pizza to cut it before impaling it with the ends so that she can lift it.]

You would think they'd make this easier.

[And she eats it. At last.

...

....

Hm.

She chews and chews in silence, trying to get a feel for its taste.

.....]

It's... not bad.

A few flaws is no reason to doom anyone, I've found. Stones and glass houses, after all.

[He adjusts his hat a bit, before fixing the piwafwi cloak about his shoulders, the shifting colors of it glimmering lazily in the dark pit. His daggers were back at his hip where they belonged, and the last few earrings were put back into place. There, that should do it.]

Naught can be done of him until then, if you wish to save yourself and your people. Slipping past defenses is all well and good but if the outcome is certain death regardless, you may as well have just charged in recklessly from the start.

[He went to hop out of the hole, nimble and easy in spite of all the crap he'd just spent the last few minutes getting on.]

I fear there's not much I can do to help you in that regard. I've no items that would reverse a curse, unfortunately. I can assume you have tried petitioning Tyr for assistance as well?

Part of her was saddened by the thought that others were trapped here too; another faintly, almost selfishly, glad that there were more worlds than hellish, wretched dimensions that existed.

"Miriam. It's nice to meet you, Ashe." The black haired girl extended a hand, the one not clad in a gauntlet. Her palm was calloused from a life lived behind a blade, but her touch was soft.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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