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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

[Though his initial arrival had been disorienting at best, and his state of dress at the time absolutely abysmal, Balthier is feeling a touch better now that he's back in his own clothes and armed with familiar weapons, though his shirt could certainly do with being pressed. The port city itself is like many he's seen in the past, and while this place may be unfamiliar by nature, he is quite in his element— and as much as he would like to be disgruntled about his current situation, it's hard not to find the prospect of exploration and discovering someplace new exciting. His is a pirate's heart, and shall always be.

He is less enthused by the prospect of having to acquire a tattoo to have access to his hard-earned abilities, but he's not about to venture forth in an unknown land without use of his full arsenal, and so needs must. He is watching the octopus running the place with a mildly befuddled expression when March asks him about his choice, and he offers her a lopsided half-smile in response as she draws his attention.]

I haven't sorted that part out, just yet. I've never given it much thought, despite their popularity in my profession— I don't believe tattoos to suit me, but here, it seems I have little choice. Any suggestions, miss?

[March is also very excited to explore and learn more about this new land she's found herself in. The love of the new and novel, of an open and unpredictable horizon, is something that pirates and trailblazers have in common. ~~Especially NERD PIRATES like Balthier.~~

Sure, she'd prefer to have the rest of the Express crew here. And she would have preferred not to have to get a tattoo to reawaken a power that she's always (probably?) innately had. But beggars can't be choosers, so here she is. At least she's not the only one who feels that way on that last bit, given what this guy sitting near her has said.]

What profession is that? Or are you taking the "Corsair" thing really to heart, now that you're here?

[Look, she can't blame him if that's the case. It looks like they're going to be here awhile.]

I don't really love the idea either, but there's nothing stopping you from getting something small like I did. See? [She shows him her ankle.] I got something cute because I'm cute, so I bet you can get something suave to match what you've got going on.

[That's a very nice vest you got there, sir.]

[He's absolutely a Nerd Pirate and she should say it.]

I promise you, it takes a great deal more than a title to make someone a pirate. I would know.

[He's put in the hours. He tilts his head as she directs his attention to her ankle, raising a brow.]

Unobtrusive enough. Suave, eh? You did choose yours well. I've always considered tattoos to be garish— I'm more of a 'dashing' sort, myself, but I suppose it can be made to fit. Going without is not an option, unfortunately.

Ooooooh. So you're a pirate-pirate! This place should feel like home in a lot of ways, then!

[Neat!]

I'm sure if we put our heads together, we can come up with something dashing for your tattoo. As much as we both wish they gave us options for getting our abilities back. Why not a cute charm or something?

To a certain extent— I'm a sky pirate, myself, but we've pirates that sail the seas in Ivalice, as well, and ports where the two meet. This place reminds me more than a little of one such port.

[At least, Balfonheim as it was following Reddas' time as governor— infinitely cleaner and more respectable than the pirate port it had been in the past.

He lets out a soft hum of thought as he considers his options, his smile quirking to one side at her question.]

A charm or jewelry would have been preferable, I agree. With tattoos, there's also the matter of where. I'm not sure the placement of yours would suit me, but perhaps... here?

[He closes his hand into a loose fist and turns it over, giving the inside of his wrist a thoughtful tap. It would be covered by his cuffs, largely, which is a plus.]

That must be amazing, to sail the skies like the seas. It's not that different to what we on the Astral Express do. Although we call it "trailblazing" instead of "piracy," mostly because it's not really about the stuff.

[It's about ~making connections~ and also something something Akivili.]

Oh, I think the wrist would work great! You can hide it under your sleeve until you're ready to show it off, and then BANG! Magic tattoo.

Trailblazing.

[He echoes her, as though trying the word on for size.]

It does have a certain ring to it, eh? Sounds quite heroic— I rather like that.

[He's rather fond of the title of 'pirate,' of course, but he can certainly see the appeal.]

I guess you could call us heroes, huh? A lot of times, we end up helping the people of the worlds we visit.

[She puffs her chest out a bit with pride.]

Anyway, we have the where for your tattoo. All that's left is the what. Do you have any ideas?

Work well-worth doing, from the sounds of it.

[His tone is just slightly distracted despite the genuine warmth of approval in it; even as she asks him what he might consider getting, he's already turned his gaze to the board covered in drawings of examples of what the shop's owner is capable of. Original designs are apparently welcome, as well, but there is one that catches his notice, simple and unobtrusive, but true to the spirit of his chosen profession.

He shoots March another quick, cheeky smile before stepping forward and tapping his finger against a drawing of a compass with clean, stark lines.]

I believe this one speaks to me.

[March doesn't take the vaguely distracted tone of his voice personally. He's looking at tattoo designs, and that's very important! Eventually, her gaze follows his to see what the options are. Objectively, all of the designs are good, but many of them are less subtle than what he's looking for.

Is that a parrot pirate? That's a bit on the nose, isn't it?

The one he picks is way better.]

Oh, I like that one. It definitely fits an adventurer, pirate-y type without being... uh, that.

[She points at the parrot.]

[He follows her finger to where it points, gritting his teeth and visibly recoiling just a bit at the pirate.]

Never.

[Just in case there was any doubt.]

Though I've seen more than a few in many a port over the years, they don't quite suit my idea of piracy. Thank you for the confirmation— I do believe I chose well, especially when reminded of the alternative.

[Parrots are so tacky, how is one supposed to coordinate all of their outfits to suit?]

[Parrots also talk a lot. And what if you meet a parrot with a mean owner who is also mean? It would squawk at you and call you names!

It's a plausible thought, especially given some of the types she's noticed around here.]

You're welcome! I'm here to help where I can.

Do you want me to keep you company while you get it?

Are you offering to hold my hand, miss?

[He gives her another winsome coeurl smile before shaking his head, setting his earrings jangling in the process.]

I think I'll be just fine— though I appreciate the offer. No doubt I've taken up enough of your time, already. I would hate to keep you any longer— though I'm certain we'll cross paths again sooner rather than later, given the circumstances.

[It's a big turtle, but among newcomers, he imagines it's a small world.]

I mean, if you needed me to. I wouldn't have judged.

[Some people are bad with this kind of thing!!]

But if you say you don't need me, I'll leave you to it. Don't be a stranger, okay?

[And with a wave, they go their separate ways.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

II

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moving to a wrap!

wrapping up here!