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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Right, the octopus. The tentacles. Ugh, if he ever sees a tentacle again it'll be too soon. ]

I've always been more of a stay at home in my nice and comfortable city kind of guy.

[ Not a lie entirely, it was his preference. People just seemed to always have other ideas about ho his life should go. ]

Look, if we've both decided against letting our tentacled friend mark up our bodies, perhaps we might go outside? I seen no reason to wait and watch as the rest of them act as sheep lining up for the slaughter.

[ Alucard's easy smile presses momentarily thin at the voiced preference, but if he had a retort, it's interrupted by the suggestion. Instead, he gives a huff, one part sigh and one part chuckle. ]

After you.

[ He gives an inviting nod and gesture towards the exit. With no lack of candidates, Alucard can always come back to slake his curiosity about the tattoo parlor later. This one seems worth following out the door. ]

Excellent choice.

[ There's a decidedly flirty note to his tone, as if the good choice was not just to follow but that inviting nod. Delicious.

He leads the way out and seems to breathe easier now that they've escaped the tentacles and/or the risk of tattooing. ]

I don't believe I got your name. I'm Astarion.

[ If nothing else, he seems amused by the flirt. Outside, he notes the little shift. A noble's clothes, but only one name? Unless Astarion is the family name. ]

Alucard Emery. What an unexpected pleasure to meet another suspicious person.

[ The sapphire seems to do the playful wink for him. ]

Would you like to take a walk together, Astarion? Or was there somewhere in particular you'd like to be?

Likewise. It isn't every day that someone propositions you to steal a boat with them.

[ He likes it. And the playfulness, too. ]

Well, I'm sure you know I've got no plans of my own. We're all just wandering around trying to make the best of a bad situation. So if it's company you want...

[ or, his tone seems to suggest, company ]

Thank the saints I had you there to ward me from being tattled on by our many-armed artist.

[ He doesn't seem the least bit concerned, but he does seem amused. ]

I would love some company. [ It is difficult to say which he means. ] Perhaps there's a boardwalk that overlooks the docks. I don't know about you, but I enjoy window-shopping even if I don't end up making a purchase.

[ Because he doesn't want it enough or because he steals things? Again, up for interpretation. ]

[ Some part of him desperately wants to insist that he is not for sale. But that would be silly, because of course that's what he's presently doing. Offering up his company for the promise of allyship. Everyone has a price. ]

I'd like that. Perhaps we'll even catch a glimpse of the sunset.

[ The most romantic time of the day, see! ]

Lead on, then. Let's find this cozy little spot.

I'm just as lost as you are, so we might as well walk side by side.

[ At least for now they're equals. Or maybe Alucard isn't wholly comfortable with having his back in any portion to the other man.

He does walk, though, without haste along the path that seems like it might be leading towards the edge of the turtle's shell, which looks like cliff sides. ]

Do you actually have any sailing experience?

Edited 2023-08-21 02:50 (UTC)

[ Equals...how strange. So strange, in fact, there's a momentary hesitation. Astarion is clearly used to following. But he falls into step with him a moment later. Equals. ]

None at all, I'm afraid. I'm rather useless when it comes to water.

I didn't think so. Most sailors show a bit more sun on their skin.

[ It would be such a silly thing to lie about anyway seeing as being on the actual ship would expose that pretty quickly. ]

What can you do, then?

Indeed. I'm a magistrate. I don't get out all that often.

[ Yes...that's why he's pale. That's the whole reason why. ]

But I am rather handy with a knife. [ it would be strange to lie about it, with two of them so obviously at his hips. This is just a d&d thing, people walk around with knives. It's normal. ] And I pick just about any lock.

Now why would a public official in such a position of trust need to pick a lock?

[ He tilts his head, smiling in a way that could probably charm snakes. ]

You're a thief.

[ Alucard hazards. If Astarion is anything like his last one, he'll have about two more knives hidden for every one he's got visible. ]

[ Astarion shrugs ]

People can be more than one thing. Call it a hobby.

[ He chuckles at that. ]

A good thief is always a valuable thing to have. Are you any good at your hobby?

Oh, quite. I'd give you a demonstration, but I think first...you should tell me a little bit more about yourself. Got any hobbies you want to share about?

[ the kind that are useful for stealing boats ]

[ There's a bit of a nod at that; it's a fair ask. ]

Well, I was the captain of a ship before I arrived here...

[ Seems to be the most relevant detail to offer. ]

I knew a little bit of magic, too, but I'm afraid it seems I'm going to have to be the first one to discover how to do it without one of those marks.

A useful ally indeed, for a place like this.

[ It's said with just a hint of hope. A dash of, "wouldn't it be nice, if we were allies?" ]

If you figure it out, do let me know. My magic is somewhat limited but one never knows when one needs a flame.

[ Something about it makes Alucard give a soft chuckle and shake his head, as if indulging in some private joke. ]

I'll let you be the first to congratulate me, or tell you if it's impossible after all.

[ If anyone can do it, he's sure it would him. ]

Two don't make a crew, though, no matter how talented, unless you want to row away in a dinghy. But even with a crew, there's a bigger problem to consider.

Even I know that much.

[ you need at least four for a proper party and a party is far less than a crew!! ]

And it's not exactly subtle, is it? Sneaking off with a boat, I mean. It's far easier to pocket gold.

Edited 2023-08-21 14:56 (UTC)

That... But most importantly, one needs know where to go.

[ He makes an expansive gesture out towards the glittering, cerulean horizon, parts of it peppered now with the signs of sails in the harbor and without. ]

Freedom and money don't mean much when you're lost at sea. More like the liberty to starve to death.

[ Freedom. The concept of it still feels so far away. Would he feel free at sea? He doubts it. But it was surely a nice concept. ]

I don't suppose there are any portals lying in wait to take us home out there.

Logic would suggest if there was a way in, there's a way out... But if there's a search for it, it's been going long enough these armadas have gotten our arrivals streamlined.

[ He gives a curious look sidelong at the other. ]

Pressing matters back home for you?

It's...complicated.

[ He says it with the kind of tone that suggests the complication is a romantic issue, one that isn't quite solidified. The sort of will they, won't they that bards sing about. ]

Maybe I just don't like the idea of being made to pick a faction and do someone's bidding.

[ ...Hm. Noted, but going to leave that one alone for now. One of his hands, which have been settled comfortably against his hip and his sword as they walk, begins to toy at the cuff of his jacket. ]

Being able to top from the bottom and juggle multiple interests isn't a talent that comes easily, or to everyone.

[ He offers, consolingly. ]

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

Darling, I have no concerns with those kinds of orders. But that's hardly what they want from us now, is it? These hands were not made for hauling around cargo.

[ His fingers are so deft and dexterous! Much better for delicate needs. ]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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