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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

[ Xenk would have a much easier time of sussing out the truth if he wasn't tipsy. And also if he wasn't actually finding himself having a nice time.

Because he remembered that he promised he would not ask Astarion any personal questions. And now he has to determine if this is personal or not. ]

You know yourself. I trust you.

[ Who could know better? Xenk releases his hand, more to prove that trust than anything. No personal questions. He has to remember! ]

I think I would like another wine. Or perhaps a glass of water.

[ He feels...strangely, after Xenk lets go of him.

Cold.

His brow furrows as he considers it, a thought too difficult to really dwell on for too long. ]

A glass of water sounds like a good plan. Much as I'd otherwise love to watch you get drunk! Perhaps you'd stand on a table and start singing.

[ but he is indeed nice and orders him a water. It's just not as fun to bully Xenk? (Citation needed.) ]

[ Xenk nods. It's not like he couldn't order it himself, in fact it's almost strange that Astarion sees fit to do it for him. Astarion's so nice. Usually, he's the one taking care of others. Then again, he doesn't usually down two glasses of win just for the sake of spending time with a friend.

He certainly is trying new things here. He finds it feels... pleasant. Wow. But instead of saying that, he says: ]

I cannot sing.

[ Yeah, you definitely don't want to hear him sing. It would shatter the illusion of him being a perfect, talented knight. He has to be bad at something, you know? ]

[ Astarion laughs at that. He's sure Xenk means this and isn't just being humble and there's something weirdly endearing about know this chiseled man has some flaws at least. ]

We can't all be as gifted as bards.

[ is his bard ok?? No, no, it doesn't matter. Everyone's fine. Time probably isn't even passing back in faerûn. ]

[ The funniest thing is that Xenk isn't even trying to hide it. It just never comes up. He isn't a raucous person, he shies away from most celebrations and spends most of his time to himself. So he just never sings, and no one has managed to find out that he's bad at it.

He isn't sure why it does, but he's glad it pleases Astarion. ]

I can play the lyre. I have deft fingers.

[ But a waiter comes by with a glass of water before he can elaborate. ]

[ Astarion clicks his tongue -- in a sexual way, to be clear -- when he says that. ]

I'll just bet you do.

[ Xenk gets the sense that Astarion might be... hiding some kind of meaning under those words. (he's not hiding them at all, actually.)

Still, he's Xenk. He can't assume what he doesn't know for certain. ]

I am. Though delicate movements take much concentration. I learned over the course of several years.

[ Astarion hums thoughtfully and reaches over to take Xenk's hand, if he's going to be talking about those magical fingers of his so much. The way Astarion touches him, gently and delicate and teasing as he slides his fingers along Xenk's, is as much instinct as anything. He is good at what he knows and what he knows is touching people. Even if, in this particular circumstance, his actual curiosity is stronger than his desire to flirt. ]

Is it harder for you, to do delicate things?

[ Because of the curse, he means. ]

[ Xenk very rarely touches anyone, outside of saving lives or in battle, that the cursory contact draws his full attention. Astarion's hands are colder than they should be, of course, but more than that, they don't hold on or require saving, so Xenk is out of his element. He observes them curiously, the vampire's pale skin a stark contrast to his own. ]

Somewhat. It requires my full attention. Wielding a sword or aiming a bow and arrow are natural to me. I can improvise with little effort. Yet outside of battle, creative or precise gestures are complex. It is likely my curse is to blame.

[ After all, why would an undead soldier need to play the lyre or knit, or do anything like that? ]

That stands to reason, I suppose. Not every monster is made for the same purpose.

[ Vampires, in contrast, were all about delicacy. Much like the sirens plaguing the harbor, their lot in life really was to seduce and then take, something that worked better with charm than with a blade. After all, why fight your dinner if you can just lure it to you?

Astarion laces his fingers with Xenk's and runs his thumb against Xenk's forefinger, feeling the (relative) warmth of his skin. Lower still, in his wrist, he can hear the thrum of his pulse. Alive and dead, all at once.

It really was fascinating.

And sure, Astarion still felt a hint of resentment about it, but in this particular moment his interest was greater than that. ]

Indeed.

[ How strange, to be called a monster and hear no revulsion, nor distaste. Astarion must well know how it feels, to be misunderstood and feel foreign to himself, and to feel less than human. Xenk doesn't often take the time for introspection, having grown accustomed to his strange un-life, but he finds he does not mind the scrutiny. Not when it is someone who has a similar lot in life. Not when it's a friend.

The contact continues to feel pleasant. Xenk has held many a hand in rescue, but never had someone trace his skin so meticulously. Not simply to observe, or perhaps even compare. Their circumstances seem to place them on opposite ends of the spectrum of life and death. Astarion, fully dead yet living so lively, choosing to go against his instincts for the sake of continuing to walk in the light. And Xenk, appearing so alive yet living so distantly, his purpose driving him forward to make up for his otherwise lack of 'frivolous' needs. One made a tool, the other a weapon. Neither of them quite the way their curses intended them to be. ]

The Beckoning Death turned They's mightiest warriors into mindless soldiers. They and his Red Wizards are as puppets in the hands of Szass Tam.

[ Xenk takes that drink of water, with his free hand. ]

Your touch is pleasant.

[ It's definitely going to make him stop, but Xenk is just. Stupid. ]

[ There's a flicker of something on his face at that. Certainly not pity, and not really truly sympathy, either. Like some part of him wants to be sympathetic. But mostly, it's just the murmur of a passing memory, of the ghosts that haunt him, and the puppet he had been made to be, for a far crueler master. ]

So I've heard.

[ Szass Tam...the apothecary whose house they looted sure hated that guy. Don't worry, Xenk, they put that guy's stuff to good use! (dubious).

Surprisingly, though, Astarion does not pull away when Xenk says that. Maybe he just wants to be a little contrary. ]

Of course it is. That's the kind of monster I am.

[ It's a terrible fate, to be sure. Xenk may have avoided the worst of it, but he still mourns the destruction of his people, and he will never forget the sight of his parents-turned-monsters, attempting to claw and pull him into that cloud of death.

They were not so lucky. Neither was Astarion, for all that his curse made him a different kind of monster. A monster with a cold, but pleasant touch. How terrible. And yet, here he was all the same.

He finds he does not know what to say. Which is rare indeed, considering he always speaks his thoughts—but Astarion stated clearly that he didn't want pity. And Xenk agreed not to ask him any personal questions.

Xenk takes another sip of his water, savoring it just as slowly as he had the wine. Perhaps simply spending time with others really does have its merits. He looks down at their twined fingers once more. He feels... something, looking at these hands, this touch. Curious indeed. ]

A pity you cannot feed from me, as my immortality would be to your benefit.

[ He's having a strange feeling and that's what his brain came up with, ok. ]

I am already immortal, I don't need more of it.

[ The comment--the ridiculousness of it--seems to pull Astarion from the reflective way he'd been for the last part of their conversation. With it, he removes his hand from Xenk's, though he does pat his thigh as he draws away from him. ]

[ Xenk tilts his head. He must have phrased this poorly, as he is so wont to do. Words are hard for him. Especially so when he's had two glasses of wine, half of a glass of water, and was previously holding hands with a vampire.

The touch was gentle. Kind. He enjoyed it not for its warmth, but for its coldness. It was an honest thing. Now he finds he misses it. Truly strange, when the moment was so fleeting. ]

I meant only that my blood supply is endless. And as a willing participant, it would save you much time.

[ His other hand joins the other at his glass and takes another sip. See, he thought the whole thing out! Well, kinda. It's too bad it wouldn't work. ]

Alas, it is surely necrotic. Tyr's blessing cannot neutralize the effect of the curse.

I've already told you, it doesn't work with undead. It has to be the blood of the living.

[ But not necessarily the thinking, hence all the animals. But he doesn't want to talk about that right now anyway. He's hungry enough without thinking about Xenk's pretty neck. ]

You haven't found anyone who can just...I don't know, "remove curse"? Surely there's some ancient Thayan wizard out there somewhere.

[ Xenk nods. Astarion did say that. He will pay closer attention. And the water is helping him feel a bit more connected to his body, so that is good. He just has to remember: no pity, no personal questions, no meal offerings. Xenk is nothing if not skilled at following the rules. ]

I have sought clerics and wizards alike, in my journeys, and learned much. What I suffer from is only a partial hex, but a powerful one. It is bound intrinsically to the spell that grants Szass Tam control over Thay, as well as his immortal life. So long as Szass Tam lives, so too shall I live. And should Szass Tam die, then I will die.

[ For the first time in all of the times that Xenk has given the exposition on his background, Astarion actually shows sign of emotion about Xenk's position. A mix of concern and sympathy. A hint of pity. ]

Then you can never get revenge.

[ Unlike Astarion, Xenk doesn't mind the sympathy, though it confuses him somewhat. He'd never sought revenge -- his is not an oath of Vengeance, after all. He looks at Astarion with that same confusion. ]

If it would rid the world of his evil and free my home from his curse, I would pay any price. My own satisfaction pales in comparison.

[ Like, would it feel good to destroy Szass Tam and watch him crumble to dust? Absolutely. But it would feel even better to know that Thay is free. At least it would for Xenk. ]

But you wouldn't be there to reap the benefit! What good is freedom if you don't even get to experience it? It's not about satisfaction, it's about getting to feel it at all.

[ wow this sure is oddly specific and not at all projecting ]

[ Xenk definitely didn't say anything about reaping benefits or experiencing freedom... yeah, this is that thing people do when they project their problems onto him, right? Edgin was good at this too.

All Xenk can do is speak the truth, however. ]

While it is true that I would not live to see my home's freedom, I could die at peace knowing that such a freedom was only possible through my own efforts. Thay could start again. Even to imagine it now fills me with hope that I might one day succeed.

[ Isn't hope great. ]

[ No hope is very bad, actually.

But Astarion doesn't have much to say to that. Xenk is just an actually Good Person. Astarion wants to bleed his problems dry and enjoy the satisfaction of it. ]

I see.

[ He really is. It's awful, isn't it. Not to Xenk, of course, but. Well. He just doesn't get that normal people have complex problems, whereas his are... fairly simple, in comparison.

He is just a Good Person. He believes everyone can be. ]

Alas, it will be some time until such a day comes to pass. With the multitudes in his undead army, Szass Tam's power over Thay is, at present, absolute. In my travels I have sought various relics and magical artefacts that I hoped could contain the power to counter his spells, but I have thus far met with no success.

Well, you're immortal. You've got plenty of time to keep looking.

[ How depressing! Xenk why does every conversation with you make him have to feel things! He does not like this one bit, actually. ]

Indeed. Even if I must travel to every end of Faerun and beyond, I will not falter in my quest.

[ Really, this is why immortals steer clear of each other, isn't it? If they hang around too long, they start making each other feel bad. Not that Xenk feels bad -- he's the one making people feel bad here. Xenk is an outlier who should not be counted.

He takes a sip of his water. Like, you know, saying shit like that is totally normal and ok. ]

Although this place is an unforseen distraction... perhaps I can yet discover something of use, all the same.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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bg3 spoilers

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