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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

[Barnabas lets out a low, soft laugh.]

Do you think I didn't start with my fists as my first weapons?

[He takes a step forward, his eyes burning with eagerness for a fight.]

Let's go.

[This is such a huge fucking mistake and his rational side knows it. Tells him he should just walk away knowing this will just come at his loss.

But another part of him can't really just leave Barnabas as is, knowing what the man is capable of, with or without their Eikons. Whether or not the man can truly be a threat remains to be seen, but Cid can't just leave it alone, not after hearing all that. Can't just "let" it happen. Even if this ends up as just a poor show of rebellion, he can at least try and glean something from it.

...

And he really just want to deck the bastard, even once. Land one hit. One hit that's all he wants—

In any case, the two men will make their way out to the main deck. It's bustling as expected, the port not too far off, but not so close that they wouldn't have time for some kind of scuffle. And there will be at least a somewhat empty area they can make their way to...or maybe people will sense the murderous intent from the both of them to scatter. Given it's a Corsair ship, fights probably aren't too uncommon at least.]

[Barnabas' blue eyes burn with intensity. He wants a fight. He wants a good fight. There was a reason why he made Cidolfus his Lord Commander. The man is a good fighter.

But is he good enough to give Barnabas the sweet taste of ruin he craves?

He doesn't think so, but he can hope.

As soon there's an open space, Barnabas stops.]

Here's good.

[Scanning around, Cid nods in agreement—one of the very, very few he'll ever have with the man as he stands in front of him, fist still clenched in his palm.

It's a strange feeling, this. Once upon a time he actually looked up to this man. Barnabas's ability to lead and wield such great power was—and begrudgingly—is something to admire and respect. For a man like Cid, who came from beyond Valisthea and had no clue, joining his side seemed the obvious thing to do. A place to prove to his worth, his skill, his talents—to find a better future in a land blessed by the Mothercrystals. It's why he left, and at the time being under Barnabas's command made the most sense.

And for a time, it did.

Until everything flipped around, and now the only feelings he hold is contempt, disgust, hatred. Perhaps there's also bitter resentment as well, feeling as if he had been played for a fool all those years. But that was then, and this is now. Now he's shaped himself to be his own. While he knows he's still at a severe disadvantage in terms of fighting prowess, he's no pushover. And at the very least, he will make that clear.

Even should Barnabas kills him where he stands, he'll never get what he truly seeks. Cid would make sure of that.

However, just as he's about ready to just lunge for Barnabas, a voice interrupts with a huff.

"Ooooy! You two! If you're just gonna stand around making googly eyes at each other, at least do some moppin'!"

EXCUSE!?!

But both men will have mops in their hands before they realize it, the large jack rabbit muttering as he walks away to yell at some others lingering on the deck.

...

......

And Cid will just twirl his around.]

Well he's right, there is some moppin' I need to do.

[Barnabas stares at the mop for a moment, like he hasn't seen one before. It's been decades since he held one.

And then Cidolfus makes that joke. And he stares.]

Your sense of humor hasn't changed since we met.

[But this is a weapon. He stomped the head of the mop off, then kicked it at Cidolfus' face, and then he charged, wielding the mop like he'd wield Gungnir. He doesn't want to kill Cidolfus, but he's more then willing to beat the Warden of Thunder's to shit.]

[The moment he sees Barnabas stomping that mop's head off is the moment he knows their little "duel" has started. The kick of the mop head to his head is unexpected, but one he can at least dodge out of the way—only to need to quickly bring up his own mop to parry the one coming at him, ignoring the slight crack he hears upon impact as he feels that strength and pressure he hasn't felt in years before trying to counter.]

And your impatience to fight hasn't either!

[While not as adept as Barnabas in wielding a longer weapon, he's had to use various weapons both in his service and his years as an outlaw. Can't survive if you can't improvise. So he'll push back and try to at least keep in step with him, ready to block and parry as best he can with the mop. The mop head might even do him some favors, acting a little bit like an extra shield to try and catch the end of Barnabas's mop. However, the extra weight does also make it a little more burdensome, and the mop's pole won't be able to take too many direct hits from Barnabas.

Still, he knows he can't outfight Barnabas. But outwit? Well, let's see.]

[It should have been expected. Barnabas was a pragmatic fighter.

He brings the broken mop down against Cidolfus'; the crack it made was satisfying. He doesn't answer the barb, just grins.

And if the mop head was being used as a shield, he'd get rid of it. He reached with one hand, and grabbed the mop by a few of the strands, pulled hard while swinging the shaft of his towards Cidolfus' side.]

[The pull surprises him, making him momentarily lose his footing as he's pulled forward with the mop. And he'll regret not letting go when he catches that swing too late, unable to do anything but take it. It makes him stagger, the weakened mop in his hand snapping from the force as he stumbles to the side with a hiss.

Well, it's something he's more familiar with, but damn is he currently at a disadvantage as he tries to quickly regain his footing.]

[Barnabas will not let him if he can. He presses his advantage, getting into Cidolfus' space as much as he can.]

Don't you dare make this easy for me.

Hah! This is just a warm-up!

[Still feeling the sting but not letting it slow him down, he moves much faster now with the shorter "weapon," gripping it tight as uses it to deflect any blows. He notices the discarded half, and after some deliberate maneuvering, it will be Barnabas's turn to have something fly at his face—namely one of the buckets that had been left for them to use. Kicking it hard, Cid sends it flying before dashing to grab the other half, slamming the mop head off against the nearby railing before twirling it around in his left hand.

A hand that hasn't been able to dual wield like this in quite a while, yet moves as if he hadn't stopped at all.]

That's better.

[With that he charges at Barnabas with renewed energy and focus. Whether or not he "earned" his former title as Lord Commander, he certainly earned the right to keep it during his tenure.]

Yes.

[Barnabas' smile grows as he presses the attack, making sure he uses the unbroken end of the mop when he thrusts forward. He doesn't want to kill Cidolfus, after all.

He doesn't hold back. He made Cidolfus his Lord Commander a reason. While Sleipnir was always more loyal, being an egi, Cidolfus was a fearsome warrior. Like with Benedikta, he would have shuffled Cidolfus into another position if he hadn't been suited for the position of Lord Commander.]

Try to keep up.

[It's admittedly strange for him to be able to move like this again after not being able to for so long. It really does feel like he's moving again for the first time, and he'll likely have to train up again to reach his former condition before the curse affected his left arm. Yet it still all comes naturally, and with both halves of the mop, Cid is able to more counter effectively, using one end to parry Barnabas and the other to swing around to get in close.

Of course, there's still a difference in their skill and raw strength, something that Cid is keenly aware of and keeps in mind as he moves, having to dip in close while also needing to jump, duck, or roll to get back out of it. Nor can he can go on like this forever. Fresh as he's feeling, this is fucking Barnabas he's fighting and the man could go for days. Still, he's not one to give up so easily, either. Because, again, it's fucking Barnabas.

However, their little "bout" will indeed have to come to an end soon as other sailors have noticed their little spar has turned into something much more and have called on the stronger veterans to try and stop the two older men.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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