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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

[ Astarion hesitates, a momentary drop of his persona. First to look this man over--the hood was suspicious at best, and the red eyes didn't help. (Pot meet kettle, he supposes.) Although normally fairly perceptive when it comes to posture, Astarion will have to be forgiven for failing to notice any irregularities now. He's frazzled with this new place and being caught at something so sensitive. Also, he rolled a 10 on the d20 so there is that.

In any case, the hesitation turns into a short almost strangled laugh that certainly wasn't his intention. It's meant to sound blasé, or perhaps even derisive at the stranger for asking him to keep hunting rats as if this were a normal topic. As if he hadn't brought it up himself.

But of course, he had, and that was the rub. So he snaps the neck and before drinking it, too. A shame really the blood would cool and it wouldn't be nearly as good. Not that rats were very good in the first place. ]

Ta-da.

[ He casts the rat aside. Yes, see, he is just a Regular Normal Elf. Nothing to see here. ]

Effective, if nothing else.

[A dry sort of tone, even if there was a hint of something darkly amused as his posture straightened, a hand rested on hip and head tipped to another side. As if he were taking a look at the 'rat killer' there before him than he had already.

Was something of his luck, wasn't it? Exploring the hull of a ship trying to find the way out, and you meet such interesting people.]

I take it you know as much as I do about this ship, hm?

[A confident tone, but a guessed assumption at best.]

Ugh, no. I was hoping you might. I woke up here with these little beasties for friends and the smell of rotting fish. How do people live like this?

[ Boats...boats are bad. Also, here's the other thing that's bad about boats: water. There's just nothing but endless fucking water out there. And sure, he's crossed a few streams lately but he's sure as hells not taking his chance with an ocean ]

You don't think they execute stowaways, do you? I'm far too handsome to die and I didn't stowaway on purpose.

I woke up with more feathery friends- not they any of them were too happy about that. [Spoken with an amused huff, as if it were easier to make light of it all.] Same as people live with anything- they get used to it, and some likely smell far worse themselves.

[A hand gripped the top of another barrel as he felt the ship shift, eyes cutting sharply to one side as if chasing after something he barely caught sight of.

Could hope they were moving, and weren't out in the middle of some ocean. That once up top he could get a better pinpoint of where they were somehow with even some small glint of land. Old training—

Attention back on his 'friend' here just as quickly as it had shifted, grip easing on the barrel.

There was a smile that bared a glimpse of slightly sharp teeth for just a second.]

Can only hope not at this point. Large ship, depends on how long they've been at sea and if the stocks are poorly. [A small gesture for the general area with his other hand.]

Could always attempt to make a case. I wasn't anywhere near the ocean last I checked myself, after all.

[ He doesn't miss the teeth. This causes a conundrum. Does he just ask him about them? "How do you do, fellow vampire, were the chickens more tasty than the rats because rats suck?" That seems rude, to say in the least.

Gods, but he's still hungry. The thought of those chickens practically sets him to drooling but he gets ahold of himself. He's eaten less for longer. It's perfectly fine. He's good. He's great, even. ]

Have you gone above deck yet?

[ Or, you know, is the sun a problem. ]

[A low sound, a mix of a hum and a faint growl just there in his throat, in his chest. Idle, soft- Thoughtful.]

Not yet. I've been searching to see if there was anything of use down here before heading up.

[Like any of his gear, the mask was something he sorely was missing. A reason to compensate with even the ragged hood attached to what he was wearing, keeping it pulled to try and hide most of his face. Even if it was just the upper half shaded.]

Or if I could hunt down any stray crew down here.

[ That hardly answered the question. It just added to it, really! The use of hunt. It's almost enough to send a chill down his spine. A good one. ]

Well, we're out of luck on the "useful tools" front, I'm afraid. Unless you wanted to use apples as projectiles.

[ But just to be sure, Astarion yanks open the closest barrel. It is indeed fish, much to everyone's olfactory dismay. ]

Delightful. [ he closes the lid again and then turns back to his new acquaintance. ] But perhaps...we might work together?

[Out of luck with his more comfortable weaponry as well, it had seemed. His immediate spares would be with his coat, and any extra were no longer at the tips of fingers.]

Empty barrel could be more useful, but a pain to lug around. Makeshift weaponry is always an option if close enough to whatever 'kitchen' they keep.

[He could make do with bare hands and keeping to the shadows, not the first time he was ever at a disadvantage in unknown territory after all.

A wrinkle of his nose, but there was always worse.]

I'm game. [Shoulders rolled a little, glancing upwards briefly. There were definitely people around, even if above them- A light clap of hands together, before one was offered- skin a little blackened around fingers mixed with more natural tanned skin. An open accepting of that offer, given circumstances.] I work with partners often enough- most call me Reaper.

[A very to the point call-sign.]

[ Damn....Reaper is strong enough to lug around a barrel for fun. Astarion sure isn't! He'd crumble. ]

I'm Astarion.

[ He takes repear's hand and shakes it. Astarion is unnaturally pale, but at least the lack of sunlight in the hold makes it slightly less obvious. ]

I'll follow you lead. A knife or two wouldn't be remiss, were we to stop at the kitchen first.

[The type of man that would throw a barrel full of fish at someone if it came down to it.]

Astarion- pleasure, even if this is a hell of a place to meet.

[A firm and strong grip, but not painfully so in that shake. Skin a little cool in some places, warmer in others. Reaper could be in better shape, in his opinion, but was holding well despite that.

Another pair of eyes was better than one right now.]

Not familiar with the make of this ship, but I can guess to try and get us there along the way. Fairly large size, from what I've seen down here.

[Could be good to know the lay of things, if there was a need for a quick run-and-hide situation.

He did nudge a barrel out of the way, peering at a few orange with a lift of the lid, and pocketed one before moving past in the path opened that way.]

I work more in stealth, and knives are always useful there.

Likewise.

[ Formalities now taken care of, he watches Reaper take an orange and wonders if that's for eating or throwing but he doesn't bother to ask. He searches around a bit and finds some stray rope, which he does pocket. Some rope was better than no rope, and he knew his way around knots. ]

It appears we're cut from the same cloth.

[ stealth, sneaking around, knifing people in a sneak attack. All good tactics in his book. Far better than having to get wound up in some huge fight. ]

[He still hated everything about this; going in blind, on top of suddenly appearing here at all given he had been in the middle of something. The attempts at stretching out his senses hit a wall, as if he couldn't get past it. Actually somewhat unarmed for the first time in a very, very long time.

Irritating, and grating, but he could work with whatever he could find- and whoever he could find. Better to keep note, could be good to keep the names of those who could be worked with if they were all here for however long. Best to take advantage, wasn't it?

Eyeing barrels and crates they passed. A few hanging lamps so while dark it wasn't impossibly so for most people. Kept Astarion in the corners of his vision as he moved along-]

That right? Well, might make this easier if we do manage to hunt down someone that way. I find it better to work from the shadows, cause a little chaos when needed; take advantage while remaining unseen.

[Could smell spices in the air now. Stored or held in a cooking area?]

[ Astarion could be eerily quiet when he wanted to be. Like the dead, really. Each step quiet and focused, crouched down to keep out of sight. But he stays close enough that Reaper won't fear that he's falling behind. This is work he's used to. But he'd feel better with a weapon in hand, too. ]

Maybe we'll get lucky.

[ Just find some knives, and then sail into port undetected. Wouldn't that be nice? ]

[There were brief moments where Reaper's own form seemed to blur at the edges, a little curl of 'shadow' here and there. For a man of his size? He too was so eerily quiet, and did well for the two of them moving together along the shadows crates and barrels created.

Could hear others moving, trying to pinpoint if it was above or the same level of them as things creaked just due to the movement of the ship through water.]

Due for some.

[He did stop at the edge of a row, a lit lamp swaying from where it was held to a bulkhead on one side. Hand on one of the barrels near and kept low. Even with senses that felt dulled to him—]

Think we're finally not alone.

[The scent of spices and some meat- cooking perhaps. Maybe it was around some meal time if they were lucky.]

[ Astarion can feel it too. The heartbeat, the sense of blood nearby--it's more potent than the spices and the meat itself. ]

Getting closer to our target then.

[ If it's the two of them and one cook they could definitely knock that person out and take some knives. Easy. The last thing they need is to get caught out here in the ocean. ]

[Reaper leaned forwards enough that he could peak around the bulkhead, fingers curled along the edge. Still keeping mind of the steps from the deck above, but focusing on the sounds just head of them. One person moving from the sounds of it, metal clanging-

Washing up what pots and pans were had?

Distracted then.]

I can go for them and you follow after. Grab what you find suitable, and I may take the opportunity to ask our new friend a few questions if he doesn't put up too much of a fuss.

[The orange would come in handy there if he needed a quick gag.]

Sound fair?

As you wish.

[ It's a good plan, and it puts their particular advantages at play. He fishes the rope out of his pocket and hands it over. If Reaper wants to torture someone, it'll be easier tying them up. ]

Here. Take this.

[The rope was taken, letting it curl a bit around hand and wrist as if to keep better hold of it, a tip of his head in thanks.]

You will know exactly when it's safe for you to come in, and hopefully there is something suitable.

[And temporary at that. He had his own knife of course amongst his gear that he sorely wished he had now, or even the sharp claws and blades along glove and gauntlets.

There was a moment where he listened, and then when he felt that so very familiar feeling creep without struggle—]

Time to play- and see you in a moment.

[—Reaper's entire form engulfed in black smoke-like shadow with hints of reds and purples as he moved forwards quickly, darting the corner he had to take soundlessly.

There was a startled sound sharply cut off, and all sounds of washing stopped. A pot hit the floor, but Reaper caught the crewmate from behind with an arm locked around neck and head. Orange already shoved into the poor man's mouth.

Hard to say when that rope had exactly been tied around hands either.

Silence could have been enough of a signal to follow, at least.]

[ Silence is a perfect signal. Astarion stalks his way in, low to the ground and silent. Knives fall easily from blocks as he gathers a nice array for them. Larger knives for fighting, smaller knives for picking locks. He finds more rope coiled away in a cabinet, a meat hammer, a smattering of coins, and a useless recipe book which he leaves behind. (Those books will encumber you before you know it!) But he had to look, what if it was a tome on necromancy? Wizards have been known to leave books in stranger places.

He slips a knife into Reaper's pocket as well--or tries to, Reaper might get spooked and move faster than him, but the attempt is there. A little something to help him with their guest, if needed. No one is ever going to accuse Astarion of being lawful good. ]

[Cut short quickly enough that if there had been anyone else nearby, they wouldn't have heard a sound of that pot dropping at the very least. An unfortunately thing he could catch, smothered as the rest of him felt in that form of his. Had certainly caused that irritation at the situation to grow that much more; something was actually manage to stifle his abilities like nothing else had.

Oh well, it worked out.

Reaper's head did tilt in acknowledging when Astarion slipped in, letting most of his attention move back to the man in his hold. Brow furrowing the moment he felt them relax against him, yet didn't try to slip free with that suddenness. Curious.

He did tense for a moment at the slip of a knife, but then that faded when he could tell who it was.] Quite the treasure trove of knives here.

[His ton had dropped to something deeper, the growl more prominent in how it rumbled; quiet enough that none outside of that little area they were could hear. A hand went to hover over the orange that hand gagged the crewmate he'd gotten, tell-tale that he could remove it if—]

If you don't yell, this could remain boring and uneventful outside of questions answered. Clear?

[There was a slow and firm nod, intentionally made clear. Not their first time, perhaps?

Reaper tipped his head toward Astarion.]

Care to stay if this one remains helpful? Perhaps if he goes back on that as well.

[Really was unfortunate he didn't have his gloves and gauntlets. Would have made much more of an impression for this questioning.]

[ He doesn't really want this random cook to know both their faces, but he'll stay if he needs to. And truthfully...he does kind of want to watch this man work. The sound of his voice made it clear he meant it and there was something rather alluring about a man who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. ]

Sure, why not? This could be fun.

Hopefully it will be information that will do us both some good.

[His eyes were still on the cook he kept held in that headlock that could easily cause a broken neck if Reaper moved the right way. A hold he was very familiar with, given the man was still breathing, eyes still wide as fingers dug a little near the jaw.

The rest still relaxed, despite the rope and the hold, as if to further promote there wouldn't be a struggle.

Eyes narrowed briefly, free hand moving to take the orange-gag out-

"Riftfarers," Quietly, addressing them both. "No harm meant with you here."

Was... was that an attempt to soothe them?]

Sure you want to implicate you know what's going on? You could easily find out what happens to those that try to lie, as if it'd make me easier on them. [Wasn't sure he could drain the man for a slow agonizing experience, but he knew quite a many other ways.

Even if torture didn't often get actually helpful results, it made the waste of time something.

Reaper's arm tightened in clear threat as well.

There was a gasp, and then likely a reminder to keep quiet rather than draw attention to the kitchens. "Aye- you're part of the crew, wouldn'ta landed in here elsewise."]

Is he being...nice?

[ Astarion's tone is incredulous. He, like Reaper, obviously wasn't expecting that at all. And yet, the guy continues to tell them they're part of the crew like they're all buds. What the hells kind of kidnapping experience was this? And even if this guy really was friendly, shouldn't holding him hostage aggro him? ]

[This was confusing at- worst? Best? Reaper wasn't even sure at this point given the cook's attitude. Fear was still there, but almost could assume this may not have been the first time he'd ever been taken hostage to be questioned.

The hell was going on?]

Nice and helpful. [Spoken in a tone that may have given away he... didn't like it, didn't quite trust it.

"Confusion ain't strange given what happened here-" Reaper tightened his arm again for quiet.]

Helpful isn't too strange with enough fear, but this is new. What are you going on about?

["You ain't the first, and ain't gonna be the last. Riftfarers appear outta thin air a lot, either on the main ship or in the drink to be fished out by wh'ever's on deck."]

[ Truthfully, Astarion was going to let Reaper do all the talking, but with this knew knowledge (and this NPC's apparent willingness to give exposition) he really can't help himself). ]

"A lot"? How many are we talking?

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

cw: rodent death

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