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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

[ If he finds an enchanted hat, it's all his, Jarlaxle, sorry not sorry. Unless it's one of those annoying talking ones.

Alucard shrugs helplessly and shakes his head. ]

Alien, but pretty. [ Not unlike Jarlaxle himself. ] I knew that other worlds existed before I came here, but it seems I still have much more to learn.

[He'd be more upset if he didn't know he'd do the same damn thing honestly.]

Faerûn is a wild but gorgeous place, to be sure. Though depending on where you are, not entirely welcoming, even the flowers will see you dead.

I'd consider myself a seasoned adventurer, but even I have little knowledge in the matter of other worlds. A shame I haven't arrived with some of my more scholarly associates, they might have been able to shed a little more light on the situation.

But never mind that, tell me of London! Not much I can imagine from the name alone, and I must admit I'm quite curious of it. I've never met someone from another world entirely before.

[ This might dissolve into a hat rivalry. ]

Sounds charming.

[ He wouldn't mind hearing more about it, but it seems Jarlaxle feels the same. One's world doesn't seem nearly so interesting as one you don't know.

He considers his audience, or at least the flamboyant appearance that's presented. ]

London is the crown city of Arnes, and its river Ilse is so filled with magic it glows bright red, even at night, thrumming like a pulse. A bridge runs across it north to south with a floor of marble and a roof of pure copper. Right about now, down by the river, the Night Market would just be opening up, lit almost completely by the water alone. There's not much that can't be found there.

We just had our Elemental Games, so there were parties for about five days straight. Do you like parties, Jarlaxle?

Without a doubt. And equally filled with some extremely charming people.

[Ah, there we go, that's what he was hoping for. He listened with obvious interest, keen to hear of a world he'd probably never get to see. It seemed he'd just have to settle for meeting someone from it, but at least he'd have the ability now to paint a picture in his minds eye of it.]

What a fascinating image that brings to mind. Both ominous and lovely all at once, if only I could see it in person... It makes me wonder if such a land might exist within Faerûn somewhere, buried deep beneath the ground perhaps or lost high atop the mountains...

[Flights of fancy best saved for when he let his mind wander later, he didn't want to drift off into speculation too long when he had company to entertain.]

Elemental games? Do go on, that sounds just as interesting as the Night market.

Of course I do, I can scarcely think of anything I don't like about a good party. Free food, free drink, pleasurable company and good music. The only part I hate is the day after. What of you, Alucard? Are you a man for a good party?

Underground...?

[ What an interesting idea, and ominous as the other mentioned. He doesn't mind Jarlaxle's speculation at all. Thinking himself more hidden in the dark, there's even a ghost of a smile before the question makes it more wide and performative. ]

I love a good party; I was there for three of the five.

The Elemental Games are a pissing contest between three nations to see who has the best magician. It did its job this year of bringing us all together under a banner of peace, but last time a queen was assassinated.

The Underdark is terribly expansive, as vast as the land above it, with intricate and massive cave systems winding deep beneath the earth. Thick with magic as well, if there were to be blood red river alive with power, chances are it would be there.

[Of course he'd see it, that little smile before the performative one took its place. Ah, darkvision, what a fine gift. Nothing was mentioned of it, but it's presence was quietly noted.]

Oh, someone had to go ruin all the fun with an assassination? To be fair, parties aren't just the best place to find a drink and a friend for the night. I've rarely found a better place for murder, it's very distracting in there.

[Spoken as if he might have a little bit of expertise in that area but shhhh]

Was this year one of the years you attended?

[ Alucard hadn't given much thought to what might lie beneath the earth of his own home, but now he would have to. Hopefully it wouldn't keep him awake any extra nights. ]

It happened in the arena, actually, in front of everyone. You see, the competitors used to all wear masks throughout the contest - the drama, you understand. But that year the winner was killed and replaced in secret by the assassin, who wore the mask out to receive the winner's prize. When the Faroan queen tried to present it, she was murdered, and one of the nobles critically injured.

So really, I suppose you could say they only spoiled the last party, the Winner's Ball.

[ And the peace between nations for a bit, but you know, we're being passe here. ]

I did attend the Games this year. Since Arnes hosted it, I imagine most Arnesians did one way or another.

To be fair the masks were a terrible idea. That's practically inviting an assassin to show up and crash your party.

[There's not a hint of concern in his tone. Well, assassinations happen, of course. Powerful people do run that risk, it was just an inescapable fact of life, right? He should know, having been on either side of the knife before so to speak.]

I hope they put something in place this year to avoid another catastrophe. Do tell me they learned something from it.

Murder aside however, what do the games entail? Are they gladiatorial? Do they serve drinks?

[ Jarlaxle might have noticed he said it was a Faroan royal, not an Arnesian one. Alucard is hardly offended by the nonchalance. ]

They have an Unmasking Ceremony now. The finalists are made to fight without their masks.

[ He gives a soft huff. ]

They do serve drinks. The games are three rounds with competitors facing off one on one, and each round makes for more allowances of magic to be used. The final round pits the top three competitors against one another all at once, and the only rule is to be the last one standing with a piece of armor on you. The best magician wins.

[Oh that didn't escape him. He'd have surely said the same to a Faroan without hesitation, some little cultural differences were just so hard to remember. Other people got really upset when their royalty got stabbed!]

Thank Gods, imagine making the same mistake twice.

What a fascinating game, so it's not to the death at all? What is the prize for prevailing through all of this?

No, normally no one dies in the Games, though accidents have happened.

So far as the prize goes, well, bragging rights for you and your country. [ Brightly, grinning. ] And an exorbitant amount of money, of course.

Apparently at least one royal.

[He thinks he's funny and that's all that matters.]

Bragging rights are well and good, nothing is worth doing if you can't crow about it later for adoration and attention. Money is preferable of course.

All this talk of magic though! It sounds nearly ubiquitous in your home. Do all possess some talent there?

[ He does chuckle at the dark bit of humor. ]

Too bad the bastard that won this year had no need for it.

Magic is ubiquitous. But no, not all can wield it. You're born with the capacity for it or you're not, and like anything else, some have more talent than others.

Have you a talent for it, Jarlaxle?

Not so unlike my own home then. Some things must remain standard, but then that does make sense. Variety and all, not everyone can be an expert.

[With an idle wave of his hand, brilliant purple flames appeared, creeping up along the drow's obsidian hand to dance atop his fingertips and envelop his palm. Dimly, various random objects would also light up in purple. The brigand's sword, random baubles on his neck, a few stones and random shells, potentially even a few bits and bobs on Alucard if the man was close enough.]

All elves possess natural talent, though not all possess finesse nor aptitude. Little tricks like these for instance even a drow child could do.

[He shakes his hand, extinguishing the heatless flames and with it, the light that illuminated everything else.]

What of you, my friend? A bit of a spell slinger yourself?

[ Alucard watches with some delight at the display, the same sort of gentle satisfaction of seeing a holiday decoration. He isn't close per se, but he's just within arm's reach, so he's likely to be affected. If it's a mere fae's flame, he's highlighted in various places accordingly, but the only magical thing in his possession is himself. ]

You took the tattoo.

[ He observes, which is and isn't an answer. Curiously, he ventures. ]

Were you not concerned with how freely it was given?

Of course.

[As if it were the easiest choice in the world for him to make.]

Were it permanent, I'd be a little more hesitant, but since it fades with time, I feel I've room to gamble a little. I'll not lose a shred of what I have.

Feel free to use me as a point of reference if you like, if you'd rather observe a test subject for a while.

Hm.

[ There's a wry tick at the edge of his lips as Jarlaxle hits the nail right on the head, an almost begrudging appreciation. ]

You seem like a fine friend to have regardless. Do you like shopping with company?

I like shopping, and company only makes it more enjoyable. Did you have a few ideas in mind other than a pleasant moonlit stroll for this evening?

Well I happen to have some form of money now. My thoughts were to see if I couldn't spend it on a decent new outfit and a few drinks.

If a Night Market exists, I can have it all, but I'm willing to take the latter. Would you like to come?

As handsome a figure as you cut currently, I'd agree you could do far better with something more well tailored. I'd be more than happy to assist you in the acquisition of a far more flattering outfit and the offloading of gold in how ever many taverns we find ourselves in tonight.

I'd be thrilled.

And we should get your fine clothes away from the abuses of the shore.

[ They're probably getting close enough to a boardwalk now that it won't be long, thank the saints. He's ready to put his boots back on with how chilly the night air is. ]

Is everyone in Faerun so fashionable?

Of course, that's of paramount importance.

[No more sand, he's never been so thankful to see a boardwalk. He'd wish to never see the stuff again but considering where they are presently, he may as well wish for a personal pet unicorn and a private fountain of youth while he's at it.]

Hardly. You'd be surprised at how dull everyone can be, black unfortunately tends to be the most popular color above and below ground and for the life of me I can scarcely think why. Idle laziness and lack of imagination are the only reasons I can think of.

Well it does flatter any figure, but I can see why that's of no consideration to you. It'd also be an absolutely terrible idea for seafaring.

[ He has to wonder if he's going to see a replication of the performance he saw earlier once they reach the boardwalk, when Jarlaxle sprung out of a deep hole as easily as a cat. ]

Edited 2023-09-21 19:31 (UTC)

Nothing brings out the fact that there's salt in the air quite like black. You may as well own a white cat.

[He does indeed treat him to the exact same performance; without hesitation, while talking in fact, the drow hops from the sand to the boardwalk, easily clearing the guardrails as if they were a set of stairs.]

It's perfectly fine in accessories or as a complimentary color, something to add style or make a statement on an otherwise drab piece but all on its own or, heavens forbid, paired with white and *only* white, it's mind numbing. Completely devoid of imagination or joy.

[ Alucard gives a chuckle at that first string of comments. With interest, he watches the man spring up. Unfortunately, if he wants to stick with the human, Jarlaxle will have to wait for Alucard to sit down on the edge of some steps on the boardwalk and put on his boots. He's not interested in splinters, thank you very much. He does keep up the conversation while he does so, however. ]

You strike me as a man who loves a good cape.

[ The drama of it all. ]

I find myself gravitating to some colors more than others, but the cut is vital. It's really the silhouette that matters in the end, isn't it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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