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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.

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[ Hey now, just because he can lie doesn't mean he will. It's nice to have options!

It's a nice sentiment to hear, though there's a self-depreciating sort of smirk when Xenk mentions he didn't expect to enjoy himself. Knowing it's sincere makes it a little more uncomfortable than if it had been patronizing, but not in a bad way. ]

Are you staying in town or at the Royal Fortune?

[ One day Xenk is going to lie to save someone's life and his Oath will break and he'll pretend everything is fine and it'll devastate him, but that's just what the future has in store for him, I think.

Anyway, don't worry about it! It's probably fine. He only lied to follow the rules of the game—Tyr is chill with that. It's all totally fine! Xenk isn't worried. He really believes in everything he says and does, so there can't be any room for ambiguity if he isn't seeing it. ]

In town, for now. I have traveled by boat in the past, but I prefer land in most cases. Perhaps now that I have my magic, I will see to a quest on the morrow.

[ He doesn't get seasick or anything, it's just a personal preference. But who knows, maybe after enough quests he'll get his sea legs and you'll have to pry him back to land. ]

Yourself?

The Fortune. I'm accustomed to sleeping on ships, so I figured I'd spare myself the coin.

[ He'd rather have more money to spend on permanent luxuries and outings like this, though he couldn't fault anyone who wanted to sleep in a bed that wasn't rocking at all hours of the night. ]

We can walk together, if you like. I imagine the inn must be on the way back to the docks. Unless you've other places to be tonight.

[ Somebody like Xenk doesn't need to be walked home but, you know, it seems like the friendly thing to do if it's convenient. ]

Tis good to find comfort in the familiar.

[ Xenk smiles. Given what he knows, this comes as no surprise. Already he's making friends and getting to know people! This is great. He feels so good about today. ]

I would much enjoy that.

[ He drains the rest of his beer, chugging it easily. Xenk, no. ]

Come, I am at your leisure.

[ Not to be outdone, Alucard does the same with the rest of his own drink, though to be fair it's less because he's actively been working on it during their back and forth. Nice job showing how well you can open your throats, boys.

After setting the empty tankard down, Alucard uncrosses his ankles beneath the table and stands. The room gives a light lurch when he does, but the only indicator that his state of mind might be a little altered is how he touches a hand to the back of his seat and glances for something that clearly isn't there. Right. He's wearing the damn uniform and not the outfit with the greatcoat; no hat hanging there either.

He just plays it off by pulling the chair back under the table before turning towards Xenk with a smile. ]

Then let's be off on our leisurely stroll.

[ Just two talented boys, don't tell Astarion. Xenk keeps an eye on Alucard as he stands, careful to make sure the man is alright.

He seems fine, but just in case, Xenk lays a hand on his shoulder. Just in case of what, actually? No, it's more about the friendliness of the gesture. Xenk is a man of handshakes and hand-holding, he grips Alucard's shoulder then releases him, steady on his feet without any issue.

It's cheating to play drinking games when you're undead. But Xenk doesn't know that. ]

Indeed, let us be off!

[ He starts them off, leading the way out into the cold, cool night. ]

I may join you on the Fortune in the morrow. Now that my magic is restored, I should like to partake in the quests I've heard mention of.

[ He looks over as the hand lands on his shoulder, following it up to Xenk's face. His smile comes with a deep, humming noise of amusement and his own closest hand comes up to give a reassuring rub and pat to the man's shoulder blade. He'll then trail behind as the other takes the initiative to lead.

Coming out into the chill air from the warm tavern earns a little inhale and both Alucard's hands tuck themselves into his jacket. He'll walk alongside Xenk as the pathway now allows for them to do so. ]

What does it feel like to you? Your magic. Is it with you always or only when you wish to cast a spell?

[ Xenk smiles once more, barely reacting to the cold at all. He always wears a jacket, of course, but the chill doesn't bother him the way it might anyone else. He's quick to lean into Alucard's space, if the man needs a buffer from the night's chill. ]

My Oath is always with me. I can feel its presence as a warmth beneath my skin, a lightness to my actions as it guides me.

[ He looks down at the tattoo on his hand, marveling at its simple design, yet undeniable use. ]

Perhaps it is because of what I am, but I had forgotten how it felt, to be without it. Having my Oath returned to me now, I can say I will not take it for granted again.

[ At first Alucard politely side-steps, not understanding the intention, though he's bound to if Xenk tries again. ]

That does sound rather pleasant.

[ And he can at least admit to himself that he's envious. Because that's just what he'd been thinking when he'd asked the question; up until now, he's never been without his own magic, his own unique senses for it.

Looking down at that tattoo, Alucard aches for the ability to answer his own question, of whether or not it's strictly that mark which imbues them all with a simulation of power. Because it matters to him; there's no doubt it matters to the paladin as well. ]

The gold was a nice touch.

[ Xenk does indeed try again. If he had his cape on him, he would offer it. That's just who he is. ]

You are cold. Come closer.

[ Words never fail, and Xenk isn't the type to be too proud to speak up. He scoots closer once more, oblivious to how it might look or if Alucard has any objections. ]

It is certainty. It is truth.

[ He clenches that hand, the gold and black staring back at him. It has to be his Oath. It must be -- this place simply put him outside of Tyr's influence, and the tattoo has set it to rights. ]

Gold is the right color for it. Radiant magic is often associated with yellow and gold.

[ Alucard is certainly surprised, shown for a moment in a bemused set of blinks. Normally his role is Xenk's end of this current equation. So it's with some curiosity he obliges the request, slipping his arm around the paladin's waist and winding it up so his hand settles on the opposite shoulder. This way he can tuck right up under Xenk's arm and lean somewhat up against his side as they walk along, a companionable sort of gesture. Alucard is not a small man, so they're probably close enough in height it works out without anyone having to stretch or bend. ]

Kind of you.

[ With his free hand, he reaches for that clenching fist, stopping just short of actually touching. ]

May I?

[ Xenk is nothing if not a perfect gentleman, and a dashing one besides. He allows Alucard to choose the grip, laying his arm over the other man's shoulder to keep him closer, and close the gap between them. It should help keep the wind at bay, if nothing else. ]

The cold does not affect me.

[ He smiles in response. He's still a little warmer thanks to the drink, too, so it works out well. ]

Please, feel free.

[ He holds out his free hand for him, unclenching his fist and holding it out for Alucard to take. The tattoo isn't red or swollen or anything -- it would have healed easily on him, whether it was magical or not. ]

It's because you've such a warm heart.

[ Alucard doesn't miss a step, slipping his palm beneath Xenk's and drawing it towards him in a way you might a lady's hand to kiss. It even looks like he might for a moment, but he stops raising it about chest level and eases their path ( or at least tries ) a little closer to the light along the path by simply leaning into Xenk. Unlike the other man, he can't see in the dark.

He gives it a minute twitch to either side, trying to see if the ink sparkles with metallic in the light. His thumb is a warm, gentle sweep over the marked skin's surface, feeling for not just any raised textures. Alucard purses his lips a bit, because while the mark is undeniably magical, he doesn't feel it. None of it. ]

It looks healed. Does it hurt?

Edited 2023-09-02 05:28 (UTC)

[ Xenk chuckles, a quiet and exhale of breath through his nose. It is a kind complement to give, and one he takes gladly. Of course, Xenk had nearly forgotten the other man couldn't see -- ah, he should have gotten him a lantern. Ah, well. ]

I heal more rapidly than most.

[ The touch is not unwelcome. Xenk allows Astarion his appraisal, simply watching the man as he observes him in turn. It's interesting. Xenk isn't sure what exactly he's looking for, but it seems he doesn't find it. ]

It does not hurt.

[ Caught that one, did you, Xenk? Alucard will remember that. As for the light, it's enough to walk by, just not all that easy to make out details. But for what Alucard was really looking for - an actual appearance of magic the way he knows it - it didn't really matter.

The magician swallows the sigh that wants to escape as he accepts that, for now, he is detached from that which he has always known. Still, he's not without some power left; he made a friend tonight. With an absentminded stroke across the other man's knuckles, he releases Xenk's hand and looks ahead. He will try to find his own way tomorrow. ]

Is that your inn?

[ He nods down the path. ]

[ Xenk gives Alucard a friendly squeeze as he pulls back from the touch, more to let him know that he's welcome to it—that he's here for him, even if his magic is not. Things may seem hopeless, but there's always hope. These are the kinds of platitudes he would spout if he knew Alucard was worried.

He doesn't, though. He merely assumes that he didn't find his magic, but that's about as far as his thoughts go for the moment. It is quite late. ]

Indeed!

[ Xenk shrugs toward the inn in question, pointing at it with his head, so to speak. ]

Are you well enough to make the remainder of your trip alone? I can escort you.

(( 🙃 I typed Astarion when I meant Alucard it is clearly time to sleep.... ))

[ ooc; omg how dare u mix him up with your other date, Xenk!! But no, I almost do that myself at times, so if I can do it to my own damn character you are certainly excused lol ]

[ The squeeze draws Alucard further out of his own head, and he interprets it as affection. He'd be intimidated if his troubles were so obvious as to warrant reassurance; he'd be intimidated by a lot of what Xenk has gathered about him tonight in spite of much of it being freely offered. ]

Oh, trust me, it's a walk I've done many a time on my own. [ In one port or another. ] You need not worry, Xenk.

[ His free hand comes to rest atop the hilt of the short sword at his side. It's not as impressive as what Xenk is out here rocking, but it'll get the job done if anyone wants to look at him sideways. ]

But thank you, for everything. We'll have to do it again sometime.

[ As they come up to the inn, Alucard gives a few more affectionate pats to his comrade's shoulder before making to withdraw. A bit of cold air fills the gap immediately, but this time he's prepared. His smile speaks of ease. ]

Rest well, my friend.

[ Gee, Xenk, how come Tyr lets you have two boyfriends... but Xenk doesn't mind at all, having shared such a pleasant night with Alucard. He's made a new friend and learned a bit about himself as well along the way. And sure, he told a few untruths, but it was part of the game, so his oath remains. ]

Thank you, my friend. I have learned much tonight.

[ It's good to know Alucard can defend himself, even without his magic. Or, well, Xenk doesn't know that for sure, but he trusts Alucard to know himself. ]

And you, Alucard. May your sleep be restful and your dreams be kind.

[ Xenk holds out his hand to shake for the night, now that they've broken apart. How lovely, to spend a night with someone you trust. How wonderful to meet a friend who is so different, yet still a good person. He smiles. ]

I would much enjoy drinking with you again. Contact me whenever you wish.

[ Alucard gives another one of those deep hums of acknowledgement to the well wishes and maintains his smile, knowing he'll have neither of these things but appreciating the sentiment nonetheless. Xenk is a kind person; Alucard hopes he won't take advantage of that and he'll be there if anyone else tries. Seems they're both unknowingly indulging in a bit of wishful thinking.

They actually do have a version of this custom where Alucard is from. Instead of taking Xenk's hand, however, he reaches up to grasp the man's forearm near the elbow, giving a firm squeeze. ]

And you the same. Anoshe.

[ And with that, Alucard turns, one hand resting on his blade and the other in his pocket. His stride is one that holds a little sway, but not a concerning one, drifting him lazily between the light and shadow on the path towards the dock. At some distance, he begins to hum, filling the space left behind by conversation. ]

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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