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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

My name is Alucard Emery, but if "boss" is what you prefer, I suppose I'll have to manage.

[ The sapphire glints over his eye almost playfully as he puts on an obvious act of resignation, leaning against the bar until the bartender can come over to him. Pulling out his money pouch, he gives the same name and waits for the price of his tab to be run back to him before he flecks out dubloons. ]

Someone's made a mess on the floor over at that table; I'm sure you'll clean it up at your convenience.

[ He tells the barkeep as he slides payment over. The exchange is quick, but Nimona might notice he overpaid.

With that done, he spins on his heel and flashes his new companion a roguish smile. ]

Let's go get that treasure, shall we?

[ And off through the tavern door he heads, an undeniable swagger in his step... or maybe an indication of some inebriation. ]

Hm, well. I haven't put in my official resume yet to be your sidekick, so you get the one until then. I gotta make sure you're the boss I want, after all.

[ She also says it playfully, but there's a hint of seriousness underneath. As if Nimona really would do such a thing in both submitting papers and deciding if he earns the title. But it's nice that someone's willing to play along.

Nimona follows after Alucard, leaning back against the bar casually as he overpays. Sticking out her tongue and rolling her eyes over it. But hey, it's his money.

Then, when he finishes that business, she's up and away. Darting to the door in what might seem too fast - but maybe he'll catch sight of a trail of pink threads close to the floor. She merely changed into a small, fast creature to manage that. The girl is holding open the door and motioning for him to go through. ]

Let's go already, slowpoke!

[ While Alucard doesn't have his usual sight abilities, it's kind of difficult to not notice a pink creature darting along the floor regardless. There's a lot of energy it seems in this... young woman? Child? Alucard is finding it a bit difficult to tell between the shifting looks and the demeanor. ]

You don't even know what the treasure is yet.

[ He protests, smilingly, even as he steps out into the night through the door she held open. ]

According to the map, we're headed first to an octopus.

[ Alucard unfurls it a little for her to see the pictograms of what has to be various locations around Eltrut, the first one being a flailing, red octopus with black arms. It appears to him to be more of a scavenger hunt than anything, but even so, it's a more interesting turn in the night than he expected, and with someone whose magic he's incredibly curious about. ]

[ Nimona has successfully stealthed around other people before, though none of them knew about her shape-shifting abilities in advance. She is a big bundle of energy, a good portion of the time, it's true. Don't try to guess her age, Alucard. ]

Does it matter? The fun part is the adventure we'll have on the way there.

[ So she might have dragon forms, it doesn't mean she's a hoarder. Once outside, Nimona turns into a bird to perch on his shoulder. ]

There's one at the tattoo shop, but we shouldn't assume he knows every octopus around here.

[ Even if it's a scavenger hunt, there could be others who have a similar map. People willing to draw swords over getting whatever is at the end. ]

How droll.

[ Her attitude, or the bird form perching on his shoulder? It's hard to act cool seeing it, a wry smile pulling his lips. This magic is absolutely fascinating, and she does it so easily!

Alucard will tap the map. ]

The ends of his tentacles are black, like ink. I think the tattoo parlor is a fair guess. I presume you're acquainted with them, given your talent?

[ This might imply Knistej gave them to her; maybe they did, for all he knows. ]

That just means more treasure for you, right?

[ No one ever thinks her ability to change is droll, so clearly it's the attitude. Really, she just wants to bust some heads, maybe break things. ]

Yep, I got myself a tattoo. That octopus is pretty good at his craft.

[ Nimona has piercings, so a tattoo just fits right in. Being able to shape-shift is part of her identity, to make her feel like she's actually living. ]

Were you never worried? That it could be a trap.

[ The fact that Alucard is already beginning to carry them down the streets towards the parlor might be a sign. ]

Which part? The treasure map or the tattoo?

[ She gives the equivalent of a bird shrug, aka feathers ruffling a little. ]

Nah. I'm a tough bird. Difficult to kill, even if it's a trap.

The tattoo.

[ Though the comment makes him have to ask, perhaps stupidly: ]

Were you born a bird...?

Eh, it's just a tattoo. They fade, and you can get them removed if you want.

[ To someone who changes her appearance on a whim, a tattoo is just another part of that. She gets it's not the same to others, though. ]

I was born a Nimona! I'm just a bird and other animals sometimes.

That's what they say, anyway. I suppose you've never been in a world where taking on a mark was the same as taking on a contract to be controlled?

[ They reach the tattoo parlor, which by now is closed. Alucard unfolds the map once more, looking around. ]

See anything in this shape...?

[ Looking out from the lantern light, he assumes he'll see what seems to be an abstract ~~(pick your poison)~~ landmark a little better. ]

Nope, can't say that I have. Have you? Is that what your world is like? That's horrible.

[ That sounds like slavery. Or really bad servitude. ]

I'll fly around and take a look.

[ She memorizes the image, then takes to the sky - turning onto an owl along the way for better eyesight in the dimming light. ]

It's not usual where I'm from, but it's a possibility.

[ Nimona might get the hint that any possibility was too much of one to Alucard.

He watches her shift and fly ahead, admiring the fluidity and aching with the wish to see it the way he should be able to. He paces around their crossroads, though it's a slow thing. When she comes back, he's bright again. ]

You annunciate well for someone who doesn't have any lips.

[ She does pick up on that, and will maybe bug him about it later. Once she knows more about him.

Once back, Nimona once again takes up a spot on his shoulder - the fluidity of her change from an owl to a bird so smooth. ]

Thanks. You know, I never really thought about it before. Guess it's just the magic at work.

[ Anyway! ]

I saw something around back that looks that shape.

Fantastic.

[ He grins, both because of her success and because of how she changes before his very eyes. Will he ever get sick of this sort of show? Not yet; nowhere near it. ]

Did you happen to see the people that are following us in hopes of mugging us or stealing our treasure at any viable moment?

[ It's three people, one a team and one on their own, that have been slinking after them since they left the tavern. So far they've been going along well lit areas. That might not be the case very much longer, depending on the path Nimona found to the next location. It feels like an appropriate time to alert her. ]

I sure did! I thought I'd leave it until they decided to poke their noses in finally and then... spring a reverse trap on them!

[ Nimona sounds far too chipper about the whole idea, as if fighting a bunch of strangers in a dark alley is her idea of fun. Which is absolutely is.

She doesn't even need a weapon, since she has much larger animal forms to fight with. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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