escordvi | « test sail »

Entry tags:

« test sail »

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

Are we even allowed to work together?

[ Astarion is obviously has more than a little anxious energy to get on with this already. Another quest where he has to go out on the stupid ship, which is technically fine except that sometimes they get stuck at sea for more days than he'd like and then he gets very hungry. But here they both are on this join mission on some ship that they'd been asked to join to kill sea slugs.

For slime. ]

I am not touching whatever secretions they intend for us to collect. You are more than welcome to get your fingers sticky in my place.

[ New recruits, even from differing factions, get assigned to work together, it seems! Or maybe they don't, and this is just a wild coincidence or someone on their side has a sense of humor and assigned them together to make them miserable. Or at least make Astarion miserable. ]

Regulation did not stipulate otherwise.

[ Xenk meanwhile is happy to take on a quest. Idleness doesn't suit him, and while he doesn't have extensive knowledge of the seafaring life, he takes to it like a fish to water. He's really just good at everything, sorry Astarion.

He hands Astarion a bucket. See, he's accommodating! ]

The secretions from the slugs will help save many lives. Any viscosity that may cling to our hands will be worth the benefit they will provide others.

Edited 2023-08-26 19:18 (UTC)

Absolutely not.

[ He pushes the bucket back towards Xenk. ]

I've touched enough little slimy creatures for several lifetimes.

[ See, you think it's just one tadpole, but you really don't know about the twelve tadpoles Tav carries around. ]

[ Xenk pushes it right back. He will not be deterred. ]

One of us will be required to extract the slime in this bucket, while the other slaughters the creatures. Would you prefer to change roles?

[ See, he would have thought that Astarion didn't want to kill them, because they're slimy and unappetizing. But also because he knows Astarion is a rogue, and rogues don't do a lot of front-facing work...? ]

Yes, actually. I love bloodshed.

[ He, again, pushes the bucket towards Xenk and then pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow. ]

Let's turn these creatures inside out, shall we?

[ Well, he is a vampire. That's not so much a surprise. Xenk shakes his head and takes the bucket, nodding. It seems his sword will remain sheathed this day, unless they get overrun. ]

Very well.

[ It's not like he enjoys killing (like Astarion,) but this is a deed for the greater good. So ultimately, that's what counts. ]

Be wary not to damage them overmuch.

[ Technically they still have to figure out how to get the slime out of these things, but that's Xenk's job now! He'll commit to it with gusto, like everything else. ]

[ Astarion starts with advantage, and it's almost as if he simply decides to become one with the shadows as he starts, slipping into them easily. All the first slug sees as the arrow before it is hit. A clean, perfect shot, right in the creature's neck. The sea slug roars in anger and a couple others join the fray, taking their turn to climb up the side of the boat. ]

Looks like we have company.

[ Another arrow and the first of the slugs is down, but now they've got more to contend with. ]

[ Hm, yes, about being overrun... Xenk carefully places the bucket aside (that's for later, when they inevitably loot all the bodies,) and steps forward. ]

All the better, to obtain our booty.

[ He talks like this in canon and I hate it! I hate it! But also that's the point. He is so stupid. But this stupid guy holds back on channeling his blessings into his blade this time, (they need the bodies whole, after all.) Instead he steps forward and launches his sword out from its hilt, the magical blade flying directly from its sheathe into the neck of one of the new slugs, knocking it prone. ]

Edited 2023-08-26 20:40 (UTC)

[ Astarion literally scowls at him. Don't talk like that.

He would make a quip but he's too busy watching Xenk's blade fly out and hit one of the new slugs. What the heck is that? ]

Well isn't that a fun little trick.

[ The slugs screech in distress and begin to slither closer, albeit quite slowly. They're sea slugs, the deck doesn't quite agree with them. It's the end of their turn. Xenk holds out the empty hilt, calling the sword back with a quick gesture.

The sword flies through the air, avoiding hitting anything on its way back. ]

It is no trick. The blade is enchanted to return to my side.

[ That... that much was obvious, yes. ]

Edited (icon) 2023-08-26 21:07 (UTC)

Don't be obtuse.

[ Astarion's turn again, then. He shoots the slug that Xenk just hit and then disappears back into the shadows with a sweet hide action. ]

[ Xenk smiles to himself, easy as ever. He is obtuse, thank you. Astarion's more subtle mastery of movement doesn't escape his notice, but that just means he needs to be even flashier, to keep the creatures from noticing him.

He closes the gap between himself and several of the slugs, and draws his blade properly this time. With a flourish, he slashes down and slices another of the creatures at the neck, then draws the dagger from his sword and uses it to stab the next nearest one. It would be perhaps a bit more damaging if he were smiting them, but he's nothing if not careful. ]

[ Astarion is glad Xenk seems to catch on to the idea. He attacks from the shadows, his arrow striking true again. He can't kill one in one hit, but he's certainly setting up for good damage. Look we can't all be paladins! And he doesn't want to waste his fun trick arrows here.

Man Xenk is really good though. And he's hot? And he makes for a good party member? Damn he hates that. ]

[ He knows how to fight with companions, despite his usual fights being all 5-v-1. He is quick to finish off the one Astarion hit, then moves on to drive his sword into the next one beside it, before it can anger further. They're making quick work of these, which is good news indeed.

Xenk may be methodical in most things, but it really works for him when he fights. He is efficient and agile, dodging blows from the two slugs that remain, hissing and crawling over the bodies of their fallen brethren. He just looks very, very cool. You hate to see it, Astarion. ]

[ He looks so cool! And he does hate it!

Astarion shoots another one and then runs up to knife it with his bonus action, so at least he feels like he's doing more than hiding in the shadows and shooting arrows. Xenk is just way too impressive here, it's making him feel a little useless, see. ]

[ It's ok, Xenk wouldn't judge you even if you did just stand and watch. He'd probably be worried that you're injured or something if that happened though, because he just assumes everyone tries to help when they see people in need.

That's not what happens, though. Xenk remains very much in the fray, shooting a triumphant grin towards Astarion as he raises his sword and slices at the slug on his left, impaling it at the same time as he slots the dagger back into its inlay. He is unfortunately not doing as much damage as he could, without his Divine Smite, but this one should be on its last legs.

The other slug takes the moment to retaliate against him, screeching and striking at his hand with an acidic attack. Despite his attempt to dodge, the creature's otherwise cute antennae manage to graze his wrist. Xenk for his part does not react to the damage. He really should have worn his gauntlets, but oh well. What's done is done, and it will take much more than that to make him falter. ]

[ Astarion is close enough that he easily takes his daggers (radiant dagger included!) to stab the one that just hurt Xenk. Dualwielding and at an advantage like this, it's easy to finish it off.

He's used to his companions being hit in battle, of course. He's not going to stop fighting just because Xenk was hit. But it'll certainly be something to clean up after they kill this last slug. ]

We've almost got them.

[ Xenk really doesn't mind the hit -- he's able to see to his own wounds, and once these creatures are down it won't be a problem. And if the acid is already burning through the skin on his right hand, he's definitely had worse. Plus, he's ambidextrous. ]

This battle gone on long enough.

[ Trust me, that's aimed at himself. He swaps the sword to his left and drives it down against the final slug, taking three elegant swipes to dice the antennae off and finish it off. Overall, it's a job well done! Xenk finishes with a bit of a flourish, shaking off slug guts before sheathing it once more.

He turns to Astarion, eyeing the dagger with something like admiration. You know he loves to see another radiant blade. But first thing's first: ]

Now to extricate the slime from their corpses.

You're sure you don't want to clean that up before you go sticking it into corpses?

[ Especially with whatever acid damage is going on there. But Astarion isn't a healer, there's little he can do to fix this situation besides offering to help wrap it up. ]

[ Xenk looks down at his hand, like he needs to be reminded of the fact that it's very much still burning from whatever acid the creature produced. The flesh around his wrist still burns under green acid, though he flexes his fingers and makes a fist, which almost seems to make it sizzle worse. ]

A fair point. The skin may not heal properly if I do not clean the wound.

[ He motions towards the bucket with that same hand. ]

Can you obtain water? I fear I may upset our crew if I travel below deck with this wound.

Can't you just lay on hands and use your blessing?

[ He picks up the bucket ANYWAY, but he thinks it would just be a lot simpler if he went, and you know, heal thyself ]

Cure wounds? Restoration?

[ He's just naming spells now you know he can't cast any of that shit. ]

[ He just said he had to clean it first!! But go off listing spells, Astarion. You are clearly not a healer! Xenk would find this funny if he had a sense of humor -- instead he takes him seriously, of course. ]

I am able to use my Cleansing Touch on the wound. However, if I do not remove the acid, the remains may fester.

[ He's immune to poison, not acid, so this actually doesn't happen very often to him... just his luck that these slugs would do that kind of damage. ]

I will be able to negate the damage once the wound is clean.

Alright. Hold on. Don't let anyone else steal our slime while I'm gone.

[ He takes the bucket and fetches water (he hates that thanks hes really not an errand boy) and returns.

He sets the bucket of water down next to Xenk but he's morbidly (pun intended) curious about this situation so he's going to stare at the wound. ]

Is that the acid, or your blood?

I shall keep watch.

[ Not that he expects anyone to come. And stealing is wrong, so Xenk would take offense to anyone trying. Don't worry about the errand thing though, that's just cause you're his friend and you're a good person, Astarion. ]

I am immune to most poisons, though the acid broke skin.

[ Underneath the caustic green, Xenk bleeds a dark, nearly black red. He splashes some water on the wound to rinse away any of the acid, leaving several dark, blotched wounds and raw flesh that look like burns more than anything. He doesn't need a Divine Sense to know the wound would feel necrotic to someone with an eye for it.

He hasn't answered Astarion's question, though. ]

Likely my flesh fought off the acid's spread. [ So both, kinda. When acid met blood, it burned instead of going deeper? ] In an average human, this would have debilitated my hand entirely.

[ He's gonna go ahead and use Cleansing Touch on the wounds, first. That should at least... well, it doesn't actually look much better, but the bleeding stops, so that means the pain would have stopped, if Xenk actually felt it.

He wiggles his fingers. ]

Ah, good. Sensation has returned.

[ The bleeding stopped but there's still a couple drops of blood and Astarion reaches over like he's going to touch him but stops just short as he seems to remember his manners and that he shouldn't just touch people without asking. ]

May I?

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

wildcard sea slugs i do what i want

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

theyre so fucking weird