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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

If the sailors were more mobile, it wouldn't be the worst plan... But we'd need to not only position them a place where the sirens can't get to them, but also be out of the way whenever we attack. It would be easy for them to get caught in the crossfire.

And that's why we've got us.

[Tifa huffs, her shoulders rising and falling in a single breath.]

If I can distract them and keep them away long enough... then could you take them out?

How would you distract them? Would they even hold any interest?

[He's not trying to poke holes in her plan, but he does have to ask since they can't just rush into it.]

I don't know.

[This is why it was always Barret who came up with the plans and doled out instructions to everyone else.]

But I'll figure it out. They won't get to me at least. And I can take pretty good care of myself.

[...Sighs.]

That's not going to work. You can't be so reckless when lives are at stake.

[By now they've reached the base and he sets the man down and gestures for her to get the potion.]

I'll be the bait.

[Tifa reaches into her pocket without hesitation and brings out one of the small vials, popping the lid right off, and she kneels in front of the sailor to get a better look at him.]

And how's that supposed to work? I can't do anything from far away...

You made that wall of fire, didn't you?

Well, yeah...

[A pause, and she tips the sailor's head back gently to open his mouth slightly, and though he's unconscious, she still can't help giving him an apologetic look as she tips the vial and pours it past his lips.]

But what good is fire against a bunch of wet monsters? Least up close, I could get my fists in there.

While I won't doubt your skill for now, that still puts you in a disadvantage if they don't come up far enough to the shore.

Fire will still burn through water if strong enough. You can also block their path to the water once they're out.

Besides, I only said I would be the bait. Doesn't stop you from fighting them.

Put the guy with the gun up front...

[Tifa says it under a breath and wipes away the potion that's dribbled along the side of the sailor's lips. Now, they just have to wait for it to finally sink in, but at least he's safe...]

Well, since you seem so confident in your own skill as bait, then we can give it a try...

[He hears her, but makes no response. It's true he may be better positioned at range, but they don't have a lot of options.]

It's better than risking unnecessary lives.

[That's all he'll have to say before glancing at someone who is also watching over the victims brought back and gesturing toward the one they have. Once they arrive, Eustace will turn on his heel and head to a different part of the rocks.]

[He is right about that, and Tifa will admit it. It wasn't an easy suggestion, but with the way she assumes sirens work, luring them out otherwise was never going to be easy, and leaving them in the water puts everyone else at a disadvantage.

Something's gotta give, and unfortunately, it's going to have to be them.]

And what about you? If you get affected by the sirens?

Won't happen.

[She frowns at him.]

You seem pretty confident of that... What happened to wanting to be prepared for anything?

I am.

[His right hand idly rests on the end of his rifle holstered at his side.]

I have no desire the sirens will be able to draw on. And should they somehow manage, Flamek will be able to bring me back to my senses.

If all else fails—

[He glances at her.]

You sounded confident in your own skills. You can either take out all the sirens yourself, or throw a flame wall, knock me out, and drag me back.

Flamek?

[He says it as if that's something she should know, and if they are going to do this at all, then she figures that she probably should.]

Either way, don't get too cocky until after we take care of the sirens. I might be able to knock you out and drag you back, but without anyone else around to help, this is gonna hinge on both of us being able to hold our own.

[Another flat look.]

I should be saying that to you.

[And no, he doesn't really answer her question about Flamek. Mostly because his eyes and ears are already focused on the waterline ahead and their surroundings.]

Go over there.

[He gestures with a nod of his head towards some rocks at a suitable decent away from the waterline, but close enough that she can rush in quickly.

And since he's going to be asking questions—]

I'll be over there, near the wreckage. I can see two, maybe three in the water, more likely waiting further out. From the commotion earlier they would have moved over here to avoid any further attacks...and there are some drag marks not far from there, likely from a sailor.

[And likely lost, but who knows.]

I'll look for them, but there's a possibility they set up a trap to lure the rescuers in. Either way, I'm the bait. Whatever happens, let them come out of the shore and let them get close to me. Remember, the further in they are, the better for us. Block their access back to the water by forming that fire wall and we can take care of the rest.

[She almost protests, and gets as far as opening her mouth to do so, but... if this is going to work, then she is going to have to let them get in close. It isn't as if she doesn't trust his abilities—clearly he can handle himself if the shots he made earlier were any indication of that, but she feels less comfortable about the fact that it's him serving as the bait rather than her...

It was her idea, wasn't it?

But it won't get her or them anywhere, so she just follows along, looking out to the rocks he gestures to.]

Right... [Though she still sounds a little unconvinced.] And if you get into trouble?

Call for help.

[So reassuring.]

[Reassuring indeed. So much so that she stares right back at him with the hints of a disappointed frown...]

You mean you'll call for help.

[Right?]

[Just stares at her before looking back out at the waters.]

Get in position.

[AND THAT'S ALL HE SAYS BEFORE WALKING OFF.]

[????

!?!?!?!?

HE REALLY NEEDS TO STOP DOING THAT—

Tifa watches him go, eyes wide with some bewilderment, the rest frustration before she groans under her breath and heads for the rocks. Never in her life has she met a man who could test her patience so much. Even Cloud, quiet and a little prickly as he can be sometimes, never turned and walked away from her without explanation.

This guy is just...

No, she has to focus, she reminds herself, as she sneaks up and ducks behind the rocks and watches closely, her hands at the ready. How effective this fire will be, she will have to see, but she hopes that it's more than her fists... For his sake.]

[He gave her all the explanation she needs, so as long as she was paying attention, it should be fine.

That said, her concerns aren't unwarranted, so he won't begrudge her for not having complete confidence or trust in him—especially...given prior meetings. However the same is true for him—he can't wholly trust her, which is why he refused to have her out front. Maybe she really could handle it, but if she couldn't? His own cover could only do so much, and if a siren managed to get past and take a sailor into the water, then it's over. He wouldn't be able to use his lightning without risking the victim.

Perhaps he could have said all that, but time is of the essence. Keeping his weapon holstered, he'll put in the ear plugs and go towards the designated spot and crouch down to examine the drag marks, all while keeping one ear swiveled towards the ocean. Already he can pick up the soft hums of a dark melody, but he tunes it out—just like he tunes out everything else as he studies the marks. They're relatively fresh...and as he looks towards the wreckage, he can see the many different place a siren could try and trap one more unaware, especially if there is a victim left as bait. It's a cunning tactic, one he might not have initially expected from such a race of creatures, but he's heard similar things back in his world.

So he steps forward with no hesitation, eyes darting here and there as he maps out every location that could be of use to him. And it's then that he hears the groan and quietly swears to himself. He's not sure if it's better or worse that there's a person here, but he can't leave them be.

Seeing the man half in the water, his senses heighten as he tenses, again looking towards the water. It's dark, but his hearing picks up the odd ripple not too far away, and the humming grows louder. Ignoring it, he reaches and grabs the man, dragging him out of the water first and pulling him further inland.

And, just like they want, he'll return, this time with his weapon drawn. Only briefly will he glance back towards Tifa's direction, masking it as if he's scoping the rest of the waterline. There will only be the slightest of nods before he looks back towards the wreckage, movements slow as the humming grows louder and louder...

From Tifa's point of view, she'll be able to see the unnatural ripples in the water from the shallows, the shadows becoming more defined as they start to converge towards where Eustace is. It might seem a bit much for one person so... Who knows, maybe they want revenge for their fallen comrade from earlier.

And maybe that's the real reason why Eustace set himself up as bait.]

[Tifa watches from a distance, her head only just peeking out from behind the rocks to see what's going on, and far enough that Eustace can see that she's still there and paying attention. Her stomach sinks when she spots that man half-laying in the water, like someone's just set an anchor in her, and she wishes that she could leap out to help him—she still has those potions that could cure him of that siren-induced stupor of his, and her hand even reaches into her pocket to feel them, but she'll hold fast. It's only a small kink in their plan, but not enough for her to risk ruining it now.

She sees Eustace nod once he drags the man out, and he'll see the most subtle of ones from her before she spots those ripples in the water not far from the shore. She can hear their song growing louder, though unlike the sailors, she hears nothing of interest—just noise that could be masked as humming.

But her eyes are on Eustace, watching him carefully for any changes in his demeanor. The thing she is most worried about—in spite of everything—is him falling under and getting snatched by them, too. At such a close distance, it's not impossible...

Tifa shuffles around to the edges of the rocks for a better view, and already, she can feel the fire at her fingertips, ready and waiting for the sirens to finally crawl out from under the surface.

And there it is—they reach shallow enough water that their heads emerge first, one by one, and how many of them are there!? Their humming has turned to giggling, and their clawed fingers beckon to Eustace first, testing to see if he will come to them.]

[For the most part, Eustace is faring well enough against their songs. The earbuds help, but as he told Tifa, there was nothing they could draw from him that would get a response. He had no love nor any romantic inclinations. And while he could hear some hints of his family... He's settled that as well, and it only angers him instead.

However.

He has to at least pretend to be lulled to their voices.

So he'll stop walking just a few feet short of the water's edge, just out of reach of the shipwreck. And slowly... His arm will lower, Flamek now dangling precariously at his side. The gun even clicks at him, but just gives it a slight pressure with his fingertips as he closes his eyes.

It's then that he realizes they are singing something different.

Peace and quiet.

A world where he can just let himself fall into and no longer have to be burdened by others, to slip into a quiet, peaceful embrace.

How tempting such a thing would have been not too long ago...

But rather than their voices, he listens to the sound of the water. The sound of bodies shuffling through the sand. The smell of rotten flesh and seawater drifting closer and closer...]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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