cccorp: (Default)
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!"

notfunny: <user name=prepull> (YapDe0z)

[personal profile] notfunny 2023-08-07 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
Huh.

[ he takes a moment to follow that link, look at each of the games. one eyebrow raises. ]

Never seen these before. And they're free?

[ kind of crazy, but it's not that unusual. some people simply design and program so they can keep their skills sharp. some also just love games. ]

In between flights... so you do a lot of travelling? Cool.
notfunny: (13)

[personal profile] notfunny 2023-08-07 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
No. Well, I could probably try...

[ and he might if he doesn't have others to go with, but what's the point? sure he could snag some easy gear. could get some easy XP. ]

... but it'd be more fun with friends, you know?
bleatingedge: leo in his default state (Default)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-07 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Absolutely!

[Holy shit, is this what making friends is like? It's actually kinda nice.]

Ah, hold on, one sec. [Leo brings up the game's menu and 'clicks' on Hector.] There. I sent you a friend request.
bleatingedge: leo in his default state (neutral)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-07 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Talk about whiplash! At least Mithrun doesn't seem too heartbroken?]

Gathering information on how the game works happens to be something I'm keen on doing myself, so our paths align there. I'm a Wavemaster, so I can back you up with spells. Getting pretty close to unlocking a healing spell as well, though it's not as strong as a Harvest Cleric's overall healing and support.
bleatingedge: leo in his default state (Default)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-08-07 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
I wanna say I've been tooooo at least half of the vendors here? Mostly repeats of what you'd see on planet Earth but with a few small twists here and there.

[Leo quickly holds a hand up.]

Now, before we get moving, I want to let you know that we might not find what we're looking for. So keep your expectations in check.
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 017)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-08-07 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
Uh, well I don't know how you've got your screen set up. By default it's in the bottom left corner and you just click on it, but if it's not there... [She puts a hand to her chin, contemplative.] You could try to force quit with Alt-F4?
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 009)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-08-07 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
[You can't just log off mid-dungeon run Hector!!]

Well, okay. I'll try not to be too difficult Hector. Ready to give it a shot?
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 020)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-08-07 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, they won't let you delete and remake your character? [Huh, awfully strict beta...] I'm an Edge Punisher. It's a large weapon DPS class.
userunfriendly: (85)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-08-07 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's motivating to see the dungeons, if nothing else.

[ And at least part of the satisfaction of leveling is getting to feel cooler with better equipment... Yeah, that's something to look forward to. ]
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 026)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-08-07 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
[Dehya laughs with her.] Too bad we don't have everyone else here! But I guess we can always make some new friends, huh?
sicklysweet: (3860288 (31))

[personal profile] sicklysweet 2023-08-07 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
Am I wrong?

[The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but you're still going to hell.]
glassbell: (Purin11)

[personal profile] glassbell 2023-08-07 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
Nothing really. I've had my fill of the welcome party for now if you're good.

[ She's probably raring to go, but he checks in case she's ready for "Several tutorial windows will pop up in sequence. Please set aside time to read them!" ]
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 065)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-08-07 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[And Dehya, without hesitation, jumps in after him. The terrain makes the chase more difficult, but that isn't what ultimately stalls her--no, it's a pair of armor evils that come out through the trees.

She uses Calamity in a wide sweep to disable their attacks.]
threatmewted: ([Smile] Some things are)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-08-07 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
Then let's get going already! Come on!

[With a grin, she'll head over to the chaos gate!]
glassbell: (Purin12)

[personal profile] glassbell 2023-08-07 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Well. He found one that's close, maybe??? He seems very unsure. ]

I found a bright yellow one. It's... cheese, apparently.
tablescraps: (Default)

(foghorn) PETE

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
( Oh. He's being wielded by the head. Interesting. )

Cluck cluck. Bawk.

( He tries to advise Emil, but to no avail.

Shifting his grip of Matoba into one hand thanks to physics-defying game convention, he gestures with one hand vaguely from Emil to passers by, and makes a stabbing motion, accompanied by informative chicken sounds. The beta testing must go on. )
tablescraps: (pic#16637721)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
( He glances at Fandaniel only briefly, but his gaze turns to fix ahead once more - in general, he looks more to their path and the possibility of upcoming dangers more than he looks to his company at all. )

... Is the way you talk natural, or affected?

( Not said with any particular judgment or deep investment. He's just noticed it's been relatively consistent. )
insinning: (upset; ummm ew?)

(foghorn) PETE...!

[personal profile] insinning 2023-08-07 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
... is it really okay just to do that?

[ Sinclair is quiet for a moment, equipping Mithrun as Matoba advises. He adjusts his grip on the chicken head, carrying him over his shoulder like a lance, which extended out into Matoba being used as a broadsword and Oria as some sort of frog...decoration? He's not sure what to feel about this as he glances around.

When he sees someone who he vaguely recognises from the forums, he makes his way over hesitantly]


Excuse me sir...could you help us beta test?

[A strange look flickers over his face. It might be something bloodthirsty. It might be crippling fear and the desire to do something weird as a teenager for once in his life. Then he's violently stabbing with the lance-Mithrun-broadsword-Matoba-book-Oria.]

Sorry!!

[ The clucks were very convincing]
tablescraps: (pic#16637723)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
( Considers. )

... Unless they change it, I'd recommend against dying. The lingering sense of ceaseless nonexistence stays, even after you come to again.

( Word to the wise! )
tablescraps: (pic#16637721)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 06:47 am (UTC)(link)
( Ah, right, Tylor's a grab bag of surprises. Well, he'll just have to be aggressive and strike him down before he whittles down Mithrun's HP - if he chooses to turtle their battle out as Lord Partizan, that might be a bit tricky. Mithrun considers these more reasonable strategies, and doesn't expect shenanigans - woe be upon him.

Tylor's suggestion is met with a moment of thought, and then a conclusion he doesn't have strong desire either way. )


... All right.

Ready, then.
tablescraps: (pic#16636765)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
( He can see Tylor's prepared, so no need to draw it out, Mithrun thinks. He dashes forward, straightforward, bringing around the sharp cleave of his broadsword into a horizontal slice, using Death Bringer (hover) in his attempted strike.

Mithrun's strategy to hit hard and fast is pretty apparent. )
insinning: (neutral; a mild surprise)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-08-07 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Leaning over the side and scooping Oria up to get back onto the boat. He was glad Oria's trip seemed relatively uneventful]

Did you see anything interesting?
tablescraps: (pic#16636811)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
Street is fine.

( If we die we die. He unsheathes his dumb big broadsword. If Mithrun is uke, this thing could be big enough to be his seme. )

I look forward to you seeing your gun up close.

( A playful quip about Oria saying he likes killing things close range? Maybe. )

Ready?
tablescraps: (Default)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-08-07 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
... Was wondering... if I'd hit the sun...

( If anything, this sure is a success in the "feeling pain" department, which has been one of his more general goals. Slowly, he seems to find it in him to move, pushing at the ground with his palm and shakily getting himself up into a slanted sit, though he looks like he's kind of debating...

Nah, forget debating; pancake instinct wins. He slides back down, though this time not into a heap: just kind of flat on his back this time. Ough. )


... Who... are you?

( Glances at him like he'd just realized Hani is a whole physical person there. )
Edited 2023-08-07 07:01 (UTC)
insinning: (upset; hmmm)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-08-07 07:13 am (UTC)(link)
[This is the most concerning thing anyone has ever said to Sinclair.

U OK MITHRUN???]


Um. Does it change whether or not your pain sensors are all on? Maybe that's a bug too...