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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

[ The quick couplet of blinks is all that betrays that Alucard has noted Xenk's issue with semantics, but he's too polite to point out as much. There's a more interesting line of questions for a godless man to ask. ]

Where I'm from, justice looks very different between one part of the world and another, and is relative to who rules it. To have them all consolidated into a single entity seems... interesting.

[ Contradictory, confusing. His grey blue eyes flicker between Xenk's face and the tattoo as it begins to form. ]

How do you know his will? Does he speak to you?

Yes. Is this fact not a secret?

[ Mind-flayer parasite isn't worse than being an undead vampire? Maybe Xenk's perspective really is skewed. Or maybe he's just not thinking super straight since having two glasses of wine when he never, ever drinks. ]

It is relieving to speak openly like this.

[ Like, Xenk always says what he means and he doesn't hold back, but he doesn't go into details on his curse around people because it makes people uncomfortable. And also because he wants to be more than just a Thayan survivor. But it doesn't change what he is.

Damn, bro-zoned though... it's a good thing it's going to take Xenk a while to be in a mental space where he'd consider having sex. Tyr doesn't require celibacy or anything, but Xenk sees himself more as a tool for helping others than as a person? What is he if not that. ~~A brocon? No.~~

He finishes his wine and tilts his head as he places the empty glass down. It actually wasn't bad, drinking it slowly like this. The flavor actually was more noticeable this way. ]

I am beginning to understand the appeal.

True, true.

[Reaper could ease up on that near-chokehold he kept hold of, a little less of a threat to breaking the cook's neck with a sudden move as well with that. No full release, but it could be a start. Let in a little relief at least.

Could work with this.]

Then, given how helpful he's being, perhaps he should lead us to this 'typewriter room'.

["Ain't normally me, but I can."]

[He was ready to make a quip, but at her words his mouth closes for a moment before he changes tact.]

We were interrupted.

[And then he'll glance at her before he takes two long strides forward to step right up in front of her, forcing her to stop.]

Look. I know there's a lot between us and I know you don't want me around.

[A lie he's sure of it, but also a bit true given her current mood. Regardless he keeps going.]

But for now I'd say it would be in both our best interests if we stuck together until we figure out what the bloody hell is going on in this place.

[ Oh Zack, if only you knew that she's much older than probably a lot of people here. Still, it's always nice that someone's willing to compete with her. ]

Don't think of this as weird, just consider it like getting milk from an animal!

[ This is hardly the weirdest thing Nimona has ever done, maybe the slimiest, though. She's over here sweeping her tail to scoop up the slime to drop into the bucket. ]

Yes -- no -- [ he makes a noise in frustration ] I don't know! I don't think most people would believe me if I told them about it anyway. It's only a secret so I don't sound like I've completely lost my mind.

[ is that the only reason? ]

And, I suppose, so people don't think I'll start sprouting tentacles.

[ he sighs, annoyed again that he's got this potential to become yet another monster, but Xenk at least gives them something else to talk about. And the ironic (at least to Astarion) thing is, Xenk's actually right. It is reliving to talk openly about this. Xenk is still far better off than he is, but there's a strange normalcy to talking about it and he finds himself oddly enjoying the role of teaching Xenk how to be normal. And so, begrudging, Astarion approves, but he won't comment on that. He'll let it float right on by and instead pick up on Xenk's comment about the wine. ]

See! It's about the experience. Take care not to over do it, though. Even someone as strong [ nope so much for brozoned he's hitting on him again i'm sorry ] as you can get intoxicated.

Well this turned out to be exceptionally boring. Lead on, I suppose.

[ He pockets the knife since he's clearly not going to be using it for helping out with the interrogation here. What a waste! ]

Justice is indeed a subjective notion. A mortal notion.

[ Hence why mortals are the ones wielding his power? Maybe? Xenk doesn't go down that rabbit-hole, he's not really good at moral relativism. ]

I swore my Oath of Devotion to uphold his tenets. He does not speak to me, for I am not a cleric.

[ He shrugs, hand still as the needle does its work. The pain clearly doesn't bother him. Though he's actually breathing kind of slow. Don't worry about it. ]

To act only with honor, speak only in truth, aid those in need of Tyr's blessing. And justly, let no evil stand where Tyr's light can reach.

[ I don't have the wiki open so let's just say this is the abridged version. ]

Honestly. Usually I get a little fun during this.

[The cook was finally allowed on his feet fully as Reaper moved a hand to secure his hood to be more in place, a slight huff that curled with a bit of black 'smoke' with the exhale of it. An itch under his skin that was more- what?

He still kept hold of the rope as he nudge the cook on to lead.]

Then again, usually those I get a hold of have some training.

It really isn't satisfying if they just fold.

[ It's okay boys maybe during all this piracy you'll find someone worth your while! ]

[At least the cook figures it's better to keep quiet while walking-]

It isn't, no. If true all of this was helpful, have a few knives if there is something a little more fun ahead.

[Pirate's life for them and perhaps doing a bit too well with it all. May as well go all in if stuck here.

His head tipped, keeping an eye on their surroundings as they were being led a bit further up. Still in the hull but- well. A room somewhere, hm.]

Still, it's a bit troubling isn't it.

[ Xenk nods. Despite his flailing, he understands. It's about the frame of reference. When Xenk first started telling people about how he'd survived the Beckoning Death, there were of course those who called him insane, or thought him to be a thrall. Eventually, he made a name for himself, and his deeds began to speak for himself. But before that... Well. It hasn't always been easy for Xenk Yendar. ]

That is what I assumed.

[ About the tentacles, he means. If Xenk hadn't had a personal encounter with mind-flayers of his own, he probably wouldn't have believed him. But he knows how dangerous they can be, and how quickly they turn their hosts.

Hurray approval! Too bad it flies over Xenk's head, just as intended. ]

I will not become intoxicated.

[ He says that with the kind of conviction that almost sounds like his usual amount. But he is a little tipsy, so it just sounds like he's trying too hard. He'll even look Astarion dead in the eyes again. He is strong, thanks for noticing. ]

I do not become intoxicated.

[ Citation needed. ]

You don't have to worry about me. I could have stayed and held my own.

[ He says it like that might have been fun, although he's perhaps overestimating how much HP he really has.

Turo's breathing is noticed but maybe this guy is just super fit? You can't go around asking people why they breathe weird because then they ask you questions back!! ]

Sure. You just keep telling yourself that and see how it works out for you.

[ He reaches over and pats his thigh. Very patronizingly. ]

[ It's some food for thought, certainly. Alucard could prod at it a bit more, and perhaps he will again in a moment, but for now his attention is admittedly intent on the process of the tattoo. His eyes narrow, watching the ink fill out beneath the other man's skin, but if there is magic there he cannot see it. It's perturbing. There's enough of lull in the conversation that it might be edging on uncomfortable. ]

What are you feeling right now?

Edited 2023-08-24 05:51 (UTC)

[ That can't stop him because he can't read! Instead he takes the hand Astarion put on his thigh and grabs it (gently) by the wrist. ]

This is my first experience being intoxicated.

[ He doesn't say it like it's a secret, but he does hold up his hand like... I don't know, like he expects Astarion to do something with it?

He's literally just tipsy but his head feels so weird and light that he doesn't know what to do. So now he's kind of just. Holding Astarion's wrist. ]

It doesn't work like that. You've only had two drinks. You're not intoxicated yet.

[ He looks down at Xenk holding his wrist though, that's weird. ]

Perhaps a little tipsy. Don't go home with any charming strangers.

[ Vampires. Don't go home with any vampires. ]

You do sound as if you are far more used to finding trouble like this. Or it springing up where you happen to be.

[An idle movement of fixing up the lab coat he wore over the body suit, making sure nothing was amiss.

Still, a friendly smile went with that tone Turo kept up.]

As it stands, I am glad you are well.

[ Magic is something Xenk is accustomed to, and so long as it is not necrotic, it won't raise any alarm for him. The needle moves quickly, a buzzing that is lulled by his slow breathing and determination. ]

It feels like a blade stabbing the back of my hand.

[ I'm so sorry, he is the most literal man in the universe. ]

[ It's two hole drinks more than he usually has!! But yeah, he's really just tipsy. ]

I will not. I will remain here.

[ Xenk looks down at Astarion's hand. The hand he's holding. He so rarely touches people, unless it's to heal or save them, that this particular contact feels especially peculiar. ]

You are cold.

[ Colder than expected, he might say if he wasn't a little out of it. ]

Edited 2023-08-24 06:06 (UTC)

[ Alucard gives a soft chuckle at that, unable to help himself. The humorlessness reminds him of Kell, just without the pompousness. It doesn't hurt Xenk is also much easier on the eyes. ]

That's what it looks like too... Can you feel any of your power returning?

Yes, being cold is a hazard of being dead.

[ should he say this outloud in a bar? Yes because everyone talks so loud in taverns anyone can get away with saying anything. That's literally why you come here to gossip and do deals. ]

It isn't as if it bothers me.

I am aware.

[ Xenk actually smirks at that. Dead club! Dead club! Well, partially dead. ]

I expected you would be warmer.

[ Xenk rubs Astarion's wrist, like his touch will somehow coax his pulse into speeding up. It probably won't. ]

When was your last meal?

[ Not too drunk to look out for his friend, is he? ]

[ Xenk, having said exactly what he meant, doesn't get what's so funny but that's ok. He misses a lot. ]

None as of yet. Perhaps the ritual is only complete when the work is finished.

[ He asks the octopus, who simply shoos him away with a spare tentacle. Don't rush greatness! Or something like that. Not that it's going to take all that long, but the straight lines require patience. ]

[ whoa...did Xenk smile at one of his jokes? That's Progress. Astarion approves of that too, damn. Good work Xenk.

Unfortunately he also disapproves of all this specific attention for his well-being so Xenk just breaks equal. ]

What are you doing?

[ yeah rubbing his wrist is not doing anything for his temperature and also it is not helping with how he was horny earlier trying to go sleep with and NPC before Xenk interrupted. You know wrists are like key vampire trope fodder. ]

I don't know. Yesterday? Maybe the day before. I'm fine. I know my limits.

[ because boy they have been tested! ]

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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