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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

[Eustace had been looking down at the shellphone device, brows furrowed as he idly taps through the menus and screens. He had examined it earlier, a bit fascinated at such a communication device. It was a little similar to the computers back in Society, but this was much more advanced. If only Isaac were here... He'd have a field day for sure.

So he doesn't quite notice Tifa coming up ahead, even as Valo tugs on the leash Eustace had acquired earlier for him. Not that he worries about Valo running off, but new world and all that... Can't be too careful. And when he feels the tug and senses a change from their previous calm walk, he looks up and—

...Ah.

While he won't stop, he won't really pick up his pace, letting her jog up to them and greet Valo who wags his tail and seeks those pets. Yay, a friend! —thinks his dog. Eustace meanwhile is just looking at her curiously and then looks at the building ahead of them.

...]

...So it seems.

[Another look at her.]

Staying at the inn?

[Her hands immediately swoop in for pets for Valo again when he greets her and seeks her out, Tifa ruffling ears and scratching his chin, all giggles again. Really, this dog is going to be the death of her, isn't he? Even if Eustace might not like it, she's going to end up spoiling this boy rotten... and he isn't even her dog—!

Anyway.]

Yeah. Just for the night, at least.

[She kneels in front of Valo now with a half-smile.]

Ship's a bit too loud for me right now. They said that the inn's pretty good. Comfortable and quiet, too.

[......Hm.

Just a low hum of agreement, though he doesn't really give much more than that. Granted, that's less of him being private and just...him being himself.

Not exactly a conversationalist if he doesn't need to be.]

[She has that very same thought—not much of a conversationalist, which is fine. Tifa doesn't need to poke and prod to get to know someone.]

Same reasons, then?

[She took that hum as a sign of agreement to what she had to say. He doesn't exactly strike her as the kind of person who would like loud, busy places, but that's just her gut instinct. Sometimes, people can surprise you.]

[Well now he has to answer—]

Similar.

[He looks at Valo.]

I wasn't sure how Valo would take to the ship, and it would be easier to be in town.

How sweet...

[She will say that much out loud as she looks to the dog as well, his tail wagging wildly now from this attention.]

Does he handle the ship well, at least? [There's a look of concern that furrows in her brow.] Sounds like we'll be seeing a lot of them.

[A small pause before he answers.]

He's been on ships before, it's more the current accommodations. [And water being much different than sky—] Once I've gotten more supplies for the both of us, it'll be easier to adjust.

[He may have an assigned cabin, but there's barely anything in it now. Certainly not proper for a dog just yet.]

[Well, at least he talks a little more when it's about his dog—]

Ah, so this isn't the first time, huh?

[She smiles down at Valo who sits happily, waiting for more of her scratches, which she will happily give.]

It is for me. Never been out on the water like this before, so maybe you can show me the ropes. [Is she talking to Eustace or Valo? Who can say.] But... if you need any supplies, the Royal Fortune's apparently got plenty to go around.

[Aha... So she's Paladin. Well, not that he thinks she'll suddenly be up in arms about him being a Corsair since really it's more nominal than allegiance. Unless she has weird preconceived notions as to why he's there...

...A question that he often wonders given he would think he would fit more with the Paladins. Is it because of the whole skyfaring thing...? Hmmm. Anyway.]

Appreciated, but I'd rather those be spared for those who may need it more.

[He's not even trying to be humble here, just maintaining that vagueness of where he is.]

But as long as you don't get seasickness, you should be able to adjust easy enough.

[She seems spirited enough, anyway...]

Ah... [She lifts herself to her feet, brushing off the dog hair that's suddenly clung to her.] I guess I haven't really been out at sea.

[Tifa gives a little, awkward laugh.]

I didn't get here until after the ships were docked... if they were even out there to begin with. But I guess we'll see.

[Her eyes look around them, to the buildings and then to the sea in the distance, her fingers fidgeting with her gloves.]

Think I prefer land, though, to be honest.

[Oh? How curious. He had noticed people still arriving, so this just gave him some confirmation.]

They were. Hopefully you didn't find yourself in a compromising situation when you appeared.

[Valo is a little sad for loss of pets, but he'll go up to Eustace and nudge his leg. Seeing this, he'll just roll his eyes playfully before crouching down to give him a turn.]

Do you not plan to go to the other base? Elah, was it?

Elah... the Paladin's base, yeah?

[Well, the cat's out of that bag, but she doesn't mind at all.]

I dunno. I kinda like it here on Eltrut.

[Perhaps she's so attached to it already because it reminds her nothing of Midgar and its arid atmosphere.]

Might stay here if things get a little too stiff over there.

[It never escaped her notice that things on the Royal Fortune were—okay, maybe not everything but there were certainly some interesting folk on there that had a stricter air about them. And while she can appreciate some rules in place, some of them had been a little too tight for even her tastes.]

... That is, if they'll let me.

Hmm... That I'm not too sure, but it does seem this place is a mix of both. It might not be so impossible, but it's something you'll need to look into.

[Something he's also considering, but he'll hold judgment to see how terrible Nogard is.]

So far, it doesn't seem so bad.

[She takes a step closer to him, and as a result, a step closer to the inn's door.]

Could do without the tavern fights, though. Can't say how many times I've had to break them up back home, but I'm not too interested in doing that again here.

[Never mind that it brought back some sour memories and left a bitter taste on her tongue, but that's neither here nor there.]

{Well.

That gets him to arch a brow as he stands.]

Did you used to work in one?

Ran one, yeah. Back home...

[Her voice trails off a moment, her gaze turning distant as she almost looks through him rather than at him. It's a sore spot, that wound still very fresh, but with a light shake of her head, her smile snaps right back into place.]

Guess I know how to handle a ruffian or three. Have had to throw my fair share of drunk men out the door. So it isn't so bad.

Edited 2023-08-21 23:19 (UTC)

[He catches that expression, and while he can't even guess what exactly it is she's thinking of, it's clearly something he shouldn't pry any further. Not that he has much need to other than idle curiosity.]

So you're well-versed in martial arts.

[He looks at her for a moment, but he's seen his fair share of lean, female fighters, knowing very well what kind of strength they could have despite their build.]

[There's a very visible surprised flush that colours her cheeks.]

... Oh. You could tell?

[She is a little taken-aback by the observation, but she isn't exactly dressed like the other paladins here with her leather gloves and sports socks and big red sneakers... Maybe getting her old clothes back and putting them on was a mistake...?]

Given your words, that's what I presumed. Unless you used some other means.

[She huffs a laugh, a more timid, mellow one this time.]

Not really. Most of the time, people respected me when I asked, but there were others that were too drunk to care.

[That is to say—]

So, yeah. Had to use a little bit of force. [She raises a fist, the leather tightening around her knuckles.] Been learning since I was young.

[A low hum in thought.]

I see. Hopefully you won't have to put those skills to use too often.

[And now he's going to start walking towards the entrance of the inn.]

Yeah... let's hope so...

[She pauses, a little lost in dazed thought before she realizes that he's heading inside, and she jogs after him, pausing at the door only inches behind with a sheepish smile.]

I mean... Might as well, right? Since we're both staying here...?

[Almost as if she's asking him if he minds.]

[There's just a small arch of the brow when he hears her approach and a half turn of his head to look back at her before he just holds open the door and steps to the side for her.

After you.]

[...?

Tifa stares at him, confused, because she had been waiting for him to go first, so there's just an awkward pause where she cants her head before—]

Oh. [He was holding the door open for her......] Uh... thanks...

[And she practically hops inside, looking around the moment she steps through and immediately, she starts talking to fill that uncomfortable silence that had lingered for just a second too long.]

I guess this is better than the ship, huh...? A little less crowded.

[...What a strange girl. And why is she always bouncing around...?

He'll just watch her in silence before she's finally in, Valo walking in eagerly as Eustace follows behind. He'll also take a quick look around, noting other exits and the general atmosphere of the place.]

Hm... Works in our favor at least.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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