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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

What can I say? I have expensive tastes.

[ Says the man who keeps repairing his clothing but that's neither here nor there. ]

All the more reason to return to sea tomorrow, if you wish to earn more coin.

[ Xenk smiles. That's an invitation he doesn't expect Astarion to take, but like, you know Xenk is grinding out every single quest for the sake of helping people, not for the sake of making money. ]

Taking these quests will not transform me into a good person. You do know that, right?

[ your alignment doesn't change that easily!!!! unless...? ]

[ Xenk actually chuckles. That was a good joke, Astarion! ]

I am indeed aware. Goodness must to come from within.

[ You can't make someone just change their alignment! Unless you have a Wish spell or draw a very unfortunate card from the Deck of Many Things, but let's not get into that. ]

It do not seek to change you, Astarion. I believe you already have the potential within you, with or without my intercession.

[ Or get turned by a vampire. ]

Potential is all well and good, but it still is only potential. It isn't realized. I have the potential to be anything I want to be!

[ There's a note that's almost emphatic about it, like he's trying to convince not just Xenk, but the world at large. Like he's insisting on his freedom, even he knows he doesn't have it. ]

And whether I decide to become some brownnosing do-gooder, or an absolute force of chaos stalking the streets of my city, that's my prerogative.

[ Or get turned by a vampire. Or maybe a were-raven. ]

Indeed, you do. It is your choice.

[ Xenk agrees with him most emphatically, taking the words to their full meaning. He is well-aware that Astarion has a choice. Just as he could choose to attack people, or use his powers to take blood from others against their wills. He has a choice. Just as Xenk was fortunate enough to have a choice after he fled from Thay. He could have remained in exile, he could have gone into hiding. Instead, he became a paladin and decided to help others. You know the rest. ]

I see great potential in you, Astarion. I can only encourage that you utilize it to help others -- the decision to do so is ultimately yours, and yours alone.

As long as you understand that.

[ This is clearly important to him, even if he knows he doesn't really have it yet. He will, he tells himself, he will. ]

Of course. Your freedom of choice is not something to be taken lightly.

[ He brings a hand to his hairline, hovering over the Thayan brand there. It would have been so simple, for him to fall under Szass Tam's thrall. He knows. ]

I will never force my will upon you. Know this, for I swear it.

[ He might have some spells in his arsenal that certainly could, but knowing that Astarion was a thrall for 200 years... he could never do that to him. ]

[ Astarion is quiet for a moment and when he speaks, it is soft, meant only for Xenk to hear. ]

Thank you.

[ Xenk merely smiles. Even he can see how difficult it was for Astarion to speak those words, and how deeply he means them.

This is important to him. Vital, even. ]

My word is my bond.

[ Now's about the time where he would pat his shoulder or take his hand, but... Astarion doesn't seem to like touch very much. That's alright. Xenk lets it lie. ]

I know.

[ That's why he believes him. Why he thanked him. He knows Xenk will never go back on this. ]

[ Now that makes Xenk's smile widen. Awww, he trusts him!!! He trusts his word.... This is truly what friendship is about. There could be no greater compliment. ]

It gladdens me to have your trust, my friend.

[ Seriously, he could hug him. He won't. But. ]

Don't go making a big deal out of it.

[ Please that's so embarrassing!! ]

It is a very big 'deal.' But I shall let you downplay it, if you wish.

[ That's not downplaying it at all, actually. He's smiling so big. They're friends!!! ]

I will change the subject.

[ So subtle. ]

Have you any plans on what to spend your newly earned coin?

[ well at least Xenk moved on? that's nice! progress! ]

I think I'll purchase some silk sheets.

[ He's learning!! He can learn, for his friends. And because he knows in his heart that Astarion can't be so bad, if he trusts Xenk's word. (I mean, he can, but you know.) ]

To surround yourself in comfort is wise indeed.

[ That's... that's not what Astarion is alluding to at all, probably. ]

It's also more fun. For sex, to be clear, since most of my innuendo flies over your head.

[ Look he's being considerate?? ]

Ah, I see.

[ He does not see, but he really does appreciate that Astarion spelled it out for him, because he totally wouldn't have gotten it. ]

Is it?

[ He might regret asking, but you know... he's. He. Look, he knows about sex, but he doesn't know, you know. ]

[ he opens his mouth like he's going to give him an honest answer and then he heistates and says instead: ]

You...have had sex before, right?

[ Xenk Yendar knows a great many things, but that doesn't mean he understands them, you see. But I mean, you've seen how hot he is. You know he's super hot. He just... he misses so many queues, and has turned down every person who's ever come on to him. ]

I have not had any reason to.

[ This is a guy who saves people's lives for fun. ]

[ Astarion laughs, extendedly. Probably longer than he should. There's a discomfort to it, though not from how long he laughs, but because there's a hint of something to it that Xenk could not possibly fathom with his limited experience and lack of understanding of the depths of Astarion's experience. It strikes him as funny, in all the worst ways, that Xenk should know so little about all of this when it has made up so much of his own experiences.

To say nothing of his own complicated relationship with sex--both seeking it, and wanting it, and yet often finding himself dulled to the sensation once he has it, often out of touch with the very thing he had so desired. ]

Well, aren't you a sweet young thing! A virgin. It's a good thing your blood tastes so terribly--I might want a bite out of you, myself!

[ Xenk is not one to feel shame. He acts with dignity, always, so he sees little reason for it. In his more than hundred years, the opportunity has presented itself many times over. He has simply never felt compelled to take it. He knows this is not the case for Astarion -- while he could never guess Astarion's complex relationship with sex, he knows the man partakes with gusto.

His laughter is maybe a bit much. But if this discussion truly bothered him, he wouldn't have asked in the first place. Xenk tilts his head, curious. ]

Does it truly change the flavor of one's blood?

[ He's heard stories, of course, but surely that can't be true? ]

Well, I...

[ he was just giving him shit, really, joking about popping his proverbial cherry. but since Xenk takes everything serious he shouldn't known better. He looks away and rubs the back of his head a little sheepishly. ]

I don't know! Cazador liked young, pretty things. He often asked me to seek out the more, lets say, naïve. I've heard the stories too of course, so I assumed that might be part of it.

[ He sighs, talking to Xenk is always so weird. ]

It was only a joke, anyway! I don't even know why I'm bothering to explain all of this. My sense of humor is lost on you completely. I'll have you know, I'm hilarious, to the right audience, at least. If I have to explain it, it simply ruins the whole thing.

I see.

[ Xenk nods. He hasn't heard Astarion speak of his master before, this Cazador. He would have assumed the vampire compelled Astarion to do plenty of terrible things, so this is not too surprising. It perhaps would have been more surprising had Astarion known the answer to his question -- after all, the man doesn't drink human blood. ]

I do not traffic in jokes or colloquialisms, so your explanations are appreciated.

[ It shows that he cares! And really, Xenk could use the education on these things. He's serious by nature, of course, but he does have a sense of humor. It's just. Weird. ]

Perhaps next time, I will be able to find the humor in your words.

[ He's serious about this one too. Humor is important to Astarion, who is his friend. It means it might be worth... trying? Or at least learning about. ]

Edited 2023-08-28 06:12 (UTC)

[ Astarion has at least had human blood, but only like Tav and then some enemies. But we all know even under Paladin rules the blood of your enemies doesn't count and is totally fair game. ]

I imagine next time will be just as frustrating as this time, but I appreciate the thought.

[ he looks Xenk over, considering something for a moment. ]

Tyr doesn't ask you to be celibate, does he? That's not part of your oath?

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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