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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

I guess as long as it is something important to me then. If it is permanent.

[The pain would only be temporary? Maybe they give something to help deal with that? Sorey isn't sure exactly. Not necessarily being familiar with tattoos himself. He might observe for a bit to get more of an idea, some time to consider what he might want.]

That is usually the best option, selecting something that has personal meaning. One of my own is very much like that.

[ Not the ones on his neck though. That's something completely different. But he would also support just watching and observing. Asking questions. ]

Then I guess the Shepherd symbol could work. Or the bow. I've spent my life exploring ruins and wanting to learn about the Shepherd, this person I kept reading stories about. And the bow....that's Mikleo. His weapon.

[He tries to explain, wondering if there might be some paper around to draw the idea of the bow, but at least is able to gesture to the glove he is wearing that has the Shepherd symbol on it.]

This Mikleo is an important companion of yours, I take?

[ It's honestly kind of sweet, to wish to remember someone in that fashion. He wonders if this companion is here or elsewhere. Likely elsewhere, if there is thoughts in this one's head about making a rather permanent mark on his skin. ]

Though it would seem that you and I have something in common.

Yeah! He's my best friend since I can remember. Gramps found us when we were babies and took us in. So we've always been together.

[He figures something for those important to him. That would be okay. For a tattoo. Mikleo is the most important person to him. Always would be. He couldn't imagine being without the other. Without the water seraph. It's still taking some adjustment in being away from Gramps and the rest, being away from the village of Elysia, but. Mikleo was the one he grew up alongside. He was home to Sorey, really.]

Something in common?

Ah, less companion and more family. It must be difficult to be separated, then. My apologies.

[ It's not as if G'raha is responsible for the separation. However, he can relate to the feeling. He doesn't really talk much about the Isle of Val or Corvos for a reason. Now the Crystarium may well be added to that list, but at least there are far more fond memories of the First. Happier endings, at least. ]

You see I am a historian, primarily. [ Even though it's been a hot second since he's been into an Allagan ruin. ] I've been to many ruins and sites myself.

Something like that?

[In that they were raised together more or less? At least from what Sorey gathers from humans and their family units, parents or grandparents, children. Siblings. Sorey has some vague understanding at least. Even if he himself has no biological siblings. Gramps was basically like found family, literally.

He all but lights up in his curiosity and excitement when the other says about enjoying learning about history as well.]

You are? I want to ask about the ruins, your history, but I'm not sure how much of it would make sense to me if I'm not from the same place.....

[ Ah. A kindred spirit of sort. At least it is another person to get excited over the potential discoveries there are to be had here. Both on this star and of the many stars that are represented.

G'raha gives a small bow. ]

I've not yet introduced myself properly. My name is G'raha Tia. If it is agreeable, we can discuss such things after you have selected your tattoo. You've questions about my star and I wish to ask just as many regarding yours.

[ Meaning... They have the time to chat! ]

G'raha. Alright. Yeah! I'd like that. To talk more once I figure this out.

[There's no rush. At least, as far as Sorey figures. It isn't like there is some sort of time limit before the other might leave or before Sorey has to get the tattoo after all. So he gives a nod, agreeing that they could catch up after he figures his tattoo. Once he decides on what to get. If he is to have this permanently on his skin and all.]

Good. I'm actually quite thrilled to hear it.

[ It's good to be in the company of other individuals that value history. That seek to explore and understand it. Desire to speak to another person in hopes of gaining knowledge and insight to their own backgrounds. ]

Even if we find ourselves apart, I suppose there is always the ability to simply send messages back and forth as well.

Right! Nimona mentioned those, like letters? But with those devices.

[He means the shellphone. The phone. Sorey is still kinda figuring it but he sort of has some idea at least? Mostly? On what it can do at least. In terms of that this thing lets him talk to others. Still he wants to make sure if he has the other's information to be able to message later, since he is unsure how long tattoos might take. How long the other might stick around here for Sorey to maybe or maybe not end up catching him afterwards.]

Nimona?

[ That isn't a name that he has heard here. No matter. There are plenty of people he hasn't met yet. That doesn't mean that he won't manage it eventually. ]

Ah! But yes, quite. It isn't as effective as a linkpearl, but I should think it will suffice.

Yeah. Ah, someone I met here is all.

[He can't be sure if the other has encountered the girl yet. She was kind of memorable at least to Sorey. Still, the important thing was that she had taught Sorey some vague basics at least. Sort of. That he has some sort of understanding on the phones. Which they didn't have back home, nothing on that level of technology.]

As a...link...linkpearl?

Oh... One moment.

[ G'raha seems to be reaching up to his ear. After a moment he produces a small object that, unsurprisingly, looks like a pearl. ]

We use these to communicate over vast distances. When someone wishes to speak to me, there will be a chime and upon answering, we can hear one another's voices.

With that? Wow. It's so small. We don't have anything like that back home. But it must be useful. I could have better kept in touch with Gramps after leaving Elysia if we had something like that....

[Sorey muses, partly to himself, really. But it did sound useful. Quicker than letters or the like that he is more used to the idea of back home. He isn't sure if it might let him talk to everyone back home from here but it still sounds useful in talking to people that might not be right there face to face in person.]

Aye. 'Tis a very common means of communication, though the postmoogles deliver missives from one person to the next as well. They are terribly effective at their job, even if not everyone can see them.

[ He goes onto returning the linkpearl to its proper place. It might not be usable here, but... It feels odd to not have it in place after so long. Like wearing a bracelet and feeling the loss once it is no longer there, a constant need to rub at the skin. ]

Is Elysia where you are from?

Postmoogles? Ah, well, Elysia is the village I'm from. Glenwood is really the name of where I'm from more generally though. I'm not sure if anyone else from home is here though.

[Or at least. He has yet to come across any familiar faces. Yet. Sorey gives a shrug, unsure if the other might have happened to run into Mikleo or any of the others without realizing. But that isn't really necessarily something that can be helped.]

Ah. Nevermind about that. If you remember next time we cross paths, I shall explain them to you.

[ Because there are others that desire to get a tattoo. The use of their abilities and magicks are important to them. G'raha wouldn't want to get in the way of that. ]

Once more we find ourselves in similar situations. I've yet to see if anyone from my star is here.

Ah, sure. If I remember. I might have forgotten by then but I guess we'll see.

[There at least sure seems more than enough to distract Sorey if he has to wait for a bit. Given how much of this place is new to him, all the people he is meeting that he wouldn't get to back home. And the idea of the tattoo as well.]

So you're alone too then? I guess at least. Here, we get to meet lots of others we wouldn't have met back home, right?

The offer will always be there. Thus you needn't worry about time constraints. When it crosses your mind once more, simply message me.

[ See? That's all that it takes. A simple message and they can have a conversation no matter the distance. Quite a handy thing they have been given indeed. ]

Though yes, I am. I've not seen any of my comrades here, but that is quite all right. This can be considered an opportunity as well.

Alright. But -- yeah. Something like that. How I'm trying to look at it. Lots of other people I wouldn't have met if not for this place. I would have been with Mikleo and the rest but not met you or anyone else here. So in a way this kind of gives us another chance? Maybe?

[Not necessarily like a second chance. At least. Given his situation back home. Being here without his friends. Being alone for the first time. Without Mikleo or any other familiar faces. But he's doing his best. Going to see about the tattoos. How he can help out while he is here.]

That might not necessarily be the case. There is still the ability to meet others even though you have a companion from home with you. Unless your friend is the overly protective sort, of course.

[ A chuckle. G'raha is saying that as a joke. He doesn't think anyone would be so over protective as to prevent someone from making another friend.

But it is still a chance to reach out. To stretch one's wings and test new limits. ]

If you see this as a chance, then I'm sure it will work in your favor. Even if it doesn't, then you can learn and grow from the experience.

[ Spoken like a true ~~old~~ young man, right? ]

I know. Mikleo is kind of protective I guess. Probably because he has to be, we're both quite.....sheltered?

[Clueless. Trusting. More Sorey than Mikleo but still true all the same for both of them. Sorey is at least easily able to make new friends in spite of Mikleo keeping an eye on him, taking care of him and protecting him from being taken advantage of. Still, the other is correct in that there's the chance to reach out.]

I do. I mean. Try at least make the best of it, right? Or something.

I see. So you are the reckless one out of the two of you, hmm?

[ G'raha is smiling. At least that is the only reason he can think of as to why someone would be protective. Especially if they are both sheltered.

And it also means that this is a chance for Sorey to get to be out in the world. ]

Well I'd hope we're all trying to make the best of it. There's little else to do. Being depressed about our situation or angry about it certainly won't change it.

The reckless -- ah? I guess?

[Sorey looks rather sheepish at that. Probably because.....well. That is not. Inaccurate. What with Mikleo usually being the one to ground him. To reel him in. To remind him he was mortal and had needs the seraphim didn't. Sorey did try of course. But he was just the type to want to trust others, the type to want to help even if it came at a cost to himself. That same selflessness that made him take up the sword to become the Shephard.]

Right. Something like that. May as well try see the good. The potential?

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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