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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

[There is a pause before he nods, he knows well enough that he's not positive he will remember the direction and he's aware of his own illiteracy that he's not entirely sure he can find the place on the map again now.. so]

Your offer of help is quite welcome and I would gladly accept it if you have the time.

[He doesn't want to be an imposition either, but also, if the man is offering then he's not about to turn him down.]

And please, just Fenris.

[ It's his life's purpose to guide heroes and help people. Xenk's eyes clearly perk up as Fenris offers. ]

Very well, Fenris. As I am without a quest at present, it would be my honor to guide the way.

[ He turns to start to get them out of this ship, first. Just get ready to walk in a lot of straight lines, Xenk has incredible posture. ]

Come, that we may exchange tales of our homes as we venture forth.

[ This is how you do small-talk, right? He's getting so good at this. ]

[ Compared to Fenris' slightly bowlegged posture, Xenk looks down right statuesque in his rigidness as he follows the man out of the lower decks.]

And what would you like to know of Thedas?

[He's not sure where to start so his question is honest, he will gladly tell the man whatever he likes to know.

Not that he thinks Xenk and Kirkwall would mix well.. he gets the feeling the man would want to fix it.. and possibly kill Anders for what he did. But that's not really here nor there.]

[ It's exactly the vibe of watching Aveline and Fenris and knowing they're both warriors. Though Paladins are the most stuck up class of them all, so that's little surprise. Yet Xenk is just like this, and he makes it almost look natural. ]

A name to start. Thedas. I am from Faerûn.

[ Xenk would be so miserable in Kirkwall, what do you mean the templars are corrupt and the church is corrupt and everyone is miserable?? ]

What is it like, to live in Thedas?

[ If that question is a mine field, Xenk will gladly wade through it. ]

Edited 2023-08-26 23:20 (UTC)

[You are correct and should say it.

And yeah, Xenk and Kirkwall wouldn't mix, Fenris is sure of it. The man seemed too good hearted and upstanding to handle a place like Kirkwall.]

I do not know how it is to live anywhere else.. but I would say difficult. Blights, wars, magistars who resort to blood magic and slavery, mages who allow themselves to be lured by demons, templars who are corrupt, but there is good there too.

[He's sure of it, though he does not know if he can pinpoint any of it.]

And what of your Faerûn?

[ He's got it rough enough coming from the #1 necromancy capital of Faerûn, Kirkwall would break him.

Yet Xenk listens with sincerity, and he means everything he says when he answers. ]

It seems your Thedas suffer from a great many terrors. I am sorry to hear it. But I am glad to hear that there is good, despite it. It is in the face of great adversity that those who are good must steel themselves, in order to triumph.

[ He speaks of people like himself, of course. But he knows the world for what it is. ]

Faerûn is not so dissimilar. There is great magic, and great corruption. Those who seek power have been known to rise as gods, enslaving their own people with dark magic. [ He raises a hand to his hairline, touching the mark there. ] I speak of Thay, my own country of origin, though such disasters are wont to occur centennially, throughout the land.

[ Despite the tale, he sounds hopeful as he says it. You got him to exposit, and now he's going off. ]

Yet, I have no doubt that good will triumph. For every disaster has its inevitable resolution, and mankind is not one to suffer such sorrow for long. Outside of Thay, the world is not so bleak. The gods watch over the lands, through they unable to intervene directly, and heroes and adventurers make do with thwarting bandits or cults, or at times great plots to unravel the Material Plane.

[ He does actually smile at that. Look, he never said it was perfect! But it's home. ~~And that's not even the Underdark.~~ ]

Edited (xenk is an npc so bad) 2023-08-27 00:49 (UTC)

[There is something about Xenk talking about his home that makes Fenris think of his own. Of all the horrible things that are happening where he comes from. Of the war, the Chantry, of what happened-- He cannot help but give pause as he thinks about Hawke and them coming together to try and help, to stop invading Qunari, helping people, trying to stop the heads of both the circle and templars after they had both gone mad.

It was messy and imperfect, but thinking about Hawke--

Fenris smiles lightly, just a curl of his lip.]

Yes, I was fortunate enough to travel with one such hero, though the world now sees him as the cause of that misfortune.

[He wishes that weren't true, but not many know the true story that are still alive.]

Such is the way of being at the center of trying to fix tragedy is how one might then look as if the cause of it.

[ Xenk smiles. He's happy to hear that Fenris has friends who have fought for good, who would fight against the cruelty of their respective worlds. ]

Public opinion so rarely validates those who toil for good.

[ It sounds like a platitude, but he means every word. One must never fight for fame and fortune, that way lies dissatisfaction and misery (even if Xenk has plenty of fame, back in Faerun, but he's an outlier who should not be counted.) ]

I am sorry to hear that your friend is so wrongly reviled. I hope he can take peace in knowing that his actions were just, and that those who fought by his side know the truth. Often times, that is all one can ask for.

I cannot speak for him, but I cannot imagine him losing sleep over what people think of him, only of what it made people think of his companions.

[Hawke was a good man, he carries enough guilt for what happened that it did not matter what others think, he was already thinking the worst of himself.

But Fenris cannot and will not speak for him, only give his best opinion on the matter.]

Tell me more about your Faerûn, it does not sound so different from Thedas if it has magic. Your Thay sounds similar to Tevinter in some ways. [Great magic? Corruption? Dark Magic? Enslavement? Sounds similar.] Though they see fit to enslaved the elves, not their own.

[ Xenk smiles, happy to hear it. He would hate to hear of anyone's suffering, of course, but to know that a true and just person was falsely accused... well, if he can do nothing to fix it, at least this person isn't losing any sleep over it. ]

Indeed. Thay was a largely human nation. Now it bears only the trapped souls of the dead, and the creatures they have become.

[ He nods. Talk of Thay always makes him pensive, and to hear of people enslaved even more so. ]

Words cannot suffice to express the injustice of those who are forced into slavery. Yet I am sorry to hear of this Tevinter. Such powers should not exist.

[ And that explains too why Fenris has the look of a man plagued by hardships. It's no life fit for anyone, never mind a gentle soul like him. ]

Faerûn has magic, as you described. It is widespread -- most are able to use it in some fashion, though true aptitude is limited among the very talented or the very dangerous.

[ He's thinking about you, Red Wizards. ]

In addition to humans, we have elves, drow, tieflings, half-orcs, dragonborn, tabaxi, along with smaller races like halflings, dwarves, and gnomes.

[ Did I miss any? Eh, it's fine. ]

Travel is largely done by carriage. There are islands and other lands beyond the sea, but I have not traveled there myself. I hope to, one day. Once I feel I have given Faerûn all that I can give.

[Wow that's a lot of information, still he listens carefully, taking in all that the man has to share and nodding along as he does.

He can't suppress the frown that comes to his face when the man mentions that magic is also in the hands of the very dangerous, he understands that, been the victim of a dangerous magistar. Yet, he's also been friend to and unendingly loyal to Hawke, who is also a talented mage. He knows not all magic users are weak and susceptible, but most are. Most should not have magic.

So he's not a fan of hearing most can do it in this Faerûn... well..] Magic should not be in the hands of the many, it is dangerous enough in the hands of the few..

[Look he's traumatized okay? He really thinks magic is bad in most hands.]

Ah, while we do not have the same variety of people, we do have humans, elves, and dwarves in common. Though you did not speak of Qunari, perhaps you do not have them?

[ Xenk is a master of exposition, what can I say. Xenk tilts his head curiously at Fenris' comment on magic. ]

It is a common practice, in Faerûn. More uncommon to lack any aptitude for it, though that is dependent on one's home and its connection to the gods or the Weave. But many races find their origins through magical means, perhaps this is the difference between our respective worlds.

[ He's dense. He can kinda tell Fenris hates magic, but it doesn't make sense to him, as someone from a world that is so heavily steeped in it. ]

What are your Qunari like? I have not heard such a term before.

Perhaps it is different between our worlds. It is something some are born to, not all, but it is a dangerous practice in Thedas, it invites the weak and greedy to deal with demons and blood magic.

[And to him most were weak or greedy. The strong and resilient were few and far between. He has seen too much evil done with magic to see it in a good light, it was hard for him to wrap his mind around everyone having some and that being common place that it was strange to meet someone who did not have magic.

Luckily, the next question is a safer topic.]

The Qunari are a very large with horns most often and eerie eyes. Many see them as monsters, because they are formidable and not to be taken lightly.

[He finds them and their society interesting, though he would never want to convert to it, he likes his individuality and freedom too much.]

I see. No good ever comes from working with demons or devils, I can assure you. This is true in Faerûn as well.

[ Demons and blood magic are definitely the kinds of things Xenk would find objection to. In this they share a common goal. ]

A large horned race with eerie eyes... We have a similar race with these features. They are called dragonborn. They are said to have descended from dragons, or were perhaps created in Tiamat's image... I must admit, I am unsure. They are covered in scales, and are not like to travel far from their homes, and thus are often misunderstood. They often stand at near seven feet, and are capable of breathing fire or whatever element aligns with their lineage.

[ Yes, tieflings technically fall under the "large horns, eerie eyes" combination as well, but Xenk is funnier when he gets things wrong, so dragonborn it is! ]

[You know, oddly, the man isn't wrong either. Qunari might be more kin to Dragonborn than tieflings in some ways.]

A race descended from dragons? Fascinating. Qunari are nothing quite like that, though they do revere dragons, some even drink dragon blood in a ritual to become reavers. They also often stick to their own people and are incredibly tall. None breathe fire, though I imagine they would not be opposed to if given the chance.

[There's a wry tilt to his lips. He would love to see the Imperium deal with fire breathing Qunari.]

With the exception of vampires, I do not know of any races that drink blood. Though vampires are less a race and more a condition.

[ Not that he knows any vampires! He promised to keep that one a secret, and so he continues. ]

Perhaps they are more akin to tieflings? They are horned, with long tails and sometimes glowing eyes. These are beings whose lineage traces back to the hells through an ancestor's contract with a devil, or something similar. They rarely bear the connection themselves, but are still perceived with undue prejudice in many parts of Faerûn.

[ He obviously doesn't think the prejudice is deserved. ]

Another difference then, drinking dragon's blood gives you abilities of sorts in Thedas, Qunari do it but there are also some humans that do as well. It is too close to blood magic for my taste..

[A pause.]

We do not have vampires.. we do have hunger demons who will consume life without mercy. [One might go as far as to call the possession a condition, but he wouldn't.

He listens to this description of tieflings, but shakes his head because no, dragonborn sound more similar though still very different.]

Your tieflings do not sound unlike a desire demons in appearance.. I will keep that in mind should I meet one here.

[Meaning to say he will try not to just assume they are a desire demon right off the bat. He'll try.]

You have painted a vivid picture of this blood magic, it sounds horrible.

[ Drinking blood to get stronger? It sounded like necromancy already, but this is some bad shit. ]

Demons do not leave the Hells, in Faerûn. Devils can be summoned, for a time, though not without price. And cambions—half devils—are able to come and go at their leisure.

[ And because this seems like the next logical question, he answers it before Fenris can ask. I'm sorry he likes exposition so much. ]

Their distinction lies in their morality. Devils believe themselves to be lawful, and perform acts of evil in accordance to their perceived rules. They are cunning and vicious, they see mortals as expendable playthings. Demons are chaotic, abyssal creatures that seek only destruction and subjugation. The two factions have been at war for centuries, in a bid for power unending.

Tieflings are merely people, often victims of this war. I appreciate your understanding, should you ever encounter one.

I do not know of these devils you speak of, but they do not sound unlike our demons.

[Honestly, it sounded like this Faerûn had a much more complex power structure among the demons than Thedas, though he cannot speak well on it, he knows of demons but not this intricacies.

But the more he hears the less similarities he finds between their two worlds.]

I shall do my best to not judge them falsely, I appreciate your warning so that I do not do so unwittingly. [He might still, but now he knows better and can potentially step back from such action.]

It seems for every similarity there are thrice as many differences.

Indeed. Malice takes many forms, across many worlds, it seems.

[ Xenk nods. What an interesting exchange of facts this has been. For everything they had in common, there was ever more they didn't share. It gives him more appreciation of his home, to hear how different things can be.

Well, not that being a zombie is preferable to having a race of dragonborn-tieflings who drink dragon blood and perform 'blood magic.' But it sure is different! ]

It has been fascinating to explore them with you. I should like to hear more of Thedas, if you are willing.

[ He means that, of course. Don't worry though, Xenk still has them on the way to get Fenris his shellphone, he can multi-task. They're taking the most direct route. ]

Edited (clearer) 2023-09-03 22:17 (UTC)

[He hasn't worried yet, following beside the man as he is, though he finds himself looking around as they talk, trying to remember the way they came from and the way they are going.]

I admit, it has been interesting to learn of your world as well.

[He thinks of what to say next, what else there is to say about Thedas that stands out to him as note worthy. There is too much yet not enough, he's unsure where to start.]

You spoke of your gods as if they are known to you. In Thedas they are mere belief. Be it in the Maker who created all things or the creators who are a small pantheon of elvish gods that are believe to have been sealed away.

[ It's ok Fenris, Xenk would never lure you into a dark alley to get mugged. But that's a fair fear when you're from Kirkwall, so. ]

Truly? In our world, the gods are a matter of fact. The pantheon is complex and varied, though they abide by the laws of Ao, overgod of order and creation. We know this because clerics are able to commune with them to beseech their aid. They are an important factor of every day life. My own power draws from a vow I made with Tyr, god of justice.

[ He peels back his glove, revealing the tattoo on the back of his hand. It's a set of scales, lined in black and gold. ]

It sounds as though your gods may have been at odds with one another. If the elvish gods were sealed, this Maker may be to blame.

[A concern that doesn't escape him, but he is nonetheless not all that wary of Xenk. The man seems too.. idiotically genuine and straight forward.

Proven by how readily the man talks about his own god and shows him the symbol on the back of his hand with ease.]

Ah, no. They were sealed away by one of their own. If the stories and legends are to be believed. I have never put much into faith... only what kept me alive.

[ That does describe him rather well, doesn't it... ]

Ah, this I can understand. The gods are often at war with one another. It is ever those who are caught 'midst their struggles that suffer for it... I am sorry that this has been the case.

[ He isn't going to make Fenris convert to praising Tyr or anything like that. But at least they're approaching the store, you can see it in the distance. Also Xenk is completely bad at smalltalk, so he changes the subject like it's nothing. I'm sorry. ]

Our destination approaches. That building there.

[Fenris waves his hand to dismiss the concern, he doesn't particularly believe in the gods. If pressed he might admit a begrudging belief in the Maker, but beyond that his relationship with the gods is a complicated one.

And no need to say sorry, Fenris is not great at it either and finds this completely acceptable.]

Then I can make it the rest of the way. Thank you, Xenk, I appreciate your guidance.

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« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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