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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

[The one being stuck is the one and only Phoenix. Usually, he would have no trouble flying himself out of a situation like this one but there's something entirely wrong with him right now that he can't find the energy to prime... (no tattoo just yet!)

Joshua lets out a strangled cry as he tries to upright himself. He seems to be tangled up in some sort of fishing net that is dangling off the side of the ship. He very much doesn't want to be dropped into the water with the fish, thank you.]

A mess would be one way to describe it.

[He shifts awkwardly. Only to catch a glimpse of the man's face...]

... Lord Cidolfus Telamon?

[Well this is an awkward and very confusing reunion.]

[Cid had heard the poor lad's cries and was quick to make his way over, but...

...Hm?]

Have we met?

[Something about the face seems familiar—in the way that it reminds him of someone else. However—]

Nevermind that. Let's get you up here first.

[And now he'll glance around and finds the crank to hoist up the net. Hang on, Joshua!]

[Joshua will put that question in the back of his mind for now. Right now, he would very much like to escape this bastardous fishing net.

He'll try to refrain from struggling too much and wait for that hoist to pull him away from the water. Once he's not dangling there and is dangling over the deck instead he lets out a small breath of relief.]

I'll admit... this isn't exactly the sort of meeting I'd hoped to have.

Doubt anyone would.

[Now cranking the lever to carefully lower the poor lad down. Maybe whatever fish is there will help cushion the landing??]

So, are you a fan? Not many who want my head would be as respectful.

[Once he finally lands on the deck Joshua will do his best to free himself of the netting and the slimy squishy fish. With as much dignity as he can... He flicks the netting away and then rests for a moment on one knee before he stands. Trying to brush out his ragged clothing...]

Not ... quite. [...] I am Joshua Rosfield. Phoenix's dominant and Clive Rosfield's younger brother.

[Pleased to make your acquaintance... Even if he doesn't look like much of a prince right now. More like a poor fisherman who had a bad day. Actually, he's pulling a small sardine out of his pocket and tossing it...]

The last time we met... It was under stranger terms. Ramuh.

[Cid will step up to try and help him with the netting, reaching over to pull away what Joshua can't. Maybe even pluck a fish stuck on his back.

But he's going to stand and stare in disbelief for a moment because what—]

...Bugger me. So you really were the one.

[He didn't tell Clive, but he had his suspicions. Someone in that caer torched the place that only a Dominant could. No Bearer could use that much magic, not alone. And with Clive as Ifrit, there was only one other option, not with the rest of the direct line wiped out, leaving only distant relatives. But that wasn't something he could tell Clive, not without any proof. Gav spotting what is now to be confirmed as Joshua only strengthened his suspicions. So he pushed the lad to go, hoping to be proven right.

And now he sees it right in front of his very eyes.]

But I don't recollect ever setting eyes on you...

[His brows furrow as he rubs his chin before he connects the dots. Being able to intuit things had his perks, though with a rueful smile he's not so sure this is one of those times.]

...And by your words I can only guess one thing. You were at Drake's Head.

[Meaning who he "met" was his corpse.]

[The recognition makes Joshua duck his head down slightly. It's not in shame but he does know how he had been practically skulking around those days leading up to that fated and terrible meeting in Drake's Head. He hadn't been able to reveal himself to Clive back then. And he does feel terrible about that.

From what he knows of the man he knows that Cid is a perceptive person so he's not all that shocked either that he puts it together. Just still... confused.]

That, I was. Which is why it's strange for me to see you here standing, my lord.

[... Because not even the Phoenix can bring back the dead. Does it have something to do with this place? The bottle and all that seawater...?]

[Cid can only look at him before he gives him a wry smile and a shake of his head.]

First, quit calling me "my lord." I'm an outlaw, not a noble.

Second...

[He's just. Going to look down at the fish at their feet.]

How about we move this conversation somewhere a little less rank, eh?

Edited 2023-08-20 06:07 (UTC)

[...]

Please, that would be very amicable.

[Joshua would very much like to not stink of fish while they're talking this out. He brushes out his ill-fitting borrowed clothing once more before he steps out of the wet mess.]

This vessel, I'm assuming it isn't yours?

Do I look like a captain?

[Just a vague gesture of his own ragged, loose clothing. A little better than what he had before thanks to the change he got after meeting Benedikta, but still definitely screaming "new arrival, ahoy!"]

But nay, I'm as much of a stranger of this place as you. Not that I quite believe it yet.

[But let's save that for when they move out of the fish and... Maybe see if they get Joshua at least a new shirt or something.]

[...]

Would you like me to give you an honest answer if you do or not?

[Like daughter like-]

Then... That is unfortunate. It appears we have much to discover.

[He would like answers. And he very much is heading for the ship's main cabins as well.]

I think I know how you'll answer.

[A wry look and a shake of his head as they walk. Cabins good. Cabins mean privacy and mean out of Barnabas's sight. Also means ability to shove Joshua in a closet if necessary— Though he'll help guide the way. Ships are practically the same, but never hurts.]

I can at least tell you what I've learned so far, and then you can catch me up with what's been happening back home.

[Cabins also mean it's dry and the smell of fish isn't as terrible. He would do anything for a hot bath and a change of clothing right now but that might have to wait. Where are his things and his sword?]

I can do that to the best of my ability. Please, what have you learned?

[He wants to ask Cid if he has seen Clive at all but he tries to resist asking that so quickly. There's a lot to talk about here. He'll allow Cid to lead for now before he asks.]

[Alas, Joshua will have to suffer the smell for a bit longer, but at least it's not so bad since they got him out relatively quickly. Relatively. Eh, Cid has seen and smelled worse from others.]

Where to start...

[He rubs his chin for a moment before shaking his head.]

The ship we're on is called the Stormbringer, run by some group or organization called the Corsairs. For a bunch of pirates, this bunch are at least friendly and seem used to people randomly appearing on their ship.

They say this is another world, and these so-called "rifts" are what took us from ours and dropped us into theirs.

[Joshua shivers lightly from the wet clothing he's wearing but he listens carefully.]

... The Stormbringer. The last place I expected to find myself was on a pirate's ship. Although stranger things have already happened.

[Another world- he can understand. Ultima said as much that he was also from another world. But one that brings the dead back to life... As he regards Cid standing before him.]

And if I may ask, are you able to ... prime?

[Joshua can feel the Phoenix' warmth with him. But he's just checking.]

[Does he need a blanket or something... Spare clothes are not as easy to come by, alas.]

Nay.

[A small shake of his head, though he doesn't seem too bothered... Okay he's a little bothered. If Barnabas wasn't around he would have been happy about it, but now he'd rather have that old fart's help to deal with him.]

I can feel the old ghost, but can't draw on his power. That said, I hear we can use magic through some special tattoos once we hit port.

[And he knows how that sounds.]

At least here, magic is seen more as a universal tool that anyone can freely wield should they so choose. No discrimination like back home.

[Joshua is used to suffering, he'll find his gear and warm clothing soon enough. Until then he'll just try to keep his shivers under control.

On that note, he puts his hand over his chest as if he's trying to use Phoenix' natural heat and ... nothing. He can't reach it right now. Until he finds himself with a tattoo?

All he can feel is just the dull ache of Ultima. Which makes Joshua's face scrunch in concern.]

I see... Well, I suppose that's two sides of the same edge. However, a place where there is no discrimination... would be a sight to see.

[That was the dream they wanted, after all.]

Are we heading to port now? I believe I should try to find my brother as soon as I can.

[ARE THEY IN THE ROOM YET whatever, whenever there's a chance Cid will grab a blanket or towel, whichever is in reach first, to give the poor lad. Clive would have his head if he let the younger brother get sick.]

Ay. A giant turtle if you can believe it. But finding Clive...

[Hmmm.]

I haven't seen him, but people seem to be dropping in every so often, so if he's not here yet, wouldn't be surprised if he appears with everyone else that's showed up so far.

[A wary eye.]

Sure you'll be all right?

Thank you.

[THEY ARE IN THE ROOM so Joshua will thankfully take the towel and start to scruff his hair dry first.

The note that Cid is unsure of Clive's whereabouts does worry him but he tries to keep that to himself for now. No need to get overly worried until they do reach this... giant turtle island. Clive can handle himself.]

Something tells me that something as strange as this happening to us will certainly be happening to Clive as well. I will find him, I'm sure.

[Call it a brother's intuition.]

I will be alright. Although, I did promise you details about what had happened before my arrival. May I start with the last time that I saw you..?

[SO ABOUT THAT...]

[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.]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

2. helping hand

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