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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

Peace, at last. Temporarily, I'm sure.

[ Well, with that sorted and with some relative peace at hand, he did agree to this truce.

Dion motions to the bartender and holds up two fingers for pints of ale. If that's not what Ramuh wants, well, too bad. He's being generous and buying the man a drink, at least. ]

I'd give it fifteen minutes.

[A wry grin as he takes a seat, lifting the mug as they arrive towards Dion in appreciation.]

But much obliged. Cheers.

Perhaps in fifteen minutes it won't be our problem.

[ Nah, if Dion's around, he'll probably make it his problem and try and diffuse the situation. ]

Cheers, then. [ He takes a decent sized gulp of the ale. ]

[On the other hand Cid—well who knows, he may or may dip out, but it has been a bit interesting.

And after his own hearty swig, he let out a sound of satisfaction before he looks over at the young prince.]

Still, never would have thought to find you here.

[ Cid is rewarded with a little snort of amusement. ]

In a strange land, or in a bar? [ He suspects the latter. ]

If you mean the former, it wasn't by choice. If you mean the latter, you should know I have frequented many a bar with my dragoons when given the opportunity to do so.

Both, but mostly the latter.

[A grin as he pulls out one of his cigars. ...He should probably conserve some until he can get more, hmmm. Oh well, worth it for this.]

So not as uptight as I expected. Not complaining, though.

[And a little zap to light his cigar before taking a puff. Hope Dion doesn't mind.]

[ Dion definitely is, by most definitions, uptight. He does have some degree of freedom when he's with his soldiers and he revels in it. It's where he's most at peace, or at least, it was. As long as he doesn't cause a problem enough that word gets back. That was always the way of it - not that there's anyone to report to now. ]

I wouldn't go around setting that expectation.

[ Keep it under your hat, Cid. ]

Well you don't exactly need to be acting like one now here. Might as well take the opportunity to relax and cut loose a bit.

[He's not blowing it in his face at least.]

You say that as though this is not my personality.

[ He's very serious, most of the time. Product of his life, really. ]

I'm not sure what you want me to do to cut loose, as you put it.

Well could try and relaxing your way of speaking for one.

[Come on, man. One word out for your mouth screams, "I'm of noble blood!!!"]

[ Dion blinks a few times at that. ]

Relax my manner of speech? What's wrong with the way I speak?

[ To his credit he looks a little bewildered that that is Cid's advice. ]

[Just a very blank look before he sits up, one arm against the counter.]

Right, like that—there.

[A wave of his cigar at him—oops, well it mostly stayed out of his face.]

You wouldn't say "manner of speech," you'd just say "how I talk." So...you know.

[Another vague gesture of his hand. Very helpful, yes.]

Casual, less proper.

What's wrong with being proper?

[ Dion doesn't get it...then again he is a little concerned about his image. There can't be questions that he doesn't belong where he is. Not for any of the potential pitfalls he has in his private life. ]

I hardly think one's manner of speech is truly indicative of whether or not a person is uptight.

It's a pretty good start...

[Just a low mutter and roll of his eyes as he takes a drink. One he's going to need more of if he actually wants to get through this. And does he want to? Not really. On the other hand, if he could get Dion to talk like ruffian, then he could check that off his non-existent achievement list.]

Do you even curse? Damn doesn't count.

When the situation calls for it.

[ Dion's brow furrows, because seriously this is not a conversation he was expecting to have and here Cid is essentially speaking nonsense. ]

I am as human as anyone else. [ He murmurs, painfully so sometimes, only worse because he is also Bahamut. ]

[Oh? Well that's not something he expected out of the prince's mouth, and sensing Dion's discomfort he'll back off.

For now. His motivations now may be entirely different from where it started, though.]

...That reminds me.

[A slight poke with his tankard before he sits back.]

It's Cid. None of this "Ramuh" business, got it?

[ If Cid is looking to make Dion more comfortable, while the poke doesn't bother him he looks mildly perturbed by his words. They are not that close. One drink doesn't make them friends or companions, does it? ]

If...that is what you wish.

[ Jill also asked the same thing, so he will abide by their requests, at least. It doesn't look like he's very comfortable with the idea, however. ]

[Bro, it has nothing to do with friendship—although it would help relax things between them. Either way, Dion is going to learn the hard way that Cid is very much like his daughter and will behave friendly towards anyone, no matter who it is. ~~Barnabas excluded.~~

So Cid just looks at him with a slightly arched brow.]

Our roles as Dominants mean little in this place, and I never really cared much for my little "title" to begin with. So using my name would be a preference, aye.

[...Nickname, whatever.]

And I doubt you want me shouting your princely heritage all over the place—unless that's what you actually fancy. So what'll it be?

I was raised with manners, I will abide by your preferences.

[ Dion responds easily, but that's a strange question, asking for a quid pro quo. It's something that makes him hesitate, despite himself. Who calls him by his name?

Almost no one. His role, any of them, has always been preferable to everyone around him. Of course, none of it means anything here, does it? Appropriate, he can't help but think. ]

Call me what you like. [ That's not making a decision, nor is it an actual invitation. ]

[Another raised brow and a smirk. Dangerous words to say to a man like Cid. But he'll be a mature adult.]

Dion, then.

[Let's see how he thinks of that.]

[ Yeah, that's weird. It's weird coming from Cid, it's just weird in general. ]

If that is what you wish...Cid.

[ No that is also strange and very familiar for the pair of them. He has not been Dion in a long time, to anyone except Terence. Even when his father said his name in the end, he was no longer seeing him as anything but a pawn to be moved into place. ]

[...

No, it is definitely weird, even for Cid. However, as much of a prince and Dominant of Bahamut may be, Dion wasn't wrong. He's human, same as all of them. And to Cid, he'll just be a young man who just happened to fall into the same fate.

So there's just a wry grin as he reaches over and gives him a rough shake of the shoulder, as if he's carousing with anyone else of his group.]

There you go, lad, sounding better already.

[ Dion glances at Cid briefly when he's shaken and doesn't protest, nor does he pull away, but rather his eyes widen just a bit, like he's startled. He covers it well by picking up a drink. ]

I suppose if that meets your expectations then. I'm not entirely sure how altering how I address you fixes my manner of speech in your mind.

Ach, it's not just the speech, lad. It's the whole presentation. Even if we can't fix the speech, can work on other things to make you seem more...personable.

[Wait.]

Were you on the Stormbringer or Royal Fortune?

[He's PRETTY SURE which one it is, but might as well ask to be sure.]

[ More...personable? He gets along with his dragoons just fine, he's plenty personable, he's just uncomfortable which is making him even more stiff and formal than usual. ]

The Royal Fortune. [ Does that matter? ]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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