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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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[She has that very same thought—not much of a conversationalist, which is fine. Tifa doesn't need to poke and prod to get to know someone.]

Same reasons, then?

[She took that hum as a sign of agreement to what she had to say. He doesn't exactly strike her as the kind of person who would like loud, busy places, but that's just her gut instinct. Sometimes, people can surprise you.]

Great question.

[Cid only watches her for a moment before he looks around, trying to get his bearings. If this ship is like any of the others...]

Let's head up deck, see if we can find some more answers about this place.

[ Get that sweet EXP, guys! Xenk looks over the bodies, sword still draw, more waiting to make sure they aren't enchanted by some foul magic that might make them rise again.

When you're from Thay, you're from Thay. ]

Indeed, I am.

[ He turns around and faces Astarion. Here is Xenk Yendar in all his uptight glory, posture straight and proud as any paladin should be. The mark of Thay on his forehead is well and visible now. Perhaps he knows a thing or two about people making assumptions about you before you're given the chance to prove yourself. ]

And you are a vampire. [ He looks him up and down, searching for any particular signs. ARCANA CHECK: FAILED. (He only gets +2 to WIS) Well, he's going to just assume, then. ] A spawn, perhaps? Though you walk in the light.

[ He sheathes his sword at his hip, choosing always to believe in the goodness of others. ]

You offered me aid, when you could have easily fled.

[ He states this again, for the 'record' before pausing. When he speaks again, it's with Authority, though it's not the illithid kind. More the kind you get when you have Tyr's Oath on your side: words that seem to compel the truth -- or at the very least, highly encourage it. Let's call that an Intimidation check. ]

Tell me, vampire. Do you drink the blood of the innocent?

Ah, well, Laguna, if you could heal up nicely, that would be lovely.

[ He gives him a soft smile. ]

Also, ah. Where. Are we, do you know?

You're from Thay?

[ Sure, Xenk asked him a bunch of questions but now that he's staring at him he can clearly see the mark. What a strange mix--to be a paladin of Tyr, and yet also be walking around with the mark of Thay upon him, as if he were himself undead. But there's no way...he'd hurt himself with his own holy magic.

But then again, here was Astarion sending right beside him. Strange times indeed.

He'd dwell on this, but the intimidation coming off that question is palpable and so he gets back to the point. It's enough that he doesn't even ask why Xenk assumes he's nothing but a spawn. A assumption that, while true, grates at him as if Xenk had gotten under his very skin.

They'll come back to that. ]

I don't. I was... [ he shifts uncomfortably and then sighs, as if he's about to tell Xenk something very embarrassing. Which he is. His tone changes. It's quick, almost boyish. As if admitting to stealing a cookie from the cookie jar: ] I had come here to try and eat one of these things, alright? I haven't had a drop since I got off that damn boat. And yes, I know it's very strange that I was even on a boat in the first place because I'm not supposed to be in moving water any more than I'm supposed to be in the sun and yet here we are.

[ After the little tirade (depending on who is counting) he takes a couple shallow, panting breaths and then collects himself. Self-justification is the worst, but worse still when you're caught with something like this!! ]

And what about you, anyway? [ hell yeah change the subject ] How the bloody hells are you a paladin with the mark of Thay on you?

Now why would a public official in such a position of trust need to pick a lock?

[ He tilts his head, smiling in a way that could probably charm snakes. ]

You're a thief.

[ Alucard hazards. If Astarion is anything like his last one, he'll have about two more knives hidden for every one he's got visible. ]

[ Astarion shrugs ]

People can be more than one thing. Call it a hobby.

OK, I know what capsize means, dude. Where I come from the oceans boil.

[Gus considers this, lips pressed into a hard line. He looks a little queasy watching the dead creature slide down the side of the pail.]

How much difference does it make? These things are 80% slime as it is!

[Does he sound kinda grumpy? Because he is kinda grumpy. But he's still thinking.]

OK...creatures usually use slime for getting around, so maybe all we have to do is scare them bad enough and they'll drop all their slime at once! What do you think scares these things?

[Well now he has to answer—]

Similar.

[He looks at Valo.]

I wasn't sure how Valo would take to the ship, and it would be easier to be in town.

[ It's not about power, that's blood mage talk! But luckily for Astarion, he doesn't say that. And so Dorian has no reason but to assume that Astarion is a fellow scholar like himself. ]

Yes, such views are not uncommon in much of my world, unfortunately. We're a bit more open-minded in that sense, but... [ Not in others! I mean, what? Anyway, ] It's truly a shame, when there is so much we can learn from working with spirits. So much potential squandered, and for what? Rules imposed by an ancient cult? Because the Orlesian Divine thinks the dead ought to be 'sacred'?

[ He scoffs. Really, just a shame, guys!!! ]

It's little wonder so much of Thedas, that is to say, my world, lives in squalor, compared to Minrathous -- the city I'm from.

[ You're going to keep seeing it if you keep coming and going in and out of his life like this—

Especially when those familiar words ring against his ears. It had been so long since he heard them, much like Cid's voice that the sentence alone is enough to scrunch the man's face up with a new fresh stream of tears.

Goddammit Cid, he couldn't seriously punch you right now... ]

Alright. But you are buying the first round. [ And there it was. Small and barely noticeable under his scraggly disposition, but finally Clive manages to smile. ]

I'm not a-- nevermind.

[ The two may be busted by this extremely strong paladin, but the others rage on, and though Aziraphale resembles a hapless NPC with very little power, he sees that people are really going to get hurt and so, with his tattoo allowing for his powers again, he makes a wolf-whistle like sound to get everyone's attention.

To no surprise, everyone stops for a second to listen. ]

Do you not all have better things to do with your evening than fight amongst yourselves? Look how much food and ale you are wasting! You would all do better to make merry!

[ They seem too all consider this a moment, but, aside from the two Xenk has by the scruff, they decide to continue. ]

Oh... how bothersome!

[ He tries as best he can to get out of the fray, moving towards Xenk, miraculously unharmed. ]

That usually works better.

[ He chuckles at that. ]

A good thief is always a valuable thing to have. Are you any good at your hobby?

[That smile slips off her face and is replaced by by a sudden flush of her cheeks that there's no hiding. However foolish it is to feel embarrassed after they've already kissed in front of all and sundry at the Hideaway, Jill still can't help it. This is like when one parents' dig into their love life. Nobody ever wants to answer that directly, even if the truth is evident.]

I... Um, we...

[He's not going to let her leave this table without an answer, is he? Jill feels that for sure and sighs in defeat. He'll get the information somehow sooner or later. Might as well have it come from her.]

Yes.

[And it only took them five years to do it.]

[She feels ridiculous, both going along with everything he says and being in these clothes, and as she wraps the towel gently around the worst of her knuckles, she follows him up to the main deck, her eyes taking in everything that it can from the layout to the craftsmanship, but especially the former. It is nothing compared to the Einherjar, however. She was quite fond of that ship, and not even this one could compare. But... there are a few trinkets that do seem interesting, she will admit.

It's up on the deck where she lets Cid do all the talking while she listens intently. That is what she does—listens, absorbs, takes information as it comes and holds it with an iron grip. She watches, eyes scanning the faces, the voices, all the people who come and go. Who interacts with who. It is all a reflex, but it is not something she takes lightly. Not here. Even if this were a dream, if she stood any chance of escaping it and waking up again, she would need to know this place inside out just like she does the pillars that hold up Valisthea, weak as they all are.

The attendants aboard the ship explain where they are, how they got there (though that answer leaves much to be desired), where they can go and what they can do. They mention a typewriter that they will have to visit downstairs (ugh, back they go) in order to get all of their information, and explains that their clothes will be found in a chest... somewhere on the island!?

And once that's through, Cid will find Benedikta standing slightly off to the side, and while she had been listening, she gazes out to the island spanning out in front of them.]

I suppose the typewriter is first?

[She addresses him with hardly a glance back.]

Oh, quite. I'd give you a demonstration, but I think first...you should tell me a little bit more about yourself. Got any hobbies you want to share about?

[ the kind that are useful for stealing boats ]

[Tough it, kid. Sometimes laughter and bad jokes are needed for heavy moments like these. And small as it is, Cid catches it and his own forms as he gives Clive one last pat on the shoulder before leaning back to look around.]

Let's see... I'd say we try for a different tavern then the Cask. Might have a chance for some peace.

[And of course, Cid has already found a few in his short time here, already stepping towards a direction.]

You'll also have to regale me of all your adventures.

[Quick reflexes were rather fortunate to have—

A hand kept it steady when it felt like someone had been tossed against the table, hearing it creak under the force. At least they ran back at whoever tossed them once up on their feet, rather than trying to grab the table themselves.

Turo nodded, head turning to better see who was there with him.]

For the best, I'm not a physically combative individual given the battles I'm more familiar with.

[Head turning to catch sight of that door again. Calculating.]

There's about to be a clear path. Ready?

[With the smaller number of those fighting between them and the door out, most of them parting in other directions with only a few to avoid would help make the sprint easier.

He hoped.]

[ Alright, Eizen's enthusiasm alone is enough to make Clive chuckle under his breath. There is a fire that's bellowing in the pit of his stomach, only igniting further with this new companion eager at his backside. ]

Let's see how well those fists hold up then, shall we?

[ Drawing his sword out from the back of his sheath Clive manages to easily shoulder check a random drunk out of the way before giving Eizen one last look. ]

Just shout if you need it.

I... k-kinda...? M-Maybe we should get you gloves... A-after you stitch that up.

[Thick, thick gloves.]

[Nope, and that fox-like smile and gleam in his eyes are telling her yes she must answer. And when she answers, he can't help but chuckle.]

Judging from that answer... Don't tell me it's recent?

[Calling them out.]

[ He arches his brows at that, a sapphire gem above one of them twinkling. Interesting tidbit there; he's found himself more fascinated with others' worlds than he ever thought he might be. ]

What makes you think they have any feelings at all?

[ Alucard will challenge him. The next slug he comes up to he'll swat on the rear with the end of his blade as if he's monitoring some sort of grill instead. ]

Is it because they've got faces?

[Jill brings a hand up to cover her face, feeling the burning going on there. Why can't he ask like a normal person? Does he have to drag it out of her bit by bit for his amusement? It's bad enough they were the topic of the Hideaway gossip round, but now he's just reminding her of how long she had those feelings for Clive but didn't, couldn't, act on them.]

We were preoccupied, Cid. There were far more important issues to contend with.

[Recent? It might as well have been a week ago.]

I-it's okay... [Okay, no longer in danger of being smashed, deep breath.] You're on a ship, the Royal Fortune. We should probably get you registered, it'll help you find your things at least.

Not at all.

It used to be that spices were used to hide meat flavor from tasting spoiled. Wouldn't be surprised if it happened here; warm climate.

Won't you come join me? They might have beverages.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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