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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 man's definitely intimidating, and it takes a lot of willpower to not flinch back at those metal claws tapping and heavy boots approaching. But despite it all, the answer doesn't change. This man has heard nothing, not even from the other sailors. And he knows that Lynette's odd appearance would draw some gossip, at least. That means that either the other sailors haven't seen his siblings yet, or...]

[Or... they're not here. And Lyney is here alone. His shoulders sag and his head hangs a bit as he feels a dread creep into his heart.]

Nothing...

[The hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge as the strange smokey man approaches, but he can't quite bring himself to care. Not with the worry churning within his chest. He takes a step back, the back of his foot hitting a nearby box, and he moves to sit down upon it.]

But where could they be..? Another ship? Or... could they be back in Fontaine..?

[He's more muttering to himself now as he ponders.]

[Reaper watched the entire time, noting down every little bit of body language he could- still somewhat young, wasn't the boy? A weight there on shoulders and perhaps in the head as well. A stubbornness, too. Enough so that in the face of—]

Washed away from them is a high possibility.

[He could relent, somewhat, stopping just a foot or two away as arms folded across his chest, head cocked to one side.

Kid must not be separated from those siblings so completely, if indeed neither were here, like this before. A constant suddenly knock there could knock anyone off balance, and easily taken advantage of during the moment it hit in some way or another.

... Still a kid.]

Could always have an easier search once Eltrut is reached and the ship docked.

[It’s positively uncomfortable thinking about being separated from them, old fears and old hurts creeping up… but the man’s words draw Lyney’s attention, and he looks up.]

Washed away? Of course… if this is but one ship, there are bound to be others, right?

[And even so… if they are heading to land, that means he could ask more questions to others as well. He takes a steady breath, his back straightening.]

Of course… a setback, but not the worst outcome. Right… okay.

[This was not ideal, and he still had worry stirring in his chest, but he couldn’t focus on that now. Focus on what was in front of him, get answers, and then move on from then. Had his training at the House of the Hearth taught him nothing?]

[He closed his eyes briefly, nodding to himself, before looking back up at the hooded man. Where before there was open worry and desperate determination, there was now a calm expression and a small, albeit tight, smile on his face.]

I must give you my thanks for your assistance, my friend. Were it not for your steady words, I may very well have had my hair fall out from needless worry. But your words of wisdom will not go unheeded.

[Polite, grateful, and reassured… at least, that’s what Lyney is pushing to the forefront.]

[All of the motions, trying to shake off feelings and build back a far more confident one- albeit with cracks that only those used to hunting such weaknesses down might notice.

Fingers drummed along one of his biceps, metal tapping the hard material of gauntlets as his head cocked the other way.]

There's at least one more ship those like us appear on or around. One that belongs to a group called the Paladins, while this is the ship of the Corsair.

[And then Reaper was moving, ghosting past Lyney into the hall as shadows curled briefly along his form before solidifying back out.]

If they aren't to be found, make a mind to prepare for the occasion they may appear.

Edited 2023-08-22 07:52 (UTC)

Paladins and Corsairs... fascinating names for fascinating ships.

[Did that mean there were more than one faction here at play? He would have to do some digging into things during his stay here. He'll probably need to learn the lay of the land while here...]

[Lyney shivers as the man quite literally ghosts past him... how was he doing that?? Even Lyney's greatest tricks can't understand how the man is doing that... is it elemental power, like Lynette's tricks? But he tries not to let him get distracted from what the man is saying. Prepare for when they may appear..? So... could they still be here somewhere? Or appear like he had?]

[It was fascinating, but also troubling. And this man seems to know quite a lot about what's going on... so, he adjusts again, taking a step forward as the man begins to leave.]

How do you know all of this? Tell me, what else have you learned? I need to know all that I can!

[It's not entirely a lie; he does want to know all that he can, and learn what he can in order to know how to best operate in this place. But he can lean on the desperation card a bit more, to see if he can learn something from this man who clearly knows some things.]

[He, for one, was certainly going to prepare and establish as well as he could in case he was or wasn't the only one he knew here; or any that might simply know of Reaper. Better to have something solid to stand on if it was someone that would be an annoyance, or if it was someone he was more or less obligated to give some sort of aiding backing to.

Did pause in the hallway, head tipped enough that his mask was visible once again with that hood remaining well in place.]

Have you run across any of the crew? They are quite informative, given we're a part of them now. [Even after being ambushed with thread of violence, but they were used to all kinds on the Stormbringer apparently.]

There is a little room with a typewriter as well. Type in your name and you will get a little personal information for this place, and a map where your belongings are hidden.

Ah, yes... they showed me that typewriter when I first arrived.

[Apparently, his belongings were somewhere ashore... if this was to be believed. But this was all he really had to go off of in that regard. Still, being told to just... trust the crew? He frowns, shaking his head briefly before looking up at the masked man again.]

I have asked the crew a few things, but... there must be more that even they don't know? Or that they might have not seen?

[Or that they're not telling them... but Lyney keeps that part to himself. If he can keep leaning on the clueless kid card, perhaps he can convince this man to help him... or at least see what could be got from him?]

Happened upon a rather helpful cook to take me to it.

[Leaving out the fact that he'd practically taken the man hostage given he had simply run with this possibly being a hostile situation and those onboard would be far less forthcoming with their information. Threats of harm and worse tended to do the trick- and instead it had been a rather boring event with that ready helpfulness.

Yet it still certainly gave Reaper a lot of information with that alone.

Shoulders rolled idly, arms folded across his chest, and a set of metal claws still drumming idly.]

There is. More answers can likely be found once we reach the port of Eltrut.

[This was, of course, also why Reaper was 'exploring' the ship as he was, knowing how easily he could get into most areas. Anything he couldn't was something to take note of for later.]

[Happened upon... Lyney doesn't believe that the cook had been exceptionally helpful without some kind of 'persuasion'. He couldn't help the swift judgment; this man's hulking frame and hidden face reminded him of The Captain, and that Harbinger was not known for his weakness. Heck, this masked man already tried to frighten him off earlier, so Lyney wouldn't be surprised if this man used ulterior means to make this supposed cook "helpful".]

[Lyney can concede that more information could be found at the port, but he still wants to know what else this man knows. So, he looks up earnestly at the man again, nodding in understanding, but still with a pleading look on his face.]

Right... I'll certainly go and check out the port. Um, but, sir... is there anything else you could tell me? Anything... that others might not know? If it's something that could help...

[Leaning on that "desperate sibling" card once more; it worked so far, right? And he might be pushing it, but he really did want to know all he could find out.]

[He and the other that had been with him at the time, Astarion if he recalled correctly, had definitely showed they had landed amongst the right group with that at the very least. Reaper still had the knife on him that had been slipped into a pocket while he'd gotten the cook and the other had gotten as many needed for improvised weapons; kept them.

Better to keep those suspicions and guard up while only getting some stories from those on the ship. All of them waiting to get to Eltrut. Decide who could be trusted, even if only in act to try and have some advantages with number, and just how much to give. He could operate alone just fine, but it was always better to know a few names that were capable people.

His head cocked to one side yet again, looking this young man over once more. The subtle changes, the tone of voice.

Arms unfolded as he leaned forwards just a bit, keeping up that sort of towering position out of habit.]

Outside of the information spared once the typewriter is used? The sight of a large turtle that supports the port town on it's back can be seen from here? That there are others just like us here, and have been here long enough some have their own ships with crews, that they've made lives here?

[What could this boy be after? It was interesting, pulling something while genuinely being worried.]

[It says a lot that when the man leans forward, Lyney doesn't cower; instead he takes a breath and keeps his back straight, even if his eyes briefly betray his nervousness. It could be that same determination someone desperate for answers might have... or it could be a practiced discipline of one who's used to dealing with shady, towering, intimidating people. Which for Lyney, both are equally true.]

[But despite his holding his ground, his expresson does flicker a bit as Reaper speaks, realizing he's been caught. Or at least, this masked man is on to him. But he's used to performing under pressure, and so he does his best to keep the act going as he keeps prodding.]

Ah... right, of course. Those are all good pieces of information, but... I was wondering if you've heard anything about how to return to our homes, or how people are selected to be brought here... or even anything about who's in charge here, and how things operate...

[Innocent enough questions... though they are also somewhat targeted. As a member of the House of the Hearth, he's used to digging for information on how organizations operate and how to make use of that knowledge.]

Likely to get the same answers as anyone else. No one knows, it's random magic that has been going on for a long time.

[And there was a tap of a sharp claw just between the boy's eyes, curled in such a way that Reaper wouldn't accidentally cause any harm.]

Careful who you play your games with, I work with enough of your type daily- and even she isn't as good as she wishes to believe with practice from childhood.

[Warning that was oddly mixed with advice as Reaper stood straight again with what almost seemed like a bit of a huff, arms folded loosely across his head. Head tilted to one side as a bit of smoke drifted from the sides of that mask of his idly.]

Or would trick be the better term than game?

[Lyney does actually freeze up a bit when that claw taps him. He knows there's no danger of injury, but the threat is there. And in that moment, he knows he's overstepped. In his desire to know what he can, and eagerness when presented with someone who seemed to know much more than the average clueless stowaway, he let his recklessness get ahead of him. And as much as he wants to play dumb and laugh off the incident as innocence, he has a feeling this masked man will see right through him.]

[In a way, he reminds Lyney too much of his "Father", and how her cold eyes could see through all of his tricks. So, after his momentary freeze, Lyney lets out a sigh, allowing a small frown to form on his face as he looks up at the man with a much more serious look than he had before.]

Is it really so wrong to want to know everything you can, if it can help you find that which you're missing?

[His voice is more serious as well, now that he knows his ruse was found.]

Perhaps there are those who are willing to take things they're told at face value, but I want to find the answers for myself. And I'm sure that someone like you would like to know how things are run here just as much as I do.

[Because Lyney's been sizing the other man up as well, in his own way.]

Edited 2023-09-02 01:11 (UTC)

Some won't take the angle kindly- more so with the types that appear to be dropped off on this particular ship. [There was a growl just there under his breath- but it seemed more the way he spoke than any sort of ire brought with it. A 'norm' for him, head still tipped at an angle that was almost bird-like, and perhaps those empty sockets for that mask made it all the easier for him to be watching the area than having the young man pinned under a gaze.

A reason he felt so much more 'comfortable' with the mask in place once again, honestly.]

You're fortunate I'm often paired with one who digs in places and plays games- to try and play at not knowing as much as she does, while digging for more. [A faint huff-] While also feeling that currently, it's better to work together given we're in the same situation.

Watch a person to get a feel, because I do not doubt for a moment you will find plenty who will be taken by that angle. You're not bad, given there is genuine fear and worry for those you're missing mixed amongst that want.

[He simply didn't much appreciate being the target, so it sounded. More tired than anything-]

[The growl sends an unpleasant chill down Lyney's smile, despite his best efforts to remain calm and unaffected by those words. It might be just the way the man speaks, but it certainly does the job in terms of effective intimidation tactics. Still, a part of him wants to shrink back indignantly like a scorned cat who's being scolded for his actions.]

[But a larger part, the part of him trained and moulded by his many missions in the House of the Hearth, recognizes this man's words for what they are; instruction and guidance. There's even some praise tossed in, even if it's tacked on after the fact. The more he listens to those cold words, the more the frown on his face shifts into a contemplative look.]

[This masked man is smart, and clearly used to information gathering and reading people. Whether the man uses those skills for strictly legal means, well... that's something Lyney isn't able to be picky about right now. And the man did say it was better to work together, especially if they are stuck in this situation together. "Father" taught him to analyze people, and to move on opportunities. And this certainly seems like an opportunity. So he lets out a small, amused huff, crossing his arms.]

It sounds like you have quite a lot of experience in this matter as well. Perhaps we're not so unalike after all. [He pauses, as if trying to find the right words, before continuing.] I must admit I am tempted by your offer, if you are serious about it. As they always say, two heads are better than one. And if there is significant overlap in our skills, perhaps we can work together at finding a way home.

[His hand waved a bit in some vague little gesture-]

Comes with the job, better to know the ins and outs of particular people. More so if you end up having to work with them for whatever reason. [Play along, get a feel, or even pull on whatever act felt necessary to either keep things smooth or cause a little chaos in the right places to make a loss feel as if all attempts had been made to prevent it.

Whatever was in more his own favor.]

Fine by me. Depending, we may find ourselves running into each other more often than not.

And I'm sure the job is one that has you getting to know all kinds of people from all walks of life, isn't it? Show business does work on similar lines of thinking, after all.

[Show business, yes, but also the less-legal lines of work. Lyney doesn't say it outright, but the way he says it indicates he's got a hunch the other man's work isn't exactly on the straight and narrow path. But he nods, shifting to a more casual stance.]

Then I suppose it's fair to say that we're partners, even if only temporary. In that case, I suppose introductions are in order.

Getting to know, and seeing them for who they are here and there.

[That little play of remaining in some control, likely because of needing to grasp for anything to feel as if something solid were underfoot- if he could take a guess from what he saw and heard. Why not?]

Reaper.

[Somehow, Lyney isn't surprised by the name. Scary mask, scary talons, it makes sense the man has a scary name. Who knows if it's his real name or not, but Lyney will accept it. He nods, resting a hand on his face.]

A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Reaper. I'm Lyney.

[He lifts a hand, to offer it as a shake. Whether or not Reaper takes it is up to him; if he doesn't, Lyney will simply move to rest his hand on his chest instead.]

Then let's consider this to be an official partnership for the time being. And if either of us come up with any useful information, we can share that with each other.

[He says it with a pleasant smile, but deep down he knows there's a very real chance of this falling apart. Part of him feels like he's making a deal with a devil, but he also knows he has no other options right now. This is his best lead at more information right now.]

[The hand was taken- and perhaps it could be noted that despite the rough and growly demeaner and air given off, there was an odd sore of carefulness and care when it came to those sharp metal claws that made up the fingers of his gloves in that simple gesture.

Brief and firm, but not a single scratch made in that handshake.]

Got yourself a deal, Lyney. Easier to compare a few things at the very least on top of that.

[Huh... how strange. Lyney was expecting a sharp handshake, or a squeeze to demonstrate power. But that's a surprisingly light handshake. Careful, even; not even Lyney's gloves are at risk of snagging. Lyney isn't sure what to make of it, but he hides his surprise easily.]

Indeed it does! Now, I don't mean to end this meeting so abruptly, but I'm going to see what else I can find around the ship. And once we get to port, I'll keep my eyes and ears open as well.

And I'll continue getting into everything I can, to see if there is more to find around and about this ship.

[Eavesdrop, and even talk to a few of the crewmates that seemed to know what was goin on. It was better to get right to the source most of the time, and compare things gotten from others—]

While doing the same once we reach port- taverns and bars are usually a good source for information.

[Attracted all kinds, and loose lips due to alcohol would tell much.]

Take a few days, and then we can meet again to compare.

[Honestly, it's a pretty good deal for Lyney. He offers a nod to Reaper, and a friendly, albeit tight, smile.]

That sounds like a wonderful plan! With you in the shadows and I in the spotlight, I'm sure we'll discover something!

[And ever the showman, he can't stop himself from taking a quick, polite bow to Reaper, before straightening up.]

Well then! I suppose it's high time I continue with my investigation. I'll keep you in the loop if I discover anything between now and when we meet. Until then, I'll bid you adieu, Mr. Reaper.

[And it's with that last flourish that Lyney finally backs out of the room and back down the hall. But before he leaves completely, Reaper might hear the way Lyney takes a careful, shaky breath a few paces down the hall, as well as the soft murmur to himself.]

Come on, keep it together Lyney... this is your best chance to find them...

[He takes one more breath before he heads out, steps quick and confident.]

[Honestly? There was potential here, a good agreement that could makes things a little easier for him here and there when it came to information gathering. Double check a few things passed on his own out of habit but- well.

His head tipped a bit, watching Lyney go-]

Until next time.

[Not a bad idea to keep an eye on this one- but for now Reaper would return to his own exploration of the ship.]

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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