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

[Yup! Nothing malevolent about that magic, and certainly nothing malevolent about the falchion he raises to deflect a bite from one of the nasty beasts. Nope, the searing yellow eye, the barnacles, the drip of sea water? Totally on the level!

Fjord is doing his very best not to draw up an extra inch or two at the enthusiastic response to his assistance either, but it does earn a subtle grin in turn.]

Not so bad yourself- on your left! [Seagulls were horrible bitey bastards at the best of times and like the birds, these monstrosities were totally not above trying to flank around for a 'friendly' nibble or two apparently.]

[ Stubborn and secretive, he's not dense so much as he doesn't want to tip his hand too much. ]

I do.

[ He has felt Bahamut for many years now, of course he has. It's part and parcel of the whole package. ]

[Her arms fold over her chest, the tech just shrugging, unfazed, by her reaction because she is certainly not the first or the last person to be bothered by it.

But she simply stands there for a while, listening to Cidolfus and the others, absorbing as much as she possibly can despite the strange jargon that she doesn't understand. It's only after he leaves her side to check out the machines on the other side of the room that she even reacts at all with a slight but sharp narrow of her eyes as she follows him away from her.

Immediately, she feels her shoulders tense, that strange warmth in her belly turning into something hotter. Something she doesn't like as she watches him with his back to her...

... Almost as if she isn't even there at all.

A feeling that she is not used to. Even on their worst encounters, he would see her... Look at her.

Quietly, she sneaks out of the room while he's distracted and wishes that she had her pipe with her as she finds a spot against the wall to lean against a few doors down where she will wait for him, her hand in her pocket and fidgeting with the little trinket that she has hidden away there.]

[The shore is empty aside from them and some trees but Joshua is certainly not going to suggest that.

He'll shyly look away, actually.]

We can return to the tavern up the road, I'm sure there are rooms there to be used.

[Now that was quite the first impression. Anyone else might have reconsidered and scuttled off to another table, rather than settle beside a skull faced 'wraith' with a voice like an approaching storm.

Jarlaxle got good and comfy in the seat right beside him, the smile unwavering and his resolve firmly unshaken.]

Thank you, terribly crowded in here and I find myself weary.

Quite a striking mask you have, I must say.

[Surely he didn't arrive wearing it either.]

Edited 2023-08-23 04:09 (UTC)

[The fact that his reasoning is "I have too much on my plate to have a pet" and not "I'm not going to keep a sea slug as a pet" is too funny to her, unable to keep herself from giggling a little.]

Yes, it would be beneficial for all in the end to simply take them and use them for their healing properties. Goodness knows when you'll need it.

[She looks down at them once again in the water, thinking to herself for a moment.]

...But really, it's too bad you won't consider at least taking one. Seems they've already grown on you a little.

[Just.

Going to give her a look.

...]

Right.

[He's not really going to argue. One, not worth it. Two, he was in the wrong this time. However—]

You should also be more careful with how you approach and phrase things.

[—he's just going to do the same thing to her.]

If I of all people could make that misunderstanding, can only assume others far worse would, too.

That seems like a reasonable solution.

[ He tilts his head a little bit at Joshua looking away from him, but he doesn't ask anything. Perhaps Joshua was distracted with something else. ]

Shall we, then?

[ It's just as well. He's not bandaged, he doesn't want Joshua to see his arm. ]

Please. I am not more interested in books than bedding you. There will be plenty of time for reading on those long days at sea.

[ He's in it to win it now!!! ]

[ damn very direct approach there my guy ]

What about it? Have you never been?

[Spoken like a man who's never sampled the addictive satisfaction of getting away with some light crime. It's pirates, Tyr wouldn't mind. Maybe. He's not a theologian.]

That is an inarguable point you make, yes. I can only hope you're as charitable as you are lawful.

[You can't ask to borrow someone's knives, he'd say no so surely so would anyone else.]

Considering what some might have been carrying on them prior to their abduction, I can't blame the hurry to find their owners. Imagine treading on a lost portable hole and just vanishing forever into the astral plane?

Or falling into a cave, neither is particularly good.

Even the dangerous ones? I'm flattered.

[ He's definitely amused. Astarion is proving to be a little more adorable than anticipated. ]

Were they dangerous, in truth?

[ Warlock shit is warlock shit, Xenk will cock an eyebrow at the strange blade but continue on his way. No time to think in battle! Xenk focuses on his left, drawing his dagger free from his sword (daggersword!) to take a stab at the creature trying to flank him.

He does this without turning to look, of course. It is extremely badass. ]

My thanks!

[ He nods his thanks, now dual wielding a longsword and a dagger. As one does. ]

These creatures are relentless. We must take care.

I think that depends on your definition of dangerous.

[ He smiles as he says this--these books are definitely bad news but he loves that. ]

[ Despite what his character sheet may say, there's no way this guy's charisma is any good. ]

I have seen the outskirts, but I have not entered the city proper.

[ He pauses. Wow, he's gonna say something... unkind? ]

Large cities often bring politics, of which I have very little patience for.

[ It's definitely a little strange that it seems so distressing to him. But on the other hand, it's probably equally weird that he's standing here thinking about the merits of trying to drink blood from a squid, so you know. ]

This is what makes you think about the displacement? Squids?

I'm not in the habit of rushing through pleasure, I'd hate to miss anything.

[He's a firm anchor, unmoving and sturdy despite his size. And since he's of such a helpful mindset right now, he'd be quick to help Astarion right out of those hot, confining trousers of his, having very little difficulty sliding them over and down the other man's hips, dragging his thumbs down along the exposed skin as he did so to admire the fine body beneath.

Not a lot of room between them, but he endeavored to make just enough to allow Astarion to fuss with his own belt. Mercifully for him... there was only one tonight. Maybe he expected a little bit of fun. In turn, one after the other, his own boots were kicked off light and easy, one clicking smartly against the wood as the other silently bounced beneath the bed. Those trousers would be next, Astarion would be given the honor of helping him out of those, to join the heap on the floor as the drow could scarcely pause for a moment before returning his hands to Astarion.

The very second the last scrap of cloth was on the floor, he was tugging the other man to the bed, fighting the urge to just wrap his arms around him and drag him to the floor instead.

Bruises were, after all, unsightly, and he didn't have anything to attend to their appearance here.]

[ Astarion barks out a laugh at that. There's definitely politics in Baldur's Gate! ]

That's certainly one way of putting it. Yes, there are plenty of politics in Baldur's Gate. It's particularly bad at the moment.

[Valo just tilts his head a bit before he pants. Did he understand? Who knows.

But Eustace will just give a small breath of laughter.]

You heard her. ...Kotori, was it?

[That chuckle was just as rough and rumbling-]

Fortunate they've been giving me space in here then, hm?

[Did seem as if there was some berth given the table Reaper had himself situated whether those doing so seemed to realize it or not. Outside of any drunk out of their mind of course, and even then they stumbled just that bit further away.

A claw lightly tapped the only obvious piece of metal of the mask there where his jaw was.]

Better to make a statement than not.

It's common for people to walk with weapons where I'm from.

[A small glance at the gauge. Almost...]

Unless you mean firearms specifically.

To be fair the masks were a terrible idea. That's practically inviting an assassin to show up and crash your party.

[There's not a hint of concern in his tone. Well, assassinations happen, of course. Powerful people do run that risk, it was just an inescapable fact of life, right? He should know, having been on either side of the knife before so to speak.]

I hope they put something in place this year to avoid another catastrophe. Do tell me they learned something from it.

Murder aside however, what do the games entail? Are they gladiatorial? Do they serve drinks?

(ooc: Also feel free to come hit me up on plurk or discord to yell about dorky dnd characters, I'm atomic_kiwi on both 83)

[Fjord has little clue what is or isn't warlock shit to be fair, dumb babylock that he is.

And that is extremely badass. Why did no one tell him paladins could be so cool? All those stories about how stuffy and uptight they were and no one was talking about them having daggerswords or anything like that.

They'd probably get more recruits if they led with stuff like that.]

Won't hear me arguin' that- those teeth look nasty- [And with one snapping after him, Fjord has to dodge to avoid getting a chunk taken out of him. It's not nearly as awesome as Xenk's antics, unfortunately for his poor ego. But it gets the job done at least?]

There's a floating black market in my world, and the woman who runs it keeps a ledger of her trades. But occasionally the only trade she wants is a few years of life, and it holds those as well as her numbers. Consequently, I don't believe anyone knows her real age.

That type of dangerous?

Oh, I'm sure we won't miss anything, given your plans.

[ At least they manage to get through everything. He uses every excuse to help, which in turn is an excuse to touch. The last thing he has to shed is his underwear but that goes easily and then he's following Jarlaxle to bed, kissing him anywhere he can as he goes, letting the other man lead and trusting he won't let him trip over anything on the way there. ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 63 of 190

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

I WILL EDIT THIS SO I CAN SAY HI IN THE TITLE HI FRIEND ILU

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

cackles ILU2 💕

HOW IT'S ALWAYS WITH HIM

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject