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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

Quite the catch.

[ But it doesn't really matter to him. It's another day he got to see the sun. The particulars of the philosophical discussions will wait until another time, though he'll surely find melancholy soon enough to wander back into. ]

Sorry, this is awfully sentimental of me. I'm not normally like this. I suppose with everything happening, being brought to this whole new place...it does rather change one's perspective.

Your secret of having emotional depth is safe with me, Astarion. [ Alucard drawls, reaching to pick up his cup and saucer for another sip of tea. ] I promise not to hold it against you.

[ It's a pithy retort, and yet there's a warmth to it that might just mean it's sincere. ]

[ He laughs at that, a warmth to it, as well. ]

Well I'm glad for that. We couldn't let it get out and ruin my reputation quite so early.

And what reputation would that be?

Obvious that of a handsome, dashing thief.

[ he doesn't have his job here so his hobby will have to do! ]

[ He lays a hand over his heart, shaking his head gravely. ]

I can't in good conscience say anything of your thievery when I've yet to see it myself.

Are you asking me to steal something from you?

[ he's got bonuses to sleight of hand for days ]

It'd probably be easier if I just picked someone else out for you to demonstrate on.

Very well. Name your target.

[ he could easily pinch anyone in here. ]

In due time. There's still a bit of sun left.

[ He can mull over what might actually be a fun challenge, eyes coasting over their surroundings and the various patrons. ]

Giving me the advantage with the cover of night, I see.

[ But he looks over with the barest hint of an appreciating smile and then looks back over at the sun setting. ]

[ The last dregs of light leave the horizon while Alucard does, actually, allow for some silence to enjoy it. He's thinking he may just have to settle for asking out of someone slim's pockets when he spots something towards the harbor that makes him set his resting foot down on the deck. He sits just minutely up straighter before he masters himself, settling back in his seat again.

Affecting some nonchalance, he gestures down the path that leads to the docks. ]

Could you steal that hat?

[ The hat in question is some sort of tricorn. Alucard isn't sure if it's blue or black thanks to the lack of light, but the feather in it shimmers silver. ]

That's what you want? A hat?

[ It is an impressive hat, to be sure. But really? ]

[ His brow furrows a bit with his gaze cutting askance towards Astarion. This feels very judgy. ]

He's wearing it on his head. Is that not difficult to spirit away without notice?

Oh, I'll get you the hat. Wait here.

[ He will just leave this cup of tea (still full!) here and head off through the shadows. It's impressive, the way he blends into them, as if he actually becomes one with them. He's not even using his special invisibility items! It's just a skill honed over time. Down to the docks below he goes, unseen by the unsuspecting owner of the hat. And then, snap the hat was there and then it's gone -- only to reappear a few turns later in Alucard's lap.

The hat and Astarion are long gone before our sad hat owning npc realizes his head is bare. ]

[ Alucard enjoys the spectacle, or as much as he can see of it, wishing that he could view the world in the way that he was used to. But that was his sunset. It's not so bad, really, it's something that he can live with for a while yet.

And now he has a new hat, and someone who seems willing to indulge him. He runs his fingers over the silver feather, smiling. ]

I'm impressed. I can almost see you giving my last thief a run for her money.

[ Alucard then proceeds to settle the hat on his head, brushing brassy curls into place. ]|

How does it look?

Well you certainly fit in now. Like a regular pirate captain.

[ he smiles and reaches over to help set his curls and hat right but it's mostly just an excuse to touch him. ]

Very handsome.

Saints, I hope I don't stay regular.

[ He laughs softly, tilting his head up and letting himself be fussed over; only a nigh-imperceptible hitch of breath belies expecting it. ]

Are you finished with your tea?

[ While he's noticed that Astarion didn't drink it, he lacks the tools to understand why. It doesn't seem important to point out and he's curious to see if the man has any tells when it's obvious he's probably about to lie. ]

Edited 2023-08-22 06:29 (UTC)

That's the part you focus on?

[ he laughs but reluctantly pulls away from him, having run out of excuses.

But then his attention is drawn back to the tea cup, as if he'd completely forgotten about it. ]

Oh, I hasn't realized. I must've been wrapped up in everything else.

[ it's practically lukewarm now which is at least a good excuse for not finishing it. ]

How was yours?

Delicious. A few spices I couldn't place - novelty is at least one charm being here. Perhaps I'll try the "boba" some other time, though why anyone wants cold tea...

[ He rolls his shoulders, then makes to push himself to a stand. If Astarion is still hovering nearby, perhaps there is a little brush of their sides as Alucard turns to head out of the restaurant. It seems they're done there. ]

"When in Faro", I suppose. Or Shelldon, as it may be.

[ He pauses at the path outside the restaurant, perhaps not just to wait for Astarion, but decide where to go next with his night. Not that he's willing to admit as much, but he's out of practice not having any responsibilities. ]

[ He'll just have to live vicariously through Alcuard's description. Well, that and how nice the teas smelled. That was one rather good benefit of having hot tea, he could enjoy just being near it.

When Alcuard stands he follows. He does occur to him he doesn't need to follow this man around like a lost puppy all night but he hasn't tried to shake him yet. ]

Might as well make the most of your evening before we are well and truly conscripted to the cause.

[ He had, actually, intended to shake him. Their talk had given Alucard some plans, but none of them involved another party. Standing here on the path, however, between the city and the harbor, he finds himself unwilling to part ways just yet. ]

What do you suggest?

[ He turns more to face his companion for the evening. It's occurred to him that he's still been the leader of their time together so far. If he offers the reigns, what will the other do with them, if anything? ]

What do you usually do for fun, Astarion?

What does anyone do for fun?

[ There's a beat as if this is supposed to be obvious but then he seems to be afraid that maybe it isn't obvious so he clarifies: ]

Have sex, of course.

[ Alucard gives a rich laugh at that, not seeming the least bit surprised by the answer. ]

It's certainly one way to pass the night.

[ He agrees, though his head tips over, onto a shoulder. There's a pause while he seems to consider the other man a moment, or perhaps the proposition. Tone a little lower, almost gently, he asks: ]

What about complications back home?

Well those complications aren't here right now, are they?

[ It certainly doesn't seem to be a hangup for him, whatever it is!!! ]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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for the record i hate this man

he just knocked down what was set up for him lol

yes...he's living his best life