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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

[ I think I missed the belt part but we'll just say it came off with the chest piece because the rules are made up and the points don't matter.

Astarion laughs fondly at his words. Of course he wouldn't leave him hanging now. And with Xenk's help, they're well on their way to getting him undressed.

Astarion makes quick work of undoing Xenk's pants the rest of the way and pushing them and his underwear down just enough that his hardening cock is exposed. Astarion eyes it a little hungrily and then presses a final, parting kiss to Xenk's lips before dropping to his knees in front of him. ]

Just let yourself enjoy it, alright?

[ With those words for warning, he gently guides Xenk's cock into his mouth. ]

[ It all goes to the same place—the floor. Xenk wears a jacket over his shirt, and he's happy to help throw that off too, because he's starting to sweat (him! sweat! imagine!) and he feels far too warm to keep it on.

The cold air draws his attention back downward, his cock bared as Astarion steals one more kiss from him. Xenk feels nearly dizzy with want already, to see the vampire spawn drop to his knees only builds more of that anticipation. Once Astarion takes him in his mouth, Xenk finds his breath taken from him. The warmth of his touch feels icy compared to this now, wet and weighty and perfect beyond words.

It's overwhelming. Xenk clutches at Astarion's hair and holds perfectly still, pupils blown dark and focused on him, unseeing in the haze of so many new sensations.

It's probably a little unsettling, but I promise he's enjoying this. He's just strange. ]

[ Luckily for Xenk, Astarion has lived with various undead for 200 years. There's little he could do that would seem that strange to him.

At that touch -- firm, and yet still, all at once -- Astarion looks up at Xenk and catches that stare for a moment. But only for a moment. Then he closes his eyes and works his way down Xenk's length, slowly at first, running his tongue on the vein underneath. ]

[ Xenk releases a groan, long and low and louder than he's been since they've known each other. His unblinking eyes fall shut at last, sensation and heat taking over as Astarion licks down his sensitive flesh.

Astarion licks him like his mouth was made for this. Even not knowing where to hold him or what to do, Xenk feels he could simply stand here and quickly lose his mind. The heat and arousal pooling in his gut may not be entirely new to him, but the intensity and the force of it is enough that Xenk may just forget to breathe.

Perhaps if he doesn't breathe, this will last longer, and he can bask in how good it feels, even just standing here, nearly undressed, with Astarion on his knees. ]

[ He takes that sweet sound as encouragement. He swallows around him and works the rest of the way until he's got Xenk's entire length in his mouth. It's easy to relax his jaw, and he doesn't really have to worry about breathing like this, either. They're both strange creatures, but they might as well use that strangeness for something fun.

For a moment he just lets Xenk get used to the feeling, and then he pulls back and takes him down again, giving him friction. He places his hands on Xenk's hips to steady himself as he starts to really work him over in earnest, now. Careful with his fangs but savoring the taste all the same. ]

[ The swallow nearly topples what remains of his resolve, and the fact that Astarion takes him to the hilt has Xenk tightening his grip in his hair once more. Xenk has no words to describe how tight and good that feels. How impossibly warm. How the sight is obscene and yet holy—so wonderful that he could never have imagined it. Only the gods could surpass this.

But Xenk's mind is far from his god, and is centered entirely on this moment. On the heat surrounding his cock, on the sudden way Astarion pulls up and then comes back down again, the blessed friction lighting stars behind Xenk's eyes. There's even the added danger of fangs, that distant thought in his mind reminding him that Astarion is a vampire—that he is in danger. Normally he would listen to that thought, but right now, it only makes his blood pump faster, his heart beat louder—demanding and begging his body for air.

Yet, the only reason Xenk hasn't come yet is because he's not breathing. The moment he does, it's all over. ]

[ Astarion moans against him, the sound catching his his throat, at the feeling of Xenk's hand tightening in his hair. Were his mouth not otherwise preoccupied, he might tease him about it. But as it is, he can only express his feelings through touch.

He smooths his hand along Xenk's hip, trying to convey to him that it's ok. That whatever he needs, he's here for him. Because he's certainly not going to stop giving him pleasure when he looks and feels so good.

Xenk's heartbeat is so loud now, Astarion can tell he's close. He wants to draw him over the edge, wants to pull him down and watch this perfect man come so neatly apart. ]

[ Much as he may will it, Xenk can't last forever. He's able to go without breathing on most days, but with how loud his blood sings and how wonderful it feels to have Astarion moan against him, Xenk can't stay in control.

Xenk isn't perfect. He's fallible just as the rest of the world. But it isn't even the moaning or the friction, which feels incredible and it's driving all the blood in his body to his gut, where he's sure Astarion can hear it.

No, it's the soothing touch. The gentle reassurance. The kindness that Xenk saw in Astarion. The safety of that touch, and the promise it brings, is what takes Xenk over the edge. He comes with a groan that escapes him, torn from him like a shot. All that heat and pleasure erupts in what feels like a century, white hot nothingness filling his mind as he grips Astarion closer to him, holding him against him as the orgasm takes him—the force of his grip tightening in an involuntary gesture.

He'd let go in a moment. Likely even apologize. But for the few blessed seconds that it lasts, Xenk holds on for dear life. It's the most alive he's felt in his entire life. ]

[ Xenk's grip tightens and then intensify of it makes warmth pool in Astarion's gut. He's not above enjoying those kinds of things, and certainly not when it was coupled with Xenk coming undone.

He opens his eyes, looking up at him to watch his face, to see those beautiful reactions for himself. He dutifully stays with him, sucking and coaxing him through that orgasm. Giving him all that he can to make sure Xenk has enough as he rides it out. ]

[ Alas, like all things but his life, the bliss must eventually end. Xenk's orgasm leaves him in a few quick breaths, and Xenk is too spent and overwhelmed to even remember he doesn't need to breathe. He opens his eyes and takes the room in around them, like he's seeing it all for the first time.

He sags against Astarion's hold, the hand in his hair drifting down in an attempt to feel more of his skin, perhaps catch some more of that fleeting spark that pumps the blood so easily through his body now, where it's often so sluggish outside of battle. His deft hands feel clumsy like this, his hips still shaking with the exertion, yet he still runs those fingers over the tip of one of Astarion's ears. ]

May I kiss you?

[ Hasn't even gotten his cock free and he's already trying to kiss him, this is bad, guys. ]

[ The touch to his ear sends a shiver down his spine, but Astarion nods all the same and eases himself off of Xenk. Slowly, since he knows he will miss it.

He stands and leans up to kiss him, a gentle kiss this time, but letting Xenk taste himself on his lips. ]

[ He does miss it. The moment Astarion eases off, Xenk makes a noise almost like a whine. It's undignified. Unseemly. He finds he doesn't mind so much, with Astarion here.

He trusts him.

Xenk lays an arm over Astarion's shoulder, holding him close and leaning into that kiss. It's gentle and soft—this time Xenk seeks to taste every drop of himself on Astarion's mouth and lips. An odd flavor to be sure, but one he finds he does not mind sharing with the vampire spawn. ]

[ Astarion loves that he can do that to Xenk. He laughs, short and fond, and makes up for it quickly with the kiss.

It's obvious how much more Xenk is opening up, now. How he seeks for explore for himself. Astarion opens his mouth for him, encouraging him to keep going. This is Xenk's first time, after all. He should be allowed to explore and learn as he'd like. ]

[ Xenk takes what he's given—not greedily, he's still languid, but he manages to keep kissing Astarion with complete focus, and complete commitment. He feels so attuned to his body, each sensation for so close, when it's often so distant thanks to his curse. He wants to explore this feeling, chase it until he can capture it once more.

So he kisses Astarion so carefully, tongue finding his fangs and avoiding their points—at least for now. He hasn't forgotten who he's with. His other arm comes up between them, tracing up Astarion's chest but of course only finding clothes for purchase, rather than skin. ]

You are still fully clothed.

[ He says this with his usual observational tone, though there's a hint of breathlessness to him that even he doesn't recognize in himself. He doesn't mind it. ]

You're right. Let's fix that, shall we?

[ he's just wearing his "slightly better pirate clothes" that were assigned to him, he wasn't about to get his good clothes or his armor all mucked up by slime. So it's easy enough to shed the jacket and pull the shirt up and over his head, although he misses touching him while he does.

But he can fix that. He takes one of Xenk's hands and leads it to the ties on his pants, letting him do this part for himself. ]

Here.

[ Xenk watches in wonder as Astarion strips off his jacket and shirt—the man is more fit than he would have expected, though thoughts like these come with more difficulty as his focus remains solely on exploring these feelings and chasing his pleasure.

What a very strange thought for Xenk to have. Yet have it he does, and indeed he allows Astarion to guide his hand to rest below his navel, where his pants are tied. Xenk takes the fastenings and pulls them free, deft hands making quick work as he loosens them and tugs them down, along with his underwear. ]

Beautiful.

[ I'm sorry, I hate him. But these are indeed the first thoughts in his mind as he strips Astarion of his clothes and sees him fully naked at last. He takes Astarion's cock in hand and holds it in his palm, observing every crease and tracing his thumb over the vein, just as Astarion had done to him.

It's somewhat awkward, but Xenk is somewhat awkward. He'll get the hang of this, right now he just has to get past the awe. ]

I know. But it's always nice to hear.

[ Astarion kicks off his boots and steps out of his pants, naked now, while Xenk is still half dressed. He doesn't mind much either way. Whether they were clothed or not, they were still getting to explore each other's bodies.

And explore really seemed to be the term for want Xenk is doing. Xenk's touch is a little cold against his hard cock and he fights the urge to move away from it, staying still even as Xenk employs a somewhat scientific approach to this. ]

What do you want to do?

I am not sure.

[ He tries his best to adjust his hold, perhaps somewhat mimic how Astarion had held him. It's... an attempt. His free hand comes around to rest on Astarion's hip, perhaps to keep him close. Perhaps just to keep feeling his warm skin. ]

I want you to feel comfortable. I want you to feel good, as I do. [ There's still a breathiness to his voice, but somehow this makes him blush a little harder, even after everything they've done so far. ] I understand my blood is not palatable, but should you wish to still use your fangs to mark me, I would... I think I would like that.

[ He heals quickly anyway, it's a blessing and a curse. ]

[ There's a momentary hesitation at his words. He's trying not to overthink it, trying to keep it hidden. But the idea of marking him, the idea of using his fangs for anything else than utility...it's both strange and not. It's not strange that vampires would do that. It is strange that he, specifically, might do that.

Strange that he could do that to Xenk, this holy knight.

And sure, he's got all this bravado about corruption and how evil he is--this whole narrative he's made up, about himself. But that narrative doesn't stand up to reality.

But he also doesn't want to turn him down.

Astarion swallows thickly. ]

If that's what you'd like.

[ He doesn't want to dwell on it. Instead, he removes Xenk's hand from his hip so he can lead him back to bed. Sliding out of his touch, at least for now. ]

Come on.

[ The hesitation isn't lost on Xenk. He had offered because he knows Astarion's secret -- because he thought, perhaps incorrectly, that this might be something he would enjoy. But if it isn't... then that's simply not a problem. ]

It is an option I extend to you, nothing more.

[ What is a problem is that Astarion is moving back to the bed, and he's pulling away from Xenk's touch. Xenk follows dutifully, still eager in how he divests himself of the rest of his clothes on the way to the bed. They ought to be on equal footing, if Xenk is going to do this correctly. ]

I know enough about sex to know that both parties are supposed to find sexual climax. You have not found yours.

[ He's still very much into this, his voice still carrying that breathiness to it that's a little new. But he's still Xenk. ]

Sometimes. But don't you worry your pretty little head about me. I'll get my satisfaction.

[ Astarion pulls Xenk in for another kiss, as if thanking him for the consideration. With his hold on him, he continues to walk him backwards and then at the last minute turns them so he can push Xenk down into bed. ]

Just make yourself comfortable.

Very well.

[ Xenk takes to the kiss hungrily, closing his eyes as he's guided back towards the bed, then opening them once his legs bump against the side of the bed. If Astarion says he'll get his satisfaction, then Xenk believes him. He has no reason not to.

So Xenk falls backwards onto the bed, somehow graceful for all that he's naked and doing all of this for the first time. (I legitimately rolled Dexterity and he got a 19.) His back hits the mattress and he pulls himself up and leans back on his arms, his legs spread wide on the edge of the bed. He only has eyes for Astarion at the moment -- and he's done as he's told. He's quite comfortable like this, watching him. ]

Is this adequate?

You can lie down.

[ Astarion won't be far behind, once Xenk is situated. He crawls between his legs and settles there, wondering if he should've worried about Xenk's refractory period before he'd made him come once already. Well, too late to worry about that now.

He rubs his hand along Xenk's inner-thigh, hoping the touch will help warm him up a bit again. Maybe teasing a little, too.

Unfortunately, if he wants the oil he's going to have to reach for the side table past Xenk so after he touches him a bit, he moves for that--leaning over him and stretching to open the drawer and grab the vial. He's got a wonderful bonus to athletics, but it might also put his back on full display for Xenk as he does. If Xenk is paying attention. ]

[ Xenk lays back then, staring down at Astarion from beneath his lashes. His refractory period is going to be great, don't even worry about it -- he rolled a 22 on Athletics.

It's just as easy for Xenk to stir under Astarion's touch. Astarion's deft hands seem to find places where Xenk didn't even know he was sensitive. His cock begins to stir with just this new touch, though there's certainly a part of Xenk that wants more.

Xenk isn't greedy when he's in his right mind, though. And despite enjoying this immensely, he isn't so overwhelmed with lust that he doesn't notice Astarion's back. He's showing off quite a move, being so flexible, but some part of Xenk is curious indeed. ]

Is that Infernal?

[ They look like scars. More than just a personal question, it might kill the mood entirely. But it looks like the words have already left Xenk's mouth before he can think better of it. ]

[ The vial, which had been in his hand when Xenk asks the the question, drops back into the drawer and in the silence left behind as Astarion goes so absolutely still, even forgetting to breathe, the sound of it is all the more obvious.

For a moment, Astarion simply does nothing.

And then, ]

Why? Do you speak Infernal, Xenk Yendar?

Edited 2023-09-02 05:31 (UTC)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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I'm putting another spoiler warning