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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

[ Just one of those Weird Xenk Quirks, don't sweat it. ]

It is no trick.

[ He shrugs, knowing this one for a lost cause. How many rogues must call his magic 'tricks' before he learns?? ]

Does your collection of items include any of which are holy or unholy? I would be able to detect them, assuming the chest does not negate my magic.

Then a handy skill, or a fine quirk, if nothing else an excellent conversation starter.

[Because it will be starting some conversations later about it, trust him on that one.]

Mmm, I recall a silver pendant. A trinket I'd bartered off a cleric in a camp along the Sword Coast. It provides a useful cantrip... It might not be the most divine thing you'll ever see, but it's holy enough.

A gift from Tyr.

[ A blessing from Tyr, though it seems a bit of a lost cause. What is it with him meeting strange, vexing elves? He seems to have picked up a knack for it. ]

A cleric's relic is holy enough for me detect. Wait just a moment.

[ He closes his eyes, focusing on extending his senses, on letting his magic pull him towards anything that calls out in holy refrain. ]

There. [ He points at a spot in the ground ahead of them. ] I sense something.

I didn't imagine darkvision would be a blessing from Tyr. That doesn't quite seem to be his aesthetic.

[He's not arguing! Prompting rather, keen for a story but without necessarily demanding it. He looked towards the spot indicated, hefting the shovel and heading towards it.]

With any luck, it'll be scarcely a few feet down and we can both return to more pleasurable activities. Not that I haven't found your company to be anything short of interesting, mind you.

[ Oh, he can't let that miscommunication slide, Tyr would be very cross indeed. Though Xenk has no trouble expositing on his backstory, he's the one who got them mixed up in the first place, anyway. ]

The blessing is from Tyr, as is the ability to detect good and evil.

[ He too takes his shovel and breaks ground first, since he's the one who can feel where the Goodness is coming from. ]

My eyesight is a result of my curse. No doubt you have noticed the mark of Thay upon my face. [ He brings a hand to his hairline, where there is indeed a mark. ] Over a century ago, I survived the blight that the lich Szass Tam forced upon my people. But I did not escape unscathed. Though I am not his slave, his mark was yet cast upon me, and my body became something between living and dead.

[ Yeah, he's too busy expositing to engage with smalltalk, I'm sorry he's like this. ]

Edited (didn't mean to ignore half your tag I promise!!!) 2023-08-28 17:20 (UTC)

Ah my mistake, do forgive me. In that case it would only make sense that Tyr would bless his paladins thusly, I'd imagine it's nothing short of a vital tool for you.

[As funny as it would be to see how long Xenk could go, merely talking and digging before he noticed the drow wasn't pitching in to help... Those were his things down there. And it almost felt wrong to just stand up there and do nothing at the moment.... And there were some things in there he maybe wouldn't want a paladin finding, he doesn't need his fun stuff confiscated so here he comes to pitch in after just a few seconds of deliberation.]

I'd assumed there would be a story behind it, but I never imagined it would be quite so harrowing. You survived that terrible thing?

[He paused to peer at him for a second.]

If it's of any consolation, you look quite healthy and hale for being half a dead man. I can only imagine what the experience must have been like for you.

Indeed. It is a valuable gift, when one is himself undead.

[ Aw, look at you, helping out, Jarlaxle! Xenk doesn't mind at all, in fact he clearly appreciates the joint effort. They'll have this chest out in no time! ]

It was the worst day of my life, and continues to be. Nothing could have prepared my people for the curse he wrought.

[ He pauses, taking a breath. It's long gone now, but it still hurts. He carries it with him everywhere. ]

I appreciate your kind words. My curse is a subtle one, I am fortunate if only for that. But that is the reason why I became a paladin. To help others and prevent such horrors, and to wield the strength needed to destroy such abominations.

[ He slams his shovel down and hits something solid. Oh, good! ]

Seems you may return to your prior activities sooner than expected. This may be your chest.

Interesting that Tyr would take no issue with the undead, but then again your circumstances aren't exactly textbook.

[Well and good that a god would have some sense of pragmaticism. What a waste of a man it'd be to just turn a perfectly good warrior away for being a little dead?]

Have you any intention of returning to Thay? Of dealing with Szass?

[Oh and there it was! He shifted away a bit more sand to clear the way, before tossing the shovel out of the hole and moving to hoist the lid of the chest upwards.]

Wonderful, and hopefully everything is here and accounted for.

[It's only okay when he steals shit, you see. Turnabout is not fair play and is, in fact, illegal.]

Why should he take issue with a victim seeking justice for the crime committed against him?

[ He says that like it's a given, but we all know it's not. Xenk is just, you know, devoted. Though talk of Szass Tam sobers up any sass he may have had planned (yeah, that was his idea of sass up there.) ]

It would be suicide to attempt to storm the halls of Thaymount, as it is now. The lich's might only grows, and any who perish to his forces become more fodder for his undead legion.

[ He sounds real disappointed with this. Enough that he's too busy talking and brooding to help with the chest. ]

I should hope to one day find a group of adventurerers strong enough to face his legion. Or perhaps to find a magical item capable of traversing through his undead horde without arousing suspicion. To end his curse... without reversing its effects, anyone who has ever lived in Thay, myself included, will die. It would be a great loss regardless of how the tale concludes, but I have yet to find an answer that will save more lives than it harms.

Why indeed? My primary source for how a god should behave is none other than Lolth, you must understand. I'm well aware there are plenty of others, far different than she, but if one were to find themselves even accidentally transgressing against her, their lives would be both short and unpleasant. It's strange to imagine another deity acting otherwise.

[He's not hauling that chest out anyway, he'll get dressed right here in this hole. The lid is open and that's all that matters! Xenk talks, and he pulls his things on, which may very well take just as long as the paladin's exposition, he's got a lot of stuff.]

I can see why you'd opt to take a more careful approach. A vexing problem to be sure; the simplest solution would see countless dead which leaves you with naught but less direct options. It would perhaps be better to make sure that you can reverse that curse first, before you consider slipping past his defenses. After all, why fight a legion if you don't have to at all?

And of course, for the sake of avoiding more pointless death. Have you found a way to reverse it?

[Shirt, leather armor, pants, boots, hat, eyepatch... so many rings and earrings and necklaces, there's a lot of jingling going on in there.]

Ah. Certainly in comparison, Tyr would seem almost merciful.

[ Which is to say, Tyr is merciless. But in a just way! As are most gods. Lolth is well-known for being ruthless, so Xenk isn't surprised to hear those rumors confirmed. He continues. ]

Thay was not without it's flaws by any means, but to doom us all would only yield success to Szass Tam's foul efforts. Saving my people and taking his army from him would be ideal, but I have yet to find anything that is capable of reversing the Beckoning Death.

[ Yeah, he's easily distracted by exposition. Good call on this one, Jarlaxle. ]

A few flaws is no reason to doom anyone, I've found. Stones and glass houses, after all.

[He adjusts his hat a bit, before fixing the piwafwi cloak about his shoulders, the shifting colors of it glimmering lazily in the dark pit. His daggers were back at his hip where they belonged, and the last few earrings were put back into place. There, that should do it.]

Naught can be done of him until then, if you wish to save yourself and your people. Slipping past defenses is all well and good but if the outcome is certain death regardless, you may as well have just charged in recklessly from the start.

[He went to hop out of the hole, nimble and easy in spite of all the crap he'd just spent the last few minutes getting on.]

I fear there's not much I can do to help you in that regard. I've no items that would reverse a curse, unfortunately. I can assume you have tried petitioning Tyr for assistance as well?

Indeed. Tyr cannot intercede in the troubles of mortals, and I am no cleric to beseech his aid personally.

[ He just lives by his oath and spreads his Justice as much as he can. ]

It is a vexing conundrum that I have yet to find answers to. This is why I focus my efforts traveling Faerûn and providing aid to those in need. If I cannot save my home, then at the very least I can use this life to save others.

[ And there you have it, the tale of Xenk Yendar. He's focusing back on Jarlaxle now that his story's all told. ]

Have you all of your belongings? I see you did not exaggerate as to the amount of magical items you wield.

[ If he could smell magic, he'd be sneezing for sure. ]

Troublesome little rules, really... Far too many for my liking, perhaps I should be grateful I'm not a god.

I would expect nothing less of a paladin of Tyr however. You were given the gift of life and what better way to use it? So long as you're pleased with it all, then it was all well worth it.

[... He could think of a few ways to use it, but hey, he wasn't a paladin. As far as Xenk went however, well it did seem befitting from what he could read of the man.]

It seems as if everything is here and accounted for, yes. I was being quite honest with you about the amount to be sure, and it's quite fortunate for me and no doubt everyone else here that none of it has gone missing. I won't be allowing a single ring out of my sight after this little debacle, of that I can assure you.

I couldn't have done it so quickly without you, though. I owe you a favor for this I should think.

[ Xenk narrows his eyes, judging a little bit. He knows most rogues don't care for laws, but don't just like, say that to his face, it's hard to hear. Jarlaxle manages to undo any animosity with the words that follow though, so good job on the smooth play there, my guy. ]

I am. The lives I have saved and the people I have helped have given me a greater purpose than I could ever have asked for.

[ Sometimes he even helps roguish types, so he won't completely write off Jarlaxle, even though he fears that some of these items may have been obtained through improper means. Jarlaxle was honest about the items themselves, and he did return those weapons he stole. He gets a pass.

Xenk holds out his hand to shake—in gratitude and in comraderie. Or perhaps to shake on this deal that isn't a deal. ]

I will trust that you won't.

[ That's a promise. It also means that if Jarlaxle doesn't, then he'll break his trust. So really, it's something of an investment. ]

It was no hardship for me to aid you thus. You owe me nothing.

[Oh he had a hundred and one potential moves if that little line had gotten him some heat, trust him on that one. As it was though, Xenk was proving to be an exceptionally easy person to work with, lawful nature notwithstanding. The only way he could have gotten a better assistant was if they hadn't made him drop all the stuff he stole.

He took that hand for a quick, curt shake, mindful all the while of where everything was. Paladin or not, lawful or not, some things just would never get a pass and he wasn't about to lower his guard too much just because someone seemed like a sucker. After all, Xenk had already technically gotten one over on him once today.]

Are you quite sure? I do offer it freely, not even a drink or a meal?

[Al-troo-ism? Sounds fake, he doesn't buy it.]

[ Xenk's handshake is firm and straightforward as the rest of him. He's not unreasonable, he knows there are others who do bad things for good, and he generally tries to stay out of those people's way. Or inspire them to do good.

He's hoping he can do that for Jarlaxle. Anyone can be good, given the chance. He truly believes that. ]

Not unless you feel endebted to me, and wish to owe me of your own volition. My offer to aid you was simply that—an offer of aid. I require no payment.

[As far as drow went, Jarlaxle was plenty good! ... Well, he could be worse, anyway. He'd very little desire to be much better, though who knows? Maybe someone here could drag him kicking and screaming into self-betterment.]

A man with a heart of gold, I see. Well then, I'll just do well to keep this moment in mind, and you of course.

[One good turn still deserved another, and as easy of a job as this was, it was still important.]

I'm not one to forget a favor given, if nothing else consider me should you need a helping hand in return, would you?

[ If anyone could drag Jarlaxle into the light, kicking and screaming, it's Xenk Yendar. ]

My heart is completely organic.

[ He couldn't resist. But he will keep Jarlaxle's offer in mind, likely if he ever has need of deft hands for a good cause. Those are rare, but they're out there. ]

I shall. You are likewise welcome to my aid, so long as the cause is just.

[ #Paladin ]

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STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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