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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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[ That earns a heartfelt chuckle from Clive. He can imagine it, too. With how overprotective Gav was in the first place, it was only fitting that he would try to wedge himself into that family. They were apart of the Hideaway, after all...

The thought draws his attention to the remainder of his stew, barely a spoonful left after the excitement from the day. He hadn't realized how hungry he was, or how badly he needed this conversation. To know that everyone was doing well... that's truly all that mattered to him. ]

I can't blame him for the excitement. [ Clive muses, turning to face her again with a smile. ] There hasn't been a newborn at the Hideaway, if there has been any at all. They'll surely be spoiled.

[Everyone doing well would be a little bit of an overstatement. Jill wasn't doing well, waiting for a man who promised to come back and hadn't yet. Even as the sun rose and so did her hopes again, Clive hadn't yet walked through the Hideaway doors, leaving her in a strange mix of distress and anticipation, where she felt both hopeful and hopeless at the same time. Not the best position for her mind to be in.

But she says nothing about that to Clive. The man has had enough on his shoulders and Jill won't add to that, not here where they can wipe the slate clean and begin anew, with little to few expectation for more.]

If anything, it'll give people something to do. I can't say I know much about babies, but I do expect there to be no shortage of nappies to be changed.

[And done as naturally and wordlessly as breathing, Jill takes the empty bowl from Clive's grip, replacing it with her own that's still over half full. She'd noticed how fast he was getting through his portion and considering the condition she found him in earlier, Jill guessed his hunger was the result of the rough day he was having. A little sacrifice of her own dinner is nothing in compared to what Clive has given up, so he gets what's left of her stew while she shifts to put his empty down for Torgal to clean up.]

You started it by calling me a kid! I could be like ninety, for all you know.

[ She says it playfully, but ninety is a long way off from the thousand that she actually is.

This is Nimona's way of testing the water, because the last time someone found out how old she really was... it didn't go well. ]

Aw, noooo. I'll be good, I promise!

And what if someone doesn't think of themselves as people?

[ Will he see her as an animal or a monster? Sentience has never stopped anyone in her world from trying to kill her. And Nimona wouldn't say that she's never hurt someone or tried to hurt someone.

She stands back as he takes care of the birds. Not helping, but not interferring either. ]

"Agreed. I'm not fond of being kidnapped."

Unless it was her idea, of course. This, however, was a far cry from that.

Down she descends, sliding easily down the ladder, her nose wrinkling as she got a whiff of the smell. It wasn't the worst she'd dealt with, as that dubious honor was held by the Achadean sewers, but it was decidedly unpleasant.

"Lovely. I can only hope my clothes are above the sewage-line. The map indicated they're towards the bow."

[She thought about it hard, but he is quite fortunate she's feeling merciful, no doubt.

Her head cants to the side as well and she exhales again, steadying herself with a hand on a nearby bulkhead. She looks pitiful too, no doubt.]

On that we agree. On...all counts. It is good to see you well and in one piece, Balthier.

[She is glad for an island of familiarity in this sea of uncertainty, and as infuriating as the man can be...he is familiar. But there is a small concern...]

I can't feel my magic. Can you?

That depends upon where you stand in relation to the spy. A spy can also be a brave patriot.

[She'd certainly employed some in the past.]

I'd prefer to think of things in the positive light, until proven otherwise, Miss.

Ashe's focus isn't on Joshua, which may be of some relief to him. She has a target, and while the spell is impressive, the time for comment is later. Her hand rises now, fingers tracing through the motions of another spell. Time...slows...for a brief moment, and when it resumes the remaining birds move as though they're slogging through mud.

"They will not escape."

She's more emphatic this time, the lightning gathering in her weapon growing more intense. When she unleashes the energy held there, a storm of electricity crackles around the Slowed creatures and they drop to the beach like puppets with cut strings.

"Do you see more?"

[ Clive will cry until he'd had his fill, but eventually the sounds of sobs will die off. He almost embarrassingly reaches of the napkins with his head still ducked down, attempting to once again compose himself.

While he still had not realized the entirety of their situation and still had much he wished to tell Cid about, he allow himself a moment of respite. ]

Alright. [ Clive will finally lift the tankard before meekly smiling in the older man's direction. It's weak- his face stained with tears and dirt from the day's adventure- but at least it was a smile. ]

To new beginnings.

[ And Clive will tip the mug back, nearly downing half of its contents in one swig.

Really, after all of this, he needed a drink. ]

[He gives a small, easy smile.]

While I cannot hope to imagine anything like it, I can still wish you the best of luck. May you one day see your world as it was meant to be, sir.

[His attention was then drawn to the flame in Joshua's palm, his body language subtly changing as the tattoo was mentioned. Oh? Well that's good to know.]

I see you've gotten it yourself.

[As uncomfortable as it seemed to make the other man.]

To new beginnings.

[Bit...weird for him to say, really, but it's also something he could get behind. Whether it's for himself and others here in this world—or just for them back in theirs. So there's a hearty thunk before Cid half empties his own, letting Clive settle in more (and have a few more drinks in him) and let him take the lead in regaling him of what all he's missed, filling in the blanks where the others left off.]

[ While the ale did much to act as a dam for Clive's ever shifting emotions, the holes in his stories told were steadily being filled as time passed. He could regal his great victories over Ultima, but there were more important details to slowly unlock.

After some light conversation he finally breathes out a sigh, leaning onto his forearms. ]

... Five years. [ Clive repeats while taking the last sip of his drink, placing it aside. ] I still can't believe it's been that long.

Yeah, the green button. It's useful for both! You will have to select the person you want to talk to. Whether it's through text or anything else.

[ Once upon a time, this kind of technology would have been foreign to her world. A lot has changed in a thousand years. So she might as well help out others too. ]

Like a letter! Only a lot faster. It's pretty much instantaneous. So you could hold a whole conversation pretty easily like this.

[the comment of finding history and ruins only serves further perk up eizen's expression. now that's a sentiment he can 100% agree with.]

Exactly! The potential for discovery is limitless! And there's nothing quite like stepping foot on unfamiliar soil and unearthing a ruin filled to the brim with history and relics.

[pottery, art, weaponry and all else: all of that history is just waiting out there to be found and uncovered!]

Joshua watches and focuses on the crackle of magic and time. After the magic is cast and the rest of the dangerous creatures fall dead on the ground there is a moment of silence aside from the light crackling of magic leftover in the air.

"It seems that it all, for now."

What magnificent creatures, he thinks he would have liked to observe them in a more peaceful situation with time but ... Well. Dangerous monsters are dangerous.

After a moment Joshua's flames and wing-like shapes on his back vanish and he closes his hand into a fist over his chest as he tries to suppress a painful cough. When he clears his throat he politely adds,

"A job well well done, my lady. I hope you are unharmed."

Edited 2023-09-11 20:38 (UTC)

Who knew indeed. I’m used to magic being an innate thing for all people.

[ with the rise of magitech back home, he couldn’t help but draw comparisons. ] What element did you pick for your tattoo?

Thank you, I appreciate the well wishes.

[Although it seems he has quite the detour to deal with in this watery world first. As they all do.]

And I have, although I've never had a tattoo in my life. It was only uncomfortable for a moment.

I thought you might be.

[ It's said flatly, but also easily taken as a joke. Straight-man humor, as it were. As they stroll through the tavern with drinks flying around, Velvet only dodges them. Not wanting to smell even more like a tavern than she already will.

She looks over her shoulder at Faris and snorts. ]

I live on a pirate ship, and trade favors with a shadow guild. This is just any regular day for me.

[ Velvet watches his reaction, how he holds on to that barrel and knows that feeling well. Revenge is her entire being now, in more than one way. It has changed who she is inside and out. That negative feeling consuming her until every fiber of her being is soaked in anger and hatred.

It does drive her, so long as she can kill Artorius, and stop the being masquerading as her brother - Velvet is willing to give up her life. She plans on digging as many graves as it takes to accomplish that.

A corner of her mouth turns up in a smirk. ] I'd say that I appreciate that, but I think you are only too aware that I wouldn't let anyone stand in the way anyway.

[ But she does appreciate it. Everyone joined her group for different reasons, but they all had other things to live too. There is no coming to terms with it for her, though. Only accepting what she has to do in the end.

When a voice of a crew member calls out, Velvet's gaze sharpens. ]

We'll be done when I say we are, and you'll thank us for the cleanest storage room this place hasn't seen since the day this damn ship was built!

[another drunk gears up to seemingly avenge the guy who eizen punched. it's then that clive's warning comes and eizen moves out of the way just in time to allow the glass to fly past him. while he might've avoided it, the guy set on avenging his buddy isn't so lucky. the glass slams right into the bloke's head. just like his buddy, he's seeing some stars now, too.

eizen shoots a quick glance at clive over his shoulder.]

Appreciate the warning!

[his eyes then narrow as that glance reveals a guy coming up behind clive with a barstool raised over his head. not about to let his barfight buddy be on the receiving end of that, eizen opts to intervene. he reaches down, grabbing a intact bottle off the ground by its neck.]

Hold still!

[with warning given, he spins around and throws the bottle. it should sail nicely past clive in order to nail that guy right in the face.]

[say less, kid. let's start with those injuries. hopefully the tattoo allows him to cast a healing arte without any issue. he concentrates a moment and, sure enough, the healing arte gets cast. that should take care of the bulk of roxas' injuries.]

Heh, I bet. [no one likes being lost.] Where was this promised room of yours located?

[if he knows that, eizen can try to piece together which way they should go.]

[He tucks the name Cazador in his mind for later, figuring that Astarion means his former master. Former because at least here the elf is free as he says he is.

They seem to have very different views of this place, but part of him thinks it might be the difference in their circumstances, in the status of their masters life that makes it so. Were Danarius still breathing, would he feel the same way? Would this seem like freedom to be away from the man?]

It seems our views of this place are dissimilar. Though perhaps it will grow on me as I see it unfold. At the moment I merely feel forced here against my will and conscripted to join a crew, something I am not wholly pleased with.

[Fenris waves his hand to dismiss the concern, he doesn't particularly believe in the gods. If pressed he might admit a begrudging belief in the Maker, but beyond that his relationship with the gods is a complicated one.

And no need to say sorry, Fenris is not great at it either and finds this completely acceptable.]

Then I can make it the rest of the way. Thank you, Xenk, I appreciate your guidance.

[That is an answer he can appreciate, someone who does magic because of necessity rather than pleasure. To do magic out of pleasure would be something that could easily get out of hand and lead someone to the embrace of a demon or lured into blood magic.]

I see. It is not an occupation for many back where I am from, more a.. designation as not all people are capable of magic and those who are would be called a mage or apostate if they are not of a circle.

[ "Apostate" huh? That certainly sets a tone. The tips of G'raha's ears perk, as he comes to some understanding here. He'll make no assumptions, but that's probably why this Fenris had approached him with a certain tone. ]

As a historian, I would love to ask more question. If you're amenable, of course.

[ And perhaps at a time after they have settled into their situation a little more. There is a lot going on after all. ]

Most races upon my star are capable of magic or, rather, some form of aetherial manipulation. Aether is merely the energy present in all things. Magic is the act of being able to channel said energy.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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