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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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[It's only when Benedikta snaps that he realizes himself and immediately steps back, hands raised.]

Just trying to help.

[But as he takes another step back and stares at her back, his hands slowly lower until he's left staring at the one that had been over her hand. The memories flicker through his mind, memories he had forgotten as it had been so long. It makes him frown a little, and when he feels the eyes of the staffer, he only glances up and gives a wry grin and a hapless shrug, playing it off as nothing serious.

Who knows what all this...furry, weasel looking attendant has seen (it's an otter, but he's never seen one before—), so enjoy having another story to tell.

But he'll just wait in silence, watching Benedikta every now and then while also looking down at the parchment they received. ...They have a cabin here? Interesting...and lodgings already? Was this all preplanned or what?]

[ ...Hm. Noted, but going to leave that one alone for now. One of his hands, which have been settled comfortably against his hip and his sword as they walk, begins to toy at the cuff of his jacket. ]

Being able to top from the bottom and juggle multiple interests isn't a talent that comes easily, or to everyone.

[ He offers, consolingly. ]

Edited 2023-08-21 19:21 (UTC)

'How could I resist touching the pretty glowing mushroom' types hm? Make sure you stand about twenty feet back or so before you suggest they avoid it. They won't listen but at least you'll have the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so'.

Just handy with locks? From what I could gather from the comment about the goblin camp, you might be handy at a few more things than just lock picking.

Oh! Well, no, there haven't been paladins for many centuries on my world, and even then, I highly doubt any of them were granted magic abilities. Certainly not healing ones.

[ A beat. ]

Not that I would know. For certain.

[ But that would've certainly made the crusades interesting, if not outright unbalanced. He doesn't like to mention those times, however, as there had been a lot of bloodshed and he'd hoped that there'd be a lot more lasting impact for how definitive it had been. Either way. ]

Ah, my dear new friend, my magic is not a fading sort. They will both be friends for the foreseeable future, I'm afraid. I hope that doesn't meddle too much.

[ Which is why he doesn't do that too often, in case those two have some sort of deep-seated multi-family rancor. The humans are just so complicated sometimes! ]

Goodness, it really is neverending. is this some sort of sport in this town? How is anyone supposed to eat in peace?

[She can hear the confused whispers of those in the back waiting their turn, and that boiling rage doesn't help as she finally gets to her last name. At least she can remember where the repeat keys are—it's the new ones that she is going to claw out of their place if she can't find them—

M...

A...

N...

The typewriter's ding as it shifts to a new line startles her, and Benedikta falls back, nearly bumping into Cid as it starts typing away again, spitting out all of the information. Something about a "shellphone ID", her armada, cabin, apartment... and... that map.

The strange squirrel-like creature-man-person tugs the paper free and hands it to her with something of a relieved sigh that she's finally finished and, having explained everything already to Cid, beckons the next person in line forward while thanking Benedikta. Though, she has a feeling they would like her to get as far away from the typewriter as possible—

Meanwhile, she waves the paper violently in Cid's face.]

What am I supposed to do with this information? And how did it know...

[She wonders the same thing—how did it know what her apartment number is? Her "shellphone" ID (what the fuck is that???)? Did they know that they were coming?]

Hmm... That I'm not too sure, but it does seem this place is a mix of both. It might not be so impossible, but it's something you'll need to look into.

[Something he's also considering, but he'll hold judgment to see how terrible Nogard is.]

Darling, I have no concerns with those kinds of orders. But that's hardly what they want from us now, is it? These hands were not made for hauling around cargo.

[ His fingers are so deft and dexterous! Much better for delicate needs. ]

[different world? cue eizen's brow shooting up. were this someone like magilou saying that, he wouldn't pay that statement a second thought. coming from velvet, on the other hand, makes it hold more weight. is that really where that bottle sent him?]

It's part of the whole package deal. Wherever I go, it always follows.

[it'll probably follow him into hell one day. and when that time comes, he'll deal with it in his own way as always.

as soon as eizen is within reach of the boat, he reaches out and grabs ahold of it. there we go. the hard part of not drowning is officially behind him as he starts heaving himself up the boat toward its deck.]

What's that about a different world though?

[He'll just guide her out so they can have that conversation without everyone else listening. Or be exposed to her harpy screeching—]

Been wondering the same thing, but from what I could get from the animal people here, it's a magical device that has access to data...

[His voice is going to fade as he watches her expression and just coughs.]

We'll just have to follow it for now.

Maybe so.

[ he leans a little closer like he might just tell this terrible juicy secret of how good he is in battle and how it is he came to be so well acquainted with knives. Close enough to be intimate, surely. To build anticipation. ]

One does what one must. But that's quite enough about me! I've heard hardly anything about you, you've let me ramble on so.

Edited 2023-08-21 19:36 (UTC)

[ Alucard tries to reach out and take one of the aforementioned hands for inspection - delicately, if he's allowed. ]

Have you ever heard of gloves...?

[ He is absolutely just teasing at this point. ]

So far, it doesn't seem so bad.

[She takes a step closer to him, and as a result, a step closer to the inn's door.]

Could do without the tavern fights, though. Can't say how many times I've had to break them up back home, but I'm not too interested in doing that again here.

[Never mind that it brought back some sour memories and left a bitter taste on her tongue, but that's neither here nor there.]

[ He quirks an eyebrow but allows Alucard to take his hand. Like the rest of him, it is uncannily pale. His nails are a little sharp, but not so much so that it seems unnatural. Like maybe he's born with it, maybe it's maybelline? But he obviously takes good care of himself. A thief's hands are, after all, their best asset. ]

Then I'll just be sweaty. And not even for a fun reason!

[ He's pouting but it's supposed to make him look cute. ]

[punching faces just works best, is all. it's a tried and true method. besides, his tattoo from the shop just so happened to be focused on his earth artes (with a bit of fire). call it his good fortune to then soon after fight an enemy who can avoid earth attacks. and even if fire can work, punching these things just feels so much more satisfying.

when the lightning show starts, eizen does jump back a hair. a little extra caution helps keep him from accidentally catching a stray bolt. it'd happen. with the gulls dealing with electrocution, it gives him a moment to glance over at eustace's gun. now that's a hell of a weapon.]

{Well.

That gets him to arch a brow as he stands.]

Did you used to work in one?

How odd. Do your gods rely on clerics alone for their intercessions?

[ Surely that's the weirdest thing Aziraphale said, right? Of course! Subtlety has a way of flying over his head, so he pays no mind to anything that might give your usual person pause. ]

Then it must be powerful magic indeed. Perhaps it will be to their benefit, regardless.

[ Are you a level 20 Sorcerer, Aziraphale? Xenk looks him up and down once more, reassessing him curiously. There are certainly tales of powerful wizards and sorcerers aplenty in Faerun, so perhaps Aziraphale is one such person, from his own world. ]

Hardly sporting, but it is possible I heard some call to one another with a refrain of "same time next week," as they fled the bar most gleefully.

[Ah, he had him for a moment there. He leaned in, actually quite eager to hear more... Only to be left wanting. He paused for a moment, appearing to be genuinely surprised, before a burst of laughter overtook him.]

Tease! Ah, I can't fault that, always leave them wishing for more. You may keep your secrets then, but I can't promise I won't pry, pry again later.

If I were to speak of all I've done and am doing, this would turn into a lecture rather than leisure, but I'll pick out a few highlights. I'm a leader of a band of mercenaries within Menzoberranzan. Many are my accomplishments and long are my stories, less of which end in gore and carnage you'd be surprised to hear. At the time I arrived here I'd been well into a bit of personal business, traveling with a dear partner of mine to Vaasa.

Chilly, yes, but well worth the trip, considering the wealth of resources there.

[That should have at least taken a large chunk of not most of them out. If they're smart, any survivors will turn tail and fly off. If not, they'll just have a handful to pick off when it clears.

And it's because of that possibility that Eustace doesn't put away Flamek yet, instead resting it against his shoulder as he watches with narrowed eyes.]

I should have warned you, but there wasn't much time. Didn't get caught in it?

[ If Astarion attempted to eat even one baby sharkgull, there would be no ends to how horrified the Paladin would be; though it really made sense that the two of them would team up. Laguna was not afraid of dirty work and that way Astarion could sit back and relax without really committing to any sort of manual labour. It was, in essence, the dream. ]

Well, it is clear that these small ones have families, and probably a mother who is worried sick for them.

[ He is already popping a spare healing motion he has in order to take care of the hand hurties, while he glances over toward Astarion, his eyes dancing as brightly as a barovian waltz. ] We could always truss up a cage and bring it to them alive? You never know, someone may want a pet or two.

[ Without, of course, stopping to consider if Sharkgulls could be trained. More like trained right into the stew pot ]

[...

....

..........?

He might as well be speaking something foreign when he mentions a device and data. What data? What sort of device? She is used to parchment and quills, leather-bound books, and her excellent memory to rely on. Nothing about devices or fancy typing machines that do all the lazy work for her.

She hears that cough, sees the way he is watching her, and remembers all of the things that had been said in that room and above deck, and she leans her head back just so, enough that he can very clearly see the dry sarcasm in the roll of her eyes.]

You must be loving this.

[But that is exactly why she is going to let him do all of the figuring out for her.]

[ Thank goodness for a level-headed individual like Xenk, rightly sorted out onto the Paladins (as if there could be anywhere else for him) and now heading on a mission from god to rescue a drowning soldier. This was the stuff that heroic movies were made from, and Laguna had to appreciate it though he did not stop attempting to doggy paddle.

Finally he grabs a hold of the oar, and using his muscles he does manage to push himself onto the side of the boat. Although, he is not without his soldier practicalities. ]

I am going to hoist myself up, be sure to distribute the weight so I don't capsize the rowboat, got it? [ At least he was thinking rationally in this, though it was perhaps just his survival instinct sic:finally sinking in ]

[ Laguna Loire watched the girl disappear into the alleyway. Considering this was a dangerous town (of sorts) he rather thought that he would follow her, just to be safe; and thus he did-- and was completely perplexed the moment that he saw her knocking on the stones of the alleyway walls. Near question marks all but burst up over his head and he found himself watching her closely.

He attempted a very brief knock-- nope, still stone and also? Kinda painful.

That was when the Soldier thought that the best course of action was probably communication and so he called out. ]

Hey, need any help?

[ This man looks like he moisturizes, which Alucard appreciates. His sun-warmed skin, nearly as bronze as his hair, couldn't be much more contrasting, though his own hands are perhaps softer than one might expect of a sailor as well. With a parting graze of his thumb across the other's knuckles, he releases Astarion.

And chuckles, either at the complaint or the pouting or both. ]

Have you ever done an honest day's work in your life?

On it, Boss!

[ Laguna offered a cheerful smile, it was true that if there was anyone who was a good soul, it was this one right here. However at the question, he lifted his hand to gesture vaguely ]

Well Eltrut is where we came from but honestly I cannot say what world that is attached to-- it's nowhere near Galbaldia or Esthar where I'm from so I cannot even begin to fathom where this is but how I got here. The last thing I remember was falling off a cliff, however.

[that gets a chuckle out of eizen, who raises his glass in a toast of agreement. here here. going through all that crap without some booze after would've been a damned shame.]

Yeah, though it started out less on and more next to one.

[he swallowed a hefty amount of saltwater thanks to that. not an experience he'd recommend.]

But sounds like you had it rough yourself before ending up in town.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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(I am enchanted by Xenk)

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