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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

[Well, she can at least commend him for that. For sticking to his morals. A man loyal to himself... That demands some respect—respect that Benedikta is willing to give without question.]

I see.

[She reaches into her pocket and retrieves her pipe, lighting it with the flicker of heat at the tip of her finger.]

I only ask because I have heard rumours of them being quiet. [A pause as she takes a puff.] That the tattoos themselves have not quite awakened them to their full potential yet. As the King of Dragons, as they say, I wanted to know your thoughts.

[Thoughts that she would then return to her King.]

[What a mess. But what else can anyone expect out of a tavern brawl on an island full of pirates? There's probably a tavern brawl every other night.

If Roxas gets kicked out Zack will be sure to kick up his own fuss and punch a couple more drunks before taking his leave too.

Once outside...]

Hey. You sure you're okay, kid?

[Zack thinks it looks wicked from the looks of it. Very powerful and must be some sort of statement too. He approves.]

I dunno, I'm thinking about it. Maybe just the one for now until I figure out everything else. How about you?

[He nods.]

[There we go hopefully that helps the guy out in picking out a tattoo.]

Zack. And yours?

[ The local tavern is indeed the hotbed for information, and oftentimes... crime. But Xenk isn't actually here on a mission or to find thieves to thwart. No, Xenk is here because he knows it's a place Astarion frequents, and it's been a few days, and he wants to check in on his friend.

Said friend is talking up someone else at the moment, so he's patient enough to simply stand by and wait for them to finish talking. Except, you know, it's Xenk, so here's this annoyingly handsome, fully-armored guy, standing around, near their table. Just patiently looming. (Not) Minding his business. ]

Hold on a minute...

[Zack groans as he tries to sit up properly. Everything hurts. But especially his shoulder.]

Did the same thing happen to you?

[Getting swept away to somewhere new without being asked?!]

[ After much deliberation, Xenk made his choice for his tattoo. There was no question as to whether he would see his magic restored, merely when. Thus decided, he walks up to their kindly proprietor and even gives Alucard a cursory glance when he speaks up. ]

If you wish.

[ He really doesn't mind. He's certainly heard stranger requests, too. ]

I am told the process will not take long.

Hopefully it will be information that will do us both some good.

[His eyes were still on the cook he kept held in that headlock that could easily cause a broken neck if Reaper moved the right way. A hold he was very familiar with, given the man was still breathing, eyes still wide as fingers dug a little near the jaw.

The rest still relaxed, despite the rope and the hold, as if to further promote there wouldn't be a struggle.

Eyes narrowed briefly, free hand moving to take the orange-gag out-

"Riftfarers," Quietly, addressing them both. "No harm meant with you here."

Was... was that an attempt to soothe them?]

Sure you want to implicate you know what's going on? You could easily find out what happens to those that try to lie, as if it'd make me easier on them. [Wasn't sure he could drain the man for a slow agonizing experience, but he knew quite a many other ways.

Even if torture didn't often get actually helpful results, it made the waste of time something.

Reaper's arm tightened in clear threat as well.

There was a gasp, and then likely a reminder to keep quiet rather than draw attention to the kitchens. "Aye- you're part of the crew, wouldn'ta landed in here elsewise."]

[ See? See! Food is good. G'raha is... Enamoured, perhaps, with the taste of food. Years in the Crystal Tower but also being a part of the Tower has made him appreciate these things all the more. So anything he can taste and experience? He's going to take full advantage of it. Enjoy it.

So it pleases him to see that someone else is also enjoying. And not stealing anything of his. ~~Alisaie~~ ]

Hmm. I've been on a ship that has sailed the sea of stars to the end of all things and back again. Crossed the rift of my star into a few of its reflections.

[ And it isn't an easy process! ]

Edited 2023-08-26 01:08 (UTC)

[During Kotori's troubles Ashi considers her bowl again.]

I've run into a few things with these long arms before but I've never tried eating one of them.

[Ashi picks up the one she thoroughly stabbed with her own chopsticks and chews on it thoughtfully.]

At least it doesn't wiggle when you chew on it.

Is he being...nice?

[ Astarion's tone is incredulous. He, like Reaper, obviously wasn't expecting that at all. And yet, the guy continues to tell them they're part of the crew like they're all buds. What the hells kind of kidnapping experience was this? And even if this guy really was friendly, shouldn't holding him hostage aggro him? ]

[Cloud can still stay the dorky little awkward blob that he is sometimes, it's never bothered Zack.]

Hey, they're the ones who needed someone to test out the product for some sort of medicine or potion or something.

[Zack grins again. With that bit of heaviness off his shoulders (for now) he does nod and then glances up the road.]

There's supposed to be some sort of tavern around here too, right? Wanna check it out?

"It could be done, I am far more used to a world where people and the creatures within do exist peacefully- the last war was when I was very young," according to the memories he had access to at least. The histories held in books that had never been at his own fingertips, but still held knowledge of. "One could hope that one day something similar could be here- outside of how those of Eltrut exist with and on their Leviathan."

His head tilted, regarding one of the slugs that came around him and closer to Aziraphale. "Someone might exist here, as it seems some creatures can understand us- given the artist of Inkwave appear to be a large- ah, I believe they were called an octopus," he had never heard of one before. "They do, yes- ah, here." Into the pocket opposite of the one the secretion jar had gone into, Turo pulled out a purple and pink ball easily held in his hand. "They rest within these, which also protects them, and allows them to be carried given some would not do well around people- depending upon temperament. I only have a few on me." Though, he could admit Master balls were... very different from the usual.

"They're known as pokémon, and this is a pokéball."

Yet there was a part of him that wished he had none of them- well, perhaps one or two could be trusted. The rest he could guess were a tad... questionable.

[Roxas does look a little roughed up from the fight. And he didn't really get much of a chance to eat. It's making the bad mood he's had going linger probably longer than it should.]

I'm fine.

[He snaps, and then sighs.]

Just...it's been a rough day.

[ This had been going swimmingly. The NPC at Astarion's table was practically enthralled by his (normal, not magical) charm. They were playing footsie under the table. Astarion's hand was on the poor guy's thigh. But the guy's attention started wandering once he saw Xenk just looming over them.

Is he afraid Xenk is Astarion's bodyguard? His boyfriend? Is he more into Xenk than Astarion? Could be any of the above, but his attention started to wane and eventually he simply patted Astarion's hand and went on his way to find companionship elsewhere.

Astarion lets out a frustrated groan. His jaw sets and then relaxes and he looks up at Xenk like it's taking all the patience of a saint to deal with him right now. ]

What do you want? You just cost me a perfectly good night!

[ The cursory glance is returned, though with the sort of smile that furthers the tale of humble curiosity. ]

I believe that would rather depend on the size of what you intend to get and your tolerance for pain.

[ His eyes rest, briefly, at the mark at his hairline. A sapphire gem winks above Alucard's own left eyebrow before his gaze drops back to the paladin's face proper. ]

What did you decide on?

[Zack isn't much different from her right now. There's a storm of questions and answers he doesn't know how to give swirling around in his head and he seriously has no idea where to start. He wasn't expecting to see her. Not here or ... ever again. And that thought has him feeling guilty every single moment he has his eyes open. So he's not sure what to make of this right this instant.

At least Zack has found himself his gear by now. He's not in the best stuff to wear (still full of rips and holes, kind of) but it's better than the ragged ill-fitting crap he washed up in.

And for a moment her question just hangs in the air and he almost wants to rush up to her and wrap his arms around her and bear hug her until she pops or something but... One step at a time here.]

I'm guessing the same way you did. A bottle and a bunch of water and bubbles? Does that ring a bell?

[...]

Aerith. Are you... Okay?

Edited 2023-08-24 02:40 (UTC)

[ Xenk really hadn't intended to intrude. He was perfectly happy to wait, but then he's also kind of hard to miss. Dude didn't even roll a Stealth check, he just stood there.

He also isn't totally sure how Astarion's friend leaving "cost him" the night, but Astarion is mad now. INSIGHT CHECK: FAILURE. He must have scared him away. ]

Was that man bothering you?

[This was confusing at- worst? Best? Reaper wasn't even sure at this point given the cook's attitude. Fear was still there, but almost could assume this may not have been the first time he'd ever been taken hostage to be questioned.

The hell was going on?]

Nice and helpful. [Spoken in a tone that may have given away he... didn't like it, didn't quite trust it.

"Confusion ain't strange given what happened here-" Reaper tightened his arm again for quiet.]

Helpful isn't too strange with enough fear, but this is new. What are you going on about?

["You ain't the first, and ain't gonna be the last. Riftfarers appear outta thin air a lot, either on the main ship or in the drink to be fished out by wh'ever's on deck."]

"Bothering" me? I was trying to seduce him!

[ Actually, he realizes how that sounds coming from him (a vampire) to Xenk so he amends the statement, tilting his head to the side a bit and looking away, gesturing with his hand a little bit embarrassed to have to be qualifying this ]

I mean not in that way. I wasn't going to do anything untoward! I just wanted to have sex.

[It's like Zack can't hear a thing anyone else is saying anymore. All he can hear is the sweet song in his head and that's all that matters. He feels like he's hearing sound for the first time in his entire life. And it's a great gospel.]

Agh?!

[Even with the woman grabbing onto him and pulling him back Zack basically falls backwards uselessly like he's forgotten how to use his limbs properly. He clatters to the ground but he doesn't hesitate in trying to get back to his feet. Which turns into him grovelling forward towards the water.]

Hold on. Wait for me, I'm coming. I'll come and join you in the water. Please. Just keep singing to me. I'll do anything.

[He's losing himself to the song!! Some sirens are going to kick his ass.]

[ He's about to say something weird with a straight face, just wait. ]

I have a very high tolerance for pain.

[ If the mark on his hairline truly were a tattoo, it would have been extremely painful. But then so was being cursed by the Beckoning Death, so it's really all relative. He watches as the other man notices it, and smiles with reassurance.

He expects disdain when others see the mark of Thay. He can admit he's relieved when the fear of his origin does not come. ]

I have opted for a set of balanced scales, on the back of my sword hand.

[ Truthfully, Astarion was going to let Reaper do all the talking, but with this knew knowledge (and this NPC's apparent willingness to give exposition) he really can't help himself). ]

"A lot"? How many are we talking?

[ Xenk does have a moment where there's a flash of worry over his features. He trusts Astarion, trusts that he was honest with him. But if he wasn't... well.

Thankfully, he clarifies a moment sooner. That's alright then, what Astarion does is his own business (as long as it doesn't involve hurting people without their consent.) ]

I apologize. My intention was not to intrude.

Well it's a little late for your intention to matter at all isn't it?

[ The sarcasm is biting. He doesn't even care that it might go over Xenk's head. He's so mad. And still horny?? Why is this his lot in life. ]

Ugh, at least come over here and finish this drink so it doesn't go to waste.

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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II-ish wildcard

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inkwave; b

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no joke I literally had xenk's tattoo prompt open working on an intro

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lmao great minds 🤝

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