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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

[ Xenk had thought about it, maybe for a few seconds, before deciding he wouldn't judge. That's just the kind of guy he is. ]

They have very different tentacles. Mind flayers are more squid-like in appearance, and take the forms of either large, tentacled brains, or the clawed bodies of men with a squid in place of a head. Knistej is clearly a large, sentient octopode. It would be prejudicial to judge one for the other, with such obvious differences.

[ He says this like it's the most obvious thing in the world. How could anyone possibly confuse an octopus for a squid? ]

I see.

[ Xenk's description is enough for Alucard's imagination to paint a vivid picture. He doesn't like it, especially the brain with tentacles.

With a sigh, he shakes his head and raises his beer for another drink. ]

The only creatures with sentience in my world are humans. Arriving here has been quite the learning experience for me to say the least.

[ He's long since learned how not to look like a tourist and keep a poker face for the most part. ]

Here's hoping one of those damned things don't end up on the ship; who knows how everyone ends up here.

[ It's bad. Mind flayers are bad! At least that's one kind of creature must everyone can agree on. ]

Truly? You do not even have elves?

[ Xenk is shocked to hear it. He hasn't seen any elves here in Eltrut, but he would have assumed they were just somewhere else. Everywhere has elves! ]

If one did, it must be killed quickly. Their mind powers are not to be underestimated.

[ Xenk is very clear in the urgency here. He's slayed plenty of them before, and he would do it again. ]

I do agree that we should hope one does not appear. They are not exclusive to the Underdark, and are held at bay largely due to their war with the githyanki. It is for the best that they remain away from this place.

[ Alucard shakes his head and gives a bemused sort of smile at Xenk's incredulity. He has, in fact, seen an elf, but doesn't know it. And besides, Xenk asked if they had elves where Alucard came from; they don't.

Mind powers... That certainly doesn't sound fun. Xenk's insistence is interesting, though. It's in this moment Alucard realizes he's talking to not just a protector, but a killer. It had been easy not to think about when the focus had been on truth, goodness, and justice. ]

Is there any particular method you suggest to kill them or will a sword do?

[ He's being very nonchalant about the whole thing. ]

[ Alas, every good paladin has their pratfalls. And Xenk has been along too long to risk hesitation when it comes to mind flayers... if anything deserves swift retribution, it's them. But the ease with which he talks about it speaks to an ease to acts of violence despite his kindly nature. He is good, yes, but he is equally lawful. It's easy to forget, when he's just talking about his curse, or enjoying cheap beer with a new friend. ]

A sword is enough, but swiftness is key. They are wont to play tricks on their enemies, and invade the minds of their prey. They can see inside your thoughts and pry your memories from the depths of your mind, using any fears or insecurities against you.

[ Yeah, Xenk is gonna just take another sip of his beer, finishing it off. These are creatures even he won't give clemency to, but it's not hard to see why, knowing his past. ]

They are vile creatures, of that there can be no doubt.

So swing for the head on the squid ones, I imagine. Understood.

[ The brains Xenk described sound like they're vulnerable to any sort of attack - that's generally why they're kept behind skulls, after all.

Seeing Xenk finishing his beer, Alucard gives a little nod towards it. ]

Another round, my friend? Or should we call it a night?

Correct. Best not to hesitate.

[ Fuck mindflayers tbh!! They are without a doubt the worst creatures ever created. Xenk raises his glass with a smile. Like, this is totally normal stuff for him to talk about. ]

Another round, if you would. Unless you wish to retire for the evening.

We can absolutely have another round!

[ What is this, two beers? Alucard is probably just starting to feel warm, so he's all for another. Besides, three is a lucky number, isn't it? ]

Another round of the game as well, or...?

[ One more shot to get him, Xenk. ]

[ Two beers will do nothing to Xenk, but it's the comraderie and mirth that gives the drinking value. ]

Indeed, I would like to try once more. I believe I can master this.

[ Can he, though??? He calls over a waiter regardless, kindly asking for refills. It's just the nice thing to do! ]

Edited 2023-08-31 03:37 (UTC)

[ Well yeah, Xenk's got that poison resistance and he's big besides. Alucard isn't small, but he's usually got some sort of alcohol in him at any given time, so he's basically primed to go.

He'll let Xenk handle rallying the server since he seems so eager to do so. ]

Then, if I'm not mistaken, it's your turn to pick the topic and my turn to start.

[ Once he would have thought himself above drinking for pleasure—it seems the more he tries it, the more fun he has with it. It's enjoyable.

He's having fun. The server brings them each a new tankard, with Xenk handing them a few coins in payment. Sorry if you thought charity didn't extend to drinks, Xenk is paying now, I guess. ]

Very well. Perhaps... our dislikes, you said? You may be as broad or as detailed as you wish.

[ It's a pleasant surprise, but Alucard doesn't see it as charity any more than he saw paying for Xenk's drinks so far. To him it's more like an investment. ]

Thank you.

[ He'll use the time it takes for the drinks to come to them to think over what he's going to say, leaned back in his seat with his fingers stroking his beard as he contemplates. This one is a much more difficult topic for him to tackle; it was easy to brag and talk about what they like, but this has briers. He wishes Xenk hadn't asked it, but maybe that was his own fault for putting it up as an example for him to latch onto.

A good performer works with what he has. And when the drinks come, he sits up straighter, looking brighter, like this was all he was waiting for in order to begin. He curls his hand around the fresh tankard. ]

I could count the number of people I've actually hated on one hand. I don't like long silences... [ Yet he lets a little one stretch here, lips tugging playfully. He enjoys his own jokes even if Xenk might not. ] And I hate large parties, especially the ones that force you to dress up in certain ways.

[ Xenk is a good listener. He may miss context clues and run his mouth pointing out the obvious, but he's attentive. It's not lost on him that Alucard seems to be considering this one far more than the others. Or perhaps he's simply growing tired? It's hard for him to be sure.

Dislikes and hatred can be difficult to admit. True ones, at least. Perhaps that's what's difficult. But he listens as Alucard becomes animated, recognizing the bravado Xenk has seen in so many before. He won't press what's the obvious wound—let the man keep his secrets about whomever he hates. Xenk is playing this game to enjoy the company, not make him uncomfortable. ]

Have you been to many such parties? I am familiar with the type you mention.

[ Hey, isn't it a positive thing not to be very hateful? At least he thought that was a good spin. But Xenk has picked the topic correctly, and Alucard gives a sigh, dropping his head into his hand with a weary sort of smile. ]

Just recently I participated in a competition over the span of five days. And every night of those five days had yet another party to go to at the palace. Of course, as a competitor it was expected I show up to them all. Dressed up every time, mind - not looking bedraggled from the matches.

[ It is! Good on Alucard for only having a few rivals. Xenk will be sure to ask in the bluntest way possible, for maximum effect, once he feels he's taken it easy enough on Alucard. That's what friends do, right? ]

You are brave to have survived. One night of those festivities is well and nearly more than I can take.

[ He hates those parties, too! It's almost odd to hear Xenk almost complain. But he brightens as he readies the next question, because he knows it will cut to the heart of the matter, and Xenk does so love pure honesty. ]

And those you hate? They have wronged you, I imagine.

[ He makes a rumbling, almost humming note of a chuckle as Xenk said it was nearly more than he could take. He figured that might be the case. For some reason, the man strikes him as a bit of a wallflower.

Alucard had given his statements knowing he may need to answer questions, so when Xenk inquires about those he hates, his expression doesn't so much as twitch. Xenk might notice the thumb on the table does, shifting against the cuff and soundlessly tapping the wood of the table. ]

Why else would you hate someone?

[ A noncommittal answer within a question. ]

[ There's a stiffness to people who are uncomfortable—a stiffness that Xenk displays on most days, simply by virtue of being himself. He knows it when he sees how Alucard deflects, his minute tell giving Xenk pause.

He should tread lightly. Well, as lightly as a man like him can. Which isn't very light, he wears half plate armor most of the time. ]

One can hate by proxy. I can hate someone who hurt a friend, for instance. Or I can hate the man who cursed my home, and myself—but that is a very personal hatred indeed. It takes great effort to hate, and often great pain.

[ Xenk nods, a gesture more to say that he sees Alucard. ]

You strike me not as a person who hates easily. This statement is true.

[ Yep, he raises the stakes that much just to plow through and move on like it's nothing. Xenk is nothing if not blunt. ]

These parties—you mentioned they followed matches? Was there a competition involved?

[ Alucard has already told Xenk that he doesn't have to give answers; that is simply the right he will take, he told himself, if the questions were too prodding. But the gambit he made pays off, and he knows now what sort of hate might have a home inside of Xenk's heart. He knows now what impression he gives and it aligns with how he wishes to be perceived, because Xenk doesn't lie. His broad shoulders relax a fraction and he leans back more comfortably in his seat. The heel of his boot even pushes so that the chair rocks back a bit. ]

The ~~Essen Tasch~~ Elemental Games is a friendly competition between three empires that involves representative magicians fighting one another. It's a grand spectacle that only happens every three years, so everyone who considers themselves to be anyone travels to the hosting country.

[ He shrugs, the gesture involving throwing his hands up a little in a sort of surrender. ]

Some people attend strictly for the parties that take place the nights before, during, and after the competition. They don't even make an appearance at the arena at all.

[ Simple as ever, Xenk believes he's on the right track. He is solid as ever, paying close attention to Alucard's retelling. ]

A spectacle between empires, engaging in friendly combat using magic? How novel.

[ He nods. This checks out. They should do stuff like that in Faerûn too! If they don't already. Does Strixhaven count? (It doesn't.) ]

You are skilled indeed to be a part of such a competition. Alas, those in power so often create spectacle where none is needed. I imagine these parties have become one such needless spectacle.

[ He's jumping to conclusions, but he hates parties like that. Plus, this is hard!! Xenk has no clue which one of these is the lie this time... Next time he's gonna cast Zone of Truth. ]

Do you... perhaps actually enjoy these parties?

Edited (I'm phone tagging so I'm sorry if these tags are a mess) 2023-09-01 00:10 (UTC)

[ The sapphire above Alucard's brow glints as he raises them both, a grin spreading across his lips. ]

Is that your guess, Xenk? Or are you asking me?

[ Top 5 Ways to Get Alucard Emery to Leave You Alone: Zone of Truth. ]

Edited 2023-09-01 00:19 (UTC)

[ Xenk narrows his eyes. This could be another ruse, or he could be nearing the truth. He answers with the certainty of a man who simply does not ever lie. ]

It is my guess.

[ He's at least noticed that Alucard isn't against using technicalities, so he could very well be wrong once again, but this one feels... close. Or so he thinks. ]

[ The chair legs thump as it lands back on all fours. He lets silence stretch between them for a moment, filling the space with that smile and anticipation.

But then he picks up his mug. ]

I love any occasion to dress up, most especially parties.

[ He takes his drink. ]

But five was too much even for me. I only attended three - well, I had intended to perhaps put in a brief appearance at the last one, but that's when I was whisked away here. I don't really think that counts.

[ Xenk grins, victorious at last. Alucard had nearly fooled him for a moment there, but in the end, it was his instincts that won through.

After all, if Alucard enjoyed traveling for the people, would he not also enjoy lavish parties? He really pulled it off, good job, Xenk. Justice and truth prevail at last! ]

It sounds absolutely miserable, if I must be perfectly honest.

[ There is some mirth in the way he shifts in his seat, relaxing ever so slightly. This is the kind of honesty where you're supposed to be in on the joke, of course. Xenk's distaste for parties is clearly not shared. It's a loss for the world, really, with how good he looks in nice clothes. ]

I am sorry to hear your celebration was interrupted. Were the festivities a matter of who claimed victory in each match, or more participatory in nature?

Edited (it sounds more Xenk now ) 2023-09-01 03:03 (UTC)

[ He had definitely tempted Xenk to change his mind at the last minute there. Good job sticking to your guns, Xenk. Of course, Alucard wins because he just gets to drink his beer and see that radiant smile. Look at him - those teeth are so bright they could attract moths. ]

The parties were open to participants as well as non-participants. The only themed ones were the masquerade at the beginning - Banner Night we call it - and the Winner's Ball at the end.

[ There's a little pause, wherein he lifts his mug again. ]

The Prince of Arnes loves nothing so much as to see people having a good time and he arranged the festivities. At its core, the Elemental Games are a peacekeeping event between nations that have, and still do to some degree, political tensions among one another.

[ Another sip. ]

[ It's hard being this handsome sometimes. But his good mood will remain for a while yet, so Alucard will surely get to enjoy it. ]

Themes? Your prince opted for the most troublesome of festivities, I see.

[ It's interesting to hear about, though. A politically tense fight can't be good for a country, much less one where there are modes of dress and all the rest. Xenk pays attention, he really does, but all he can think of is, well... ]

It is all rife with subterfuge, of which I have always lacked the skills for.

[ For obvious reasons. Xenk takes a sip of his beer anyway, the challenge won (and it's his turn) but he's curious now. ]

Do you know this Prince?

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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I'm sorry he's so weird

he's adorable

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