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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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"A spell to end all spells..." And you were to be that vessel.

[A quiet murmur as he repeats those words, unaware of Clive's thoughts...

Before a few of his own strike him.]

But was that all even possible to complete? Leviathan's Dominant hasn't been seen for so long it's practically forgotten. Don't tell me I missed that, too.

Aether. But yeah, I'm gathering there are a lot of us newer to this place. I'm not sure if there's really a way proper to be able to tell if my friends are also around or not, but. I'll figure it. We all will. Together.

[At least. Sorey hopes. Figures. They all showed up around the same time so may as well stick together, work together in figuring all of this out. At the least. He is willing to. Whether that means everyone else might be is another thing entirely, but even so. He's optimistic. Trusting. That it would all work out somehow.]

Holy Midgand Empire...? Ah, back home it's Glenwood. I mean. At least, the continent I'm from is. But yeah, I don't think I know of any places back home that are on the backs of creatures like this either....

[He can't say if perhaps that is something unique to this place. Or it might be just that it is a thing elsewhere and just not where he or Eizen were from. Sorey can't be sure. But either way he gives a nod as he listens to the other.]

Ports. I hadn't been on a ship before....! I mean. Back home. So that's pretty exciting!

If it'll make you feel better, I stumbled upon a friend from my world already, so there are good chances someone you know ended up here as well.

[He tries to be reassuring. Optimism is also something he clings to, if he can.]

If we work together everything will be just fine.

[ Xenk watches, a little mystified. Alucard has such long hair. It's quite a handsome look, even if he's sweating up a storm from his food. ]

Indeed. I should remember how to perform such tasks. I am not worried, as I learn very quickly.

[ That's true. Xenk often gets it right the first time and never has to relearn anything. He's blessed by the dnd gods. ]

What are you—!?

[Click! Click! Click!

"Oh my gosh, this is sooooo cuuuuute! Look how grumpy and pouty she looks in this one!" The two at the other end glance at the screen and giggle.

They are all so very fortunate that she does not have her sword or her magic right now, or else these girls would be flying over the railing right about now. Instead, her face is flushed and wrinkled with frustration and she's feeling incredibly overwhelmed by it all—

"Now put your arm around him, silly! Don't be shy."]

You are lucky that I do not—

[The cat grabs her by the wrist and guides it so that her arm is now around his waist, and just as she ducks out of the way...

Click!

And that's when Benedikta finally shoves herself off.]

Enough!

[ It's long and curly, which means it's technically even longer. Right now Alucard's thinking maybe it should get a bit of a trim as he expertly pins it in place with a silvery sort of clasp. ]

Good. I'm a terrible teacher.

[ He gives a wry grin. With his hair up, he wipes his brow with the back of his hand and sweeps his bangs back over his crown. He should have worn a hat out, but no matter.

The magician looks down at his bowl, calculating. It looks roughly like he's managed to carve out one of those three pounds. ]

Why does there have to be so much of it? I'm allowed to have water, aren't I?

No. I don't know the whereabouts of Leviathan, or if they even existed in the first place.

[ He's trying to remember the conversations. Trying to sort through his thoughts to line up the pieces that were scattered about. ]

The "perfect vessel" was to be a combination of Ifrit and Phoenix both. He used us all... used and manipulated us behind the scenes so the Dominants could meet. So that I could take their aether.

[ The sting of tears threatening to resurface clung on the edges of his lashes fueled by anger and despair. ]

So many people died because he wished to live on... To cast aside his creation when they were no longer needed. To create a world for he and his kin alone.

Edited (FUCK YOU AHAHAHA) 2023-09-05 17:39 (UTC)

[ If you ever need a guy to brush your hair back, I just think Xenk would enjoy that. He keeps his locks short but there's that one concept art where he has long hair and I think he deserves it.

But that's neither here nor there, Xenk smiles because he knows he'll still have things to learn. And learning really is half the fun of trying something new. ]

I have been told I am as well.

[ He'll still try to teach, but he's just not good at it. At all. He produces a handkerchief from one of his pouches and holds it in his palm for Alucard to take. It's inlaid with gold trim, of course. ]

You are allowed water. One must not dehydrate when attempting so arduous a task.

[ If Xenk sticks around long enough, he just might get his chance. Alucard's preferences are probably always going to fall between 'long' and 'less long'. ]

I must disagree. I find your explanations very enlightening. I don't think I've been confused yet even if I've frequently been astounded.

[ He means it, too. But Alucard has always been a quick study himself; in the most recent years, it's been more important than ever.

The offer of the handkerchief earns another quirk of lips and he reaches to take it. Delicately, he uses the edge to swipe some sweat that's formed on his cheeks beneath his eyes before dabbing his brow. ]

A true gentleman. Could I prevail upon you further to get me some water?

[—Okay, play time's over.]

All right, I think that's quite enough, thank you.

[Cid will step out and put himself between Benedikta and the girls, who are still giggling. However, while he has a light, polite smile, there is a bit of reproach in his gaze. It was fine to tease, but getting that physical is a bit crossing over the line.

The pelican girl will at least notice and sheepishly hand over his phone.

"Sorry, we got a bit carried away."

"But they look so good!"

"Ugh, she's soooo pretty! If I didn't have feathers I'd love those nails..."

"Just do the feathertips! That's trending."

"Really? Maybe!"

...

Wow, teenage girls are really not a force to be reckoned with in this world.]

You are kind to say so.

[ Xenk smiles, honestly pleased. No one has ever accused his explanations of being good before. It's nice! ]

Unfortunately, the gap between explanation and practice can be miles long. My failings lie there.

[ Believe it or not, Xenk can be modest! He's just good at so many things, it doesn't happen often. But he doesn't talk about his failings with any kind of self-deprecation, it's more like he's stating simple facts. ]

Of course, my friend.

[ True gentleman? Yes, that was definitely a compliment. Xenk stands and goes to get water for Alucard, his stride solid and stern as ever. He returns with a full glass and carafe, just in case. You know he overprepares. He places the carafe before Alucard, before handing him the nice, cold glass. ]

I return. Please drink.

[Benedikta doesn't even give any time for them to say a word to her or show off the photos before she stalks off to the other end of the lookout, bristling and readjusting her clothes as if they'd all been tousled about. It's a miracle she doesn't take flight right there and run, but...

There's the slightest—smallest twinge of appreciation for Cid stepping in when he had, and for taking care of the girls so that she didn't have to. Even still though... are all the teenagers in this world like this? If anyone had stepped up to her like that in Valisthea, they'd know instantly not to do such things lest they wanted themselves cut from neck to naval.

So, she listens, her gaze moving down to her green nails when she hears them, and waits for Cid to finish...

"Here! Click this little button and you can pull them all up to look! Gosh, you two do make a really cute couple though!"]

[ He listens closely as his brows furrow together in thought. There was a vague remembrance of some sort of bottle, but after that... ] Having outsiders do their dirty work, then.

[ Clive will nod his thanks at the bucket before moving to the next one and repeating the motion, being a bit more careful this time to not let as much alcohol slip onto the floor. ]

... And yet you seem fine with it.

[Ah—so that's what he meant. A combination of Ifrit...and Phoenix. He had wondered why the second Eikon of fire existed, and so this was the reason.]

And the only one who knew was blindly following him, anyway.

[Bloody hell, what in the fuck did they all get dragged into... And knowing that also makes him feel a little aggrieved about a few other things, but he hides it well as always.]

But you stopped him.

[There's just a light chuckle as he looks glances at the girls and then back at Benedikta. Either these girls are actually quite fierce or this world is a lot softer than Valisthea. Perhaps both.]

So this button, you say? And is there a way to make this a little less...

[He quietly clicks his tongue and the girls tilt their heads before the pelican girl catches on and grins. With a silent nod, she shows the setting, and now with it switched off, Cid grin and holds the camera up.]

And then it was this button?

["Yeah, and you can also zoom in like this..."N

ow silent, he takes one of Benedikta standing in the distance before quickly turning it to the side just in case she happens to look. He'll exchanging a secretive smile with the group, and with a little help, they teach him some more about the functions before he nods in satisfaction. With a cheerful wave and expression of gratitude, the girls wave and call out to Benedikta before they move on, Cid himself strolling over to her.]

Quite different from back home, eh?

Mm. Noisy.

[It's all she says at first with a bitter bite to her voice, and though her expression and posture are all wound up, the look in her eyes remains distant, kept focused out to the horizon ahead.

Different from back home indeed. She wishes that she could say she wasn't feeling even a little overwhelmed by all of this, but the truth is, she realizes that she's so far out of her element, and that if it weren't for him being here to guide her, she would have been lost... and she has no fucking clue how to feel about that.

Add that on top of the comments those girls were making...]

You are fitting in quite well.

You know me.

[He leans over the railing, gazing outward.]

Having to quickly adapt is one of my specialties.

Hm, well. I haven't put in my official resume yet to be your sidekick, so you get the one until then. I gotta make sure you're the boss I want, after all.

[ She also says it playfully, but there's a hint of seriousness underneath. As if Nimona really would do such a thing in both submitting papers and deciding if he earns the title. But it's nice that someone's willing to play along.

Nimona follows after Alucard, leaning back against the bar casually as he overpays. Sticking out her tongue and rolling her eyes over it. But hey, it's his money.

Then, when he finishes that business, she's up and away. Darting to the door in what might seem too fast - but maybe he'll catch sight of a trail of pink threads close to the floor. She merely changed into a small, fast creature to manage that. The girl is holding open the door and motioning for him to go through. ]

Let's go already, slowpoke!

[ This is the start of a great friendship, surely. ]

Oooo, you have to tell me the story!

[ At least Zack now knows someone who's willing to do the icky jobs with him on the ship. There's just too much excitement over it. ]

This is the newbie level of competition with me, "old man".

[ They aren't going to leave any slime at all at the rate they're going at. ]

[ Once she whispers into the phone and ends the call, Nimona looks over his shoulder again to point to where he needs to go. ]

Now you click that. Then this button, and you can listen to your message.

[ She'll wait for him to do that. When he accomplishes it, he'll hear: "Hi, my name is Nimona." ]

[ Nobody has time for Nimona, until they do. It can be a good thing, but sometimes... it's bad for both of them. She also has her serious moments, so he may catch sight of that someday.

~~It's okay, this is how she is.~~ Nimona follows in his wake, dramatically shuffling her feet and running her hands down her face. Still, the second blade... so cool. ]

Then what are you going to do now if not kill? Swing it around and scare away the birds? They'll just come back.

[ Good thing they're on the same ship, so she can help him out later. But his words just clarify the vibe Nimona already got from him. He seems to be 100% like the knights of her world. ]

Then why not a shape for each of those things? Like a four point star. Unless you're part of a group that has a symbol already.

[ No, Nimona gets it. It's why she's getting the dragon tattoo. ]

[ Bless u Nimona, Xenk is gonna be a cool dad in no time. ]

A symbol may be worthwhile. Tyr's is oft represented by a golden hammer or a set of scales. I should like to continue that tradition.

[ He's already got a tattoo on his forehead but like that one's Not Fun, this one could be something cool... Yeah, Xenk definitely thinks a pair of balanced scales are cool. ]

I do. Too well.

[Still, with that hint of bitterness, but significantly less so than it ever has been as she glances sidelong at him.

How long has she wanted him back, and now that he is standing right next to her, seemingly extending a hand to help her, why does she feel so scared to take it? Is this not what she wanted all those years? How black does her heart truly bleed because of him that she cannot bring herself to fully trust his intentions?

With a sigh, Benedikta squares her shoulders as if to steel herself against those questions threatening to spill out of her.]

It is nothing like home. Even the ships are different. And the magic...

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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