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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.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

No. We could not, I assure you.

[Well, that's not quite right. They had their moments of almost getting there, but a certain man who goes by the moniker of Gav interrupted them and it seems the world kept getting set on fire and needed putting out after that, so things between her and Clive were shelved.]

Thank you... I think. I'm not sure if you mean it or if you're continuing to mock me.

[ Don't worry, he's explained his tale enough that he doesn't expect sympathy. The vampire's change in mood does not go unnoticed, but Xenk listens all the same. It's no surprise to hear that the tale of a vampire spawn who avoids human blood is one of great injustice. He carried himself without preamble, without the power that those creatures so often flaunt.

Though talk of mind-flayers is enough to make Xenk's breath draw short. Everyone knows those soulless creatures are the vilest thing in all of the nine realms. Xenk has fought his share of creatures. He knows the signs. ]

Mindflayers? Then, you...

[ Xenk levels him with an intense stare, gauging the vampire spawn's words for any trace of deceit, any sign of possession or lack of control. INSIGHT CHECK: SUCCESS. He finds neither. The man speaks true, though his words defy all sense. Ceremorphosis is not slow. It is not pretty. It is painful and horrible, and it would spare neither sire nor spawn. ]

By the Gods.

[ Xenk mutters, fist clenched in sympathetic anger. He believes this man. His words should not be true, but he believes him. A vampire spawn, walking in daylight, free from its master... he'd thought perhaps the strange magic of this place was to blame for these curiosities, but no one would conjure up a tale of mindflayers that goes so against what they are known to do. ]

Your luck must be nearly outweighed by your misfortune, that you remain yourself still.

[ Yeah, no God would ever fuck with mindflayers, sorry. That's just luck for sure. ]

You have my deepest sympathies. [ He'll even kneel. Yeah, he's kneeling. It's a Paladin thing, he's gonna internally beseech Tyr from all the way over here. ] That such an injustice should be brought upon you... it is without reason. A crueler fate than any should ever bear.

[And now his expression softens as he shakes his head.]

Nah... I mean it. It was clear you two were meant for each other, so I'm glad.

[....Even...if....her current situation is a bit uncertain. Still, he has faith in Clive. Not even a single sliver of doubt.

Briefly he again recalls how he saw them back in Martha's Rest, how he had been reminded of another time, another life. How much he hoped for their fates to end better than his own. And there's a small quirk of his lips before he grabs his mug to take a drink.]

Now, what other bit of news do you have to share?

[And there, he's finally moving on.]

I don't need your pity.

[ Astarion says the last word like a curse, but then that same boyish awkwardness comes flooding back as Xenk is suddenly getting down on his knees. He waves his hand, embarrassed and trying to get the man to get back up. Of course he'd wanted him to feel, well, a little bit bad. But he didn't want all this.

His next words are more animated, shrugging off the real display of emotion he'd showed just a moment ago (the numbness, the resentment) with something more dramatic. ]

Get up. I doubt your god could hear you here, all the way out here on this turtle. Besides, he never listened to me before. He'd probably just rather you smite me and get it over with.

But, to be clear: please don't. I don't love being a spawn, but I certainly would prefer not to be put back into the ground or turned into a pile of ash.

Edited 2023-08-21 04:37 (UTC)

[ Boy, this bard sure is good at dodging! Xenk is relieved that he remains unharmed even as the brawlers keep trying to encroach on every inch of the bar.

Xenk is not beyond standing firm as others shove and try to knock him over, but he remains stalwart and true in his vigil at the edge of the fighting. Even if he can protect only one person, then he is following his Oath. ]

Indeed. There are some who seem to be enjoying themselves.

[ Yep, now's about the time where Xenk reaches forward to yank a few more guys out of the way. With a 'Think on your actions!' he tries his best to shove them out of Aziraphale's way. As one does. It does not stop him from speaking to Aziraphale and having a polite conversation. ]

Xenk Yendar. I am Paladin of Tyr.

[ He nods his head, in a move that would clearly be a bow if they weren't quite so occupied at the moment. The mark on his forehead is, well, a little cursed. But don't worry about it. He's very polite. ]

[It's such a broad question that Jill takes a few long moments and a sip of her ale to consider an answer. There's a lot she could tell Cid, about how Lady Charon is still grumping along, how the Martelle's apples have grown sweeter over the year, but she begins with a topic much closer to herself.

One that has her putting her tankard down and giving Cid a look of resolve, setting the conversation back on a serious note.]

The Iron Kingdom's Patriach is dead. I made sure of that.

[It takes her a moment, Benedikta giving herself a few extra seconds to runinate on that thought before she does, slowly and meekly as her body will allow.

Though, her footsteps hesitate here and there as she runs it all over in her head again because there is that small part of her that does not think it is. That something really is going on here and that what those... animal people explained was all true. Honestly, like Cid, how in the world would her mind even come up with any of this?

Still, Benedikta walks after him back below the deck, allowing him to continue leading her on this merry chase for information and, apparently, their clothes.]

[ Ah, but he has struck a nerve without meaning to. Though Xenk doesn't understand why the elf has misconstrued his intentions, this is hardly the first time it's happened. His bluntness rankled Edgin Darvis as well.

The vampire's honesty, and his haste in burying it, is a bit like Edgin as well. (So weird that some people don't want to just exposit their feelings? That they try to hide their emotions? On purpose?)

Xenk looks up into the other's red eyes and rights himself, still giving Astarion the deference he feels the elf deserves. ]

I will not smite you.

[ He speaks completely seriously. That's not an oath, but it is his Oath. He sets his hand on the pommel of his sword, not in a threat, but in a promise. ]

The Oath I swore demands that I correct injustice. That I guard the weak and fight for truth. And you have been honest with me this day, vampire. [ Still doesn't know his name, oops. ] So long as you stay your fangs from the innocent and the undeserving, you will not find an enemy in me.

[ Now that's an Oath. ]

[And down they go until they reach the room with the typewriter. They have to wait a bit as there are others before them—who are also as perplexed and in disbelief about it all. And when it's finally their turn...]

Bloody hell—is that thing moving on its own?

[Cid's eyes just light up at the sight of the typewriter automatically typing away, unable to help himself to step closer and bend down to watch.]

Benedikta, watch it! Hah, what a fascinating...what did you call it, a typewriter?

[And despite calling her over, Cid's focus will be on the person in charge of it, who seems happy to answer his questions.]

[Gus's own brows arch up in surprise. What kind of a question is that!?]

Uh, yeah? Everything has feelings! Even the kind of demons without faces have feelings!

[...He's pretty sure, at least. He hasn't met all the faceless kind of demons on the Boiling Isles, but he can be aghast on their behalf.]

And even if they didn't, it's not right to come into their home and kill them just because you don't understand them!

[Yeah, maybe a nerve has been touched a little bit. Or a large bit. His tone makes it clear he's speaking from some personal experience.]

[ He's blushing?? Oh gods, help him, it's probably really obvious in the sun. Where does he even have the extra blood to run to his face? But he's doing it anyway, because this is just so weird. He laughs, high pitched and giddy as if pointing out the absurdity of this situation--a holy man swearing an Oath to a vampire--might make it go away.

(And he tries not to think too hard about all of the unholy things he did in Cazador's name.) ]

Yes, well, um, that's--yes, thank you.

[ What does he even say to this?? ]

Look, please stop calling me "vampire," at least? I have a name. It is Astarion. I'd also prefer if you didn't go telling just anyone you meet about this. I try to keep it a secret. Not everyone can just detect good and evil or whatever it is you do.

[ Oh yes, probably... ]

Oh, dragons! Yes, I don't think we've got any of those at home.

[ He'd wonder more about that and be in disbelief, except that he'd seen a sharkgull and a giant snail earlier, and also, Astarion has lovely large ears which to Aziraphale seem wholly unnatural.

It seems easier to believe that things just work differently on his world. ]

Why, how do you deal with them? Dragons, I mean?

[Cid will be nursing his own drink, ruminating over everything he's heard so far.

Ultima... Damn bastard, he really hopes that thing is dead, for all their sakes. But then Joshua... Hm. He'll have to figure out what to do about that. Well until Clive shows up, he'll have to try and gather them all again. Now with Jill here, better numbers in their favor, and while it was better to let Joshua move on his own, now might be the time to group back together.

Ugh, can't he just rest in peace—

He'll also take a few puffs from his cigar and will have just exhaled one when he hears her bit of news.

And widens his eyes as he stares at her.]

...You did that, eh?

[And he knows exactly what she means by that. He's done his research, and while he doesn't know the full details, he knows enough.]

Must not have been easy.

[ This bard is extraordinarily good at dodging, it's almost as if he's got an unnatural skill of luck, because certainly it's not his dexterity. He tries to catch a man who's being pushed his way, but accidentally trips him instead. ]

Dreadfully sorry, mind how you go!

[ He pulls the man up with one hand and helps him dust off before he leaps back into the fray. ]

Xenk Yendar, what a lovely name. It's nice to meet you - I wish it had been under more peaceful circumstances!

I am Aziraphale, a purveyor of fine books.

[ But clearly not just a bookseller, as he pulls aside someone who looks worse for wear, and tuts at him, touching what seems to be a large gash and making it healed. ]

I suppose that wasn't as bad as it looked. Though do be careful, and maybe sit the next few out, won't you?

Mostly one tries not to. One of the women I'm [whats the world for when you have motley crew traipsing around the wilderness? ] adventuring with comes from a culture where they tame them. But I prefer to be all in one piece, and not eaten or turn into ash. Still, they're impressive up close. I wouldn't want to fight one.

[ Somehow, knowing his luck though, they're probably going to have to. It's almost like it is dungeons & dragons and not just dungeons & yet more dungeons. ]

All and all, you're probably better off without them. Thought I'm sure your Earth comes up with plenty to ruin one's day.

[While she is, admittedly, a little curious, her own is much more subdued than his brand of excitement. He always was a tinkerer, always loved designing things and building things. Impressive things. She remembers, even back then, so this is no surprise to her.

She approaches slowly and with some caution because why the fuck is this thing moving on its own? And more importantly, how is it spelling out those words on the page?]

Cute trick. How is this supposed to help us?

[But there is no denying that slight flicker of interest because anyone who hasn't seen this before would be bewildered by it.]

[ Xenk Yendar says these things with a straight face and then smiles because he thinks it's just how one speaks to people. Maybe he likes to fluster people with his honesty, or maybe he's just oblivious as hell. Who can say?

It doesn't change the fact that he will always be honest, and that he means absolutely everything he says. Not just for his Oath, but because it's the Right Thing To Do. Though, yeah, he's had plenty of people swoon over him. He doesn't pay it much mind. ]

Forgive me, Astarion. I meant no offense.

[ He is just 100% honest 100% of the time. Which poses a conundrum indeed. His hand falls from his sword, resting on his chest in something like supplication. ]

You ask a great deal of me, as you well know my Oath. I cannot lie.

[ He literally just explained it. But Astarion is not wrong that there are those who would jump to ill conclusions. Just as Xenk has dealt with those who would assume that, as a Thayan, he must be allied with Szass Tam. ]

But as it is a matter of life and death, I am sympathetic. [ That hand on his chest clenches to a fist. Tyr, grant him strength. ] I can speak in omission. I will not reveal your secret, unless it is asked of me in such a way that it would sever my oath.

[ He's gotta be honest. And realistically.... if it really was a matter of life or death, he probably would be able to lie, just for the right reasons. He'd just rather not go down that road -- it's too gray for his sensibilities. ]

Nope!

[He's too tired and too wired to be anything but honest right now.]

I know that getting this tattoo is how I get my magic back and all but the last time someone tried to make me do something like this it was because they wanted to take my magic away! And then it turned out to be a big plot to to kill me and all my friends and family and I'm just tired of all of this and-

[Oh. Whoops.]

And I shouldn't be dumping that on you. Sorry.

Plenty, but I try to look on the bright side. We've got lots of lovely things too - forests and parks and little cafes and bookshops. And the night sky! Littered full of stars; the one here's almost as beautiful.

[ Aziraphale, who's definitely not dressed properly to be a pirate of any kind, definitely more resembles the sort to sit in a landlocked library, reading by lamplight, not worrying about finding teeth in his squid because someone else has prepared it for him. ]

But I'll heed your warning on the dragons. I hope we don't run into any here, or I might need to seek more of your advice.

[ This is all so much. Somehow, he thinks, this is worse than if he'd just had to fight this man. This direct, honest attention being paid to him. Speaking to him as if he deserved more. But what did it matter, what he deserved? It had never worked out before. It was unlikely to work out just because some Paladin decided to stick his nose in his business.

It's strange. Whether it is on purpose or not, Xenk has put him in a position he's not used to. He always has the upper hand, always tries to make sure that he is the one with all the emotional playing cards. But the roles are almost entirely reversed here. He feels...well, not the childish way that Cazador makes him feel, but something different. Something problematic.

He doesn't like it in the slightest!!!!

But this business about Xenk's personal problem is exactly that--a personal problem. He kind of doubts that anyone is going to point blank ask Xenk if Astarion is a vampire, so that's probably not going to have to be one of his worries. ]

That's all I can ask, then. Far be it from me to sever a paladin's oath.

[ that's gotta be like 100 years of bad luck. ]

And look, if you...need any locks picked or anything...

[ Honestly it is the perfect offer because Xenk 100% will never need anyone to pick a lock for him. And Astarion feels this weird feeling like he should give something in return for this promise Xenk is making him? So he can check off that box. ]

Edited 2023-08-21 05:38 (UTC)

[Ah. Well.

Made sense, with as much of it that he understood. It sounded like a terrible amount of—]

You have been holding onto all of that tightly, perhaps it is better out than in. It does sound like a very good reason to be apprehensive about getting one. Especially given what it's purpose is for here. Just similar enough that it strikes too close.

[He looked back towards the door of the shop for a moment.]

Would it help if someone went in with you?

[He's distracting the poor person in charge of this thing that the answer comes a beat late—or rather, right when the typewriter dings and the paper scrolls up.

"Oh, right! Here, it's your information... Uh, Cidol...foos? Te-lemon? Sorry, I'm no good at reading names."]

Close enough.

[He's too amused to be bothered. But he'll take the information and hold it out to Benedikta so she can follow along as the staff explains the different fields and the maps to help show them the main stops at the port.

"And if you, miss, type your name on the keys here, you'll get your personalized information."]

Now you're talking! All of those sound absolutely delightful. Did you end up with any books when you found the rest of your effects? I'm afraid all of mine must have gotten left in camp back home.

[ Reading is one of his hobbies, too, in fact! Sometimes he reads tomes on necromancy, but never you mind that. He's got a whole stack of not-necessarily-evil books as well. Cafes are nice (wine is better) and forests are great!

The night sky is a little less exciting, but that's a personal problem. ]

A useful ally indeed, for a place like this.

[ It's said with just a hint of hope. A dash of, "wouldn't it be nice, if we were allies?" ]

If you figure it out, do let me know. My magic is somewhat limited but one never knows when one needs a flame.

You would? That would be most helpful!

[The offer brings a relieved look to his face.]

I have two siblings. The first is my sister Lynette. She's my twin, and so she looks just like me for the most part; same hair, same eyes, and a matching physique. The only difference is that she has a star on her cheek [He briefly points to the opposite cheek of his teardrop mark,] as well as cat-like ears and a tail. She's usually in a black and green dress, but if she's in a similar situation like us, then, well, we'll have to look for her other defining features. She's more on the quiet side, but if you let her know that you know me, she'll be more open to talking to you.

Then, there's my younger brother Freminet. He's not a twin, and his hair is actually more blonde than mine or my sister's. He usually has it covering one eye; that's just how he likes to style it, you know? He also has freckles and grey eyes, and is usually wearing a navy blue coat and a matching hat. He usually has one of his gadgets on hand or fastened to his waist; he's very good with his tinkering. He's very shy, and may not be open to talking too much, but just go easy on him; he's a gentle soul, after all.

[As he talks, his expression becomes more warm, and a more genuine smile grows on his face with each word. It's very clear that he cares a lot about his siblings.]

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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