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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

[Now that was quite the first impression. Anyone else might have reconsidered and scuttled off to another table, rather than settle beside a skull faced 'wraith' with a voice like an approaching storm.

Jarlaxle got good and comfy in the seat right beside him, the smile unwavering and his resolve firmly unshaken.]

Thank you, terribly crowded in here and I find myself weary.

Quite a striking mask you have, I must say.

[Surely he didn't arrive wearing it either.]

Edited 2023-08-23 04:09 (UTC)

[That chuckle was just as rough and rumbling-]

Fortunate they've been giving me space in here then, hm?

[Did seem as if there was some berth given the table Reaper had himself situated whether those doing so seemed to realize it or not. Outside of any drunk out of their mind of course, and even then they stumbled just that bit further away.

A claw lightly tapped the only obvious piece of metal of the mask there where his jaw was.]

Better to make a statement than not.

Yes, I noticed. It seemed the perfect spot to stop and finish my drink.

[Dangerous people made better friends than strangers, that was a lesson one learned quickly in the Underdark. Or 'allies' perhaps would be a better word, 'friend' was often more questionable. He sipped his drink, examining the mask from where he sat as Reaper tapped upon it.]

And a statement it certainly makes, you're the very figure of a harbinger of death. Without all the unnecessary grotesque touches I've seen so many others have, when they attempt to achieve the look. I personally appreciate the lack of gore and necklace made of thumbs, this is far more elegant.

I suppose this means then that you had little trouble finding your things?

[There was a low hum, the sound could have been in some sort of agreement, or just a bit of response at all. Was free to finish the drink- spot was good to observe the tavern from, and in the right spot that the voices of those around carried just enough. Picked for the ease of eavesdropping, gathering information without having to speak to anyone.

Worked for him, and also meant he could pick out anyone if he did decide to 'follow-up' on anything that caught his attention.]

This is far, far easier for upkeep, and serves the purpose well as that.

[Didn't call him Reaper for nothing—]

My gear was hidden on the ship, under far too many crates and barrels on the back end. Map pointed there, and I simply had to move things to find the chest.

Lucky devil.

[The map. He pulled his own out with a faint hint of frustration, placing it on the table as if it had personally offended him.]

Mine appears to be buried in the sand, I'll spend half the night looking for it at this rate. I was hoping to find some help in locating it, but most of the patrons here are too lost in their drink. If only I'd rolled onto the shore earlier.

I apologize, I'm rambling a touch, and I haven't even asked your name.

[Or pseudonym or code name. Honestly from the other man's demeanor and attire, he expected the latter two rather than the former.]

Very.

[Devil's own luck here and there.

His head tipped a little so that he could get a look at that map- a low hiss of a sympathetic sound given what he could put together. Was certainly out there, but given this was all on a turtle's shell, could have been in far worse places given the giant turtle that shell belonged to.]

Might find some helpful man with a strong back that hasn't drank themselves into a stupor still. Enough of them come and go through those doors, after all.

Reaper.

[He figured that was likely close to expected, given the pointed out appearance of his.]

An appropriate title. Jarlaxle, at your service.

Or at least, I should have liked to be, but I'm not of much service without my things. I was starting to think I should just linger by the door and snag the first bright eyed gentleman I saw. But maybe I could tempt you, instead? After all, you seem clear minded and possessed of a perfectly healthy back.

Not for free, of course.

[He's not about to try and play on this stranger's sympathies.]

Be it by favor or coin, I'd pay you for the assistance.

Edited 2023-08-23 05:29 (UTC)

Jarlaxle then.

[A name he will keep in mind, for better or worse yet to be seen depending on how things went. If paths crossed again easily or—

That was a laugh, something that sounded a little richer in sound that the one before. Brief, so much more brief than the growling sounds that escaped Reaper before. Sinking back into his chair, metal claws once more drumming some idle rhythmic tune on the table.]

Would be the first job of that kind I've ever been offered.

[Retrieving a person from some hidden place and delivering them to someone was not the same as tracking down and digging up someone's belongings, after all.]

It's a little more fun to watch and pick someone up that will likely drop after the job is done, but before you have to pay them.

I've the feeling it might be one of the least interesting as well, regretfully.

[Call it a hunch, but he's pretty sure the giant man in the skull faced mask didn't get asked to join the annual Family Fun Time scavenger hunt very often.]

It would be very funny, and far more considerate of my pockets, to do so yes. But time is somewhat of the essence. I fear I cannot spend too long looking for volunteers of weak constitutions. Besides, who knows what a little bit of mutually beneficial cooperation might lead to? Simply by merit of both of us being strangers in a strange land we've far more in common than with anyone else in the tavern.

Far less, and jesting otherwise would sound more insulting than I tend to joke.

[There was still a dryness that carried to his tone with that, as if he was still somehow making the joke more openly aimed to the room than directly at either of their expenses. A sort of disdain that came with working with people he had yet to see actually meet whatever standard had.

A leg moved, catching ne of the other free chairs and actually in some easy movement Reaper had both feet rested on the seat of the chair. Kicked up as he did gesture with a few 'claws' towards the door as he spoke again.]

There's quite a few in our situation who've been here for a long, long time apparently. Long enough to establish themselves, their own crews here and there. All over, various other worlds- [He had been listening, goes to show.] -to the point that the cook of the Corsair ship only flinched when I caught him by surprised to question him.

You need more than a strong back to find.

Are you one of them?

['Hidden on the ship' didn't necessarily mean the ship he was on after all. May as well try to figure out if the man he was speaking with was a veteran, so to speak.]

I was worried you might say something like that. I suppose it comes down to the sheer size of the area indicated? Or is it something else?

No. Just long enough to figure out the basics of things.

[No point in acting as if he'd been here any longer; while it could be an amusing play in some circumstances to act as if he held far more cards... it would also be a pain in the ass. He didn't have time to continuously play 'helpful' without damned good reason.

Just getting to where he had a solid enough foothold he could catch any of the idiots he worked with, or someone that was actually of use if any of them dropped in.]

Someone that knows the area well enough is a good one.

[Always nice to find the pragmatic sort, they tended to be far more helpful than anyone else. Only surpassed by gormless, gullible, earnest do-gooders. He wasn't likely to find that around here any time soon though, so pragmatic and paid for would work just fine.]

Would you consider yourself fairly well acquainted with the beach currently?

Well enough.

[His head tipped back, thoughtful as he took a moment to eye the room. The voices of drunkards and others trying to get something of a first meal. Could easily spot the newcomers amongst those who had been here for so long. People like them from other worlds making this a new home and been here for ages a little harder to pick out from amongst those who were probably more native to it than not.

What a predicament to be in-]

Find someone that knows their way around a shovel, and I'll reconsider. I don't dig.

[His eye wasn't on the newcomers, not necessarily anyway. Reaper had already admitted to knowing the beach 'well enough' so by way of a guide he was all set and prepared. Now it didn't matter who he snagged next, just so long as they met his highly specialized standards for the evening: drunk, strong and lonely. One particularly sodden looking fellow was doing well to catch his eye, openly and none too subtly at that, the drow had clearly been seen as well. Beneath the sailor's slurred propositions, Jarlaxle replied to Reaper,]

He looks just clever enough to know the spade from the handle, doesn't he?

[There was a sound that came from Reaper, something low that rumbled so deeply in his chest- and was so very amused as he observed and listened. Strong back, and one head thinking more over the other. Why not? Easy enough to ditch somewhere after what was needed was done.

Meant that Reaper could make quick work playing guide, too. May as well, see if there was anything interesting and keep names in mind when it came down to this world. Better to know who could be worked with than not.]

Just so. Enough to be able to use it in a state as well.

All the dexterity of a three fingered ogre, with none of the charm and half as smart. It looks like I've struck gold. Give me but a moment, would you? I'll meet you upon the beach later.

[After all, drunk and horny his target might be, there still would no doubt be some finesse involved here to convince the sailor there'd be some worth in sticking spades in sand rather than sticking... A joke for another time, he's already out of his seat and heading over.]

I'll be difficult to miss, at the very least.

[Reaper watched Jarlaxle's parting before taking a few moments to himself; wouldn't be at the table still if the man did look back. Gone already with just a few hints of fading 'smoke' in the air.

Even now he was contemplating something; just how easily could he decide to play along with being stuck in this place, and apparently part of a group that weren't law-abiding sailors. Oh, he could make himself fit to look it himself and have a little fun.

Why not? Make it something dramatic enough—

Wouldn't be hard to miss at all. Still hooded and draped in black as he stood on the beach. Watching the waves and the water itself. Almost nostalgic, really.]

[Now that was a way to make an exit. He'd be asking some questions about that later, to be sure, if nothing else because gosh he'd sure love to be able to do that how mysterious.

He'd be upon the beach later, bringing along his tottering, sodden giant to do the digging. If the man didn't have one hand on the shovel and the other partially out to ensure he didn't topple over, both of them might have been on the drow by the look of it. Or rather, by the looks Jarlaxle was getting, god knows what the elf promised him. Something was mumbled by the man when he spotted Reaper, 'who's this' made the most sense though it came out more like 'oo's 'is'. The question was waved off as Jarlaxle gestured towards the beach.]

Just a guide, don't be so jealous.

[His attention was turned back to Reaper just as soon as he said that of course-]

We should be looking for loose sand, I would imagine? It shouldn't have been buried for very long, hardly enough time for things to settle.

[No one to be jealous of at all.

His head had perked when he heard footsteps, and finally turn around with a nice swish of coattails. That same mask, but it looked as if someone had certainly given himself an on-theme dramatic 'glow-up' just to make some enjoyment out of it.

Arms crossed over his chest as his hips cocked a little to one side, the little gold detailing here and there glittering nicely. Hood up as always. Leather and fabric, a black and red sash about his waist, and those thigh-high boots certainly looked as if they could well break someone's neck if something else didn't—]

Depending on how close to the tide when it was buried, yes. Map?

[Even his gloves had changed to something that went further along arms, hidden a little by the jacket sleeves, but those sharp metal claws were still there. Hand held out for said map.]

[Oh a costume change! Very dramatic, Jarlaxle didn't even attempt to hide the obvious approval on his face. Good enough that their hired digger here was too busy being Totally Not Jealous to notice his 'date' openly eying the man. Jarlaxle handed over the map promptly, doing well enough to mind the edges on the other man's glove.]

Hopefully it was buried well enough away from the high tide line, I'd hate to think that my things are sodden and tarnished.

Where ever did you have this outfit hiding?

[There's an offended sounding grumble from the sailor, responded to with a gentle hushing from the drow. Don't be jealous.]

[Reaper unrolled the map, looking it over and matching it with details he had noticed during his exploration of the beaches here given the time he'd managed to get before this run-in. A few solid natural markers and he had a pretty good guess to the area they'd find the other man's things.]

May be in some luck at least, which I'd think quite a few of us were owed in winding up here in the first place.

[For now? He would keep hold of the map, better to check that way as he made the small gesture for them to follow, the long tails of that red-lined black coat fluttering with his movements.]

This? Something I threw together, better to blend in while still holding up my own personal aesthetic; finished the last touch before heading out here. Come along then.

[The man made it.]

[He was nothing if not patient, waiting quietly as the shovel man hovered around him, trying to mumble things occasionally to the drow. Enough attention was given to him to at least soothe whatever animosity might have been starting to bubble up given Reaper's introduction to the whole affair, Jarlaxle knew better than to keep blowing the other man off. Hell, he even brought along something to keep the sailor's attention, the gentle pop of a cork out of a bottle indicating as much.

Well, he needed him good and plastered, or else the man might be far too conscious and aware by the time that damn hole was dug.]

A little bit of luck would be far preferable to the majority of the luck we've experienced thus far.

[He followed, beckoning the sailor along.]

A man of many talents I see. Well, should independent contractor work ever fail to make ends meet, you could have a rewarding career in costuming.

['Independent contractor', because you don't just outright state a mercenary's business, that's rude.]

[He was more than happy to leave placating the labor to Jarlaxle, giving their surroundings and the map itself the majority of his attention. Some still there, given Reaper's habit of keeping up his guard even when he looked at his most relaxed. Walking along the sand as he kept rested a hand near his sash where only one of those large shotguns of his and a knife were secured.

No show of threat, just an easy place to rest his hand as the other was keeping good hold of the map.]

Not all bad, at the very least.

[Already new he was going to make the best of the situation- even if that meant raising trouble to make his being stuck here anyone else's problem if the want arose.]

Been told that once before, and at the very least I can amuse myself with it- or offer a hand of thread to those that know the use of hidden pockets.

[Guess who could well help make someone a far more secure walking arsenal, could do so for himself as well.]

[He kept close, and the sailor closer still, though the latter might mostly be due to the poor man's terrible sense of balance, that one big hand clapped on the drow's shoulder was just as much out of lust as it was out of a desire to not pitch forward into the sand.]

I'll admit, I'm tempted to commission you for more than just a little beach side sight-seeing now. I've quite a love of fashionable utility after all, and you seem to have a keen eye in regards to it.

[And hell, he could pay. Why not spoil himself a little bit?]

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

I WILL EDIT THIS SO I CAN SAY HI IN THE TITLE HI FRIEND ILU

cackles ILU2 💕

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