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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

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)

[ Xenk really isn't usually this jovial, so count yourself lucky that you're seeing it, Alucard! Xenk is cheery like this, just the fact that he order himself a beer instead of something more serious is a clear sign of his good mood.

He can sense evil and good again, he can bless his own hands and feel the thrum of Tyr's light. It's worth celebrating.

Xenk places a hand on Alucard's shoulder, much like they'd somewhat held hands at the tattoo parlor. He's a physical guy when he's happy. ]

Xenk Yendar, my friend.

[ He raises his glass, this may honestly be as bright as you'll ever see him. But that just means Alucard is getting a rate treat. ]

To brothers in arms, and an oath reforged. To Paladins!

[ To be fair, Alucard hasn't actually let his hair down in a while either. It's been stress at home and then more stress being here, and while it will take more alcohol to get him to the point of sharing, he's definitely ready to toast with Xenk and be companionable. The man's sincerity makes it easier to let some things slip.

Alucard leans right into the hand on his shoulder, taking the invitation to jostle companionably against Xenk. It's been a while since he's had some genuine affection absent an agenda, and he's willing to give it in turn. ]

Alucard Emery.

[ He wraps an arm around the other man's shoulders and claps their mugs, chuckling when it sloshes a bit overboard. ]

To Paladins!

[ He brings the mug to his lips, swallowing enough froth to keep it from spilling any more over the edge. He's a practiced party boy shifting towards that mode as others in the tavern understandably begin to pile in on their benevolent vibe.

It's then that Alucard gets a little closer, ready to bat off any would-be bastards coming for Xenk. That's his idiot tonight. ]

Do you know any games?

To you, Alucard!

[ Xenk grins with mirth as he knocks back his tankard. Xenk is an all or nothing kind of guy when it comes to drinking, see. He downs his mug and wipes his beard of the froth, grinning still with the same bright energy. It'll take more than this to get him drunk, but you'd be forgiven for thinking he's already there, with how much he's smiling.

He's just so happy to have his magic back. A little brotherly companionship, comraderie and beer? He's certain he's doing it right, this time. ]

I know many games.

[ You gotta specify what kind of games or he could be here a while. ]

[ Alucard has unfortunately had a lot of experience with drinking in the last few years, but the upside is he's spending this night with someone upbeat, not alone in his cabin. Xenk's joy is infectious even without being a practiced actor.

It makes him, possibly ironically, unwind a little bit more. He hums over his tankard, narrowing his eyes. ]

Can you not lie ever? Not even specifically for a game where it might be required by the premise?

Edited 2023-08-28 08:17 (UTC)

[ Xenk blinks from over his empty tankard. ]

What reason would I have to lie? My oath decrees I speak always the truth.

[ He tries to think on it... no, he's never played any games where you need to lie. Straight up, he just never lies. ]

Edited (tankard mug same diff right ) 2023-08-28 15:15 (UTC)

Well firstly, many games require bluffing, especially if they involve cards.

But there's also a game some people use to make getting to know one another a bit more fun. It's called 'two truths and a lie'. Have you ever heard of it?

My oath requires that I be lawful, and good. Therefore, if the rules of the game dictate lies and half-truths, then that should not compromise my oath. I would be simply following the rules.

[ This seems right? Well, he's lied by omission before, but that's an easier one. Lying as part of a game is harmless -- and if he's following the rules, then it doesn't count! ]

Is that what you wish to play? This, 'two truths and a lie'?

[ The rules sound simple enough, if he's guessing it right... (He won't guess it right.) ]

Edited (grammar!!!) 2023-08-29 05:10 (UTC)

[ Alucard opens his mouth to confess to simply being curious about the other man and the magic that essentially comes from moral behavior. But then he realizes this could, actually, be an opportunity for fun. ]

Yes. I mean I feel as if I'd like to get to know you better. Why not try it?

[ He also just really wants to see Xenk's attempts at lying. ]

But I think we should refill our cups as well. This is normally a drinking game.

[ Oh look, the lying is already starting. ]

[ Oh, boy, if you ask Xenk about it, he'll explain it in full detail, regardless of how many beers he's had. ]

Very well. So long as you understand that any lies are part of this game -- and that I am a very poor liar.

[ He's at least self-aware enough to give that warning ahead of time. And also call out a silent prayer to Tyr to let him know that he's still being lawful, when the laws require lying. There's no dishonesty if you call your shot, basically. ]

Excellent. [ Xenk calls a waited over, the most gentlemanly service ask you've ever seen. ] Let us refill our cups and you may show me how to play.

[ After putting in their orders - or rather Xenk's order, because Alucard gets whatever he does - the magician sets his elbows on the table and laces his fingers beneath his chin. ]

The rules are in the name of the game, really. You must tell two true statements about yourself and one lie. Then the other person must guess which of the statements is the lie. If they're wrong, they drink. If they're correct, the one who told the lie drinks.

It's best to start with a topic - likes, dislikes, skills, that sort of thing. I'll demonstrate by going first, so would you like to select the first topic for us?

[ Xenk orders them another round of beers, because he has no interest in getting drunk, but he still wishes to celebrate.

He pays close attention to Alucard's rules and instructions, nodding as he finishes explaining. ]

I believe I understand. Perhaps 'skills,' to start?

Alright.

[ He considers for a moment, allowing his head to tilt to the side as he ponders; the sapphire above his eyebrow glints. For each statement, he ticks up a finger. ]

I can speak three languages fluently. Where I'm from, I'm currently considered the best magician in three nations. I could not whistle a tune to save my own life.

[ The first two are said nonchalantly, though the last gets a self-depreciating tug at a corner of his lips. ]

[ Xenk pays close attention once more, taking this 'game' as seriously as he does everything else. ]

I see... I must discern the lie.

[ He looks down at his beer, pondering the options. ]

The last? Your magician's tale is quite specific. A misdirection, perhaps.

[ His eyes glitter and a slow smile works its way across his face. ]

The first. I speak five.

[ He gives an open-hand, inviting gesture towards Xenk's tankard. Drink up, sir. They're actually sitting on two different ends of the spectrum here when it comes to honesty, but Alucard likes to drink and he's almost decided to like Xenk, so he might throw him a softball eventually. ]

[ Xenk hums, defeated but also vexed. He can somewhat understand the appeal here. Finding the truth is, after all, a paladin's job. But this is meant to be difficult, and it seems Alucard is a skilled liar.

He takes a drink of his beer with no malice, merely accepting his defeat with grace. ]

Now it is my turn.

[ He pauses to think, then gives it a shot. ]

I can purify food and drink with a touch. I am partially undead. [ For the third one he pauses for a second longer. It's obviously the lie: ] And I am unable to swim.

[ Indeed, no broken oath here. He did it, he told a lie!! (As part of a game where the rule is to lie, no one take my dnd card away from me or Xenk) ]

Edited (out of context oathbreaker out here ) 2023-08-29 07:25 (UTC)

[ The purpose is to get to know one another and, see, Xenk is learning Alucard is good at lying in addition to the things he's already said! ]

What does 'undead' mean?

[ It seems pretty self-explanatory, but he'll ask anyway. Perhaps this will teach Xenk a possible technique he can employ in a future round; asking for details might give away if it's a lie or truth.

Also, is Xenk wearing his armor? ]

[ Xenk totally did not realize questions were something he could ask. This does open up complexities to the game... ]

"Undeath," is a state of life in which one is brought back from the dead, or sometimes cursed with an immortality that robs one of certain traits that are considered human. Though the condition itself is not exclusive to humans, and may occur in any species. Thus, someone is undead when they are afflicted with one of these curses, though the symptoms vary greatly.

[ Really, the best way to learn about Xenk is to ask. He's a great explainer. It doesn't occur to him that this is meant to glean a lie, more to learn the truth.

And also let's go with him not wearing his armor and say he left his at his apartment, because he was getting his tattoo and therefore didn't want to carry too much with him. So he's just shirt and jacket and pants, no cape for once! ]

Edited (explained it even better) 2023-08-29 07:34 (UTC)

How could one be partially undead? It seems like something you either are or are not.

[ Alucard will allow his lips to curl into a more mischievous smile the moment Xenk opens his mouth to answer, letting the man in on the trap he's just laid. ]

[ You underestimate Xenk's ability to barrel on for the sake of honor and truth. That, and he notices Alucard smiling but has no idea why. ]

Most undead betray obvious symptoms due to their curse. Whether this is pale skin, a coldness to the touch, or visible signs of decay. Partially undead means I do not suffer from many of the symptoms that most associate with the condition, though the most obvious is—

[ Wait. He narrows his eyes. He's been caught in his trap. ]

I see now, you have tricked me into admitting a truth.

[ Alucard gives a rich laugh at that. ]

I have. I hope you can forgive me. You are allowed to deny answers to questions, in case that wasn't clear.

[ He settles his chin into the palm of his hand. ]

Purifying things seems like it matches the nature of your magic and oath, and I have a hard time seeing a strapping specimen like yourself unable to swim. So I will guess you can swim.

[ He'd guessed the lie right away, of course, but winning felt better with the route he'd chosen to take. Alucard gestures to Xenks tankard with the hand that isn't propping up his head. ]

Partially undead... what's the story behind that?

I forgive you, as it is part of the game. And I will keep it in mind.

[ Oh, but he does love explaining things. That's practically his favorite thing. You've really got him in a pickle here, Alucard. ]

Correct, I am a capable swimmer.

[ This, he must take another drink. It's not too bad, the beer isn't very flavorful either way. ]

I am the only survivor of a great and terrible curse that claimed my home nation of Thay. A mighty wizard named Szass Tam called forth the power of the Horn of Beckoning Death, which consumed the wills and souls of every Thayan, transforming them into undead thralls to the newly formed lich king. I was able to escape with my will intact, though the curse took only partial hold over me.

[ He taps the mark at his hairline, it's not just a tattoo, it turns out! ]

This mark is the proof of the curse. I age slowly, and heal quickly, and have several abilities that a human would not. I can see perfectly in the dark, am able to slow my breathing to complete stillness, and am immune to most poisons.

[ Did I mention that he loves exposition ]

Edited (can't miss out on a chance to take something literally) 2023-08-29 08:22 (UTC)

Humble, too.

[ It's a joke, but it's not really sarcasm like it would be for just about anyone else. It really does just seem like Xenk is just stating facts without being smug. Alucard, meanwhile, displays false modesty at best; or he usually does, but not having his magic has made his earlier boast bittersweet.

But...

Alucard's normally jovial demeanor shifts to something more serious. Quietly, he says. ]

I'm sorry that you had to endure that experience, Xenk. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been, or still is.

[ ~~Ironically, if he'd been from a different canon point, he could. It's kind of spooky how well he would be able to relate to exactly what Xenk went through.~~
Alucard imagines a man like Xenk would give every benefit he has now back if he could stop that event from happening. He has to wonder if he's a good enough man that he could say the same of himself. ]

Edited 2023-08-29 13:57 (UTC)

[ Why he modest when you're good at everything? Xenk wouldn't a say it like that, of course, but the fact is that he can't lie, so even his boasts are complete fact in his mind.

So he had little trouble believing that Alucard was a great mage. A boast like that has a certain ring to it when it's a lie. Just as false sympathy can feel so hollow—but Alucard gives him none of that.

He's a good person, Xenk has no doubt about that now. The lies and tricks can't hide the truth from him. It eases his heart to know it. ]

I appreciate your sympathy. It has been over a century, but it will always ache to think of my home. Nonetheless, I have met many good people in my travels and aided many more. It is easier now, as it is my hope to turn this curse into a blessing and use this life to help those in need. My hope is that I might show the world that Thay was once a land where kindness could dwell.

[ He pauses, letting the memory linger, letting himself feel that sorrow before taking a deep breath and moving on. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't regret what happened to his home, but he has lived long enough to keep it from holding him back. It's easy to see why he is so devoted to his Oath. ]

Now, it is your turn, my friend.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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vague spoiler for book 3

hoo boy alucard got a storm comin