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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

[ Why he modest when you're good at everything? Xenk wouldn't a say it like that, of course, but the fact is that he can't lie, so even his boasts are complete fact in his mind.

So he had little trouble believing that Alucard was a great mage. A boast like that has a certain ring to it when it's a lie. Just as false sympathy can feel so hollow—but Alucard gives him none of that.

He's a good person, Xenk has no doubt about that now. The lies and tricks can't hide the truth from him. It eases his heart to know it. ]

I appreciate your sympathy. It has been over a century, but it will always ache to think of my home. Nonetheless, I have met many good people in my travels and aided many more. It is easier now, as it is my hope to turn this curse into a blessing and use this life to help those in need. My hope is that I might show the world that Thay was once a land where kindness could dwell.

[ He pauses, letting the memory linger, letting himself feel that sorrow before taking a deep breath and moving on. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't regret what happened to his home, but he has lived long enough to keep it from holding him back. It's easy to see why he is so devoted to his Oath. ]

Now, it is your turn, my friend.

[ Oh Xenk, you would make him so nervous and flustered if you voiced that opinion out loud. He likes to keep people guessing - even himself at times.

Kindness can be very difficult, even detrimental. Alucard's not sure if he admires the path Xenk has decided to take or if he pities the other man; he is certain someone will try and take advantage of it, if they haven't already, worse than he already has. It's a troubling thought, and a good thing Xenk is so hardy. ]

How about we talk about our likes next?

[ After such a heavy topic, some good vibes seem desperately needed. Alucard voluntarily takes a swig of his drink to soothe himself, and he's not even the one who just got done talking about their trauma. After setting it down, he folds his arms in front of him on the table, one hand moving to thoughtfully rub at the cuff of his uniform. ]

I've only ever been in love once. I pass most of my free time on the ship these days reading. And I think the best part about traveling is getting to sample the local cuisine.

[ He ceases the touch at his sleeve and lifts the hand to give his chin a perch once more, smilingly. ]

[ He believes in the innate goodness of everyone, but especially rogues and thieves who are clearly hiding a heart of gold. Xenk himself has fallen pray to many a blunder, but he'll keep doing it because it's right. And because he must.

It wouldn't do for a paladin to extend anything but a compassionate hand to those around him, after all. He nods and pays attention to Alucard's next line of statements, focusing on his body language as well this time. ]

Have you traveled by boat often before?

[ There you go, he's learning! This question has an obvious answer, but you know. ]

Edited (fixed a little) 2023-08-29 21:23 (UTC)

[ So what you're saying is Xenk has a Type. Good to know.

There's a wry tug at his lips and the hand that's on the table curls in on itself. ]

I've spent the better part of the past three years at sea.

[ Don't call him out, you're not supposed to know he has a type!

Xenk feels somewhat vindicated that the answer yields more details. He must have picked a good one! ]

Do you enjoy it? Or are you from an archipelago, and travel by sea is common fare?

Sometimes I do. I'm from a city that has over twenty rivers flowing through it and one particularly large one that leads to the sea. In addition to being used for travel, the river also hosts events on floating arenas. So I suppose you could say water has always been a way of life.

In fact, it is for that reason that the majority of our people are water magicians, assuming they can cast any magic at all.

[ The fondness he has for the place he describes is hard to miss. ]

[ Xenk smiles. It's always nice to hear people speak of their home fondly. Everyone deserves a place they call home, to hold closely in memory. ]

Then I believe the lie is in your final statement. You do not travel to taste the local cuisine?

[ He'd meant for that to sound more sure, but he ends it as a question because he's still very unused to this. Usually he's a lot better at sniffing out lies, but Alucard is a worthy rival here. ]

True love is a rare thing, besides. I do not believe you would have mentioned it simply in passing, were that the lie.

[ Alucard smiles in turn, pleased. He reaches to raise his mug. ]

Well done. The best part of traveling is meeting the all the new people, locals included.

[ He takes a drink, his eyes soft. ]

Many people over a certain age have presumably had several romantic entanglements, at least from what I understand. Some don't even believe love exists, or can't for them.

Have you ever been in love, Xenk?

[ Xenk smiles brightly. Ha-ha! He did it, he found the lie! His countenance seems more sure of himself now, thanks for making it so easy, Alucard. He'd worried for a moment that he'd lost it, that his ability to weed out lies had diluted itself somehow. He's cheered to see that it isn't the case. ]

I agree with you. The people we encounter in our travels are what make them memorable.

[ At Alucard's question, he pauses. Then takes a sip of his drink. He has no trouble answering, of course. He's always honest, especially with direct questions. It's just... a complicated question, given his everything. And complicated feelings are difficult enough for him. ]

I have not. I experience attraction quite rarely, and have not pursued any of them in all my years. [ He's serious as he speaks -- he always is, but the words seem a little heavier than usual, here. ] This curse I bear is a heavy burden, and not one I should like to weigh down on another.

[ All he did was answer Xenk's question as truthfully as he was comfortable with, sidestepping where he didn't. It was up to the other man to draw the right conclusion.

His brow furrows a little as he listens to Xenk's explanation of his lack of love life. ]

Is the curse... transferable?

[ You got a fantasy STD, sir? ]

[ Congratulations, you have confused Xenk. How did he ever get to that conclusion? (It's actually not that hard to see, Xenk.) ]

No, it is not. I meant merely that I would outlive my partner, regardless of their race. To watch one's loved ones age and remain as I am would be a terrible fate. And for them to grow old while I remained ever stalwart... I could not bear it.

[ Alucard reaches for his mug, dropping his eyes to the contents, which he swirls around by the fingertips as if this were a wine glass and not a beer. ]

Ah... But to never know the love of another might be an even greater tragedy still. A man like yourself deserves to have someone who looks after his needs for once. [ The blue eyes come up, steady. ] You of all people seem worthy of someone's devotion and affections. Besides, some curses can be broken.

[ Not to mention Xenk is smoking hot. What a waste of a perfectly good man. If Alucard didn't have hang-ups of his own, he might have just ruined this moment by making a pass. As it stands, though, he takes a sip of his beer and gives Xenk an out for responding. ]

It's your turn.

Edited 2023-08-30 03:28 (UTC)

[ Xenk smiles a bit pained. He knows. He knows it's a shame. He's heard many times, and yet... ]

It is a dream. And I do not think myself unworthy, I merely... wish to save my lover the heartache. I am quite well on my own, and my Oath keeps me well occupied.

[ He can see that Alucard is just looking out for him, and that warms his heart slightly. But Xenk isn't an amorous sort. Rather, he's completely oblivious to most flirting unless you spell it out, so the pass could have just as easily gone unnoticed. ]

Your words are a kind gesture. But I know what would break my curse -- and that is the death of Szass Tam.

[ The necromancer that created his curse, of course. But that's neither here nor there. Xenk shifts his mug over, his focus back on the game. ]

For likes... I enjoy riding on horseback, drinking fine wine, and traversing the Underdark.

[ Wow, Xenk actually responded to that. Alucard would have thought he'd use the opening to move on, probably because it's what he might have done if the roles were reversed somehow. Now he wants to argue some more!

Okay. Just one last word on that and he'll set a pin in the topic to harass Xenk with later. He holds up a finger off his mug, resembling for a moment a teacher lecturing a student. ]

We're in a world wholly separate from yours - you don't know anything. The rules have changed.

[ At which point the finger gestures to Xenk's tattooed hand. A second finger raises. ]

What is the Underdark?

[ Jarlaxle briefly explained it to him and it seems like a foreboding place. He wonders what Xenk's perspective of it is. ]

[ Xenk is very good at talking. Even about himself! Even about things most people wouldn't bother to explain. He tilts his head in confusion at Alucard's gesture though. He's not so sure that things could change so easily, when the tattoo in his hand merely brought his magic back...

But all the same, that may be conversation for another day. Or Alucard can press him on his next turn. For now, he is playing the game. ]

The Underdark is what we call the series of cavernous depths that exist beneath Faerun. It is a largely lawless place, filled with monsters and creatures that shy from the sun and exist in great fallen temples and ancient cities. The duergar, or deep gnomes, call the Underdark home, though their great civilization has fallen to ruin of late. The drow, a subset of the elves, have many great cities there as well, with great clans that often wage war with one another. They do not welcome outsiders.

[ That's a nice way of saying that the drow kill outsiders on sight, basically. ]

You've put me in a bit of a bind here. Any place you describe as lawless doesn't seem like a place you'd want to be, but I can't understand why we're not drinking wine right now if that's your preference.

[ It's certainly his. He might be all but pouting. ]

[ Xenk's eyes gleam with a very rare thing indeed -- mischief. Perhaps even pride. He's stumped the great schemer, proven himself skilled in this new game. (It's literally just two truths a lie, it's not that deep, Alucard.) ]

Do you relent? Or is that your choice?

Edited 2023-08-30 06:15 (UTC)

[ Alucard recognizes that mischief and he can't help but laugh, feeling his own sense of victory for being responsible for its being there. It's such a boyish look; it's very endearing. ]

I'm going to say the second one is the lie, because I don't want to believe you've betrayed me so.

[ Xenk releases a great sigh. He had so hoped he could get this one. Had even tried his "own" kind of misdirection by being exceedingly detailed about the Underdark... to no avail. ]

Alas, it seems I cannot fool you. You are correct. [ He takes a long swig of his beer. ] I do not favor wine, fine or otherwise. In truth, I cannot tell the difference in their quality and taste.

[ Aww, Xenk... It was a great effort, buddy. You don't have to get everything right on the first or second try. ]

I'm happy to educate you some other time. I'm still working on my collection. There's no telling how many nights we'll be at sea on the Royale Fortune with nothing else to do but keep one another company.

But why would you enjoy going into this Underdark? It sounds so malevolent.

Something to look forward to.

[ Xenk smiles. It's true, with the two of them being brothers at arms, they have many long nights ahead of them. He finds he does not mind it. Alucard may be an excellent liar, but he is an interesting person indeed. ]

It is dangerous, but it is also beautiful. The earth opens up into great caverns, often lit only by the light of the moon or whatever plants and stones that make their home there. As I am able to see without the need of a source of light, my travels there have always been memorable. And the people whose only wish is to survive there are a wonder to behold. I do not regret my travels there.

Edited 2023-08-30 15:15 (UTC)

I'll let you teach the next game; it's only fair.

[ At the very least, Xenk is amusing. He also comes from an interesting world and seems to enjoy explaining it. Alucard is a good liar, but he wasn't lying when he said the most interesting thing to him about traveling was meeting new people. Part of that was learning their perspective and being able to see the world through their eyes, which is what Xenk is giving him now. ]

What brought you down there? These duergar you mentioned?

Indeed. Next time.

[ His games probably amount to Faerun Never Have I Ever and dominoes or something, ngl. Also I mixed up duergar and deep gnomes because they're two separate races and DND is hard, so let's just pretend I didn't. Xenk would never! ]

Something to that effect. I was left in possession of a powerful but dangerous magical artefact: the Helm of Disjunction, an item capable of dispelling any magical lock or binding, regardless of its power. It was highly sought by powers throughout Faerun, thus was it my intention to hide it somewhere it could be kept safe, though not destroyed, should the tool be needed for the greater good. In the Underdark, I found a clan of deep gnomes that were struggling under the enslavement of mind flayers, and aided them in gaining their freedom. In thanks, the gnomes agreed to hide my bounty in their ancient ruins, which are kept safe by traps and the natural perils of the area.

[ You know Alucard is going to love "never have I ever" and he will like dominoes. Also, I knew what you meant and didn't want to "um, actually" you about a race called Sverfneblin of all things. ]

How interesting you and I should share something else in common. Dare I ask what manner of creature earns the moniker mindflayer?

[ It's hilarious because the deep gnomes literally call him out on actually pronouncing sverfneblin correctly. They're so pressed, how is this guy real? ]

Mind flayers are soulless, tentacled creatures from the astral plane. They feed by consuming the brains of mortals and propagate by infecting others with their tadpoles. They seek total the subjugation of all other races, and operate from hive minds, which control all those in their thrall through force and pain of death.

I do not say this lightly, but they are very nearly Evil by design.

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

hoo boy alucard got a storm comin

v.e. schwab is a sadist, I'm convinced. death is too good for her darlings

you love to see it

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