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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

[ Oh, he's well aware. Even he knows better than to bring up the whole Bhaal crisis with a Baldurian. ]

You travel with the druid Halsin, and the harper Jaheira as well?

[ Xenk is super impressed—that's a combination one only hears about in legends. Jaheira herself was said to have played a part in taking down Bhaal's attempted resurgence. Not to mention that she's High Harper, an organization that Xenk was worked with so closely in the past. ]

With allies such as those you have described, it is little wonder you've garnered the attention of the gods.

Not all divine attention is good.

[ Mystra...Shar....The Dead Three, they're certainly stacking it up here.

But by now they've made it back to port! Good job boys! ]

No, I do not imagine it is.

[ Like, his Oath lets him use Tyr's magic, but has he ever spoken to Tyr? No. He's not a cleric. Plus there are a lot of wild gods out there, they're not all about justice and doing good.

But yay, port! They've made it back. Xenk begins to check his gear over, just to make sure he's got everything in line before they go. ]

I should like to hear more of your party, if you are amenable to spending more time together once we are on land.

[ Wow, he really said it!! He can't exactly invite Astarion out for drinks, but you know. That's what he's asking. ]

Edited (clearer) 2023-08-28 19:45 (UTC)

[ Whoa....Xenk wants to hang out with him? Damn. ]

Sure. Let's--

[ He's about to say "go get a drink" but then he stops ]

You know what? There's a lovely little spot at the end of the boardwalk. You already know I can't drink anyway! Why keep spending the coin on false pretenses. Besides, they have tea, which I assume you're more partial to.

[ You can't just namedrop a bunch of famous do-gooders and not expect Xenk to want to hear more! He likes to keep up with the Harpers, and besides, he's enjoying Astarion's candor as well.

As Astarion said, Xenk knows that drinks would be a waste of his money, so he's happy to hear that Astarion has other options. ]

I quite enjoy tea. I should like that as well.

[ He's in!! Tea and a view of the ocean sounds much more amenable to Xenk than a loud tavern, anyway. ]

Alright then, come on. It's this way.

[ he heads off in the direction of the this tea and boba place. ]

I'm all pointy ears. What did you want to ask about?

Edited (Icon ) 2023-08-28 21:29 (UTC)

[ I'm all pointy ears............ this guy. Xenk follows, finding the turn of phrase almost charming. It is indeed an accurate statement, even if there's some wordplay involved. 3.5 stars from Xenk for that one. ]

You described a varied group, from your cleric of Shar to one of Zariel's many tieflings. And yet you counted the High Harper Jaheira, and a warlock with a cambion for a patron, as well. It seems your party spans a great many realms, with a great many range of ideals. Such tales are the topic of legends.

[ He wants to hear them all, but he's gotta pick one to start, huh... ]

Tell me of this wizard who believes he was Mystra's paramour. Was there any truth to his claims?

[ Sorry, that's just the one that's the most out-there, if you ask him. ]

Edited (grammar) 2023-08-28 22:28 (UTC)

That would be Gale. The self titled "Wizard of Waterdeep."

[ he shoots Xenk a sly little smile over the fact he wanted to start here. ]

Why? Hoping you'll find a way to get acquainted with Tyr's righteous hammer?

[ the hammer is -- ]

[ Xenk doesn't falter in his steps, though his ears do warm. From indignation, surely! ]

The gods do not normally take interest in the individual lives of mortals.

[ The hammer doesn't even have to be a metaphor for that to make Xenk blush, ok. But he persists, as is his way. Though he ignored Astarion's question! Please. No comment. ]

It seemed the a most ridiculous claim. Had he any proof?

Edited (he's not a tyrfucker he's not a tyrfucker he's not a tyrfucker) 2023-08-28 22:43 (UTC)

You ignored my question! You didn't even ask me what I was implying.

[ he giggles in the most gremlin way possible ]

I'm sure someone has written something positively about that. Too bad we aren't at home, I'd help you find it myself.

I like knowing this about you!

[ but ok ok he'll answer the question ]

No proof of the sex, of course, but she did give him a private audience when we reached Baldur's Gate.

[ Astarion laughter compilation.mp4 ]

The context of our conversation made the meaning behind your implication clear. You speak of a sexual fantasy.

[ Why is this something that Astarion likes knowing? Xenk isn't normally flustered, so this is weird for him too. Everyone dreams of having sex with a god, right? Don't they? They must. Evidently this Gale made his fantasy a reality. ~~Good for him.~~

Regardless, Xenk clears his throat in an attempt at reining in this strange predicament. There's nothing shameful about thoughts. There's no tenet against fantasies. ]

He must be a very powerful wizard, to have drawn the eye of the goddess of magic itself.

[ He looks over at Astarion. This fairly normal-looking elf with his many eccentricities and quirks. That he can stand on equal footing with the likes of so many truly speaks to his talent and character. Xenk respects Astarion even more now. (Yes, even after the sex jokes.) ]

Edited (html) 2023-08-28 23:09 (UTC)

Look at you, learning!

[ he claps his hands i'm so sorry for this man ]

I'm proud of you, Xenk!

[ not even his full name, because right now he's not doing bullshit paladin stuff. he's just being a regular guy--although, admittedly, Astarion's definition of "regular" is anything but. ]

You're not wrong. Even I can admit he's talented. His assistance has gotten us out of more than one sticky situation.

[ Even if his fireball aim is A LITTLE SUSPECT. "don't worry you have uncanny dodge" is not actually a correct plan.

this is a call out for me. i'm calling out myself. i'm so sorry astarion. ]

[ See, anyone else would pick up on the fact that that might be a little sarcastic. But this is Xenk, and so he actually... appreciates Astarion's words and gesture. After all, they're friends. Why would he be ironic now? ]

I... thank you.

[ This is so weird but like, yeah, they are so far from "regular" people that this may as well be their friendship. He wasn't even trying to say anything special, he's just actually giving this conversation his full attention. It's nice to get praise from your friends. ]

A wizened wizard is a valuable asset.

[ He's picturing an Elminster type, btw. Get that wizard hat on, Gale. Go pick Evocation if you want to turn off friendly-fire. ]

What of the High Harper? How did you meet?

He is useful. He's not bad to look at, either--wizened only in knowledge, not in age.

[ so not elminster!! Even more impressive really. ]

We met Jaheira while we were trying to get through the shadow cursed lands.

[ Can't believe Astarion Baldur's Gate told Xenk Yendar that he was proud of him... and he meant it. ]

So he is attractive? Is it his appearance that took Mystra's attention?

[ Look, he's still. He's still thinking about that, much as he may try to change the subject. Ehem. ]

The Shadow-cursed lands... I have heard tell of this. It is some manner of Sharrian curse, bringing horrors from the shadowfell into the road from Elturel to Baldur's Gate?

That or his massive amount of magical energy.

[ or maybe he's really good at sex? Astarion hasn't had the pleasure, alas. ]

That's correct. The curse has been lifted, but it wasn't fun to traverse! Even for me. There were spirits everywhere, it was ghastly.

[ stop him ]

[ That Gale of Waterdeep has some secret sex magic, you just know it. Not that Xenk has a vivid enough imagination for that. ]

I heard tell stories of the curses effects on the land and its people. Were you and your companions to thank for lifting the shadow curse?

[ Are you perhaps... a hero, Astarion? ]

[ he is not a hero!! Don't look at him like that. ]

I picked a few locks. Shot a few arrows. Fought a giant construct of Myrkul.

[ It's too late now, Astarion!!!!! That's hero shit! Xenk's eyes go wide. ]

You need not be so modest! You fought an Avatar of Myrkul? Dread god of death and bones? That is no small feat, my friend.

[ I don't remember what Myrkul was specifically but it's definitely not murder or pain right. Just bear with me here. ]

No, I suppose it wasn't! We really are on quite the adventure, aren't we? Unfortunately there are yet two more of the Dead Three's chosen standing between us and the elder brain they're trying to control, so we may end up dead and buried before we ever see the end of the quest.

[ And then, there's the whole thing about his personal quest, still yet unfinished. ]

It certainly isn't what I expected when this all started.

You have been beset by peril upon peril. Mind flayers would make for a dangerous enough tale on their own. Adding the Dead Three, and a shadow curse besides... Would that I were able to assist you. But it sounds as though your allies have been just and swift. I am glad.

[ Damn, two more left, huh... If only Xenk could be there, he'd love to fight some death gods. And realistically it sounds like Astarion's party already has many warriors, so he wouldn't even need to worry about outshining anyone! ]

Most great legends begin with modest origins. Yours will be no different.

A "great legend"? I like the sound of that. It has a lovely ring to it.

[ They have arrived at "The Dragon's Milk," which as promised has a great spot to look at the water from and also a full menu of fancy boba milk tea. Don't even try asking Astarion what boba is, he definitely doesn't know. ]

Here we are. I'll find us somewhere to sit, come join me once you've ordered.

[ It's kind of a relief to not have to pretend?? Like they can just be two weird undead guys together and understand each others' weird needs.

[ Xenk smiles. With that much stuff, there's no way people don't make legends about them. Astarion deserves a starring role, at least as far as Xenk is concerned. It's an amazing list of achievements for anyone, never mind a vampire spawn who's tasted freedom for the first time.

But just as he's about to launch into a very honest spiel of compliments, they arrive at their destination. Yeah, Xenk has never heard of boba either. He is not going to try any of that weird stuff -- why would you put sweet things in tea, anyway? ]

My thanks. I will join you shortly.

[ It is nice to just be himself around Astarion. He certainly doesn't mind the company, and this place has a much calmer ambiance than the tavern had been. Xenk follows the signs to the front, where he makes his order. Some kind of herbal tea, and nothing else. The salesperson tries to upsell him some boba, but the sheer amount of ingredients proves a little overwhelming for him, so he just goes for the tea. Luckily the salesperson was also hitting on him (unbeknownst to Xenk) so they don't seem too disappointed at their missed sale.

Xenk finds Astarion only moments later, a tea kettle and cup in hand. ]

I apologize for the delay. They attempted to sell me a "boba tea."

I take it you decided not to try.

[ What a shame!! you gotta try new things, Xenk. ]

There were too many options. I will need more time to decide, next time.

[ But he doesn't totally write it off... He understands that Astarion can't try these things at all, so it isn't something to take for granted. He just didn't want to stand there and keep Astarion waiting.

But right now, he's happy with his herbal tea. He takes a seat across from Astarion and pours some into his cup, letting it cool. It smells great, though. He could probably drink it this hot, but it'd burn his mouth and then he'd have to wait for it to heal. So he'll wait. ]

I would not have thought to patronize this place without your invitation. Thank you for showing me.

Edited (he's very polite) 2023-08-29 07:58 (UTC)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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Just remember you told me I could do this

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