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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

Well I thought we were trading obvious statements.

[ Is this comforting to you, Astarion? If he's a little mean? ]

But you're right. Terribly rude of me.

[ He's reminded of something Astarion himself said. ]

I won't press you.

[ The meanness might be fun at another time but unfortunately he's really bad at receiving his own energy back at him. He really is a cat, you see. But bristle though he might at the obvious statements comment, he relaxes when Alucard says he won't press him. He even goes so far as to use his words!!: ]

I appreciate the consideration.

[ Maybe, if Alucard hadn't led him on the first night and hadn't lost so much approval, he might have taken that appreciation and decided not to lie to him. He might not have told him the truth, but he wouldn't have lied.

Instead, for all he clearly doesn't mind Alucard's company, he still doesn't trust him. So he decides to lie. To act like they're closer, like he's giving him something here by "telling" him about the nightmares. But it isn't the truth at all. ]

It was just about the sirens. About drowning. I'm lucky you intervened. It seems my mind is all too willing to provide the details as if you hadn't.

[ It's a good lie considering it's what Alucard had already wondered about himself. And really, he's not as on his game as he could be, still weighed down somewhat by sleep and the bit of comfort in being close. So he just gives a soft grunt. ]

We'll be back at Eltrut soon. Perhaps some quality time on land will help. [ Then he adds with a quiet puff of breath. ] Or alcohol.

Yes, I imagine that will help. Besides, it's just a dream. I am [ he hesitates here. This lie is a hard one to tell. ] safe.

I'm sorry for waking you up. Were you able to get any sleep?

[ And it's one Alucard doesn't buy, but he's not going to call it out. He assumes its his own fault Astarion doesn't feel safe despite having saved him. If he were to promise not to hurt the man anymore, he'd be the liar, because he can't know that he won't. Astarion is letting him be close and that is a risk.

But he does wish he could give the man some reward for it, and so he'll rub his hand warmly across the other's ribs. ]

Don't be ridiculous.

[ Is the gentle chastisement to the apology. His eyes are a deeper blue in this moment, blinking slowly to indicate he's not that terribly far from falling back asleep. ]

The reason I've slept well at all is because of you.

Me?

[ There's a moment of genuine surprise, a gap in his otherwise well-crafted armor. At the thought he could help anyone do anything that required such a gentle touch.

But he's going to ruin the moment, because that's what he's best at: ]

Well don't get used to it! I don't fall into bed with just anyone on the first date.

[ The opportunity to make it even worse presents itself as a retort, but Alucard isn't trying to goad Astarion into fighting him anymore.

So he just gives another one of those slow blinks, a smug sort of smile crawling over his face. His voice deepens a shade. ]

Are we dating now?

[ this was supposed to be gay chicken!! Alucard was supposed to get flustered!! This wasn't supposed to be taken seriously ]

Darling, I don't think you could handle dating me.

[ Because he is a fucking mess. ]

[ This is gay chicken and Alucard Emery intends to win. The sapphire winks as he arches the brow. ]

Do you want to be handled, Astarion?

Not particularly. As I told you last time, I like having sex.

[ And Alucard likes getting to know people first, so see, how is that gonna work! ]

[ That's not... quite it, but Astarion could be excused for thinking as much. ]

Have you ever had sex with the same person on more than one occasion?

[ More than a one night stand, in other words. He's curious, not trying to imply anything... at least not yet. ]

I have the distinct feeling you're not going to like my answer to that question.

[ but, you know, that's pretty much an answer, right? ]

[ His lips tug into a wry smile. Down below, one of his legs shift, a shin that gives a little rub against one of Astarion's. ]

I think it's sweet you consider my feelings at all.

[ There's a small pause, the smile softening a bit. ]

I'm not judging. Believe it or not, I've never been on a date with someone I was interested in - not formally, anyway.

[ Was he considering Alucard's feelings? Or was he protecting his own from judgment? At this point, it's probably a little bit of both. ]

That just makes it sound like you were too scared to ask them out.

[ There's a light laugh at that, touching a hand to his chest as if wounded. It's a little more hollow than usual. ]

It takes far more than that to scare me.

[ Now it's his turn to look at Astarion and decide that he doesn't trust him with the truth, or at least not all of it. ]

I was a very busy captain. Not much time for that sort of romance.

[ If he wanted to be meaner, he'd just tell him that if he really liked someone, he'd make time. But really, Astarion isn't much of an authority on that, anyway. What does he know about what a person might do or might not do for someone they like? ]

Is that why you left me like that, then? You're waiting to confess your love to this person?

[ Alucard's expression goes soft with surprise, blue eyes giving a couple blinks in quick succession. It might be tough to tell for most people, but a flush crawls down his throat. His expression is quick to compose itself, though it's more pensive. ]

It's... complicated.

[ But Astarion has definitely gotten his teeth into something. ]

Well, far be it from me to complicate a relationship further.

[ He says, but he's still laying here in Alucard's bed, with Alucard's shin pressed up against his after the two of them worried over each other in turn. This is far more intimate than the sex they would have had, but Astarion isn't stopping to think about that. Or if he is, he's certainly not dwelling on it. That would be complicated indeed. ]

[ The smile is a thin, wistful one; eyes dropping down to somewhere around Astarion's collar. Arms curled before him, he rubs at one of the sleeves over his wrist. ]

I don't know that it is one. And now there's no telling if I'll ever see him again.

[ But it must have been weighing on his mind enough he'd decided not to just hop right into bed with someone after all. Well, at least not sexually.

His gaze shifts back up, steady on Astarion's face. ]

I'm sorry that I misled you.

[ No, he's sorry he hurt him, but he knows the other won't accept that. ]

It sounds like whatever troubles you is an issue beyond our current predicament. I won't burden you with platitudes about how everything might magically fix itself. You'd know far better than I what the real likelihood of that is.

[ Sometimes the world is simply just bad. And sometimes terrible things happen for no reason and they can't get fixed. ]

But you should be sorry. I am very good at sex, so it's really your loss.

[ There's nothing more he's willing to say on the topic at the moment, though he appreciates that Astarion neither sugar-coats his response nor tries to twist the knife.

And the last quip earns a more sincere chuckle. He reaches a hand out to settle against the other man's waist. ]

I think I'd rather see you, more than just once.

[ Oh.

Astarion doesn't pull away from the touch this time. He allows Alucard's hand to settle on him, even when it is coupled with those words. Words that have a weight to them Astarion isn't sure he wants to contemplate. He tells himself Alucard is just manipulating him, the way Astarion would do with anyone else. That they're all in desperate need of allies and that things like sex and emotion and whatever this is make it more likely that people will stay by your side. He reminds himself over and over that, apology or not, Alucard still led him on and lied to him.

But something pulls at his heartstrings. Something knows Alucard is going to get hurt, if he is allowed to keep walking down this path. Normally that pain would mean nothing to him, but Astarion finds that even after everything, he does not want to hurt Alucard.

And Alucard did save his life.

What kind of repayment would it be, to let him light the fire of this dangerous thing that could explode on both of them? ]

Alucard...

[ He says his name softly, a gentle warning instead of the shove he normally gives those that get to close to him. ]

I can't be anything more than what I've already offered. That's all I have to give.

Somehow, I doubt that.

[ He could be wrong, but Alucard was also used to seeing some things that others did not. In any case, he doesn't look put out, taking in Astarion's expression from a vantage point probably few have ever gotten the time to. He digs his shoulder into the mattress, uses it for leverage to slide warmly into Astarion's space. ]

But it's still enough.

[ He leans in, aiming to press his own kiss to Astarion's forehead, a mirror of the unprompted affection the other man had given him earlier. ]

[ it's bittersweet. Those are words he desperately longs to hear, from someone who knows the truth about him. Like this, it feels like they're still conditional. Like Alucard might--and should--change his mind once he knows everything.

So he's caught between those feelings. He goes still when Alucard moves closer, and he's still while Alucard kisses him on the forehead. All of this attention is so much. Too much. He hasn't earned this kindness.

And maybe more importantly, some part of Astarion knows he wouldn't deserve it if Alucard knew the truth.

He reaches over and puts his hand on Alucard's chest. But he doesn't push him away. Instead he simply feels the beat of his heart, so full of life, underneath his fingertips.

It is intoxicating. ]

I mean it. [ his heart isn't in the protest, though. ] There's nothing good that can come of this. I'll continue to fuck around and you'll waste your time worrying after someone who doesn't need it.

[ Alucard takes the hand on his chest as a signal, one that has him relaxing back somewhat and allowing a modicum of space that way. But he's not being shoved, so he stays. ]

It doesn't seem like I'm the one who's worrying.

[ He drops his eyes to the hand, admiring the look of it there, delicate but simultaneously sharp. His own shifts to envelop it, warm with markers of chill metal from the many rings he wears. ]

But it's still my time to waste; if I wish to use it to make a fool of myself, that's my prerogative. Just like it's yours to fuck around as much as you like.

[ His pulse thrums steadily beneath the other man's hand. He's not Astarion's captain, so he's got no right to tell him what to do. Except... ]

Though I suggest you take more time to rest for now. And if I'm not mistaken, the bell for my shift should be coming any minute.

[ Which is why one of his legs moves behind him, catching the edge of the bed to better help roll over onto his back and give his company more space. Staring up at the ceiling, he takes a deep breath through his nose as if to gather the will to do what needs to be done, then moves to climb out of the bed. ]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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