escordvi | « test sail »

Entry tags:

« test sail »

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

[ Alucard, being a seafaring man for the last few years, knows on a conscious level that the wriggling is probably a leftover motor response activated by the spices. But a lot of things here have surprised him, so... he's trying to decide if he's prepared to possibly eat a still-living thing. ]

And you ate all of that?

[ He gestures to the aforementioned victim, who in addition to being freaked out is sweating profusely. Most of the three pounds of food is still in the bowl. ]

Surely your stomach must feel overburdened. How long did it take you?

Edited 2023-09-02 15:25 (UTC)

[ Xenk smiles. He does anything he sets his mind to. Three pounds of food was... ok, a lot, but. He's a big guy. And he took his time. ]

It was a challenge, but I simply ate at my own pace. I believe my taste buds grew numb an hour ago, but the flavor is pervasive enough that I was still able to taste the spice.

[ He says this like it's a good thing? But I mean. He doesn't seem worried, either. He somehow manages to look no worse for the wear after all that. Didn't even sweat. ]

Saints, Yendar...

[ That is some serious heat alright, because if he's not mistaken, Xenk said he heals rather fast.

But Alucard's alternative, as it stands, is to be safe yet boring. When he thinks of it in those terms, the choice is unfortunately clear. He sighs through his nose. ]

If I try this, I think I'm going to need moral support. Would you be up for that challenge? Or is there somewhere else you needed to be?

Edited 2023-09-02 21:22 (UTC)

[ Yeah, it's strong. Xenk seems to have enjoyed it? Maybe because it was such a new experience. He always enjoys those, and he got a free meal and completed a quest, all at the same time. Very efficient! ]

I would happily join you, my friend, to support you however you need. You need only ask.

[ Which he just did. Which is to say, Xenk holds out his hand and smiles that honest smile. ]

You may take my hand, should it become too painful.

[ Hey, that's super ominous??? ]

[ Alucard is fan of new experiences as well. It was also just a matter of time before he made a fool of himself somewhere. Xenk might not be the worst person to witness that ( especially since he's mostly the reason this is going to happen ).

He gives a soft scoff and a roll of his eyes at the offered hand, raising one of his own to try and flag down an event official. He then remembers this is Xenk and does a bit of a double-take: ]

You're serious.

[ His eyes drop to the man's hand, then go back up to Xenk's face. ]

Is it common where you're from to hold hands when someone is in pain?

I am always serious, my friend.

[ He takes great pride in this, actually. As someone undead his tolerance for pain is very high. More than that, he heals quickly, so it was a simple battle of attrition to get through the food. It was actually quite good, whatever he could taste of it.

Xenk clenches and unclenches his fingers. ]

I am unsure if it is common, but I have heard that gripping the hand of a companion can help stave off pain.

Really? Could have sworn I've heard you laugh before.

[ He made Xenk exhale harder out of his nose like one time, though he has to wonder if that will change while he partakes of this challenge. Alucard has eaten hot and spicy food before, but now he's going to see where he ranks up next to this regenerative warrior. It's worth some pain just to prove he isn't a coward.

His hand slips into Xenk's as he lets the attendant know he's going to try the challenge ( "Hello! I'm ready to make a mistake on purpose. Thank you." ), giving a little squeeze before he releases it again. ]

I'll take it if I need it. You needn't sit so awkwardly. Mostly I was hoping to have some company if I do end up trying to eat the whole thing because it takes some time.

[ He glances around the table. ]

Did you not have anything to drink?

That you did. I can be serious and enjoy myself.

[ Xenk smirks. He's always serious, except when he's happy. Then he's seriously happy. But that hardly counts as a lie, more a technicality. Tyr won't mind.

This was something of a fun challenge, and watching Alucard sweat might even be fun. Because this is a thing friends do, right? Partake in similar challenges and suffer the consequences together. This does indeed sound fun. ]

I will join you for moral support.

[ He's still smiling as he releases Alucard's hand and joins him at the table, grabbing a seat beside him. It really is going to be a hardship, but this is a choice Xenk didn't even have to convince him to take. It'll be exciting indeed! ]

No, I did not. [ He shrugs. It's a good thing he's dead because you know he'd be sooo dehydrated. ] There is water, I believe. And milk, though this is only provided to those who quit the challenge.

[ That is almost precisely the thinking Alucard has - as friends and shipmates, there has to be some show of solidarity. Xenk's probably not the only one watching either.

The only real regret he has at the moment is that they didn't start this together so Xenk's free to just watch him as he pleases. But that's alright, he's used to playing to an audience. He gives a little sigh as he's told he only gets water for the challenge. Of course. The thing that makes it worse. Just what sort of sadist came up with this? All for some dried squid? He and Xenk better not be the only ones that end up eating it on their voyages!

He can see the steaming bowl on its way and turns towards Xenk, taking his hand in both of his own. Seemingly with the utmost seriousness, he looks the paladin in the eyes. ]

Xenk, if this kills me, I need you to promise me you'll look after my cat. Because I'm blaming you if it does.

[ Alucard, this sweet man does not need your dramatics. ]

[ Xenk doesn't consider the optics of this for a moment. He would be confused to even have it mentioned it. If they really do end up being the only people who eat it, think of how many rations they'll have! What a steal.

But don't worry, Xenk will enjoy this. And you know he'll take pity on Alucard either way—he's too honest to revel in his misery. And how can he turn down so honest a plea? ]

Of course. I swear on my Oath, your cat will have the best of care, should you perish.

[ Xenk stares right back, just as serious. That's because he is serious. You've basically left this man your will, Alucard. ]

You will not die. I would sooner heal you than leave you to your fate.

[ Right now, the sad thing is that probably is his will. It's the only thing of real importance he thinks he owns, anyway.

But Alucard also thinks he's too much of a bastard to die. He'll quit if he needs to because his story doesn't end with death by spicy squid. Still, the promise makes him smile and relax some. Huh. That is actually reassuring. ]

Very well. I'm putting my trust in you.

[ He turns now towards the bowl set before him, making a bit of a show of leaning forward to breathe in the aroma. He feels his sinuses searing a little just from that much contacting the mucous membranes. Alucard then just has to chuckle a moment to himself, something so quiet with a minute shaking of his shoulders only Xenk is likely to see.

This is so stupid.

He picks up the fork and spears the most twisty looking tentacle in the lot, raising it up above him as if for inspection. Really, he's just let everyone watching take in the fact that it is very much livid and red, contorting on the tines. And then, like a sword-swallower or a fire-breather, he tilts his head all the way back and lowers it, squirming, into his mouth until every bit has been fitted in. The side of his cheek even ripples for a moment before he tugs the fork free with a flourish, jaw working.

His brow furrows as his head comes back to center and cants to the side, pensive. After he swallows, he gives a 'huh' grunt. ]

You're right, the flavor is incredible...

[ And the heat will be on its way. ]

Edited 2023-09-03 05:15 (UTC)

[ Trust is a heavy, valuable thing indeed. Xenk takes it seriously, deathly so. He's basically completely focused on ensuring Alucard's well-being, now that it's been placed in his care.

(He's going to have to meet this cat, if he's going to be her de facto guardian, in a worst case scenario. That will come later, of course.)

He notices the laughter, small though it is. Well, at least Alucard is enjoying himself. For now. The flourishes are dramatic, but Xenk actually has to admire the dedication he's showing. He's a natural (read: unintentional) showman himself, so he's actually very impressed. Alucard's technique has some logic to it, too.

But Xenk knows well what comes next. It really was delicious. Once you can't feel it burn anymore. That's his opinion, though. ]

You'll find it is beyond words.

[ :) ]

Then you'll have to say some for us. Tell me something. Anything.

[ He's rolling the dice here, but Alucard could use the distraction, feeling himself begin to flush even while he twirls his fork between his fingers and spears the next moving tentacle like a fish. This is definitely one instance where one can get away with playing with one's food.

Nevertheless, the rest of Alucard's table manners begin to slip into just that, sitting a bit straighter, retrieving a cloth so that he can dab at his mouth as he goes on. So far the only indication that any of this is hitting him is the crawl of color up his throat and the fact he's breathing a bit slower, harder, though he passed the exhale off as blowing his next bite cool.

His lips and tongue are aflame, which he'll certainly take over his throat. The last thing he needs is a coughing fit this early on. ]

[ Ah, a distraction, Xenk can try to do that. He's not the best guy to get this sort of help from, but he will put his whole heart into it.

Plus, it's clear the spice is getting to him, though Alucard is doing admirably in Xenk's opinion. ]

Very well. I found the flavor to be quite similar to a meal I had in Neverwinter. Dragonborn frequently cook with extreme flavors, and this was no different.

[ Of course, they can breathe fire so that's probably why. ]

They called it the 'Mind Flayer's final meal' though it was obviously made of mollusks, not mind flayers. Their meat is not safe to consume.

[ He's so bad at this. ]

[ Alucard is pretty impressed with himself right now, honestly, even if he is digging up some of the hidden plain rice to try and assuage some of the heat. ]

Dragonborn?

[ Taking his time on the rice, he ends up wrinkling his nose at the name of the dish. ]

This would be the more appropriate dish for that name, wouldn't it?

[ It is squid after all. ]

Yes. They are a race of warm-blooded, draconic persons, who resemble a combination between man and dragon; with scales, horns, claws, and the like. They are able to breathe fire or whatever element ties to their lineage. Though they are generally only a foot taller than an average man.

[ Just normal things! But if Alucard doesn't know about them, then maybe he's not doing so bad at this distraction thing. Xenk continues, watching for any signs of distress. ]

Indeed, it does liken to them. Mind flayers would make a terrible meal, but I much doubt they'd be so well spiced. Their culture is a monolith.

[ Now he's thinking about the possibility of what mind flayers would actually taste like. Maybe he could ask Astarion? That seems like a touchy subject though. ]

[ ~~You're doing great, sweetie.~~ It's hard at first to say what's going on at first when Alucard gives a rush of an exhale. ]

Saints, you're telling me dragons are real where you're from. Among you.

[ Someone else told him as much about their world ( Astarion ). But it's still incredible. And to him it's probably a better topic than getting into the mindflayers again?

Alucard is definitely hot under the collar at the moment, and since he has functioning pores, he's probably starting to sweat by now. But he hasn't started actively crying in front of Xenk yet, so he's calling this a win for now. His planned technique is to try and eat all the spiced meat portion first and then have 'smooth' sailing through the remaining rice portion; of course, it's easier thought of than what's going to be executed. ]

What element... do the blue ones have?

Oh, yes. They are dangerous creatures, but they are very real. The githyanki of the Astral Plane have a pact with the draconic goddess, Tiamat, to provide them with red dragons which they ride.

[ Good job, Alucard!! Xenk is cheering him on, at least in spirit, by continuing to distract him. He's getting good at this! A new skill! ]

Blue dragonborn are tied to lightning, I believe. They are resistant to its effects and able to imbue their breath with electricity.

[ Alucard gives a little chuckle of incredulity at the thought of a riding real dragons ( the goddess is a note, but since he's a heathen, it's not as important ) - then ends up wincing as that lights up his sinuses, but then perhaps that's for the better since he was about to say something pithy, then something ~~nerdy~~ about elemental magic. ]

Have you traveled everywhere around your world, Yendar?

[ Xenk smiles, the kind of smile where he's actually in in the joke. He can tell Alucard is struggling. He's sympathetic, honestly.

Thus he continues, mirth in his voice. ]

I have traveled long and far throughout Faerûn, though not to the Astral Plane. Their stories are simply well-known throughout the realms.

[ You know what it looks like from over here, Xenk? Like you're kind of enjoying that he's struggling. Time to test the sadism in this paragon of virtue.

Alucard clears his throat and gives a little snuffle as his body naturally begins to try and protect itself and punish him for the disrespect. ]

Think we've reached the numb phase of things here.

[ The pain is actually starting to make him feel kind of dizzy, not in a might-pass-out way, but in a floaty sort of sense. It's interesting to be sober and feel that. ]

Are you looking forward-- mm.. forward to seeing what's in this one?

[ Rice rice rice. ]

[ Sadism?? From Xenk Yendar? Perish the thought!! (No, yeah, he's enjoying it a little.) ]

Ah. It should become easier now.

[ Of course, for Xenk the numb phase wasn't that bad at all because he's not totally human. This might not be the case for Alucard. At least he's got his rice. And a smiling friend by his side to keep him talking. ]

I admit I am intrigued to explore this world. If there are people in need, then the location is secondary, of course. But I have spent much of the last century traveling mainly by land. It would be novel to travel by sea.

[ Alucard is shocked! Shocked! ...Okay, so he's not that shocked. If anything, it makes him feel a little more comfortable that there's some dirt on the otherwise pristine moral character. His ego isn't loving it quite so much, though, and has at least a few choice names for the man in the five languages he knows. Good thing he's got a filter and not sworn to honesty. ]

You'd never traveled by sea before this?

[ In over a century? Alucard figures Xenk must come from a pretty large continent, then. But then again, sometimes people in Arnes grew up never knowing they were just an island outside of a much bigger world. ]

[ Indeed, Xenk Yendar is human after all... don't tell Tyr. If Alucard wasn't his friend, he'd probably find this to be a cruel test, but since they're friends it just feels right? Sometimes you suffer with your friends. ]

No, I largely travel by land, or by river. Faerûn is a large continent. Nor do I believe that traveling by ship in the Underdark counts as relevant experience.

[ He really just sticks to Faerûn. He's been on boats, just not, you know, the whole nine yards across the sea. ]

[ Alucard wipes his brow with the back of his hand before seeming to decide he's going to put his fork down for a moment. Seems like he's going to take the time to undo his hair and then sweep it back again into something that allows for a little more airflow against his skin. ]

Do you feel you're-- as if you're being taught well? To sail?

[ He assumes someone is out here teaching Xenk ship commands and how to perform various tasks on it. ]

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

cue my descent into ghost pepper challenge rabbit hole

oh god rip I've had it in a hot chip and it was a mistake

omg the one chip challenge?

I had the tiniest corner, it was so bad

rip in peace

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)