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CyberConnect Corporation ([personal profile] cccorp) wrote in [community profile] altimit2023-07-27 08:51 am
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⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.

//CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WON! 🙂

On a day like any other, you're checking your email when one in particular catches your eye. We invite you to Fragment, the subject line reads, and the sender is a name everyone is familiar with: CyberConnect Corporation.

It doesn't matter whether you signed up for Fragment's closed beta months ago or simply found the mysterious email sitting in your inbox. The fact remains that you are one of the select few chosen to participate, and in a word gone fully digital, you can't afford to turn down such an opportunity.

Those who accepted the invitation were given much more than a free pass to beta test the latest and greatest MMO. Upon confirming their participation, employees of C.C. Corp arrive at their homes and outfit them with top-of-the-line internet — a must to play such an advanced game — a brand new PC, and a state-of-the-art VR headset created by C.C. Corp themselves specifically for this beta test. You may call it excessive. They call it necessary.
Welcome to The World's first event! Your plotting post is here.

//YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS SIMPLY.

When the morning of July 29th rolls around, you're finally able to access Fragment and create your character. By default, your avatar resembles your real world appearance, but naturally you're able to fully customize your look from head to toe. Want green skin? You got it. What about twintails that stretch down to the floor? You won't have to worry about those clipping through your armor in a game as advanced as Fragment. The sky is truly the limit!

Once you've settled on your avatar's appearance and class, you log into your home Root Rown: Mac Anu, a city forever at twilight with a series of canals snaking through it. It's done up in a series of flowing banners and balloons, glitter and confetti carried along by a gentle breeze you can feel along your cheeks.

Players are given some time to wander around the Root Town and acquaint themselves with the feeling of being fully immersed in a digital fantasy world, but after some time, a soft, playful voice echoes all across the Root Town.

"Hi, everyone! It's time to begin! Meet me at the Chaos Gate!"


When everyone gathers for the meeting, they're greeted by the cheerful face and pitchy voice of an enthusiastic young boy. Unlike you, a level 1 newbie without a single GP to your name, targeting the boy reveals a few things: his name is Zelkova and he's level 100. Huh. Is he cheating? Maybe he's someone important?

In either case, you'll have your answer when Zelkova begins to speak, sweeping his arms out wide to greet all the new beta testers.

"Welcome! I'm Zelkova. I'll be your point of contact during Fragment's closed beta! Before we start celebrating, let me give you guys your armor and equipment. You can't fight monsters without that stuff, huh?"

With a wave of his arms, a table pops into existence before Zelkova. Sprawled out on the table is an immaculate collection of... shabby level one weapons and equipment. Yikes. What, did you think you'd be fabulous from the jump? That's not how MMOs work!

Zelkova encourages everyone to step up and grab the set (or sets, if you're an Adept Rogue) to outfit themselves.

YOUR NEW ARMOR AWAITS.


Blade Brandier: Rusted Blade Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Twin Blade: Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Wavemaster: Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Macabre Dancer: Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Edge Punisher: Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky Boots

Flick Reaper: Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Harvest Cleric: Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Lord Partizan: Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky Boots

Shadow Warlock: Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Steam Gunner: Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Tribal Grappler: Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots



It's... not very impressive, sure, but beginner sets in MMOs never are. Better get dungeon crawling if you want to step up your glamor game.

"Well, that's all the boring stuff for now! This is an exciting opportunity for us all, so why don't we start the beta with a proper party?"

//PARTY LIKE IT'S Y2K.

What better way to celebrate your acceptance into Fragment's prestigious beta program than a blowout party? Every inch of Mac Anu is decked out for the occasion, and once everyone has picked up their armor, Zelkova's armory disappears to reveal a vast banquet table piled high with food, drink, and party favors.

There's cuisine from every corner of the world just waiting to be devoured, and what's more, you'll taste the food like you're really eating it! Zero calories never tasted better. The drinks work much the same way, and there's even alcohol that will get you drunk in no time flat. Take it easy on the cocktails!

Still, maybe you're not feeling adequately dressed for the occasion. Never fear! There are a set of armor skins to pick from. Feeling a bit peckish? Dress up as a vegetable. If veggies aren't your style, how about this sleek little number? Those are just a few of the silly party costumes available for the occasion, and when it's time to depart, Zelkova will graciously allow you to keep your favorite skin to wear whenever you please.

Finally, don't forget to pick up some party favors! There's a foam weapon that, when equipped, takes the form of your class' weapon of choice... but what does it do, exactly? Well, hit another avatar with it and find out for yourself. There are also an array of paint ball guns, nerf guns, and water guns for use in Root Towns. Pick up one of each! Be the annoying friend no one wants to invite on a dungeon run.

Before you leave, Zelkova hands you a Greeting Card that can be emailed to anyone on your friend list. "Try sending it to one of the new friends you made today! I promise they'll love it! Oh... but be careful not to accidentally send it to someone too."

//ZELKOVA'S QUESTION CORNER

Zelkova, this level one armor sucks! I want better stuff!

"Don't worry, new player! Better equipment is a button press away! Well... after you earn it. Why don't you give Area Exploration a try?"
I'm a social butterfly ready to spread my wings and take flight on the winds of friendship! Can I start a guild?
"Heehee... About that! This is a beta, you know? We're still getting stuff ready! Maybe if you wait patiently, you'll be able to form and join guilds in... a week from now. While you're waiting, make some friends! You'll need guild members!"
I hate walking! My feet hurt! I want something that will do all the hard work of moving around for me!
"What? Your feet hurt...? Turn off the pain sensors in your feet! As for alternative travel methods... well, there are "those"... Oh, that's a great idea! Give me some time and I'll see about finding some Grunties for all of us!"
How can I communicate with other players? I want to stay in the loop!
"Great question! That's what the official forums are for! You can ask for help, search for parties, share interesting discoveries you've made and just about anything else on your mind! Give it a try, but be careful: the head admin is kind of a grump... but you didn't hear that from me, hehe!"
"That's all for this week's edition of Zelkova's Question Corner! If have questions you'd like to ask me, send me an email any time!"

bleatingedge: he happ (happy)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-06 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Leo smiles at the offer and nods as enthusiastically as a perpetually tired Gamer can, anyway.]

I'm a Wavemaster. What are you? [Maybe they can make a cool duo.]
curvaceous: (kara19)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-06 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I won't argue with that. A well-written character with a pretty face is truly where it's at.

[ At his question, she shakes her head. ]

Not really. I'm pretty busy, so I only really have the capacity for RPGs, since they're kind of a time sink! I might have to change that, though, given that I've been spending so much time in this beta. Do you?
dapples: (✿ 025)

[personal profile] dapples 2023-08-06 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh yes please! I love a nice slice of cake with a cup of tea.
curvaceous: (kara25)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-06 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, probably! That sounds like a good combination. Let's see if they have something like that around.

[ She searches, finds a clam-based dip and a guacamole one...

But, alas. She turns to Furin from the other side of the table.
]

...Mm. No such luck on my end. You?
curvaceous: (kara23)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-06 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ YOOOOO ]

Spice Girls! SPICE GIRLS! I only know one song by them, but you know what I'm talking about, right? Tell me what you want, something like that?
trollophoroi: credit: <user name=bloodcrazed> (052;)

[personal profile] trollophoroi 2023-08-06 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
As I said, they're yellow jackets. They look like bees but are aggressive and known to eat carrion, among other things. [ Wasps are horrifying. ] Not quite as horrific as the giant wasps we get in the more mountainous areas of Japan but still unpleasant to think about, yes?

[ In any case, Fandaniel offers a wide smile to Tylor when he confirms his Adept Rougeness and that he's on Lord Partizan currently. So, his armor and HP will be higher than expected, most like. ]

Ah, Lord Partizan. [ That earns a single clap from the Shadow Warlock as if to go 'aha, right!' ] That makes you quite the tank, yes? Why don't you run ahead and pull every monster you see just ahead?
696_9: Transformed, yelling. ([e] now!)

[personal profile] 696_9 2023-08-06 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Nana sputters and coughs when she sees him and begins to flail to get up for air. Unfortunately, she's now being carried down the river past him.]

What was that!?
bleatingedge: ... (worried annoyed)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-06 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[God, this is so much.] Uh, you're welcome I guess... If you ever want to hang out or do dungeons or whatever, I'm down for that. Just not... relationships.
696_9: Transformed, calling out mid-spin. ([e] so like i was saying)

[personal profile] 696_9 2023-08-06 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Not being rude, just being honest.
weaseled: (35)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm, yeah. They called it state-of-the-art, didn't they? Never heard of a video game doing that before.

[Still, he's obligated to ask:]

You don't find that weird? It's creepy if you really think about it, a game hooking up directly to your brain.
weaseled: (26)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
And you sound like a twelve year old. Which is worse?
weaseled: (3)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not here because I signed up for some lottery. They sent me an invite personally.

[Cope and seethe, Pete.]
weaseled: (33)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
More like I'm choosing not to handle them.

[Except he arguably is since they're still here engaging in conversation...]
weaseled: (5a)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
You say something? Speak up.

[It may not seem like it, but Yael's trying to do this boy a favor. Seriously, he can see this twink (with a few extra inches tacked on) getting bullied pretty ruthlessly if he doesn't grow a spine.]

No one's gonna take you seriously if you keep mumbling like that.
weaseled: (pic#16625801)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yael exhales a long, thin sigh.]

...Look. Even the best relationships end eventually. Either one of you changes, someone dies, or something else gets in the way. At the end of the day, the only person who's gonna be there from you from start to finish is you.

[So, to that end... he looks Aoi directly in the eye.]

You'll never find that person if you don't learn how to live with yourself first.
weaseled: (1)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-06 10:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's not that he isn't worried, he absolutely is, but Yael's deflection is swift.]

Who wouldn't be worried? Seriously. Look in a mirror.

[Yael broadly motions to Mithrun's Everything. He is made of shit to be concerned about.]
tinged: (010)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-08-06 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ no one's talked to them about books yet, so they perk up with interest. ]

Fiction? Non-fiction? Those are the usual genres people ask about, right?
tinged: (016)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-08-06 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ hmmmmm. they rock on the balls of their heels, thinking. ]

I want to try something I can only find here - in this world! Aren't you curious, too? If it only exists in this world, what will we taste?
696_9: Transformed, approaching the camera. ([e] you with me?)

[personal profile] 696_9 2023-08-06 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Something is seriously wrong with you.
fluorite: dnt (31)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-06 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Then I'll get that recipe to you as soon as possible~
bleatingedge: he happ (happy)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-06 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[Leo re-reads the quest description again. Oh. Duh.]

So he does. I can take the hit and do the majority of the talking if you want me to. Or Hector can, probably. He's good at talking your ear off. [He says this affectionately.]

[And speak of the devil, Leo gets a ping back from the man.]

Looks like he's rarin' to go. So that makes a full team!
tablescraps: (pic#16637724)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-06 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
( Who doesn't like a maid in heels trying to give you life advice? )

... If you're content, it's not really for me to say anything about it.

( Which is fair. Clearly, Tylor is fond of the way he's living, and he feels he's comfortable with his relationships not being reciprocal in energy. Such as it is. )

But someone who isn't used to people like you may think you're treating them special.
tablescraps: (pic#16637721)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-06 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
All right. I'm an Edge Punisher. I've been doing Area runs to understand how the keyword system works a little better, if that interests you.

( Switching gears pretty easily, despite all that. )
tylorific: (snap snap crackle snap)

[personal profile] tylorific 2023-08-06 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, but I am treating you special. If I didn't like you, it wouldn't really matter how pretty you are.

[ Now he actually does look over at the board, but there's no less confidence in what he's saying. He's not really reading it either. ]

And something tells me you don't hear nice things enough now that you aren't vain anymore. Am I wrong?
tablescraps: (pic#16637744)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-06 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
( We can katamari the whole beta team. Let's do this. )

We're beta testing.

( And with no further explanation he SWIMGS!!! Matoba-Oria at Emil with the intent to get a brutally clean hit, )