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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

[ Wait till you hear about paladins, Fernis. They're like Templars but rogue agents (who don't hunt mages, at least!) It's fine. Xenk is a Good paladin. Good-aligned, at least. ]

An invaluable skill when one travels as I have.

[ Xenk takes the map in his hands and gives it a once-over, turning it, then turning in place until he faces the aft of the ship. One glance up, then back down, and he nods. Map deciphered. INSIGHT CHECK: SUCCESS ]

I see! This appears to be a map of the crew quarters. Come, [ he nods to Fenris, ] Our search takes us below deck, as you had assumed.

Edited (made it fancier) 2023-08-21 22:35 (UTC)

What is first, then?

[Her nose wrinkles as she looks at the list, starting from the top.]

Shellphones.

[She still has no idea what a 'phone' is, and she is not sure how inclined or excited she is to find out after what she just experienced with that 'typewriter'.]

No, I suppose you wouldn't have had one before if you are uncertain presently.

[ Granted, it is probably a little different from the methodology employed by Sharlayans or even the various other Spoken races of his star. There must be, for something such as ink to provide something of a conduit for this star and their own abilities. A shame that G'raha is unable to make contact with Feo Ul. Surely the Fae would have some insight for a price. ]

What, precisely, is it that causes distress?

[ Maybe he can allay some of those concerns! ]

[The edges of the cobblestones dig into her knees, but Jill has suffered through worse and for Clive, she will push through the pain in order for him to process his. For however long it takes him, she'll remain his support system, both physically and emotionally, never to shame him.

At the feel of his shifting, she pulls back just enough to hold his jawline again, thumb brushing away any tear that threatens to fall, with her other hand going to rest on top of Torgal's head. It's quite a demand on her attention, splitting it between the two, but there are worst situations to be in, all things considered.]

We've all been given a second chance. [Or perhaps this is more of a third or fourth chance, but the true count is of no significance.] We'll show the gods that was not a mistake on their part.

[For if they are meant to be here, however strange and disorienting their arrivals were, Jill is determined to make a life for herself. With Clive, with Joshua, with Torgal... it's almost like the old days of their youth.]

[Sure, Astarion hadn't seemed to recognize the name Jarlaxle had given him, and for all the drow knew, the man had no inkling at all about Bregan D'aerthe or what their full reputation was. But for the present moment, just slinging finer details around seemed like an ill advised idea.

And he so wanted to brag a little too...]

Other than it being depressing? There's a thousand different reasons why a male might see fit to leave Menzoberranzan, should he have the nerve to do it. I've the means to do so, in whatever way I see fit. Why not indulge in a little hard earned freedom?

[Ah she's got a good idea there. Mai's leaning her elbow on the counter, cheek in her hand and pipes up to add:]

Green tea for me.

[She's got to ask though, a brow gently cocked upward.]

What's with the lemon slices?

[He'd be more upset if he didn't know he'd do the same damn thing honestly.]

Faerûn is a wild but gorgeous place, to be sure. Though depending on where you are, not entirely welcoming, even the flowers will see you dead.

I'd consider myself a seasoned adventurer, but even I have little knowledge in the matter of other worlds. A shame I haven't arrived with some of my more scholarly associates, they might have been able to shed a little more light on the situation.

But never mind that, tell me of London! Not much I can imagine from the name alone, and I must admit I'm quite curious of it. I've never met someone from another world entirely before.

[Mai may look less harried but no less dressed in rags. That said she's apparently found something like a towel from somewhere and is offering it to Aerith now. She's a dour looking woman maybe but the fact that she's apparently been sitting here waiting for Aerith to finish sputtering up water says something decent about her.

She offers out the towel like thing as she snorts.]

A boat. I was told it's heading to Eltrut. Now where that is I'm not so sure.

[Fenris watches the man become more and more animated as he speaks, how he says nothing that Fenris doesn't agree with. Well mostly, he's not entirely the man means when he speaks of cantrips, but from context it sounds magical in nature.

Was this man a mage? He watches him more closely--

Though, were he a mage, would not he rather get the tattoo and become a mage once more than be so skeptical of the situation? Or was he scared of what kind of shackles might come from subjugating himself to the means of magic this place allows?]

That is my concern, what shackles might accompany this marking to allow us our abilities. I do not wish to willingly subjugate myself to another without ample cause..

[His voice is curt before he pauses. He gave his loyalty to Hawke, willingly followed them into every situation, even those that were against his beliefs, but.. this was another matter entirely.]

I am still plenty capable with a blade, merely.. at a disadvantage.

[And being in an unknown place, by unknown means, with an unknown person pulling the strings... well that disadvantage feels like a vulnerability. What if they disarm him again, he would not have his abilities, but--]

And what's to say they cannot just take it away as they see fit?

I know not of your own star, but magic is quite believable and explainable where I hail from. Though I am not an expert on the subject, I get by.

[ ...Even though he is an expert when it comes to magicks pertaining to ~~redacted because sorry CS no spoilers~~. Y'shtola is far better than he at any rate. Then again, she can actually see the flow of aether. ]

Ah, but there are so many mysteries here to be revealed. Were my friend present, I'm certain he would be overeager to stretch his metaphorical wings.

[ Because that's who the Warrior of Light is at his core: an adventurer. Never mind that for the moment, G'raha turns his attention to the boy (?) who seems to be quite taken in. ]

Siblings?

[ don't you worry he'll roll that insight check again later.

For now though, he thinks wistfully about the idea of freedom. How sweet it sounds on Jarlaxle's lips. And if his hand happens to move closer along the bar towards him, like a physical longing for the very idea of it, never you mind that! ]

I'm a little ignorant when it comes to Drow politics, I'm afraid. [ he could've just said "I'm a high elf" and that would've gotten us to the same place really. ] But I'm glad you could find your way out, all the same.

[Well the not hunting (rogue) mages part sure sounds like a drawback to him.

He watches the man closely, moving to look over his shoulder the best he can, but Fenris is shorter and finds himself unable to really see well enough to understand what the man is doing or looking at.]

Crew quarters, I see.. [He thought it was a store room but maybe those box shapes were beds, not boxes. Or coffins. He considered both possibilities before he considered beds.

For a second, he almost says "our search?" but chooses not to, since he still can't really read the map.]

Then the way is yours to lead. [With a nod he follows the other man, feeling a little as if he's following Hawke.]

[Frankly Mai isn't looking too sure about this whole tattoo deal. She doesn't want to admit the idea makes her nervous over how much it might or might not hurt but equally she does want to at least see if anyone else has a clue how it might go. Other people here were bound to already have tattoos, weren't they?

Mai's gotten a bit more expressive over the years but she still has that pretty dour atmosphere to her, enough to veil over her nerves when she turns to Reno and tries to casually question him.]

You ever get a tattoo before?

[ Clive is rather silent as they walk. He's still trying to process the sudden influx of information while emotions were riding in and out like the waves crashing against the port. His eyes can't help but keep staring forward, though. Staring at the man walking with his usual amount of stride. The man who had saved Jill and allowed safe passage to the original Hideaway.

A man who's life he meant to replicate.

He squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, withholding anymore outbursts, before the smell of the sea brought his attention back. It was a perfect little area and even Torgal seemed excited with the prospect of "snacks". ]

It's... nice. [ Clive commented as he looked around for a place to sit. Right. Somewhere quiet and out of the way.

He eventually finds a spot, but Clive could have not looked more awkward even if he tried to be. His fingers laced together, shoulders tense and a look so unapproachable it almost made the bar maid flee. Yet how was he suppose to react sitting across someone he thought to be dead for all these years? What was he even suppose to say?

Would Cid... even be proud of him? ]

[Astarion's hands move closer, and Jarlaxle shifts. The movement is subtle, but it puts the drow just a little closer to the other man, the motion easy and inviting.]

Most drow males are... necessary, of course. In their own way. But their positions are limited, to put it lightly. There are expectations had of them, with dire consequences if one fails to meet them or worse, openly defies the Matriarch's wishes, or the wishes of any other female. Or higher ranking male, for that matter.

[He was using soft language to paint a rather grim, discomforting picture, but being direct wasn't really going to do much. The other man struck him as more than clever enough to sharpen and clarify all those words on his own.]

One has two purposes if they make the poor decision to be born male in Menzoberranzan; battle and breeding. If you cannot do either, then you're simply no good.

[Ashi tilts her head a little, regarding the bird with raised brows. Then she shrugs.]

I don't see why not?

[This is a woman who ate giant worms roasted over a fire though so. She rubs at her chin.]

I don't think I've ever eaten anything quite like it.

[Lucky for him Ashi at least hears his shout. She glances upward, tilting her head way back until she reaches sight of him. Then she waves in his direction.]

Hello!

[Chances are actually pretty high that they'll luck out and be able to find the way onto the top deck without much trouble. Him not knowing the exact way would also, probably, tell her that she might not be the only person who'd just showed up suddenly.

That or he was off of a different ship and had the luck of being saved by this one.]

Um, yes, it's the top... it's the deck. Right now, we're in one of the berthing areas for the crew.

[A rather older ship by the looks of things.]

But taking a tour of the ship wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

[It would be a good way to learn more about this person, and where they are.]

I take it that you've just arrived as well.

Jill...

[ She always knew what to say at the right moment, ever a soothing presence and solid foundation in his life. They had been through so much, both as children and reunited as adults, so what was one more adventure?

His tone softens and for the first time that night manages to edge a small smile across his lips. ]

You're right. Whatever powers may be, whatever hurdles we have to face, we will do them together.

[ Clive's head reaches up from their embrace to gently cup her cheek in his palm. Glossy eyes full of admiration and determination. ]

I won't ever leave your side again, I promise.

[Jill's eyes flicker down to Benedikta's hand, the movement catching her attention. She doesn't show much of a visual response, but in her mind, she's acutely aware of how much of a disadvantage she's got. No weapon, no magicks... this could end badly for her.

But there's just something that remains stubborn in her, that doesn't quite want to let go of this push and pull until she decides it's done. Perhaps it's the thought that if Benedikta really wanted to use that sword, the opportunity to do so might have passed her by already. Or maybe it's that tiny shift in that smile that gives her the notion that the other woman's confidence isn't all that solid. A little bit of ammunition to keep tucked away.]

Idle curiosity. Call it a personal flaw.

[Or maybe it's pity instead. Because while her hands have done the worst of things over the years, Jill can at least say she remembers how to be empathetic and sympathetic, even if she doesn't know a lick of Benedikta's background and certainly not that the woman has earned any of it. That, at the very least, makes Jill more human than most in her mind.]

Edited 2023-08-21 23:15 (UTC)

Indeed I did not. I retrieved my things earlier this day without issue.

[ Xenk has one of those too, which he produces. Perhaps, being a paladin, he simply assumes people will not lie and steal. Tyr works in mysterious ways! ]

If you fear for your safety, I would be happy to assist you in its retrieval.

[ Need a bodyguard? Because you sound like a person in need, friend. Xenk is so quick to offer, it's almost comedic. (He is not in on the joke.) ]

Of course. I trust all beings until I am given reason to assume otherwise. It would be most unbecoming of a paladin of Tyr to live a life that suspects wrongdoing in all things.

[ Yeah, Astarion is more than capable of putting it together. He's got it before the last paragraph, his imagination all too willing to provide extra details on the nature of these consequences.

After all, Astarion knows plenty about consequences.

But he's already been sentimental enough, at least by his measure. And there's no reason to dig up the past. ]

What a waste of perfectly good men.

[ Yup that's all he's got for that one. ]

"We?"

[ Oh is that meant for both this man and the pup next to him? Do they have similar dietary restrictions? Wouldn't that be fascinating! ]

I do not wish to make your friend ill. So it will be just this once.

Ran one, yeah. Back home...

[Her voice trails off a moment, her gaze turning distant as she almost looks through him rather than at him. It's a sore spot, that wound still very fresh, but with a light shake of her head, her smile snaps right back into place.]

Guess I know how to handle a ruffian or three. Have had to throw my fair share of drunk men out the door. So it isn't so bad.

Edited 2023-08-21 23:19 (UTC)

[ Conversing with Torgal without expecting a reply was almost second nature to Clive... but to have Nanaki speak back? That was certainly enough to briefly startle the man from his relaxed disposition against the tavern wall. Torgal too seems momentarily surprised but recovers quicker than his master as he turns to give a knowing glance at Clive. ]

Uh, well... [ He began, quickly trying to compose himself. This was a world where was taken by a bottle. This sort of thing should be expected. ] ... if your only offense is walking on four legs, I could assist in procuring a meal for you.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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Sharkgull Attack!

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