escordvi | « test sail »

Entry tags:

« test sail »

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

[That fire sure was something! And the landing made it all have that extra pizzaz to it. He takes a moment to give her a quick applause.]

Bravo, bravo! You've got a bit of showmanship in you as well!

[Many of the sharkgulls are either dead or starting to fly off, but some seem persistent. He hums, before turning to her.]

Well? Shall we give them one final performance to blow them away?

[Oh shit that is definitely not Lynette.]

[Lyney barely stifles a shocked cry, stumbling back a couple of steps as he gapes openly at the being before him. He actually has no idea what it is he's seeing, but every nerve in his body is telling him to get out of there. So he turns, and takes a few quick steps away as he's about to flee.]

[But at the door he stops, pausing for a moment. Aside from the other sailors, this is the only other... being he's seen down here. Against his better judgment he turns back, and does his best to school his face into something less afraid and more determined.]

W-Wait! Tell me... have you seen a girl down here? She looks just like me, but with cat ears and a tail... Or a blonde boy a bit younger than myself?

[ Truly blessed by the ~~dice~~ gods, this one! Xenk admires the man's quick reflexes, nodding in approval at his ability to somehow be both very kind and yet still quite insistent in getting these troublesome types out of the way. Perhaps he could learn a thing or two from this Aziraphale! ]

Likewise, Aziraphale. I am honored to meet you, all the same.

[ A bookseller? Well, lots of people retire to open their own shops, back in Faerun. This does not surprise him in the least. Perhaps the man had been a cleric? A paladin like him? A bard still seems just as likely. It's no matter, more curiosity than anything. ]

You wield your magic with great ease.

[ It's a compliment! Though one quickly interrupted by a fist, which Xenk catches (ATHLETICS CHECK: SUCCESS) and diverts into a backwards hold, meant to just nearly dislocate the man's shoulder. Look, Paladins aren't non-violent, they just don't throw the first punch. ]

Stay down and return to your home. [ He speaks calmly into the drunk's ear. ] Your arm will mend with rest. Do not strain it further.

[ And because he can, and because he doesn't want to truly make trouble, he Lays on Hands as he pats the man on the back, the spark of Divine magic curing the same wound easily. Still, the threat ought to keep him from getting back into the fight. ]

[ Whether Dion has gotten the tattoo or not - he has - he doesn't volunteer that information. It's better to let Barnabas come to his own conclusions and thoughts. ]

I suppose. I can't say I've spent that much time at sea, nor do I know how to manage a ship.

[ Not that he's been asked, but he's going to have to learn those skills. ]

Seems a rather strange circumstance that I find myself here.

[ Is that perhaps guilt Astarion feels? Perhaps a little bit of goodness, begging to be heard from within? Xenk tends to have that effect on people. There's just something about a guy who refuses to lie and believes in the goodness of the world that makes people feel like they should be better people. It's terrible, isn't it? ]

I appreciate your understanding.

[ It's all he can ask for, he knows. A paladin's Oath is his life. At least Astarion is willing to meet him halfway as well. Truly, he's earning quite a bit of Approval in Xenk's book. To even offer up his skills, however unscrupulous, shows that the man is kinder than his terrible life would let on. ]

I doubt I will ever have need of your illicit skillset.[ Blunt as all hell, that's Xenk! ] But you are kind to offer this in exchange. Thank you.

[ He smiles. You know he means it, when he's calling lockpicking 'kind.' ]

Edited 2023-08-21 05:58 (UTC)

Unless you find yourself tired of your onslaught of company, I suppose I would.

[ It's a strange situation, but Dion just figures everything can always get worse. How, he doesn't know, but it can. He's sure of it. He can handle what's coming for him, whatever it is. ]

I have never had difficulty in a battle of wills with Bahamut. [ Well, mostly, but he can't claim that he was fully in control to begin with when he was primed against his will. ]

If I should ask for him, he'll answer.

Peace, at last. Temporarily, I'm sure.

[ Well, with that sorted and with some relative peace at hand, he did agree to this truce.

Dion motions to the bartender and holds up two fingers for pints of ale. If that's not what Ramuh wants, well, too bad. He's being generous and buying the man a drink, at least. ]

[ His scowling doesn't seem to be deterring many people in fact, and he must be losing his touch. As it is, he's not scowling at her, so his expression will turn more pensive and less angry with the world. ]

Shiva, good day. [ He offers a polite tilt of his head in Jill's direction. ]

I trust you are well?

[ It is terrible!!! You can't believe in a man you just met, Xenk.

Astarion's displeasure at being called "kind" tries to write itself out on his face, trying to prove, for a moment at least, that he's actually still just a mean old vampire spawn with nothing to give. It's like being called out, but in the worst way possible! The very worst way! ]

Great, well, if that was all, I was looking for a bite to eat before all of this and I'm still quite famished. There's no need for you to stick around while I find some creature to snack on.

[ Just watch him!! He's so good at that! Show him one spark of goodness and he will stoke that flame, Astarion. ]

Of course.

[ He says as if Astarion isn't trying to shoo him. Why some people react poorly to being told they're kind, Xenk will never know. He just keeps to his word, as a good paladin should. ]

You meant to make a meal of the creatures we slayed. [ He states the obvious a lot, get used to it. ] As it was my Radiant blade that felled many of the beasts, I must insist on making true on my proposal to aid you. The sharkgulls are quite large, surely they would make a fine meal, with some assistance.

[ He's not good!! He's bad actually. Very bad. Lawful evil. ]

You really don't have to do that.

[ A new shyness creeps into his tone. He's not used to eating in front of strangers, see. And now this very honest, very big, actually also pretty handsome, paladin just wants to like...be there.

He walks over to examine one of the sharkgulls that he'd shot, running his fingers along where the shark meets the gull. ]

On second thought, maybe this was a bad idea anyway! The shark skin is so thick, and it really doesn't have much of a neck. And think of all the feathers! I can look for something else.

[ Mmhm, keep telling yourself that, Astarion. Alignments change! Unless you're a paladin.

Xenk would insist that he must do this, if not for his Oath than for his own peace of mind -- if Astarion's needs are not met, because of him, then he could endanger himself, or others. Xenk could hardly stand by and abandon him in his time of need! ]

Then we must find you something better suited.

[ Besides, what could a vampire have to be shy about? The line between cooked meat and consumption of blood is not so thick as to warrant any judgement from Xenk Yendar, paladin extraordinaire. (Not that he notices Astarion's shyness, mind you.) ]

[ He's just going to go down to the docks and find some rats. It's not going to be pretty. He's going to hate it. But it'll get the job done, until he finds something bigger out in the wilderness somewhere. ]

Please, you're a paladin. You don't want to watch me do this.

[ Xenk tilts his head to the side, confusion evident in his expression. How strange, to imply that being a paladin means he would be disgusted by a vampire who is kind enough to seek out animals rather than people for sustenance. ]

You do yourself a disservice. Though our methods in consumption may vary, there is nothing profane about the act of obtaining sustenance, is there?

[ Why would that bother him?? He's fought mind-flayers and shit, it's not like Astarion is going to eat brains. ]

If you wish for privacy, I will not deprive you. But should you wish to corner something larger than a rodent, we will have a higher chance of success working as a pair.

Edited 2023-08-21 06:36 (UTC)

[ Astarion shifts his weight from one foot to the other, uncomfortably. No one has ever offered to help him hunt before. Sure, Tav lets him take a few bites now and then but that's not the same as offering to help catch something.

How strange. First, the idea the Xenk would want to stay. Then, the idea that Xenk would suggest he could do better than a rodent. (and the thought that someone would find him deserving, his cold heart quickens and misses a beat) Finally, that Xenk would offer to help.

Astarion has killed boars and even bears on his own. But that has been in territory he'd grown familiar with during the day. Xenk is right...going with someone else would be safer.

He just doesn't know how to handle this. ]

Well, if you're so curious, then fine!

[ He tries to make it sound like this is some weird fetish he's indulging but between his own insecurity in all of this and Xenk's inability to read sarcasm it probably won't come off like that at all. Well done boys. ]

[ He wouldn't be the first person to be stricken to silence by Xenk Yendar's unflinching devotion. Xenk speaks every word with full intent, treats every kindness like it carries its weight in gold. For all actions, great and small, are weighed equally in the eyes of Tyr. That means even this. Even something he thinks should be natural, which he has no idea Astarion sees as anything else.

Not to mention that, yeah. Sarcasm flies over Xenk's head faster than you can say "Ignis." ]

Excellent.

[ He smiles brightly, any innuendo or insinuation completely lost to him. He's just glad he got Astarion to agree. PERSUASION CHECK: SUCCESS. ]

Then let us be on our way!

Edited (last one I promise) 2023-08-21 07:06 (UTC)

[Huh.

Those eyes had followed that stumble and make for a quick escape- only for this young boy to stop. A missing sibling- or siblings, was it? Then this was perhaps a little less bravery being pulled up, and desperate to find those so dearly loved if something so unknown could be faced. The tone, the posture- the posturing, to have some brave face pulled on even if it could easily be part of the act.

Young- so this was a big brother, hm?]

Searching high and low, are you?

[Fortunate for Reaper? He'd gotten that map for his things, and lo and behold-

He drew himself more together, the glow of red eyes vanishing as instead a bone-white mask was what pulled from the darkness, and the rest of the hooded figure as he let himself stand at his full height; the gear at times did make him look bigger, more so when he played things up for the dramatic show of it all.

Felt better, sinking back into it all.]

No, I haven't seen the looks of either.

[Truthful, at least.]

[ Something about it makes Alucard give a soft chuckle and shake his head, as if indulging in some private joke. ]

I'll let you be the first to congratulate me, or tell you if it's impossible after all.

[ If anyone can do it, he's sure it would him. ]

Two don't make a crew, though, no matter how talented, unless you want to row away in a dinghy. But even with a crew, there's a bigger problem to consider.

Yes. I have to… I have to make sure they’re alright.

[But even if he has searched high and low, he feels like his options are getting smaller. It’s why he’s willing to ask this… thing if he’s seen anything. His eyes widen, but he keeps his expression as still as he can as he watches the shapes solidify into a bone-white mask and large, humanoid shape. Lyney swallows out of nervousness, but his face falls despite himself at the man’s answer.]

Nothing..?

[Hid gaze briefly falls as his mind scrambles. Desperation is certainly a word to describe what Lyney is feeling. After searching high and low for sign of either Lynette or Freminet, this does nothing to ease his worry. Even though he wishes the memory to stay down, he clearly remembers the night Lynette had almost been taken from him. While “Father” had stepped in to help last time, Lyney is painfully aware of the fact that he isn’t in Fontaine now. He couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to either of his siblings.]

[After a brief moment, his eyes shoot up, looking directly at the smoky man again.]

Nothing at all? What about the other sailors? Or talk from the others here..?

[Freminet may not stand out much aside from his gadgets, but Lynette’s feline features are unusual even in Teyvat. They’d make for gossip chatter even among the sailors, surely?]

Nothing.

[Given he hadn't spoken to that many people yet, he hadn't seen or heard much of anyone else onboard this particular ship. Which almost made his own hunt for any information if there was anyone he could be familiar with onboard either something he had yet to get down to. Not for lack of trying, but more knowing the ins and outs of places that could be useful to him while still on the Stormbringer.

Of course, it was at least a mutual sort of disadvantage if there was anyone else from his own world here as well. They wouldn't know if he was around just yet either. Not many people had come across him.

Very, very desperate. Reaper could put together a few things from what little this boy was giving him. A little story based on assumption and clues, but still something. Not used to being apart from them? Feeling as if he had to take care of them, if indeed the older brother of the three?

Metal talons tapped the wall before he was casually walking more towards the light shining in from the doorway, faint as it was. Letting weight be added to those footfalls of boots, a creak of wood beneath him, how the metal of dangling belts sounded as they moved.]

All I've gotten from others is where we are, and what we are. Where we're going as well.

[ He shrugs, as if it's only to be expected, and smiles down at the feline creature. ]

Some men don't know how to understand anything except money, sex, or violence.

[ And there was only one of those Alucard was willing to provide, or at least as far as appearances went. He's glad a threat was enough. ]

Your only fault was that you gave him too much credit for the capacity to reason. Though if you don't think it's too rude, it does beggar the question: what are you? Aside from an idealist, that is.

I'd give it fifteen minutes.

[A wry grin as he takes a seat, lifting the mug as they arrive towards Dion in appreciation.]

But much obliged. Cheers.

[Well, at least he talks a little more when it's about his dog—]

Ah, so this isn't the first time, huh?

[She smiles down at Valo who sits happily, waiting for more of her scratches, which she will happily give.]

It is for me. Never been out on the water like this before, so maybe you can show me the ropes. [Is she talking to Eustace or Valo? Who can say.] But... if you need any supplies, the Royal Fortune's apparently got plenty to go around.

[A nod.]

Thanks again, Eustace-san. [And a brighter smile at Valo, and more scritches.] And it's nice to meet you too, Valo-kun~!

[Cidolfoos. That gets a very real snort out of her, but it quickly dies away when it's her turn. She steps forward, staring at the "typewriter", and when the person explains—]

You want me to what my name?

[She looks down at the keys clicking away, and then over her shoulder at Cidolfus with the biggest what the fuck look on her face because really, what the fuck?]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 34 of 190

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject