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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

[ Don't worry, he's explained his tale enough that he doesn't expect sympathy. The vampire's change in mood does not go unnoticed, but Xenk listens all the same. It's no surprise to hear that the tale of a vampire spawn who avoids human blood is one of great injustice. He carried himself without preamble, without the power that those creatures so often flaunt.

Though talk of mind-flayers is enough to make Xenk's breath draw short. Everyone knows those soulless creatures are the vilest thing in all of the nine realms. Xenk has fought his share of creatures. He knows the signs. ]

Mindflayers? Then, you...

[ Xenk levels him with an intense stare, gauging the vampire spawn's words for any trace of deceit, any sign of possession or lack of control. INSIGHT CHECK: SUCCESS. He finds neither. The man speaks true, though his words defy all sense. Ceremorphosis is not slow. It is not pretty. It is painful and horrible, and it would spare neither sire nor spawn. ]

By the Gods.

[ Xenk mutters, fist clenched in sympathetic anger. He believes this man. His words should not be true, but he believes him. A vampire spawn, walking in daylight, free from its master... he'd thought perhaps the strange magic of this place was to blame for these curiosities, but no one would conjure up a tale of mindflayers that goes so against what they are known to do. ]

Your luck must be nearly outweighed by your misfortune, that you remain yourself still.

[ Yeah, no God would ever fuck with mindflayers, sorry. That's just luck for sure. ]

You have my deepest sympathies. [ He'll even kneel. Yeah, he's kneeling. It's a Paladin thing, he's gonna internally beseech Tyr from all the way over here. ] That such an injustice should be brought upon you... it is without reason. A crueler fate than any should ever bear.

I don't need your pity.

[ Astarion says the last word like a curse, but then that same boyish awkwardness comes flooding back as Xenk is suddenly getting down on his knees. He waves his hand, embarrassed and trying to get the man to get back up. Of course he'd wanted him to feel, well, a little bit bad. But he didn't want all this.

His next words are more animated, shrugging off the real display of emotion he'd showed just a moment ago (the numbness, the resentment) with something more dramatic. ]

Get up. I doubt your god could hear you here, all the way out here on this turtle. Besides, he never listened to me before. He'd probably just rather you smite me and get it over with.

But, to be clear: please don't. I don't love being a spawn, but I certainly would prefer not to be put back into the ground or turned into a pile of ash.

Edited 2023-08-21 04:37 (UTC)

[ Ah, but he has struck a nerve without meaning to. Though Xenk doesn't understand why the elf has misconstrued his intentions, this is hardly the first time it's happened. His bluntness rankled Edgin Darvis as well.

The vampire's honesty, and his haste in burying it, is a bit like Edgin as well. (So weird that some people don't want to just exposit their feelings? That they try to hide their emotions? On purpose?)

Xenk looks up into the other's red eyes and rights himself, still giving Astarion the deference he feels the elf deserves. ]

I will not smite you.

[ He speaks completely seriously. That's not an oath, but it is his Oath. He sets his hand on the pommel of his sword, not in a threat, but in a promise. ]

The Oath I swore demands that I correct injustice. That I guard the weak and fight for truth. And you have been honest with me this day, vampire. [ Still doesn't know his name, oops. ] So long as you stay your fangs from the innocent and the undeserving, you will not find an enemy in me.

[ Now that's an Oath. ]

[ He's blushing?? Oh gods, help him, it's probably really obvious in the sun. Where does he even have the extra blood to run to his face? But he's doing it anyway, because this is just so weird. He laughs, high pitched and giddy as if pointing out the absurdity of this situation--a holy man swearing an Oath to a vampire--might make it go away.

(And he tries not to think too hard about all of the unholy things he did in Cazador's name.) ]

Yes, well, um, that's--yes, thank you.

[ What does he even say to this?? ]

Look, please stop calling me "vampire," at least? I have a name. It is Astarion. I'd also prefer if you didn't go telling just anyone you meet about this. I try to keep it a secret. Not everyone can just detect good and evil or whatever it is you do.

[ Xenk Yendar says these things with a straight face and then smiles because he thinks it's just how one speaks to people. Maybe he likes to fluster people with his honesty, or maybe he's just oblivious as hell. Who can say?

It doesn't change the fact that he will always be honest, and that he means absolutely everything he says. Not just for his Oath, but because it's the Right Thing To Do. Though, yeah, he's had plenty of people swoon over him. He doesn't pay it much mind. ]

Forgive me, Astarion. I meant no offense.

[ He is just 100% honest 100% of the time. Which poses a conundrum indeed. His hand falls from his sword, resting on his chest in something like supplication. ]

You ask a great deal of me, as you well know my Oath. I cannot lie.

[ He literally just explained it. But Astarion is not wrong that there are those who would jump to ill conclusions. Just as Xenk has dealt with those who would assume that, as a Thayan, he must be allied with Szass Tam. ]

But as it is a matter of life and death, I am sympathetic. [ That hand on his chest clenches to a fist. Tyr, grant him strength. ] I can speak in omission. I will not reveal your secret, unless it is asked of me in such a way that it would sever my oath.

[ He's gotta be honest. And realistically.... if it really was a matter of life or death, he probably would be able to lie, just for the right reasons. He'd just rather not go down that road -- it's too gray for his sensibilities. ]

[ This is all so much. Somehow, he thinks, this is worse than if he'd just had to fight this man. This direct, honest attention being paid to him. Speaking to him as if he deserved more. But what did it matter, what he deserved? It had never worked out before. It was unlikely to work out just because some Paladin decided to stick his nose in his business.

It's strange. Whether it is on purpose or not, Xenk has put him in a position he's not used to. He always has the upper hand, always tries to make sure that he is the one with all the emotional playing cards. But the roles are almost entirely reversed here. He feels...well, not the childish way that Cazador makes him feel, but something different. Something problematic.

He doesn't like it in the slightest!!!!

But this business about Xenk's personal problem is exactly that--a personal problem. He kind of doubts that anyone is going to point blank ask Xenk if Astarion is a vampire, so that's probably not going to have to be one of his worries. ]

That's all I can ask, then. Far be it from me to sever a paladin's oath.

[ that's gotta be like 100 years of bad luck. ]

And look, if you...need any locks picked or anything...

[ Honestly it is the perfect offer because Xenk 100% will never need anyone to pick a lock for him. And Astarion feels this weird feeling like he should give something in return for this promise Xenk is making him? So he can check off that box. ]

Edited 2023-08-21 05:38 (UTC)

[ Is that perhaps guilt Astarion feels? Perhaps a little bit of goodness, begging to be heard from within? Xenk tends to have that effect on people. There's just something about a guy who refuses to lie and believes in the goodness of the world that makes people feel like they should be better people. It's terrible, isn't it? ]

I appreciate your understanding.

[ It's all he can ask for, he knows. A paladin's Oath is his life. At least Astarion is willing to meet him halfway as well. Truly, he's earning quite a bit of Approval in Xenk's book. To even offer up his skills, however unscrupulous, shows that the man is kinder than his terrible life would let on. ]

I doubt I will ever have need of your illicit skillset.[ Blunt as all hell, that's Xenk! ] But you are kind to offer this in exchange. Thank you.

[ He smiles. You know he means it, when he's calling lockpicking 'kind.' ]

Edited 2023-08-21 05:58 (UTC)

[ It is terrible!!! You can't believe in a man you just met, Xenk.

Astarion's displeasure at being called "kind" tries to write itself out on his face, trying to prove, for a moment at least, that he's actually still just a mean old vampire spawn with nothing to give. It's like being called out, but in the worst way possible! The very worst way! ]

Great, well, if that was all, I was looking for a bite to eat before all of this and I'm still quite famished. There's no need for you to stick around while I find some creature to snack on.

[ Just watch him!! He's so good at that! Show him one spark of goodness and he will stoke that flame, Astarion. ]

Of course.

[ He says as if Astarion isn't trying to shoo him. Why some people react poorly to being told they're kind, Xenk will never know. He just keeps to his word, as a good paladin should. ]

You meant to make a meal of the creatures we slayed. [ He states the obvious a lot, get used to it. ] As it was my Radiant blade that felled many of the beasts, I must insist on making true on my proposal to aid you. The sharkgulls are quite large, surely they would make a fine meal, with some assistance.

[ He's not good!! He's bad actually. Very bad. Lawful evil. ]

You really don't have to do that.

[ A new shyness creeps into his tone. He's not used to eating in front of strangers, see. And now this very honest, very big, actually also pretty handsome, paladin just wants to like...be there.

He walks over to examine one of the sharkgulls that he'd shot, running his fingers along where the shark meets the gull. ]

On second thought, maybe this was a bad idea anyway! The shark skin is so thick, and it really doesn't have much of a neck. And think of all the feathers! I can look for something else.

[ Mmhm, keep telling yourself that, Astarion. Alignments change! Unless you're a paladin.

Xenk would insist that he must do this, if not for his Oath than for his own peace of mind -- if Astarion's needs are not met, because of him, then he could endanger himself, or others. Xenk could hardly stand by and abandon him in his time of need! ]

Then we must find you something better suited.

[ Besides, what could a vampire have to be shy about? The line between cooked meat and consumption of blood is not so thick as to warrant any judgement from Xenk Yendar, paladin extraordinaire. (Not that he notices Astarion's shyness, mind you.) ]

[ He's just going to go down to the docks and find some rats. It's not going to be pretty. He's going to hate it. But it'll get the job done, until he finds something bigger out in the wilderness somewhere. ]

Please, you're a paladin. You don't want to watch me do this.

[ Xenk tilts his head to the side, confusion evident in his expression. How strange, to imply that being a paladin means he would be disgusted by a vampire who is kind enough to seek out animals rather than people for sustenance. ]

You do yourself a disservice. Though our methods in consumption may vary, there is nothing profane about the act of obtaining sustenance, is there?

[ Why would that bother him?? He's fought mind-flayers and shit, it's not like Astarion is going to eat brains. ]

If you wish for privacy, I will not deprive you. But should you wish to corner something larger than a rodent, we will have a higher chance of success working as a pair.

Edited 2023-08-21 06:36 (UTC)

[ Astarion shifts his weight from one foot to the other, uncomfortably. No one has ever offered to help him hunt before. Sure, Tav lets him take a few bites now and then but that's not the same as offering to help catch something.

How strange. First, the idea the Xenk would want to stay. Then, the idea that Xenk would suggest he could do better than a rodent. (and the thought that someone would find him deserving, his cold heart quickens and misses a beat) Finally, that Xenk would offer to help.

Astarion has killed boars and even bears on his own. But that has been in territory he'd grown familiar with during the day. Xenk is right...going with someone else would be safer.

He just doesn't know how to handle this. ]

Well, if you're so curious, then fine!

[ He tries to make it sound like this is some weird fetish he's indulging but between his own insecurity in all of this and Xenk's inability to read sarcasm it probably won't come off like that at all. Well done boys. ]

[ He wouldn't be the first person to be stricken to silence by Xenk Yendar's unflinching devotion. Xenk speaks every word with full intent, treats every kindness like it carries its weight in gold. For all actions, great and small, are weighed equally in the eyes of Tyr. That means even this. Even something he thinks should be natural, which he has no idea Astarion sees as anything else.

Not to mention that, yeah. Sarcasm flies over Xenk's head faster than you can say "Ignis." ]

Excellent.

[ He smiles brightly, any innuendo or insinuation completely lost to him. He's just glad he got Astarion to agree. PERSUASION CHECK: SUCCESS. ]

Then let us be on our way!

Edited (last one I promise) 2023-08-21 07:06 (UTC)

[ Cool, cool cool cool. Going on a quest with a paladin of Tyr to kill a helpless animal for dinner. Going to go be a bloodthirsty monster in front of a paladin of Tyr. This is fine. Everything that is presently happening is totally great. This definitely isn't concerning in the slightest!

He waits for Xenk to lead on but after a moment of standing there awkwardly takes the first step and off they go on their quest. Luckily there's nature not far from the town and where there is nature, there are creatures. As long as they're not so loud to scare them off.

He needs something big, after everything, but it's so hard to concentrate like this. He feels sluggish and slow and drained and in the silence between them, he can hear Xenk's beating heart calling to him like a siren song.

Better to fill the silence then, at least until they need to start really hunting: ]

Where did you end up settling down after Thay? Or do you just rove the lands looking for unfortunate souls?

[ but not unfortunate enough. The paladins in Baldur's Gate just turned a blind eye to Cazador's very obviously sketchy as all hells palace. It was within mere reach of the Flaming Fist, but their gods did them no favors against Cazador's magic. ]

Edited 2023-08-21 14:53 (UTC)

[ Worry not your pretty little head, Astarion. Xenk Yendar has seen much worse! Well, probably. He's definitely killed a few vampire spawn in his day, along with anything else. But he doesn't intend to raise his sword on the elf, certainly not now that he swore on his Oath not to.

Xenk follows—Surely the vampire knows best when it comes to finding his food, of course. Though he is sure to move as silently as he's able, not wanting to startle any animals with his steps. His half plate is quieter than full plate mail would be, but he still knows how take caution. ]

I traveled the land, never settling in one place for long. I have worked alongside Mordenkainen of Waterdeep, aided the Emerald Enclave and fought alongside the Harpers at times. Even the Underdark is not unknown to me. In truth, my quest has ever been to provide succor regardless of where I may go. If I must be cursed to walk this land for ages to come, then I would use this life to aid as much of Faerûn as I am able.

[ Learning about Astarion, he feels a bit bad that he never really stuck his nose too deep into Baldur's Gate. But that city is so steeped with politics, they'd probably kick him out before he even made it to Wyrm's Gate. ]

[ at least this is something to fill the time on this walk. But he's actually a little surprised to hear they have "allies" (if you could call them that) in common. ]

The Enclave and the Harpers? Our paths crossed with them as well. Do you know Halsin, the Archdruid?

[ Walking and talking is a tried and true DnD move. What better time to discuss plans an exposition than this?

Plus it's really gonna be the time to headcanon some stuff, but luckily the timeline adds up pretty well. ]

Yes, I am familiar with the Druid Halsin. We have not formally met, as he was needed elsewhere at the time. The druids I aided in thwarting a most heinous plot by the church of Talos spoke very highly of him.

[ How fortunate that they've both had run-ins with Halsin! Tyr really has guided him here, it seems. ]

Edited (added more) 2023-08-21 16:07 (UTC)

We ended up with a mutual interest.

[ In quests or in conquests? His tone leaves it open to interpretation. ]

He's very good at what he does, and I don't hand out compliments lightly.

[ As far the Harpers...well, Jahira was a legend unto herself. But there was no need for Xenk to think Astarion was good by association or anything. Astarion was simply there. For his own reasons. Selfish reasons. Disapproving at every lawful good step. ]

Amazing, how small the realms can seem once you bother to compare notes.

[ Once again, the innuendo flies way above Xenk's head, into the stratosphere. Astarion, I'm so sorry. ]

I, too, have heard of his prowess. His tenure as Archdruid has allowed for great peace in the Oakfather's name. He is a noble soul.

[ Xenk can vibe with Sylvanus, he's not exactly an Ancients guy, but there's justice in preserving nature and the world. ]

Indeed. One might say it was destiny. A cursed Thayan paladin of Tyr and a Balduran vampire spawn who walks in the sun would not likely meet otherwise.

[ Faerun is small, but Fate is stronger!!! Oh, god, he's definitely believing in Astarion now. He just does. ]

[ Please stop taking about destiny and deserving. You're making him cringe. This is worse than looking at the sun. ]

There isn't much about this place that feels like destiny.

[ Ok they've made it to the forest by now and Astarion holds out his arm to motion for Sir Clanks A Lot to be quiet so he can crouch low and look for his prey. He can hear it--the beat of its heart, the thrum of its pulse. Something large--maybe an elk. ]

Stay here.

[ Quiet, whispered, as he disappears into the bushes. ]

[ Xenk Yendar has never cringed in his life. He says what he means and he means what he says. But he can understand not seeing ill-fortune as one's destiny, so while he smiles that knowing smile of 'destiny will find you soon enough,' he keeps quiet.

See, despite his armor, Xenk has the benefit of being at least partially undead. He can slow his breathing, even still his heart, only by keeping still and focusing his thoughts. It's not a skill he often employs, it troubles most people to see him grow so still, but it has its uses.

And so he does just that, nodding at Astarion and keeping his senses on alert, while crouching and remaining still as death. He can't smell living things with the clarity that he can the undead, but he's hunted for his own sustenance enough times to know how to stop an elk in its tracks, should one try to escape in his direction.

And to think, that he should find himself hunting alongside a vampire. A kindhearted one, too. What a day! ]

[ The reality is, as well as Astarion might play damsel in distress, he's very much capable of taking care of himself. It's perfectly still until, all at once, a very quick rustling and then the sound of an elk braying as he leaps upon its back. The elk runs out from behind the bushes, putting the whole gruesome act on display.

Astarion seems as wild as the elk within his grasp. His fangs are dug into the poor creature's neck, blood dripping down from them both. His red eyes are practically glowing as he revels in the taste, the sweet life-giving nectar that he so desperately needed to live. The more he drinks, the weaker the elk becomes, succumbing to its death. It falls down to its knees but he stays on, clinging desperately as he drains it further. As it weakens, Astarion begins to look a little more healthy. It's not a human, so it isn't quite as good as the +1 he'd get for drinking a truly alive creature, but at least he isn't starving any longer. ]

[ Xenk remains in his place, hidden for the most part. Staying still, as he was asked to do. He'd have jumped at the first sign of a struggle, but he saw none. What he saw was a violent creature at its most base instincts. A creature turned against his will into what some may call a monster. But what Xenk sees in the act is survival. That is a desire that all living, and perhaps even unliving, beings share.

His oath does not sing to him, his creed remains intact. Astarion has committed no sin in this act.

It's a bloody affair but Xenk merely watches in silence. There's no judgement in his eyes, no disgust. What Astarion does to survive may seem unnatural, but it is natural for him. That he chooses this, rather than to hurt or kill innocent people, is enough to earn him Xenk's unflinching respect, even now.

That said, uh. He's got kind of an intense stare, this is gonna get awkward really fast. ]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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cw: animal death

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