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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

All hands on deck

[Faris doesn't spend any more time in the flotsam rags than he has to, doesn't say a word as the crew escorts him down, and slams the cabin door so hard it almost breaks. He doesn't question the magic writing machine--just devours the information on it until he sees that there's a place for him to find his things.

Mercifully, it's on the ship--so by the next time Faris appears on deck, he's kitted out in his rightful gear--and beneath all of it, the pendant. He's going to figure out who took that off him, and they're going to suffer.

But right now, he paces the deck. At least the sea is the sea, no matter what world he's on. He darts his eyes around warily at the other 'riftfarers,' wondeirng if there will be a familiar face among them, when he catches site of the enormous turtle they're sailing towards.]

Neptune's Beard, when they said Leviathan I expected a snake.

Eltrut

[Faris takes a peak into Inkwave and turns out of the place quickly. He can feel that the abilities he learned from the warriors in the crystals aren't there--not gone, but more like there's a wall up between him and them now. But he isn't about to let some octopus in a hat shove an inky needle into his skin just because some pirates told him that was the procedure. He's going to need some proof first. Anyway, he's still got his sword.

Instead he just... lets the current take him. There's something comfortable about it, even. He's not so surprised at the sight of wolf folk--seen 'em before--but it seems that there's something from every branch of the animal kingdom walking around with a shirt on.

The current gets him to a tavern, unsurprisingly, where he soon finds himself being chatted up by a drunken old seadog until Faris finally admits that yes, treasure is something he's generally interested. He runs his eye over the map.]

Oh aye, and I'm sure it's as genuine as chocolate cutlass too.

No crystals this time
Questboard
[Not that Faris has much respect for the law, but until he has the feel of things around here, he's not going to go breaking it willy-nilly. No, he'll do honest work today.

He's got no interest in an eating contest or testing sham medicines, but he is more than happy to fight monsters. He hasn't gotten the tattoo yet, but he's sure he can get by without it for a little while. He shoots a sidelong glance at whoever's perusing with him.]

What're you thinking of, slugs or sharks?

In the midst
[Some part of her that is definitely Lenna and Krile looking over her shoulder makes Faris reluctant to go after peaceful slugs for the sake of medicine. Sharkgulls it is--and boy the sign wasn't kidding.]

By the deeps--[That's all Faris allows himself before plunging into the fray.]--Oy! You want yer fight, get it over here!

Wildcard!

[Got another in mind? HMU, or get in touch @

compassinks/PM to suggest something!]

Edited 2023-08-18 20:17 (UTC)

[ Faris will find another looking on to the questboard, his arms folded over his chest and a line across his brow as he furrows them in inspection. At least he was use to these types of boards given the Cursebreaker's ever vigilant posting.

His wolfhound, Torgal, pants a little distance away. More distracted with the happenings around them then what was listed on the board itself. ]

I've not dealt with either... though with a name like "sharkgulls" I can only guess how hellish they must be.

[ A subtle glance to Faris, his frown present but not deepening. ] What say you? Finish one quickly then move to the rest?

Sounds reasonable. [This man seems like a tough customer, from a glance--and that dog looks as though it matches the master.] I'd rather start with them first, see just how tough they are.

What's your favored weapon?

[It's been a while since Faris had to fight alongside someone unfamiliar, he realizes--it'll be strange adapting again.]

[ There isn't much Clive has to say as his hand reaches behind him to brandish his sword from its leather half-sheath, the sound of metal cutting the sea air around them giving more than enough indication. ]

What of yours?

[Efficient. Faris appreciates that style of communication.

In reply, he pulls a knife from his belt--a long one, more of a baselard, really. He tosses it up so that it flips once and catches it in his hand.]

This is what I favor. [He's good at a number of things, but the quick, high-risk and high-reward style of the shorter blade is what he'll do whenever he has a choice.] Any magic?

[the drunk luring in people to conversation had not succeeded in reigning in eizen. indulging in a conversation with someone this far removed from sober seldom leads to anything good. best avoid it all together.

he'd gotten himself a drink and sat himself at a table, unfortunately, nearby the drunk. everywhere had been taken and it feels about on point with his luck to have to be in the vicinity. yet another person gets lured in by the drunk. it's hard not to listen in to the conversation when this close. unlike a few others, this kid doesn't seem to take bait. the snarky response ends up making eizen snort. smart kid.]

Aye, and you at least know what you're getting with the cutlass. Can't say the same of any so-called treasure at the end of that map.

[listen, he's all for a good treasure hunt, but it needs to be somewhat credible. this guy here? yeah, no.]

[Faris shoots the other man--another obvious pirate--a grin.]

If you ask me, it sounds like a snipe hunt. I expect next he'll say we need to fetch some luff for the t'gallants.

[The drunken map-pusher takes loud, angry exception to this, and Faris isn't surprised when the next thing that happens is an equally drunken punch aimed at the two of them--which Faris ducks.]

Oh-ho, didn't like that one, did you!

Edited 2023-08-21 01:16 (UTC)

[the comparison may be a bit lost on eizen, but he'll take it to amount to it 'it's bullshit'.

the punch is nimbly dodged as eizen lets out a snort.]

And that about confirms the validity of that treasure map.

[aka it's complete bull. at least try to make it less obvious of a scam next time. eizen stands straight up tall, his leer and demeanor making him extra intimidating as he stares down at the drunk.]

If you want a fight, fine, but you'll have to deal with the consequences of that choice.

[namely that the drunk will be taking a long nap courtesy of eizen's fist.]

Aye, so it does--

[The drunk stumbles back as he cranes his neck back to look up at Eizen--he doesn't have much choice given how much height the man has. He starts a litany of defensive excuses--just a bit of fun with the new folk, they'll not end up anywhere unsafe, can't blame a fellow for wanting a laugh!]

Is that so? Well, I don't know about you, [Faris looks at Eizen] but I'm having a lot more fun now.

[He cracks his knuckles.]

C'mon, matey, we were just getting up to a good fight. You can't go backing out now just 'cause the other fellow is tall. That's not how I got to be a captain.

[immediately backpedaling? eizen snorts. cowards like this are a dime a dozen. at least have the guts to stand your ground instead of pulling this crap. his gaze meets faris' briefly, amusement momentarily flickering across his face, before turning back to this drunk.]

Nor I a firstmate.

[he steps forward, his posture as intimidating as it gets.]

You chose your way of fun so don't be surprised when others choose theirs.

[and if the fun planned for tonight is breaking a couple bones of a no-good drunk then that's just the way it is.]

[A first mate, eh? Now that's a valuable person to know.

Faris weighs the pros and cons of going further with this. On the one hand, the guy is ready to run, and he's not going to try anything with the two of them anymore. On the other, he might just try it on others--he's too drunk to turn down a bad idea. It's not just pirates who've been made messengers-in-a-bottle--that brightly-colored kid, for instance, might be in trouble if she runs into this bloke.]

Aye, no one could argue that. [He cracks his knuckles. Faris might be short for a man, but he's had years to learn how to turn that to his advantage.] Tell you what. We'll make it fair, and let you have the first swing.

["Fair."]

[a chuckle comes at the kind proposal. not a bad one, if one the drunk isn't likely to take. eizen follows that offer up by stepping forward, making sure both his fists are at his side but clenched. that intimation level of his is about as high as it gets right now.]

Go ahead. Take your swing.

[and that unspoken 'and then i'll take mine' ought to come across loud and clear. fair IS fair, right? a punch for a punch. that said, if the guy chooses to run, eizen won't give chase, either. hopefully, this whole act is enough to make the drunk think twice between trying to scam anyone else tonight.

so what'll the choice be: stay and fight or run with that tail between his legs?]

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[Benedikta has heard of men just like this one, looking to get a quick and easy gil, or in this case coppers, out of innocent travelers. They existed throughout Valisthea no doubt, some dressed as bards, others as fellow explorers, even merchants, who would con others into doing their dirty work for them. Granted, she was never above that either—being an Intelligencer for the King meant that she had to do some far more cutthroat things than weasel money out of people for a good laugh, but...

She also fucking despises liars who lie for the hell of it.

Overhearing this from where she stands nearby, perched on an empty table rather than a chair, she pushes herself from it, boots landing with a thud before she wanders over...

...

And stabs through the map in Faris' hands with a blade.]

You are the sixth person he has attempted this with since I have been here. [Her sharp green eyes rest on Faris first, then to the man.] I've grown tired of listening to this drivel. The least you could do is throw a decent punch or two to make it entertaining.

[Oh, who's this now? A lady who looks as though she's had it up to here, and 'here' is about twenty feet above the mainmast.

Faris yanks his hands away to give the blade a clear path through the map, pinning it to the table.]

Sixth? Bloody hell, mate, you can't be that hard-up for entertainment around here. [Faris addresses that to the sputtering drunk, who looks like he's going to follow the lady's advice and take a swing at her. That's pretty stupid, given that she's already demonstrated one really sharp knife and probably has more. She looks the type.] Oi! You wanna find out what happens to the drunken sailor?!

[He's in an awkward position to throw a punch of his own, but he kicks his chair back pretty quick so he can really get in on fighting this guy.]

[Ah, another tavern brawl, is it? Well, if he says so. Benedikta had grown quite tired of watching them unfold as she drank her ale or puffed her pipe, but she hadn't been invited to participate in one. Not that she would have if the opportunity arose, but she is quite literally being dragged into one as the man finally does make a swing.

Which Benedikta easily counters with a kick of her boot to his gut, and a burst of wind to follow. It isn't strong by any means, but it does make him stumble back several steps in surprise so that he bumps into the table and tumbles onto his back.]

If I'd known I was going to be part of the entertainment, I would have prepared something—

[There's a sharp sound of steel piercing the air as she makes a swing of her blade, and she punctures it right into the table between the man's spread legs.]

[The scream the man lets out is somewhere in the upper octaves, and Faris roars with laughter. Doesn't matter how bold and ornery an old seadog is, the threat to their nethers always reduces them to jelly.

And the woman's a mage--or rather, she trusted that octopus fellow enough to get it from the tattoo, but she's a bit to precise for it to be a new skill.]

Not bad for improv, I'd say. [Faris jumps in, leaning over the drunk far too close for comfort and displaying his own blade near to the man's eyes.] What's yer next trick, matey? How's about you tell us where that little map of yours really leads?

[Benedikta allows Faris to take care of the man at first while she handles another who looks all too pleased to jump in. He's far too drunk for his own good, and that excitement is wiped clean off his face when she lands another kick to knock him back where he stumbles right into a slap fight between some others. As for the one laying spread on the table, Benedikta leans over him and her sword with a smile.]

Run along now. And be careful, wouldn't want to cut yourself.

[But just as he's about to move, she pulls the sword free, just barely nicking his balls before he's scrambling away, sobbing.

Which now brings her back to Faris and the other, who now has his hands up.

"I-I swear! It really leads to a treasure! The others just don't know how to read it!"]

[Faris barks out a laugh as the woman's dagger hits a particularly sensitive spot on a would-be party crasher.

He leans back a little from the drunk.]

Why don't you show us then. 'Cos if it leads to treasure, don't you want your fair share of it? That's how I always treat my crew, wouldn't have it any other way.

'Course, you'll be taking the lead. That's only fitting, eh?

[The man looks very unhappy with the prospect, but with two such terrifying people looming over him, he slowly slides off the table to obey--at least, for now.]

Edited (OKAY THE HTML IS RIGHT THIS TIME) 2023-09-03 03:59 (UTC)

[Benedikta huffs with a laugh, both amused and glad that she's found someone who shares the same thoughts on the matter.

And she'll lift her sword so that its jagged tip rests against the man's chin, and she gives it a little tap so that he can meet her eyes.]

Get up. You're going to take us there... lest you want to see what your insides look like while I cut you from your neck all the way down to your... [Her eyes flit down, and she wrinkles her nose in disgust and open disappointment.] ... Well, whatever you do have down there.

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[Balthier is straightening his cuffs as he approaches the edge of the deck to take in the same view, having only just recovered his own belongings— he had been eager to rid himself of the rags he'd found himself in to start, though they were perhaps a step above what one might have had given to them in a prison. They ill-suited him, and he feels much more himself with the return of his vest and leathers, the scent of the salt sea air invigorating despite the strangeness of the circumstances. This, at least, is familiar enough.]

I can't say a turtle is what I expected, either— something rather more monstrous, I would have thought. The dreadnought bearing the same name where I come from was named so in order to inspire fear, or so I'd always believed.

[The Leviathan of legend was a great sea monster, though he supposes a turtle of this size could, technically, qualify as such.]

Aye, that sounds about right. The Leviathan that I met was a right rowdy bastard. Mind, he wasn't quite the size of that beast. [He waves his hand in the turtle's direction. No, the Leviathan of his world was a sizeable serpent, but not the sort of creature you could build on the back of.] Never thought of him as living space.

[His eyes travel to those fancy little cuffs. This might be the most lace and tooled leather that Faris has seen on one person, and he knows two princesses.]

Think you're prepared for what this world has to offer?

[Who knows what that is, but Faris still asks.]

[Princesses have nothing on him when it comes to his expensive taste— but Balthier has often found that people's assumptions that he's little more than a dandy work to his advantage, when they haven't caught wind of his reputation beforehand. He's only grown more and more notorious in Ivalice in recent years, but here, there's not a single soul who knows his name— equal parts refreshing and irksome, potentially.]

As prepared as one can ever be for the unknown.

[Which is to say very little, but he doesn't seem to be terribly worried. He gives a crooked smile, bringing his hands to settle against his hips.]

That's the fun of it, eh?

[Heh. That is the fun of it, indeed. Faris doesn't know if he's willing to say so to someone he's just met.]

We're in for a lot of that sort of fun, I'll warrant. [And the grin on Faris' face leaves no doubt that he's looking forward to it. He's not thrilled about being plucked from his own crew and dropped into a different one, and he'll have a lot of things to say to whatever foul cove is responsible for it. But the search for the way back is bound to be full of interesting things.] But the unknown can be as deadly as it is exciting. Hope you've got some means of defending yourself against it.

I've more than a few tricks up my sleeve. This is hardly my first voyage.

[There's definitely more to him than clean cuffs and tooled leather, and his confidence seems to be quite genuine, just as he imagines this other fellow's must be. He looks to be in his element here, even if the 'Leviathan' they're approaching is nothing like what either of them had expected.]

And yourself? You speak as though you can hold your own, at least.

[Oh, just how much does Faris want to boast here? Not that she can be proud of all of the journey--parts of it keenly painful, and sometimes that pain her own fault. But the sum of it? It's something that Faris can, and does, take plenty of pride in.

But he doesn't have to get into all of it at right this second. He'll be showing this fellow what he's made of soon enough, whether or not he boasts.]

I ought to be. Sailed 'round my own world, and into another besides. [He looks back to the massive turtle rising from the sea.] Didn't volunteer for this particular journey, but I'll make it my own just the same.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

Faris Scherwiz | Final Fantasy V | Corsair

Questboard!

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eltrut!

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tavern!

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all hands on deck!

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