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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

[Joshua nods. He glances towards the collection of rocks and then walks that way to start searching for any discernable thing. A chest? A mount of dirt they have to shovel out? A weird tree?]

Hmm. I do not see anything that might contain our treasure just yet...

[ This is definitely a game and neither Dion nor Joshua are winning. ]

I'm sure someone finds this very amusing, but it is not me.

[It is a bit frustrating... But he does find it just a little bit amusing that Dion is so frustrated.]

Fear not, Bahamut. We're surly bound to hit a snag soon.

[Speaking of which ... There is a glimmer of something metal stuck in the sand just up ahead.]

[ It is fortunate for Joshua that Dion likes him and will forgive him his mirth at his expense. Only Joshua. Anyone else is likely to get a tongue lashing. ]

I'm not afraid. I am merely pointing out that this is someone's twisted idea of a game, seems like.

[He lets out a small soft laugh. He truly was only teasing.

But... he has to also agree.]

Perhaps that's our fate. Something tells me we'll have more adventures like this one.

[Joshua heads over to the sand and toes it with his boot. There he seems to knock at a wooden something.]

I think I've found something.

How exciting. [ That is sarcasm at its finest. ]

Allow me to assist you, Phoenix.

[ Dion crouches down and starts digging through the sand around the wooden chest, presumably. Or it's a piece of driftwood. Who knows. It's probably a chest. ]

[He smiles in return. And he also helps Dion by getting down to help him scoop through the sand as well. If they're persistent they will uncover ... a chest!

And inside it will be two sets of things. Dion's armour and Joshua's gear. And magically out pops their weapons as well even if they don't look they would fit in a box. Out pops a lance and a longsword with a satisfying pop.]

... Fascinating and charming in a way, isn't it?

I will admit, I hadn't considered that to be possible.

[ The chest is way too small for both of their belongings. Dion collects his armour, organizing it into a neat pile. ]

This will be for more comfortable.

Perhaps we did have some luck on our side, after all.

[He will very gratefully take his gear and his sword.]

I feel more myself already.

A pleasant surprise.

[ Dion says warmly and he agrees. He balances his armour on his right arm and grasps his lance with his left, even if that's backwards. ]

I suppose we just need to find somewhere to change.

[ Although he supposes they could change there, if no one is around... ]

[The shore is empty aside from them and some trees but Joshua is certainly not going to suggest that.

He'll shyly look away, actually.]

We can return to the tavern up the road, I'm sure there are rooms there to be used.

That seems like a reasonable solution.

[ He tilts his head a little bit at Joshua looking away from him, but he doesn't ask anything. Perhaps Joshua was distracted with something else. ]

Shall we, then?

[ It's just as well. He's not bandaged, he doesn't want Joshua to see his arm. ]

[Yeah- He's totally distracted with something else-

... Anyway, he is not prepared to show the mark on his chest to Dion yet. Although he knows his family knows about the mark he hasn't told others yet.

He nods quietly and scoops up the rest of his things before they start back towards the road and tavern ahead.]

Have you spoken with any of the other yet? If I may ask.

[ He's not thinking anything of it, it's not as though they're under attack and desperate for something to protect them. They have the time to walk to the tavern to ask to borrow a space to change. ]

Others? No. I haven't encountered any others. [ He presumes Joshua means people from home. ]

I found myself on a ship with no one familiar to me.

No one at all? Then I am the first. When I saw you I assumed you had arrived on a different ship and I hadn't known that it had been alone. I have seen my brother Clive.

[... And Garuda.]

And Ramuh as well.

[Although Joshua had assumed both to be long passed...]

You are the first and I am pleased to meet a familiar face, Phoenix.

[ Dion is just glad to have a friend, perhaps? Perhaps. ]

I did, I arrived on the Royal Fortune. It is good to know there are others around so I am less surprised when I encounter them.

[The Royal Fortune...]

It is good to know that we are not alone. I am happy that we've found each other.

[He smiles softly. They're coming up the road towards the tavern now.]

I can agree to that.

[ Dion is truly glad to have met Joshua in this strange land at least. The tavern is up ahead and he goes to get the door for him with his right arm and with his left he swoops his arm. ]

Please, Phoenix, I insist.

[What a gentlemanly thing to do...! Joshua might look slightly surprised but he tries to quickly school his expression and shyly ducks his head down while he smiles.]

Thank you...

[He does enter the tavern and is greeted with the ring of bardcore tavern music, loud patrons and the smell of cooking stew.]

It's quite lively here. It almost reminds me of the hideaway on a night the bard would be playing. [He hears a beer mug smashing.] With a round of drinks paid for by Clive, as well.

Is that so? [ By the time Dion came to the hideaway at first, he was in no condition to go carousing. The most recent time though, well, they really don't have time for it do they? ]

Sounds enjoyable. [ And it does, he's had moments like that with his dragoons but nothing outside of it. ]

Well then. [ He steps up to the barkeep who will allow them to change in a supply closet. Better that than nothing. He returns. ]

We may use the supply closet over there. You're welcome to it first.

[Joshua looks a little perplexed. A supply closet? He had been hoping for a room to use. But alas...]

I... Yes, of course. I won't be long then.

[He'll make his way to the closet and slip inside. Although getting changed in a small space like this isn't that weird he does feel slightly awkward. But very glad to be rid of the old ill-fitting clothes for his usual clothing and leathers. His fingers slip over the mark of Ultima on the center of his chest for a moment before he gently and securely ties up the strings to his shirt so it is neatly hidden.]

[ It's entirely possible with all of them in town that this particular tavern is full. Dion waits patiently, leaning against the wall not unlike he often did, holding his bundle carefully in his right arm.

He surveys the tavern, taking in the clientele, even the bartender who he'd spoken to briefly, but nothing seemed particularly noteworthy. ]

[Once his boots are properly laced Joshua will return to the hall where Dion is waiting for his turn. His head is still slightly downcast but he smiles.]

There, it's amazing how a change of clothes can put someone in a better mood.

[He's very happy to have his gear back.]

The supply closet is all yours.

Thank you, Phoenix.

[ Dion excuses himself and takes his turn. The ill-fitting clothes were uncomfortably snug in the hips, too big in the jacket and shirt - he'd had enough. He struggles out of it and sighs softly at his arm. He flexes it a few times. It's still fine. Well...as fine as someone afflicted with a curse can be.

He changes into his clothes easily enough, and steps back out once he's again covered from neck to toe. ]

I agree with you, that is much better. [ And he has his lance and that makes him feel much better. ]

[He smiles softly. He'll quietly admit to himself that he much prefers Dion in his usual clothing as well. The armour suits him well. And he looks very fetching and strong. A thought he'll keep to himself quite closely.]

It seems all is well for now then. Although, if I may ask you something... Would you mind calling me ... Joshua?

[It's not that he dislikes being called by his Eikon. He has a closer relationship with his Eikon than most of them. He feels pride at being the Phoenix despite being mixed with all his other feelings. He's sure to add,]

Not that I mind. Only that I fear that others might find it confusing. I'm unsure how common something such as dominants are here.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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