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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

[There's just a light chuckle as he looks glances at the girls and then back at Benedikta. Either these girls are actually quite fierce or this world is a lot softer than Valisthea. Perhaps both.]

So this button, you say? And is there a way to make this a little less...

[He quietly clicks his tongue and the girls tilt their heads before the pelican girl catches on and grins. With a silent nod, she shows the setting, and now with it switched off, Cid grin and holds the camera up.]

And then it was this button?

["Yeah, and you can also zoom in like this..."N

ow silent, he takes one of Benedikta standing in the distance before quickly turning it to the side just in case she happens to look. He'll exchanging a secretive smile with the group, and with a little help, they teach him some more about the functions before he nods in satisfaction. With a cheerful wave and expression of gratitude, the girls wave and call out to Benedikta before they move on, Cid himself strolling over to her.]

Quite different from back home, eh?

Mm. Noisy.

[It's all she says at first with a bitter bite to her voice, and though her expression and posture are all wound up, the look in her eyes remains distant, kept focused out to the horizon ahead.

Different from back home indeed. She wishes that she could say she wasn't feeling even a little overwhelmed by all of this, but the truth is, she realizes that she's so far out of her element, and that if it weren't for him being here to guide her, she would have been lost... and she has no fucking clue how to feel about that.

Add that on top of the comments those girls were making...]

You are fitting in quite well.

You know me.

[He leans over the railing, gazing outward.]

Having to quickly adapt is one of my specialties.

I do. Too well.

[Still, with that hint of bitterness, but significantly less so than it ever has been as she glances sidelong at him.

How long has she wanted him back, and now that he is standing right next to her, seemingly extending a hand to help her, why does she feel so scared to take it? Is this not what she wanted all those years? How black does her heart truly bleed because of him that she cannot bring herself to fully trust his intentions?

With a sigh, Benedikta squares her shoulders as if to steel herself against those questions threatening to spill out of her.]

It is nothing like home. Even the ships are different. And the magic...

Aye. It's...

[There's a contemplative frown as he looks around. Even from where they are, they can see some performers in a nearby square demonstrating their talents, yet they are doing it so freely. Elsewhere he can see some cooks for outdoor kitchens using flame along with their stoves.]

...Different. Everyone uses it so freely, even the willingly wear "brands." Unlike our world, there seems to be no one with any innate "knack" for it—you need something else to use it. And because of this, there is no difference between one or the other, no discrimination.

[His voice is quiet, thoughtful as he once again looks at everything.]

With or without magic... It's exactly how I envisioned it.

[Which makes him laugh a little.]

Could really fool me as a dream.

[It's not perfect of course, people will be people. But at least on the one main thing, his main goal, his own vision and dream—it's right here. There will surely be those who will try to dominate and be better than others, but it won't be because of magic. No one will be persecuted for that...just something else instead, likely. But that's a different problem for a different time.]

[She raises a brow at him.

She knows too well how he feels about the Branded, and she would be lying if she said she didn't find it a little ironic how they've wound up in a world where people seek out these "brands" to wield magic when in their own, they would run away from that life. Of all the people to be here, it would be them, wouldn't it?

Her and Cidolfus.

The two people who stood at the complete opposite ends of that spectrum.]

It is a little strange. [For her, it's for an entirely different reason.] People try to escape that life and here, they seek it. Brand themselves willingly and for what? I've hardly seen anyone use it.

[It's ridiculous, and yet... the first thing that she will be doing once that line clears out is getting one herself. A thought that she would rather not linger on for long...]

That's the thing.

[Again Cid looks around before he turns so that his back rests against the railing.]

In this world, magic isn't a necessity, not for living one's daily life, anyway. You've seen the technology they have—other means and conveniences to do what we needed Bearers for.

No, from what I'd gather, magic is only good for when going out for those jobs or some other special use.

[A tool in battle, like he does. Sure there are some other conveniences that makes magic easier, like using fire or lightning to burn a flame instead of striking stones. But to water plants? Wells? Cast a breeze? No magic there. Even fire magic isn't used to keep anything burning, at most it's more like a start and then bellows for the forge to continue.]

[Benedikta lifts her hand, turning it over once, twice, contemplating that lack of magic that she feels. Then again, how much aether had she even used up when she primed? Even if she didn't require the tattoo here, would she have been able to feel it at all? Would she be able to sense Garuda inside her, even after much of her essence had been taken?

There's a sour taste that settles in the back of her throat, remembering that, and after a good flex of her fingers, she lets her arm drape over the railing.]

It seems silly. These people have magic at what cost, and they don't use it. There is no Bearer's curse. No aether, as far as we know.

[People who are given a gift that they can use freely, and yet... they don't.]

[A small shrug.]

We don't know yet. Perhaps they do need it, but not here in the city.

[And then his gaze goes back out, eyes melancholic.]

Quite the ideal world to me.

[She finally does look to him, catching him just as his gaze moves outward.]

... With the choice, would you stay here?

Choice...

[There's something of a small laugh here since he's not sure they have much of one, dead or not, but he contemplates.]

Might consider it.

[She had asked the question as if she was expecting something different from the answer that she anticipated...

...

And the one that he gave was anything but that.

Her surprise is clear in the way that she straightens, her attention fixed on him, as if the rest of the world had just disappeared from sight, and he was the only thing left.

Might consider it, he says...]

Why?

[That's all she says at first, the shock apparent.]

You would leave all that you've done behind?

[What that is, she doesn't know, but she did know that he was up to something. What of all those Bearers that he freed?]

[—Ah.

In his thoughts he completely forgets that he never told her he had died, and for once he has no idea what to say. Does he tell her? Well he had to at some point, it's not like he could keep lying about it forever.

So there's an unnatural pause, as if he's hesitating before he finally manages an answer.]

That's...well.

[Not a good one, fuck. He's glancing around when he inadvertently looks at her, and there's a moment when his mouth hangs open slightly before the words come out without much thought.]

I'd also be leaving you behind if I left.

[Once again, he surprises her with his answer... or rather, the very distinct lack of one.]

What do you mean?

[Leaving her behind? Never mind the fact that he already did once, but would she not be there, too? There's the tiniest mote of panic that settles into her gaze, and she takes half a step closer to him.]

Cidolfus...?

[Another beat.

Another late realization at his words.

What would have sounded touching any other time and should have gotten a different reaction (like perhaps something more angry) is now going to damn him because maybe, just maybe—]

...Do you not...?

[—she really has no idea she died.

All this time he assumed she did, but that was because he himself was aware. But if she didn't know or—bloody hell. Now she'll his own eyes wide with uncertainty, stunned.]

[Another step towards him.

She's watched and known him a long time, both from afar and up close. She learned his ticks, his habits, remembers every little thing about him, and she knows when he is holding something back. When there is something he doesn't want to say.]

Do I not what?

[She sharpens that edge in her voice in a poor effort to hide the trembling that's there. A part of her wonders if she already knows the answer and that is why her hands suddenly won't stop shaking, or why the pit of her stomach seems to drop heavy with a terrifying amount of dread. Why her eyes feel hot as the panic tries to find someplace to go when it becomes too much...

But she won't believe it.

The last thing that she remembers is calling on Garuda, and the Eikon taking control. That's it. That's all there was... and then she woke up here.

So why?

Why is he looking at her like this?]

Say it.

[Fuck. Fuck.]

Benedikta—

[Again it's very rare for him to not be able to answer quickly, but as she steps towards him, there's a strange shift in his expression. It's subtle, but she's close enough to him to notice—the way his lips purse into a thin line, his eyes trembling slightly as the memory of seeing her lifeless and bloody on the ground.

How long had it been really? Days? Weeks? Not long enough for it to not still sting. Not long enough for those regrets to disappear.

It certainly didn't disappear with his own death.]

—I thought you knew.

[She notices. It's the only thing that she notices. The sky, the ocean, the people, the winds—all of that disappears in a blur and the only thing she can focus on is that look on his face, and the way that he says her name.

How long she is silent for after that, she doesn't know, but he can no doubt see it in her eyes... How she works through her thoughts so desperately, clambering her way through the mess that he's made of them, as if he's taken everything she knew and scattered it all about to leave her to pick it all up.

She's confused, and she refuses to believe what her gut is telling her. What her gut may have been trying to tell her since she woke up in this place bloodied and damn near torn apart. She pushed it back, ignored it until she would forget about it completely, all of the new, unfamiliar information taking its place.

But that look is so telling.

And yet... she wants to hear it from him. Wants him to say the words that she knows he isn't saying...]

Knew what!?

[She can feel herself losing that control she kept tightly wound as she belts it out with an abrupt, shrill shriek that sends heads whirling around to stare, but she doesn't give a damn. Let them stare. Let the balk. Let them fucking judge.]

Knew what, Cidolfus!? Just fucking say it!

Edited 2023-09-08 01:57 (UTC)

[To anyone else would he have managed to stay more composed? He has no fucking clue, and even now he has no idea what to do or say. Instead he just takes a step forward.]

Look, let's just—

[Say it she yells at him. How the fuck is he supposed to tell her like this!?]

[And she takes a step back, a hand swinging at him to maintain that distance, and to stop him from moving any closer.]

It's true, isn't it?

[The thing that she is afraid of? The thing that she dreads that has been nagging at her since he let it slip... He knows what she means. She knows that he does. He may not speak it, but Benedikta has spent a long time trying to read him, whether he realizes it or not. Cidolfus may be a mystery to her now, a distant dream from once upon a time, but there are some things that she hasn't let herself forget.]

[He stops at her retreat, open hand hovering in the end before it clenches into a fist and he swallows.]

...Aye.

[Her own hands ball into fists at her sides, and she can feel several more heads turning to stare as she vaults herself towards the railing and stares out over it to the docks below.

She's going to be sick.]

... How? H-how did it...?

[But she already knows the answer to that, too.]

Garuda...?

[He watches her before his fist taps against the railing before he speaks slowly.]

...You lost control, took in too much aether and primed. Clive...

[Her eyes, though already stained with the beginnings of tears, are feral as she looks over to him.]

Who?

[The name doesn't ring a bell, and even if it did, it's not one that she would have remembered in the moment. But this Clive...]

What did "Clive" do?

[Who is he? What did he do? And more importantly, where can she find him?]

[He is so fucked right now and he knows it. But there was no easy way for this, is there?]

You lost control, turned the entire wood into a tornado and was sucking everything in.

[He grits his teeth.]

You two fought, and he won.

[That's it. That's all he has to say.]

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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