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« december: winterstide »

Welcome to the 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 had their invitations approved by the mods can actually reserve on December 25th and apply on January 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

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 carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from December 13 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.

Players are free to use listings from the MANTA Board for additional prompts.

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 Month ##)

Canon - Character | Corsair/Paladin/Undecided
Canon - Character | Corsair/Paladin/Undecided

( PROMPTS )

Where the scattered waters rave

Who: Faris Scherwiz & anyone
Status: Open
Where: Around the place generally
What: Faris takes on some Manta quests, bounty hunting, and snow goons this December!
Warnings: Mer-organ selling

( and the winds their revels keep )

Entry tags:

-plot

player plot; the sea witch of the abyss

Hello this is Taku, and I am here to inform everyone of an upcoming player plot of sorts that's going to affect some things in the game this month and in January!!!

cw warning: tentacles I guess because... octomer things...

( under a cut for brevity )

Entry tags:

professor turo

Video || From Snacks to Warm Meals 🍿🍲

Type: Video
Sender ID: fractales(Professor Turo)
To: General
Subject: Cosmo Conservatory funding addition
Warnings: N/A

[For those familiar with Cosmo Conservatory on Eltrut the inside of the reception building would be instantly recognizable—what wouldn't be familiar would be three large box-shaped structures, one of them with a crystal clear front and two others that allowed smaller viewing windows lined up near a wall that had been cleared for them.

Soon enough Turo's head pops into view as he turns the shellphone as he moves to not simply show the machines, but himself standing there in front of them.]

Hello everyone, Professor Turo here with the announcement of an additional way those interested may help fund Cosmo Conservatory. Those of you from my last discussion of funding already know of the plushes inspired by creatures of my world and those we house here at the sanctuary that can be purchased, of course.

[Panning over the vending machines then, to give a bit of a closer look as he continued on.]

What we have here are something known as vending machines, that will take dubloons, and allow for the purchase of edible and drinkable goods for those who drop by. Re-stocked fresh daily we have things like baked goods from local bakeries to foods kept hot or cold from other local restaurants and the like. The heated vending machine will even dispense hot coffee of a few kinds, or hot chocolate, while the cold comes with the addition of ice cream and cold drinks. Each is packaged safely no matter which one you choose to use. Every doubloon spent will go into the upkeep of the animals and Cosmo itself. I finished their construction and am rather happy to have them finally installed here, and my thanks to Cid for his aide in that.

[Teamwork, and meant Turo had the time to help make a few extras for Cid to have at The Roost as well—]

For those of you who work and volunteer time here, you may drop by my office and collect a specially made coin that allows you to use these vending machines for free. Consider them as an extra thank you for all that you do in helping out, as both Red and I do deeply appreciate it.

I do hope you all have a good day, and thank you for your time listening.

« enable me timbers!! december 2025 »

ENABLE ME TIMBERS: DECEMBER 2025

YO HO HO EVERYONE! This is an ATP/EMP post where players can make cast requests for people to app into, or make ads for characters they are considering bringing into the game. It works like any other ATP/EMP, but we do have a few things to note down:

» Invitations are required to reserve and apply! But you can go ahead and post to the ATP/EMP post with a note you need an invite. You can either rely on a current player for help, or you can directly request an invite from the mods.

» We have a 65 player cap.

» Players can only app 2 characters at once with a max limit of 3 in game. But since this is an ATP/EMP, feel free to put more if you're having trouble deciding!

» Our Game Info should cover everything you need, from basic premise summary to the nitty gritty details of the game mechanics. If you have any questions, post them there.

» Just want to make it clear that this is not a claims page. While we give priority to whoever is on the Reserve list, we do allow app challenges, and there is no rule against multiple players TDMing the same character. Of course we don't want there to be too much conflict, so everyone please be polite no matter who it is.

» TDM is Saturday, December 13th. This TDM will double as our Winterstide Event, but we will include a traditional "starter prompt" for TDM specific characters. Everything will be carried over as canon!

» Reservations open Thursday, December 25th.

» Applications open Thursday, December 1st.

» Use the following codes to write up your character or cast ad!

CHARACTER ADS:

<raw-code><div style="max-width: 100px;"><img src="IMGURL" width="100" height="100" style="object-fit: cover; border-radius: 50%; border: 6px solid #3e2f22;"></div>

<div style="padding-left: 15px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: palatino, serif; font-size: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #3e2f22; text-shadow: 0 0 5px #827662; border-bottom: 4px double #827662;">
CHARACTER</div><div style="font-family: palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
CANON</div>
</div></raw-code>

<div style="width: 100%; text-align: justify;">
<b>Player:</b> Name | <user name="plurk" site="plurk.com"> or some other identifier
<b>Invited by:</b> Reference which player, mods, or if need of one
<b>Preferred Armada:</b> Paladin, Corsair, Undecided

WRITE YOUR BLURB</div>
</div></center>

CAST ADS:

Entry tags:

Birthdays

Type: text
Sender ID: reindered (Tony Tony Chopper)
To: Open, Everyone/Public
Subject: Birthdays??
Warnings: N/A

i guess now i'm noticing the season, the time of year. um. so, do birthdays count here? i mean, would i really be another year older? i'm not sure how this works. if time here might be different to back home or something. but i guess that would mean i'd be sixteen. maybe because of the devil fruit i ate?

Entry tags:

video; un: BlossomingTide | Holiday questions

Type: Video
Sender ID: BlossomingTide (Faulkner)
To: Public
Subject: Holidays and Gifts
Warnings: Vague reference to coming from a world with The Horrors

[ Anyone who happens to remember his first post to the network might notice Faulkner looks a little... better? Not all that different: the same freckles, big blue eyes, youthful face and blonde curls—albeit grown out a bit more. But he looks less gaunt, haunted and sleep deprived.

The background also looks like some kind of house instead of his somewhat shabbier Corsair apartment. It doesn't seem especially furnished yet from what can be seen.

He starts this off with a cheerful grin and a little wave. ]

Can someone explain the upcomin' holiday a bit more? Or—holidays? Seems like I hear a lot about Winterstide and Christmas. Seems like a lot of you share that one, even from all different worlds. I have to wonder if the lore behind it is the same everywhere...?

[ He pauses with a faint chuckle. ]

But uh, that's not the important part just now. The other thing I've gathered is on a lot of people's mind is gifts. So for someone who didn't grow up with all this, help a guy out?

What sorts of thing are traditional for... different kinds of people in your life? What people are you meant to get 'em for? Seems awfully trusting if it's anyone you aren't close with already.

[ But then, people here do just seem more trusting than he's used to. And as much as there's magic everywhere, it seems like it probably takes a little more effort to make something dangerous than just drawing a sigil in the wrapping. ]

Entry tags:

fourteenth bolt ⚡ hideaway ➞ winterstide party (open)

Who: The Hideaway Crew and Friends
Status: Open to anyone who has good CR with those in the group!
Where: The Roost (island)
What: What has become an annual Winterstide party for the crew! Fun festivities including making gingerbread selves, games, gifts, as well as unexpected visits from the Mistleslugs and pesky snowmen. Some items can be used throughout the month instead of just the party!
Warnings: None.......probably /eyes all the couples.

( Winterstide at the Roost )

Entry tags:

closed ⚡ arm yourself, a storm is coming.

Who: Lightning Farron & others.
Status: Closed.
Where: Where the threads happen.
What: Catch-all for December things!
Warnings: N/A for now.

( what are you gonna do now? )

Entry tags:

erichthonios

[Video] Man New to Friends Seeks Decorating Advice

Type: Video
Sender ID: beshackled (Erichthonios)
To: Public
Subject: Furnishings
Warnings: None at the moment

I... hope others are enjoying that game that seems to be popping up on the network a lot tonight.

[He doesn't have any interest in playing, but he's noticed it seems to be quite... popular.]

But, ah... If someone isn't too busy, might I trouble you for some recommendations on where to find furnishings that are considered comfortable? I've noticed that nothing here seems to match the style from my home... or any place I'm familiar with, really.

[And he did tell Lyney he would make an effort to have his living arrangements at least serviceable for a guest. Perhaps he might even try for two. Or three? Tables usually had four sides... Four sides, four chairs.]

Entry tags:

closed 🪶⚡ all i want for winterstide...

Who: Benedikta Harman & Cidolfus Telamon.
Status: Closed.
Where: The Roost. Eltrut later?
What: Winterstide things!
Warnings: Shameless fluff and whatever else cidbenna decide they wanna do—

( is you... )

Entry tags:

[closed] 🔥 some legends are told, some turn to dust or to gold

Who: Joshua Rosfield & Others
Status: Closed.
Where: Where these threads take place.
What: A catch-all log for closed threads in December.
Warnings: Tba.

( but you will remember me remember me for centuries )

« captain's log #28: december 1, 2025 »

CAPTAIN'S LOG #28: DECEMBER 1, 2025

( QUICK UPDATES )

( AC RESULTS )

( EXTRA NOTES )

( MISTLETOE SHENANIGANS )

( WINTER SPIRITS )

( WINTERSTIDE )

( LAST WORDS )

Entry tags:

« two truths and a lie »

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

There have been a lot of riftfarers arriving lately. It seems like there have been more arriving than usual. So many different kinds of people from different kinds of worlds with stories to tell and experiences to give.

A little game has appeared on the shellphone network in hopes of getting to know just a little more about these otherworlders. You might find it on your shellphone as you’re scrolling through one day.

Tell the world two truths and one lie about yourself. And let others try and decipher which of the three is your lie. If they can guess right, perhaps you’ve been able to make a new acquaintance. Or in the least learn more about someone from another walk of life.

Entry tags:

-board

« manta board: december 2025 »

MANTA BOARD: DECEMBER 2025

The MANTA Board is posted every month, but the quests are on a "2 month cycle." This means quests can last for two months with possible updates or new additions in the second month before it completely refreshes for the next cycle. Players can do older quests so long as they did not have some kind of resolution or time limit on them.

Quests are separated into five categories and all have flat point values: General (4pts), Corsair (4pts), Paladin (4pts), Bounties (6pts), and Specials (12pts). Crew quests are listed under "Specials" and are worth the same amount of points (12pts). Although these quests are intended for established crews, non-members are allowed to assist if the crew invites them. However, non-members would only receive 6pts. Similarly, characters helping opposing armada quests will only be rewarded 2pts for participation unless specified otherwise. Special quests won't always be available so it may appear blank at times. These can range from group quests such as for special ship upgrades or island related quests, or they could be special event quests. All quest points can be used for the Rewards Shop.

If you wish to submit a quest, comment in the appropriate field during Activity Check with the quest written and we'll add it to the next month! Crews are also still allowed to make their own quests without our approval, but if uncertain players can comment here about them.

For this month's board update, some quests have been updated to reflect progress from last month, with some carrying over as is. The Two Truths and a Lie quest will have its own designated post.

If you have any questions regarding any current quest, comment to this entry.

( MANTA BOARD )

Entry tags:

-plot

« sail with me: december 2025 »

SAIL WITH ME: DECEMBER 2025

An abbreviated version of our CR Workship! Same concept, just a lot smaller. If you have multiple characters, make an individual toplevel for yourself with your player info and comment to it with each character separately.

To help coordinate specific plots for players, we have a few designated toplevels that can be used to highlight particular plots, scenarios, etc. These can be useful for players who may not want to write a full comment but have ideas. Players who do write full CR comments can still use these toplevels and link their comment if you have your ideas in there instead.

Crew Recruitment. Players can make OOC ad posts for others to join, looking to join, or make a crew. This is all for OOC coordination, so you'll have to figure out how it works ICly.
Event Plotting. If there is something specific that you'd like to do or there is a prompt that you're interested in that may require more coordination, this is the place to try and hash it out! This is not for general plotting, such as "I will be doing A, B, and C;" please save those for general meme comments! Here is recap of the event notes from the Captain's Log for easy reference. This month we have our Winterstide event that doubles as our TDM.
Current Event Notes Recap:
- It's Wintertside festival, but there are two mysterious spirits that are having "joy" and "sadness" issues.
- Collect crystal flowers and experience joy and/or sadness, which will be collected to go to a frozen tree.
- Who needs mistletoe when you have mistleslugs that work just as well? Paired up for fluffy friendship hugs, romantically intimate kisses, or fight each other.
- Help the Frostsinger's concert.
- Frost sprites are causing blizzards everywhere.
- Gift and supply runs are being hindered by Krahs raiders, but there is a Krampus demon to help?
Side Plotting. This is for any personal plots or MANTA Board quests that require more coordination, perhaps to bring about a resolution or make an important discovery of some kind. Like with the Event toplevel, this is NOT for generic plotting that would fit a general meme comment.

PLAYER INFO

Player:
Contact: Preferred means of contact

CHARACTER INFO

Character: Character
Canon: Include canon point
Armada: Paladin or Corsair

About: Briefly talk about the character. Can include background info or just stick with personality traits—whatever will be most useful to help other players learn about them! You can include a link to any character profile sheets or entries you might have, too.

PLANS

General: Any ideas or plans you'd like to do with your character? This could be short term or long term.
MANTA Board: Any plans for the MANTA Board?
Event: Any plans for the event? Topleveling? Tagging out? Specific prompts that caught your interest?

Etc.: Anything else or, you know, the usual memes. NOTE: we have an image code for players to use as it will fix the width of the image to 400px. This is so large images don't take up entire pages. If your image is smaller than that you can remove the code, otherwise please use the code.

IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE CHARACTERS, create your own toplevel and comment with each character separately to it. Include your name in the subject line. Although not specifically included, you are more than welcome to write up a greeting message along with the form!

SUBJECT LINE: CHARACTER | CANON | ARMADA

<font style="font-family: arial black, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; color: #8e492f; border-bottom: 2px solid #827662;">PLAYER INFO</font>

<div style="padding: 0 0.75rem; border-left: 5px solid #c2bb87;"><b>Player:</b>
<b>Contact:</b> Preferred means of contact
</div>

<font style="font-family: arial black, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; color: #8e492f; border-bottom: 2px solid #827662;">CHARACTER INFO</font>

<div style="padding: 0 0.75rem; border-left: 5px solid #c2bb87;"><b>Character:</b> Character
<b>Canon:</b> Include canon point
<b>Armada:</b> Paladin or Corsair

<b>About:</b> Briefly talk about the character. Can include background info or just stick with personality traits, whatever will be most useful to help other players learn about them! You can include a link to any character profile sheets or entries you might have, too.
</div>

<font style="font-family: arial black, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; color: #8e492f; border-bottom: 2px solid #827662;">PLANS</font>

<div style="padding: 0 0.75rem; border-left: 5px solid #c2bb87;"><b>General:</b> Any ideas or plans you'd like to do with your character? This could be short term or long term.
<b>MANTA Board:</b> Any plans for the MANTA Board? DELETE IF NOT USING
<b>Event:</b> Any plans for the event? Topleveling? Tagging out? Specific prompts that caught your interest?

<b>Etc.:</b> Anything else or, you know, the usual memes. IF POSTING AN IMAGE OR GIF, USE THE FOLLOWING CODE. We want all images to be MAX 400px in width or it's going to screw up the page.
<img src="IMGURL" width="400">
</div>

Entry tags:

voice; un: maelfaecence

Type:Voice
Sender ID: malefaecence (Malleus Draconia)
To: General
Subject: Questions: Magic, Travel & Rifts
Warnings: None

[ Malleus is not one to use technology much, especially phones, but he is today. ]

Good afternoon, for those who are unaware, I am Malleus Draconia. I have some inquiries for all of you.

Since my arrival, I have learned that if you had magic back home you can acquire a tattoo to use it here. Or if you had no magic, you can gain it through the same process. However, what I'm most curious to learn is if someone lost their magic before arriving in this world, would the tattoos be able to give it back to them or could they only acquire the magic found here?

[ Only two people know why Malleus is asking about this, and it's likely to stay that way. ]

As for another of my inquiries, I'm well-aware that finding this Rift-Creating Artifact is quite the monumental task and likely means the end of our journey here for many. That there is no true rhyme or reason to who comes and who leaves as of yet, but any information you may have on the Rifts and your discoveries on how they work would be greatly appreciated. I wish to invest some of my time into learning how these Rifts work or at the very most, being able to manipulate them to some extent.

[ And Malleus has a lot of time to spare. ]

For those with the ability, whether it be by ship or some other means, have you ever ventured on a different path than the leviathans? Tried traveling beyond what seem to be their destinations. Would anyone be interested in trying such a thing?

[ There's a bit of a pause where one might think Malleus has ended the feed or lost his train of thought. Either way, he obviously had a lot on his mind - a curiosity that has grown the longer he spent time here. ]

My last question is perhaps a bit more personal for those who wish to share their answer. If given the choice, would you remain here in this world or go home? Is there a reason you would prefer to stay?