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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

Magic isn't something I'm that unfamiliar with but I've never seen something like these before. This must be some magic if so.

[Or science? Technology? Look, he has no frame of reference whatsoever for this sort of thing. So he lets her take it and watches, trying to follow what she does before she hands it back to him.]

Call me? Ah! It's making noise?

[He glances down at the phone, glancing to her and watching her finger as she leans in and points in showing him the icons and explains them. Green to answer? To talk to her? Red to leave it? Or something?]

I think I get it? So green if I want to talk to you? Red to not talk to you? Leave a message?

[ The ties on Astarion have been loosened long before he woke up, but at the command, there is the warmth of a presence behind his back. It dips the bed down, rolls the elf unintentionally back to rest against Alucard. He doesn't seem to realize he can be watched at the moment, to be fair. His eyes are downcast, studious. His expression is weary in the way that says maybe he hasn't slept at all quite yet.

But his tone? It's a sweet, almost playful thing. ]

You're alright. Unless you're aching still to walk into the sea?

[ it's enough that the last pieces of the puzzle click, especially since he doesn't have to waste so much mental energy on the hold now that Alucard seems to be agreeing to remove it.

It's enough so that he doesn't bristle at the tone, he just sighs and shakes his head, his tone hollow and tired and lacking the normal animation that is usually has. ]

No. The charm must have worn off.

[ But that all means Alucard did this...for his safety. What a strange thought that is. Alucard barely knows him. It would've been much easier to leave him to drown.

Or bleed out.

It does occur to him he must have lost some blood in the encounter. Maybe that's in part to blame for the headache. He feels very weak. ]

Edited 2023-08-25 13:09 (UTC)

[ It might help that Alucard isn't actually trying to be flirtatious at the moment, but simply reassuring in the way of being even in tone. Now that Astarion is giving him some legitimately coherent thoughts, Alucard can untie him fully. They might have been playing with one another before when the blades were out, but there's none of it now. The light of his hands is practical, undoing binds, only turning Astarion on his side towards a wall to better do so. When the man is freed, there's just graze at his wrist to be sure.

The worst Alucard does is he is doesn't move. Currently, Astarion is occupying the majority of his bed and Alucard is sitting at the edge of it. When the ties are undone, rolling onto his back for Astarion will mean rolling into Alucard.

There's a soft, wry chuckle. ]

Didn't seem like your heart was quite in it anyway.

[ There is a tin cup, settling quietly on Astarion's chest. Water. ]

We'll be back at Eltrut within the next day or so, depending on the tide.

[ Alucard's words are reassuring. He must not have done anything terribly bad, or this conversation might have started with asking him he was trying to bite so much so...so far so good?

He finds himself very close to Alcuard now, looking up at him and taking in that weariness. Alucard definitely needs some sleep.

Astarion lingers for a moment longer before accepting the cup and sitting up. He checks his wrists, too. Alucard must have done a nice job. They're a little red but likely only from his struggling just now. It seemed they bonds had been just right for keeping him still before.

The idea that they'd be stuck at sea for a day or so in this condition is unwelcome news, though. He'll heal a lot better if he gets blood.

He looks down at the cup of water and raises it to his lips, going through the motions of course he doesn't drink it. ]

You should get some rest. I've slept more than enough for a few days. Elves don't need sleep the way you humans do.

[Whether he had already heard of this or not, hearing it from Clive makes something stir within him. It's an unknown feeling, a mix of pride, disbelief, and regrets.

Pride in knowing the hard work and mission he set out on wasn't wasted; and pride in Clive in continuing to carry out and succeed in where he could not.

Disbelief in the idea that his name would carry so much weight even years after his death, to serve as something for people to latch onto; and disbelief that Clive himself didn't have a hand in that, that he was willing to carry that burden and thus also shaped that name, that "title."

Regret that he wasn't there to see it, to leave behind something he started unfinished; and that someone else, that Clive had to take that burden.

Cid was and is a self-made man, and he knew his end was drawing near. It may have been cut a bit shorter that fateful night, but it was going to happen one way or another, so he always lived with that in mind, to have those backup plans and preparations so that whoever succeeded him and took up the mantle would be able to continue where he left off. And while he could close his eyes with satisfaction for all the things he's accomplished and the faith he had in Clive, that didn't mean he didn't have some regrets. He is human after all, and they were at the cusp of a major turning point that would change the world and their lives forever. Not to mention all the things he couldn't tell or warn Clive about...

So as he looks at Clive, looks at how much weight the poor lad's had to carry, he can't help but feel that sting of regret. But again there is also pride because no matter what, he pushed through.

A light grin forms before he shifts in his seat, hands folding together.]

Now when I passed things onto you, didn't mean you had to take my name along with it.

[Starts off with a light tease, a small joke as always before his expression turns more serious.]

But you do yourself a disservice. A name means nothing without someone making the decisions, to make it move. Those who followed after only did so because they could trust and believe in you, Clive. I might have nudged you to the door, but everything after was all you—not because of a name.

[ Alucard shifts his own sitting when the other man sits up. He just incidentally is lounging with an arm behind his company that could catch him. Really, he's just leaning back on his arms for a little stretch then a rest. It's nothing. ]

Saints, are you worrying about me, Astarion?

[ He dares to tease the man a little. After a pause, he continues. ]

I'm alright. I've slept a bit. Would you like some cool shepherd's pie?

Worried? Hardly. I'm just trying to be practical.

[ he's worried. But you can't point that out!!

At the mention of food he shakes his head. ]

I appreciate the thought, but I think it would just make me sick after all that near-drowning business. I need some time to get balanced.

[ even he's a little impressed with his ability to lie so easy, to come up with excuses even when he's really not feeling well at all here. ]

I didn't.

[Technically, she didn't.]

I just pointed out that you were scaring him, and tried to separate you two.

[ He's worried. It's sweet, almost totally unexpectedly sweet. Alucard guessed that Astarion might feel something like a begrudging sort of regard at most. His teeth sink into his lower lip gently, and that is all.

That particular lie is pretty good, and it's only the fact that Alucard worries too that he tilts his head and makes a face like he's unsatisfied with that answer. The tip of his tongue wets his lips, decisive. ]

I could leave you to it, but if you haven't noticed yet, you live now in the grace of a queendom. I should tell you that your diplomatic immunity might only be limited to the room.

[ Gravely, so grave. ]

[She narrows her eyes at the phone, and then at him. She's going to have to figure out how to get rid of that later, too.]

And? We use that to... "call" each other too, was it?

[See? She listened. A little bit.]

The cat, you mean? Yes, we've met.

[ He's so drained though, his heart really isn't in it. Being tied up has been more difficult than he wanted to admit, even if was for a good cause.

And then there was the matter of making sure he still had all his things and whether he needed to clean up any cuts or bites from the sirens. One thing at a time though. ]

I... [ he should thank him. He could certainly imagine Tav insisting that he actually be grateful, in that playful way that they'd gone about it before. But it's so hard! He doesn't want to be nice! ] you didn't have to look after me all this time.

[ #nailedit ]

Edited 2023-08-25 14:22 (UTC)

[Good luck, sweetheart, this is staying forever.]

Guess we should try that while we're here. Think it's that symbol?

[He doesn't touch it, but he does point to the strange picture that the staffer had shown them before. Like a weird looking... U? C? Parantheses? (The phone button.)]

I don't know, the moment is rather well and ruined now.

[ it would be a lot of work to set it all up again you see ]

But there's no need for you to stay if you have other business you need to attend to. I am surely capable of finding something to occupy my time.

[ Xenk really isn't usually this jovial, so count yourself lucky that you're seeing it, Alucard! Xenk is cheery like this, just the fact that he order himself a beer instead of something more serious is a clear sign of his good mood.

He can sense evil and good again, he can bless his own hands and feel the thrum of Tyr's light. It's worth celebrating.

Xenk places a hand on Alucard's shoulder, much like they'd somewhat held hands at the tattoo parlor. He's a physical guy when he's happy. ]

Xenk Yendar, my friend.

[ He raises his glass, this may honestly be as bright as you'll ever see him. But that just means Alucard is getting a rate treat. ]

To brothers in arms, and an oath reforged. To Paladins!

[ That's fair. At least Astarion isn't out here like 'fuck that cat' on main. Alucard could accept anything but that, probably.

Even though they're talking about her, the aforementioned cat is nowhere to be seen, possibly even because she's a topic of conversation.

As far as Astarion's things go, he should find them all in place, including the knife he'd managed to wrest from Alucard in the end. He will also find he is already patched up. So what? There's a medic on board to have possibly done it.

Alucard tilts his head as Astarion obviously struggles with sentiment, thinks. Doctor Who has been flailing for long while too, let's be honest....]

Do you have holidays like this, where you're from?

Instead of asking what happened, you asked what did I do. You already jumped to conclusions and had it in your head I instigated everything without reason.

[ yes he's patting his pockets down now for all his knives and little tools and glad to see they're there.

He's a little more surprised to find a couple bandages where they'd been clawing at his neck and arms but his shirt is on and Alucard hasn't started asking personal questions so...that must be the extent of it. ]

"Holidays"? What about this seems like a holiday?

[...

She stares at the symbol with wariness as her finger hovers just above it, like if she presses it, it will set off a trap.

....]

Might as well.

[And so, she clicks it and waits with bated breath. She's so going to regret this, isn't she?]

[ To be fair, Alucard hasn't actually let his hair down in a while either. It's been stress at home and then more stress being here, and while it will take more alcohol to get him to the point of sharing, he's definitely ready to toast with Xenk and be companionable. The man's sincerity makes it easier to let some things slip.

Alucard leans right into the hand on his shoulder, taking the invitation to jostle companionably against Xenk. It's been a while since he's had some genuine affection absent an agenda, and he's willing to give it in turn. ]

Alucard Emery.

[ He wraps an arm around the other man's shoulders and claps their mugs, chuckling when it sloshes a bit overboard. ]

To Paladins!

[ He brings the mug to his lips, swallowing enough froth to keep it from spilling any more over the edge. He's a practiced party boy shifting towards that mode as others in the tavern understandably begin to pile in on their benevolent vibe.

It's then that Alucard gets a little closer, ready to bat off any would-be bastards coming for Xenk. That's his idiot tonight. ]

Do you know any games?

[She might, or might not. It will be Cid who is startled by the sudden music the plays on the device, his turn to almost drop it as he stares at it.]

Bloody hell...

[But that surprise passes quickly as he sees two options. Green and red button.

And if he remembers right, it's the green button, so he taps that and....

....Well the music stopped and—oh right, hold it up to his ear right?]

Was it like this?

[He has it upside down, but they'll figure it out eventually.]

[ Alucard can get along just fine with his short sword, as Astarion mentioned before. Magic is an annoyance ( more than... ) in its absence, but he can get along without it in most scenarios, here and his London. ]

I was being facetious.

[ He allows, gracefully enough, to Astarion. ]

Is there no bread and circuses where you're from?

[ He's basically not going to acknowledge that he's been looking after Astarion all this time. He's not going to accept credit for taking care of him. He's not taking recognition for making sure he made it out of everything alive, to ascertain Astarion could hurt her when she wants.

Mostly, he's literally trying to give Astarion a way out of being awkward by talking about fantasy reality TV. Does Xenk even need him,though...? ]

[Even she is alarmed by the abrupt music that plays from it, and she stares at it with widened eyes before it... stops...

And now she watches him, mimicking his movements with her own as she verrrry sloooowly lifts the shellphone to her ear exactly the same as he does (yes, even upside down).]

Now what? We are supposed to talk? [And not even a second later:] I don't hear anything.

[ Xenk shakes his head. ]

I meant only to retire for the night.

[ He's an old man. OK, he's not, but he is a boy scout. He isn't going to get drunk, and he's probably already done his good deed for the day. Now that he's checked in on Astarion, his work here is done!

But he does make for good company. They share a strange understanding, being both cursed men. It's pleasant. ]

You have shown me great kindness, after I interrupted your plans. I am pleased to call you friend.

[ well if Alucard doesn't want to acknowledge and Astarion doesn't want to thank him they're definitely just going to Not Talk About This. ]

I mean, sure, but...

[ There's all kinds of distractions, but he's more or less lost the thread of conversation here. He's still a little out of sorts and for all he doesn't want to talk about this bc he also feels a nagging sensation that he should.

So after a long moment of frustrated silence as he fights himself on that he finally lands on: ]

I didn't...hurt you, did I? When you were tying me up?

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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