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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

[ He'll take ignorance over disgust, at least while he's still trying to stay in someone's good graces. ]

Would you like to use this to support your hand?

[ He demonstrates by splaying his own hand atop the cover of the tome he'd been looking through before offering it to Xenk. ]

When you say 'god', you mean...?

[ Just don't do any thieving in front of Xenk and you'll be fine! ]

My thanks.

[ He does have to hold his hand at an angle to get things in place, so he takes the tome and sets it down. He smiles gratefully, right before breaking into some sweet exposition. ]

A god is an extraplanar being from the Celestial plane, whose dominion can include abstract elements—for instance, justice or loss; to more concrete elements such as light, or the moon.

[ The octopus is still getting everything ready, but Xenk is just doing his in black and gold, so at least it'll be quick. ]

The scales represent balance and justice, both of which Tyr embodies.

Edited (grammar) 2023-08-24 04:02 (UTC)

[ No problem there. Alucard prefers to employ people that do the thieving for him. His hands are clean here! Unless you want to count the slugs he had to cull off the Royal Fortune at some point, then they're slimy.

He listens to Xenk's explanation, the smile fading into a more thoughtful line. ]

It sounds like you're saying the gods are another world away from your own. Why would they need soldiers in a land they don't live?

[ That's the way to do it, get caught up in bureaucracy and you can stave off guys like Xenk. ]

My Oath of Devotion does not exclusively apply to the Material Plane. It is between myself and Tyr, regardless of where I lay.

[ Annnd they're starting to stencil on the lines. Yep, that sure is a set of scales for the back of his hand. Xenk nods in approval, giving the octopus the OK to get started.

Which he does. Xenk doesn't even flinch. He takes a deep, slow breath, then looks back to Alucard. ]

I am not a soldier of my god. His guidance is my guidance. I act as an extension of his will, aiding those in need and fighting injustice wherever I may find it.

[ That's literally the same thing. ]

[ The quick couplet of blinks is all that betrays that Alucard has noted Xenk's issue with semantics, but he's too polite to point out as much. There's a more interesting line of questions for a godless man to ask. ]

Where I'm from, justice looks very different between one part of the world and another, and is relative to who rules it. To have them all consolidated into a single entity seems... interesting.

[ Contradictory, confusing. His grey blue eyes flicker between Xenk's face and the tattoo as it begins to form. ]

How do you know his will? Does he speak to you?

Justice is indeed a subjective notion. A mortal notion.

[ Hence why mortals are the ones wielding his power? Maybe? Xenk doesn't go down that rabbit-hole, he's not really good at moral relativism. ]

I swore my Oath of Devotion to uphold his tenets. He does not speak to me, for I am not a cleric.

[ He shrugs, hand still as the needle does its work. The pain clearly doesn't bother him. Though he's actually breathing kind of slow. Don't worry about it. ]

To act only with honor, speak only in truth, aid those in need of Tyr's blessing. And justly, let no evil stand where Tyr's light can reach.

[ I don't have the wiki open so let's just say this is the abridged version. ]

[ It's some food for thought, certainly. Alucard could prod at it a bit more, and perhaps he will again in a moment, but for now his attention is admittedly intent on the process of the tattoo. His eyes narrow, watching the ink fill out beneath the other man's skin, but if there is magic there he cannot see it. It's perturbing. There's enough of lull in the conversation that it might be edging on uncomfortable. ]

What are you feeling right now?

Edited 2023-08-24 05:51 (UTC)

[ Magic is something Xenk is accustomed to, and so long as it is not necrotic, it won't raise any alarm for him. The needle moves quickly, a buzzing that is lulled by his slow breathing and determination. ]

It feels like a blade stabbing the back of my hand.

[ I'm so sorry, he is the most literal man in the universe. ]

[ Alucard gives a soft chuckle at that, unable to help himself. The humorlessness reminds him of Kell, just without the pompousness. It doesn't hurt Xenk is also much easier on the eyes. ]

That's what it looks like too... Can you feel any of your power returning?

[ Xenk, having said exactly what he meant, doesn't get what's so funny but that's ok. He misses a lot. ]

None as of yet. Perhaps the ritual is only complete when the work is finished.

[ He asks the octopus, who simply shoos him away with a spare tentacle. Don't rush greatness! Or something like that. Not that it's going to take all that long, but the straight lines require patience. ]

[ Chastised by proxy, Alucard swallows his own questions for the octopus for now and focuses back on Xenk. ]

What sort of magic do you expect to be able to do when it is complete?

Radiant magic.

[ You know, Radiant magic, like that totally explains anything? ]

I am also able to heal minor wounds, as well as bolster my allies and strengthen my blows.

I assume radiant and fire magic are one in the same.

[ People only have a few choices of magic where he's from, though weirdly there's a lot more variety when you get into enchanted items. ]

Were you born with these abilities?

They are not. Radiant magic is holy.

[ Just normal stuff, you know. The scales are looking pretty good now, just needs some finishing touches. And Xenk remains blunt as ever. ]

My Oath of Devotion grants me my abilities. We humans are not often born with magic, it is something we must foster from an external source.

[ As opposed to elves and stuff, you know. ]

[ Alucard's brow furrows momentarily as the explanation of radiant damage intrigues and puzzles him. Holy means something entirely different in his world, and while Alucard has a more broad understanding of the magic there than most, it's still difficult to imagine someone wielding the raw threads of power without affecting them in some way. ]

Not where I'm from, they don't. But we don't have gods either, so perhaps we've simply adapted.

It makes sense now why you're so at ease with taking on this mark.

[ Oh, don't worry, Xenk is even weirder than your average paladin, Alucard. But his magic is also something that is common knowledge to people in his world, so he doesn't think about what he isn't explaining. ]

Indeed. If this repairs my connection with Tyr, then I am happy to subject myself to a magical needle.

[ Is that what it does? Are you sure, Xenk? ]

How will you know it's through him, not a substitute through this world?

[ He's honestly curious, not making any particular predictions of what it might be. ]

[ Not gonna lie to you, Xenk visibly stills at the question. As a Paladin, he cannot doubt. His Devotion must be absolute. His Oath is infallible.

He blinks and seems to breathe breathe in. Surely he just froze up because of the pain, and not anything else. ]

I would know his magic. My Oath of Devotion would appease no other god.

[ Knistej finishes with the final touches on the tattoo, waving a few tentacles with a flourish. Ta-da! The skin on Xenk's hand seems a bit red, but it appears to heal quickly. And Xenk admires the marking before setting his left hand on his right, and using a quick Lay on Hands on himself.

There really is a radiant glow from his hands when he does it. And in that moment he breathes out with the slightest relief. ]

It is Tyr's magic.

[ 'It must be,' he doesn't say. ]

[ Alucard is accustomed to seeing nuance, so Xenk's hesitation must be like a firework with how honest he normally is. He sees it. Of course, it is for a godless heretic like him to wonder.

But he's not as much of an asshole as some might believe. Though he sees an opportunity to really press his thumb on this paladin's thought process, he doesn't see anything productive coming from it. And that, perhaps, is why the two of them belong to the same faction in the end. Even if Alucard can see a question that might satisfy his curiosity, he doesn't want to actually throw Xenk into religious or existential turmoil. The man seems nice, legitimately. ]

Congratulations.

[ He commends the other man, warmly, with a smile. ]

You made it through. Shall we have a toast first or do you want to ascertain somehow your abilities are fully restored?

Edited 2023-08-25 04:55 (UTC)

[ You're a good man, Alucard. Xenk has one button here, and if anyone presses it too hard, he might actually falter. That's a problem for another day. His faith is unshakeable! But if someone were to take a crack at it, slowly, over time... well. An Oath is an easy thing to break.

But Xenk has been a paladin for 100 years. It will take more than a strange place to make him doubt, and wonder if he's accidentally pledged himself to another god and therefore broken his Oath with Tyr! Most likely. In any case, he looks pleased.

He unsheathes his sword right there and brandishes it ahead of himself, watching with satisfaction as the inlay glows gold, radiant and bright. ]

I believe a toast may be in order!

[ He really doesn't drink, but he looks so happy. Knistej is yelling at him to put that thing away, and he does, but that can't take down his smile. ]

Let us celebrate this occasion accordingly. [ He holds out his newly tattoo'd hand. ] My thanks for joining me, and well met. My name is Xenk Yendar.

Edited (he's more excited now) 2023-08-25 05:09 (UTC)

[ Unsurprisingly, Alucard's eyes widen as Xenk unsheathes his sword. Damn... Men are hot, and that is a problem for him sometimes. Xenk is so pure, he wants to just revel in this sort of spiritual joy with him, wants to experience it like any nonbeliever takes in communion. Whether the divinity is real or not, the happiness undoubtedly is.

He reaches out, smiling in turn. ]

Alucard Emery. Allow me to treat you to the first round, Xenk. We're Paladins together and your candor should be celebrated.

[ Bro, you are kinda adorable. ]

[ Xenk really is the most paladin paladin to ever paladin. He shines with a light that comes from within, unwavering in his dedication and shining brighter now that all is well. His Oath is restored. He is a Paladin once more.

He is also super hot, that's totally a given. He takes Alucard's hand and smiles. ]

Well met, Alucard. You are a Paladin as well?

[ He tilts his head for a moment. But he'd asked all those questions... ]

Ah, our shared designation. We are allies, then.

[ Yep, that's all it takes! They've shaken on it. They're allies. ]

Let us make a toast to new allies and an oath reforged. Know you of the nearest bar?

[ It's only because Alucard has experience with restraint and overindulgence both that he's not absolutely dying right now looking at Xenk's perfect body and smile after his radiant powers have been restored. Like... what an unexpected benefit of being a slut at some point? All other mortals will probably just be as naturally attracted as a magnet to the source, setting on a different path towards righteousness with only some of them acknowledging Xenk's presence - assuming, of course, he doesn't get on a soap box.

Alucard just nods. ]

We're both Paladins here.

[ He squeezes Xenk's arm, for practical reasons but also that arm is a nice feel. ]

The Minstrel and Cask offers the closest offering of alcohol. It's just up the Northernmost boardwalk once you step out. So go forward.

Then we shall be brothers in arms.

[ He honestly sounds excited about it. Xenk returns the motion, his strong and solid grip reaching for Alucard as they share in this manly and totally platonic gesture.

He just really is so sincere in everything he does. ]

Let us away, to the Minstrel and Cask.

[ He nods and gives his thanks to their cephalopodic propeietor, leading the way out of the tattoo parlor. He will follow Alucard's directions down to the letter if left alone, so maybe make sure to keep up there, friend. ]

[ The enthusiasm is, frankly, infectious. Alucard lets it guide him over to the Minstrel and Cask, to putting down a tab for them both. If he'd only had the coin, he'd buy the whole place a round, but he's not there just yet. Not yet.

But settled down at a table of their own near the bar is good enough. He might have been able to do worse by Xenk up until now, but.... Well, that's just proof to anyone else he isn't so bad when he's given carte blanche. ]

You know, I don't think I ever got your name.

[ He notes, possibly halfway through his drink. ]

Edited (I shouldn't tag late at night is the moral here) 2023-08-25 13:07 (UTC)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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