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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

[OH BOY.

He's going to take the opportunity to sit on a chair because he feels he's going to need it.]

'Bout as good as any a place. So what happened?

[Now that Joshua is moderately dry he will lean against the wall and cross his arms as if it helps him to gather his thoughts.]

If you remember Drake's Head... A shadow came before you. One that I'm sure you are already well aware of.

[His eyes flicker to Cid. He's had his assumptions about what the man knows.]

It was only by my own power that I was able to protect Clive, Jill and Torgal. But ... I was too late for you. Yet, you were the one who was able to buy us just enough time.

[He feels a stab of guilt, of course. If only he had been sooner.]

[Shadow...ah. There's a grim expression as he recalls that figure.]

...Aye, I recognized him. Wasn't expecting to see him there... Had I known I could have warned Clive, but—

[A vague gesture of his hand. He knew after however it went down, he would be in worse shape leaving it than when he entered. He just, you know, didn't expect to die the way he did. Perhaps he had wanted to wait after before telling them what he knew. Whatever the case, there was not much he could have done except as Joshua said—buy time.

However, knowing the guilt the poor boy must have, Cid gives him a soft smile.]

Don't beat yourself too much about it. I already had one foot through death's door, it wouldn't have been that much longer before I went through it. Not with how things were going.

[There's an instinctive flex of his left hand, his fingers curling with more flexibility than he's felt in a long time, the usual aches and pain completely gone. It's something that will take a while to get used to.

Especially when before he died, it was definitely almost completely gone.]

[Joshua catches the way Cid flexes one hand out of the corner of his eye. A silent understanding between all Dominants about the truth behind all of their power. The ever-sinking feeling of stiffening skin and muscles... So Joshua can only understand quietly.

Even though he too feels something lighter about his body right now as well. With time, he'll learn what this world has done for them.]

It was from that day that we truly started to know our enemy.

[Joshua can fill in the details, if Cid wishes it. Or maybe he'll need time to process the next things he says. Joshua places a hand on his chest.]

Ultima singled out Clive that day, and from that moment onward, he became the focal point of its malevolence, serving its own mysterious ends. I did my best to contain Ultima's darkness, preventing it from claiming my brother. Since then, I've been grappling with the lingering echoes of Ultima in my body.

[—he's right, Cid is going to need a moment to process all that.]

I'm sorry, did you say you contained some part of Ultima in your body?

[He can only stare at Joshua wide-eyed in bewilderment before his eyes narrow in anger.]

Are you mad!?

[More like a reckless idiot— Cid may not know everything about Ultima, but he doesn't need to to know that is a poor, hasty decision.]

What kind of effects?

[Joshua takes Cid's anger in stride... He knows what he did and why he did it.]

It was the only way to protect my brother at the time.

[So, he's mad. And he won't be taking back his decision.]

At present, I sometimes have difficulty breathing. And at times I feel my power is weaker than it should be. I can feel Ultima's essence trying to escape me. Other than that, it seems to be at bay.

[So like- no weird voices in his head or anything.]

[His just rubbing his head, feeling the incoming heading this will all bring.

What's done is done, so no use beleaguering that, but more importantly—]

And that...echo. Of him.

[He stares at Joshua's chest.]

It came along with you?

[Joshua puts his hand back on his chest over the marking that is hiding in his shirt.]

I can still feel the echo, yes. Faint as it is.

[Welp.]

...Fuck.

[Just a low swear as he runs a hand over his face before he looks at Joshua with a more serious eye.]

Barnabas is on this ship. Doubt I need to explain why that would be a problem for you.

Edited 2023-10-07 18:51 (UTC)

...

[Joshua looks up at Cid with that understanding in his eyes.

Fuck, indeed.]

Barnabas, the one with an unhealthy obsession with my brother. [And other things-] You needn't explain.

[... Joshua will have to make sure he steers clear of the man. For now.]

He's not the only one... Benedikta, Garuda's Dominant, is as well.

[There's less ire in his eyes compared to when he spoke of Barnabas, a more perplexed and conflicting expression there that passes quickly as he looks back at Joshua.]

Fortunately this ship is big enough with enough people and places to hide among. Once we're off you'll have better luck in avoiding them...

[A rough click of his tongue.]

But they know I'm here. I'd rather we could work together given this whole different world business and you having that thing in you, but that's the same reason we should stay apart for now. Not sure how closely they'll be keeping tabs on me and no need to draw their attention. If anything I can serve as a distraction, keep them from looking anywhere else.

[He rubs his chin, thinking over their options.]

Think you can manage... I'd ask, but if you were in hiding for so long before, I can only assume so.

I ... I see.

[His personal opinion on Garuda's Dominant is... unique. She did stab him in the shoulder with a knife once. And the rest of it ... Well.

And the rest of it has Joshua nodding his head at the logic.]

Keep my head low and attract no attention. Something I've grown used to, luckily.

[It's a talent now, honestly.]

Until we can make heads or tails, I'll do just that.

You've made it this far at least.

[Which is no small feat considering what happened back then.]

Another thing you should know may be something you've noticed. Your Eikon, Phoenix. Can you feel it?

[At the question Joshua tries to sense the power of his eikon and...]

I can feel the power of my flames deep within me. Yet... It is faint. Almost as if something is holding it back.

[Which is alarming and interesting at the same time.]

I'm assuming you know something about this?

[A small, slow nod as Joshua confirms his suspicions.]

Aye, I feel the same with Ramuh... Though not sure how that works.

[What, you know, being dead and all—]

But I hear we can receive a tattoo of sorts that will allow use to magic.

[Which... He's not sure how to feel about that just yet, having only just learned about it and all.]

[Yeah, there's a lot of questions here.]

I see. And a tattoo...? A mark that allows us the use of our eikon and magic?

[Something about that sits weirdly in Joshua's gut. He can't help comparing it to the idea of magic users being branded.]

I suppose we won't know all of the answers until we reach land. I'll try to keep an open mind.

[It's a feeling they'll all likely share for a while until they learn how magic is used in this world. And even then it'll take some adjusting to.]

I know what you're thinking, and I feel the same. But I will say this much. Seems everyone has one, especially those who travel out. Magic here seems to be more accessible to anyone who wishes to use it. Not only that, they don't rely on it to live and function like we had to in Valisthea. They have their own technology instead.

[Like how he had wanted the world to change. Not using magic, but through engineering, technology, and talent.]

Edited 2023-10-18 02:14 (UTC)

[There's something about the way that Cid says that which makes it feel real. Joshua finds the anxiety edging away quickly. A smile appears on his lips instead.]

If only. [He says that quietly, a tiny wish that their world could have gone in the same direction.] It must be a wonder to see a world working in tandem with magic and science.

[He looks down at his palm and he flexes it. He might be looking forward to seeing what this place is about, now.]

If that's the case... I might as well get one of these tattoos sooner rather than later. If only to use Phoenix as a way to help where I can.

[A light grin as he sees Joshua's change.]

It would be good to have, aye. At the very least to protect yourself.

[Pointed look at his chest.]

[And he places his hand over his chest again.]

That is important too.

[He's always thinking of others more than himself. But Cid is right, to hold Ultima until they know what the hell to do with that. But for now, to keep himself and Clive safe.]

[Yes, Joshua, please think about self-preservation more—]

Think that covers what I know so far.

[Still looking at Joshua's chest warily.]

Suppose it's too early to tell how your little guest is going to handle being in this world. Would be lucky if it nothing happens, but suppose should prepare for the worst.

[Joshua looks up at Cid again.]

While I may not know what this world might bring there is one thing you won't have to prepare for. And that is Ultima escaping my bonds. Whatever it takes, he will not see the light of this world.

[Self-preservation? What's that.]

["Whatever it takes," he says, and that will earn the younger Rosfield a slight frown.]

Just don't go in over your head. Or alone. With luck your brother and others have managed to make their way here, and doubt they'd leave you alone. Until then, you can at least consider me an ally.

[There is still a lot for both of them to learn. Joshua will later find both Clive and Jill which will be a great relief. And the rest of it? Joshua will take on the responsibility of finding some answers for himself and how to keep Ultima from doing any further harm while they're occupying this world.

Joshua just knows... Ultima will not escape him. He would rather push himself to the brink than let that happen.

He gives a small smile and a steady nod.]

Thank you, Cid.

[And with that... They start for shore.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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