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

I was about to ask...

[She raises a brow and goes for the last piece of his pizza that's left on the plate, not having realized that she'd been going for it more than hers.]

What could possibly happen in a world like this where your hand is forced? Seems to me like most everyone is an outlaw here.

... Not so vicious after all, are we?

[A small laugh.]

We'll just have to see, shall we?

[A wink before he looks down and—]

Oy! First my drink and now my own food?

[She'd been just about to reach for his drink, too, when she stops—]

What?

[Just an innocent look back.]

You did say that we would share.

Aye, share. Not pilfer most of it.

[Not that he's really complaining, he's more amused than annoyed. So he'll just have to finish up her pizza—not that there isn't much left.]

You always did like my choices better.

Maybe I've become an outlaw myself.

[But she's pretty much done with the food now—she's had too many bites of his, so whatever is left, though it is very little is free for the taking.]

You always did have an annoying knack to rub off on me back in the day.

Just means I have a good eye and intuition. Or.

[He'll wave his forkful of pizza at her teasingly.]

You just liked following me around, Ducky.

[It is one thing to tease her with phone charms and cases... but a whole other to say it aloud.

So, when he waves that fork of pizza at her, she's going to snatch it right out of his hands and eat it before he can even say a word of protest. All while glaring daggers at him across the table, which would probably be way more threatening if she weren't chewing furiously right now.]

That was a long time ago.

[It really would have been more threatening, and he can only just grin stupidly amused at her as he'll just use his hand to pick up the next one (though if she tries to stab him, he'll be quick to move it—)]

Some old habits never change.

[She was tempted—]

Apparently so.

[It's said with a dry look and an even drier tone, with all the implications etched clearly into it.]

Do not think you are above such accusations yourself.

What, my old habits?

[Oh he knows he has a lot of them, he just wants to hear what she would say—

And munching on that pizza. Nom.]

Yes, your old habits.

[She knows he knows very well exactly what those habits are that she speaks of. He had just done one of them with that smug grin of his before he ate that next piece of pizza.]

Your cheekiness for one. [It's all encompassing, really.] You think you're so cute, don't you...?

[It's infuriating.]

Well I'd say that's less of a habit and just one of my charming traits.

[And yes, the smug grin as he continues to pick off the final pieces of pizza from her plate.]

[She jabs the fork in the air at him.]

That. Right there. Annoying habit.

Which, my personality or proving you right?

[sdfjsgjsdfhs

She groans so loud that the people at the table next to them turn their heads to look.]

Both! And you didn't—

[You know what, she's not even going to humour this!!! And instead, she'll point at the pizza, darting her gaze away when she feels her cheeks warming up.]

Just finish up the food.

[Oh he's smirking like a cat, and he knows she hates it. But he just can't seem to help himself as he does indeed take that last piece, which is just going to taste so much better with that little "win" under his belt.

Not that there was anything worth winning over, but it's somehow satisfying, anyway.

He'll finish off by downing the rest of the water before wiping his hands and tossing the napkin onto the now cleared off plates.]

Well I'd say that was one of the best lunches I've had.

[Grinny grin.]

[Her arms fold across her chest, and she is looking everywhere but at him, except she will drink up whatever is left of his root beer.]

It was alright.

[That's a lie, but she's just grumpy now. It was actually very good, if the way she devoured his pizza is anything to go by.]

I've certainly had better.

[Another lie. It was cheesy and delicious.]

[He knows it's a lie, but he won't call her out on it.]

Oh? Shame then. Got these... They called it a "voucher" to have a free pizza next time.

[And he'll wave those slips of paper in her face before he pockets it.]

Guess I'll have to find someone else to eat with. Or enjoy it all on my own.

[AND WALKING OUT since they don't need to clear off the table.]

[Her eyes snap to the vouchers, and then to him as he pockets it before she's pushing herself to her feet...]

Where did—!? Give me mine!

[... and chasing after him as he leaves because hello, there are two!!!]

Besides. Who else are you going to eat with?

[She's just going to hold her hand out in front of him. That isn't an invitation to eat with her, of course, but...]

[Oh ho. He heard that term of phrase, and he just continues to grin as they step outside back onto the bustling streets and glance playfully at her.]

Good question. Do you have any suggestions?

Yes.

[She's just going to reach for his pocket herself, if he isn't going to do it himself—]

But only if you give it to me.

[Dancing away~ Will have to do better than that~]

I thought you weren't that impressed.

That doesn't mean that I will say no to free—

[She only just barely misses the pocket and instead, her arm hooks around his back to keep herself from falling over completely when she missteps. She hadn't expected him to dodge—no dance away from her like that, and so he'll feel all her weight on his side as she tumbles right into him, her other hand clutching at his front for purchase.

...

.....

And now they are but mere inches from one another, and Benedikta stares up at him with both shock and frustration.]

—food.

[...Ah. Well. Not quite what he intended.

Instinctively his arm had gone around her waist to support her, his other hand at her shoulder as he staggers a bit before catching his footing to keep them upright. But his eyes are widened a little in surprise as he stares down at her.

And for a moment they are locked in that position before he lightly smiles and slowly straightens them up.]

So who would you eat with?

[Notably he's still holding her...but his grip is loose enough that she could free herself.]

I...?

[It takes her brain a moment to catch up with the rest of what's going on, so there's the briefest pauses as she stares at him in surprise when he straightens them, and have his eyes always been so green...

...

....

.....

—and then she's shoving herself back and him away.]

What does it matter who I would eat with? Were you hoping it would be you?

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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

no subject

no subject