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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

I. Good Morning Royal Fortune

[It is not surprising that Dion would find himself among people who are more the lawful and justice types, considering who he is. A moment ago he was... well. Either way. Dion finds himself crash landed into the rigging, the ropes digging into his ankle as he dangles upside down.

This is a lot less than ideal. His loose fitting uniform shirt is barely tucked in, exposing his back to the sea air.

It’s a little silly, really, and he’s just going to groan and try to sit up and get himself untangled. That’s his primary goal at the moment.

Asking for help...does not occur to him.]

The Port Arc

A

[The issuance of a shellphone is fine and all, but Dion balks a little at the tattoo parlour.]

You want me to do what? [It would do well to consider whether or not getting a tattoo is even worth it – but it probably is. He’s just a little thrown. No, he’s not scared, thank you, it’s just... a tattoo? Like he’s some rebellious youth?]

B

[Very funny. This place is rather hilarious isn’t it? The expression on Dion’s face when he’s told his belongings are somewhere is quite something. His brow is furrowed, his expression pinched. He looks like he’s sucked on a lemon.

Without any other information despite being questioned, Dion must trudge about the town then.

What else can he do? He’d rather his armour over this horribly ill-fitting uniform. Although where he’s meant to start looking? Well. That’s something to be discovered.

Dion does not look terribly approachable at the moment. He’s in a bad mood.]

III. Minstral and Cask

A

[This whole thing has been an entire whirlwind, frankly, and Dion is feeling wary. Tired. Rest is good.

He’ll place an order for something hearty, and a glass of wine despite the fact that ale is more the drink of choice and he’ll find a table with an empty seat. Any empty seat, even if it’s not an empty table.]

May I sit here? [He looks a lot more respectable in his usual armour than he did in the terrible clothes he woke up in.]

B

[Now, there’s a commotion in the bar. Shouting. Escalation. Shoving and finally punches being thrown.

Dion must duck to avoid being struck by a chair.

He’s perfectly content to ignore a brawl, until he sees an acquaintance in need of assistance. Well then. It’s not like the dragoons never got into a brawl and let it be said that he had the backs of the people he cared about.

Dion interrupts, grabbing the assailant, spinning them around and punching them in the face. That probably hurts with his gauntlets. Oops.]

Are you alright?

IV. Wildcard

[Don’t like to play by the rules? Me either. See something else you fancy? No restrictions, go wild. Come at me. If you want to reach out you can PM or nab me on plurk at

Ammeschan]

You may, your highness.

[Now this is interesting. He hadn't expected the Prince. Last he heard the Prince was out of comission but not dead. Of course, that could have happened after his death.

He lifts his tankard of ale to his lips, eyes sweeping the tavern. He remembered days like this. Sitting with friends, eating, drinking.

He turns his gaze back to Bahamut's Dominant, setting his tankard down and spearing a carrot with his fork.]

Edited (title ) 2023-08-19 15:44 (UTC)

[ Greagor help him. The back of a head seen when the question asked and it's Barnabas. The odds of that have to be astronomical. He sighs.

It would be incredibly rude to just walk away, and there isn't anywhere else to sit anyway.

Well. He can be civil when he needs to be. Dion slides around the vacant chair and lowers himself into it. ] Odin. [ He greets, in a polite tone. ] Good evening.

[Barnabas lifts the fork to his mouth, chewing the carrot. It's not bad. This tavern reminds him of his youth as he traveled Ash. Before he decided to conquer the continent.

After he chews and swallows, he nods to Dion]

Good evening, Bahamut.

[He is capable of being polite too.]

Indulge me. What do you think of this new world?

[ Dion crosses one leg over the other and picks up his fork. The food is middle of the road fare, the kind of food he often gets when he's with his dragoons. The thought makes him stare a little vacantly before blinking and turning his attention to Barnabas. ]

Well, thus far, I've found it to be drastically different, considering the price of magic appears to be a tattoo. I suspect many of the denizens are enjoying our discomfort with the shoddy map I was given to find my belongings. We're perhaps the entertainment.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

Dion Lesage | FFXVI | Paladin

III. A

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II. A

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The Port Arc, B

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III-B

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