⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.

[cccorp]

>>Premise // >>Introduction // >>Party // >>Zelkova Corner

⬣//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!"

>>Navigation

Comments

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun's walking about, looking for anything notable in terms of carvings or items - but it doesn't seem there is anything.

When they hit the barrier, though, he stumbles back. Weird. It reminds him a little of the sky box.

Without consulting with Oria first, or even warning him, he takes out his broad claymore, and tries to strike at the barrier - bracing his heels in the ground with the expectation of potentially accelerated pushback. )

[trollophoroi]

Well then.

[ Fandaniel is ignored. That's enough for him to feel fine carrying on, though he does turn to walk back to Dehya. Look, he'll behave. He wants to know what's up with this place and for that alone, he won't dash ahead. ]

Looks like we're fine to carry on, assuming you wish to. It does smell a little... hm... dead?

[dissimulative]

[ ?!?!?!?!

Oria does not want a bounced claymore to strike at him tyvm he's gonna duck ]

[cccorp]

[ It would be great if the barrier cracked, wouldn't it? But that doesn't seem to happen here.

Instead, when Mithrun's claymore hits the barrier, the hit bounces off of it, his weapon practically ricocheting. Seems like this barrier doesn't want to be messed with. The air suddenly feels much, much thinner, as if the castle itself is trying to convince them to leave. ]

[tablescraps]

( Asphyxiation can't stop me because I don't fear death !!!!!!!!!

Even Mithrun starts to notice, though, how the air seems to thin; it's apparent in his inhale and how it stutters and catches like a rock in his throat as the claymore flings back, the weight swinging him into a wall with a slam that knocks the rest of the air out of his lungs. He coughs and steadies his stance and steps forward, swinging the blade into its sheath on his back, where it then fades from view. )

... There's something here.

( Unless there isn't? But he's not encountered an invisible wall this particularly aggressive before. So, obviously, they can't leave. )

Maybe there's another way to get deeper in.

[dissimulative]

[ Oria would suggest looking for another way, but how can the air thin out so much all of a sudden? He definitely doesn't feel comfortable. ]

Maybe we can come back later... after preparing.

[cccorp]

[ Even as they stand there deliberating the air thins further. Is there something there, hidden in the inaccessible depths of the castle, or is this a warning that nothing is there at all? It's hard to tell for sure, especially when they can't look around more. And if they do attempt to pierce the wall again, the same thing happens.

Seems like the castle really doesn't want them in here, regardless of the intent.

But there's still plenty for them to look at outside, after all, especially down beyond the clouds hanging near the peak they've found themselves on. ]

[tablescraps]

There's a chance that... whatever's strange about a special Area isn't— isn't there anymore, if you visit a second time.

( All the strange elements described by players being missing upon subsequent visits... But, while Mithrun isn't particularly alarmed by impending death, discussion with a second party (Oria) is difficult when there's not a lot of air to breathe - probably a decision he might have failed to make, if he came in by himself.

Without further discussion (again), he strides back outside the ruin grounds, to see if the air's a little better out here where they've got a view of the clouds and below, where the castle is less mad at them?? It's apparent he doesn't really want to quit the instance. He wants to nose around more. )

[dissimulative]

[ He follows Mithrun out immediately because he wants some air to breathe, even if the air is already thin outside anyway from how high up they are... ]

Do you see anything? All I see are a bunch of clouds.

[cccorp]

[ When they make it back outside, the air is much easier to breathe, although it's still fairly thin. At least they can (somewhat) catch their breaths now.

The grass is a delightful green and the clouds are white and fluffy, but there are spots where the clouds have dispersed. If they want, they can lean over the side of the land they're on and look down.

Will they? ]

[tablescraps]

( air... we love to breathe it

Well, Mithrun was about ready to die pvping invisible walls in the castle, so a little bit of heights isn't going to scare him. He glances from Oria following Oria's comment to the clouds, and he notices they've dispersed some now. So, yes, he'll step toward the edge and lean over, looking down.

At least he's being careful to brace his step enough so he (probably) won't lose his balance - there are better ways to test if there's an invisible floor than just hurtling himself down. (Or, if there isn't, he'd rather that be the last thing he does - after he's done poking around here.) )

[dissimulative]

[ With them alone here, it's a lot easier for Oria to feel pity for Mithrun's caretaker, whoever that may be. Oria grabs the back of Mithrun's collar but doesn't pull... yet. He's doing this just in case. ]

[legendofthelion]

Yeah... so we should still be careful. But if someone else gets these keywords, I don't want them walking in blind.

[But maybe, hopefully it's just because of the dungeon type. She lowers her blade without an immediate threat, but isn't off guard enough to stow it entirely as they walk further in. She watches the strange enemies mill, and then the walls.]

[secondthoughts]

I'm a man of my word.

[ Hector gives a little mock bow at that. He doesn't think he'll get anyone propositioning him (he has full faith that people playing this game are normal like him), but he'll do it if happens. 100%.

He laughs at the second statement though. He takes a few steps towards Dosei, not to stand in front of him, but to walk past him. As he comes to stand beside him, he pats him lightly on the shoulder. ]

That'll be you one day.

[ this is ur future little boy.

He steps past him and gives a little wave. ]

See you around, Ramiel.

[cccorp]

[As they wander further into the dungeon, the putrid smell of death grows more and more oppressive. The walls leak a viscous fluid, an amalgamation of monster flesh and rusting metal, and something at the far end of a vast, snaking hallways damply rattles. Is that rattle a warning? An invitation? It's a hollow-sounding rattle, like long, cylindrical objects knocking together in quick succession. They have a ways to go until they reach the source of the rattling and plenty of time to change their minds and turn back.]

[cccorp]

[ What they will both see is the whole expanse of the map below them, including the Special Areas. Many parts of the map are dotted with mist or clouds or otherwise obscured, but it's plain to see that the entirety of the world itself is below them.

It's quite breathtaking, even without taking into account the lack of air up here.

Actually, maybe it's so breathtaking that they start to feel dizzy. ]

[tablescraps]

( Ah - Mithrun finds himself absorbed in looking down at the landscape, especially trying to see if there's Areas or maps not yet "released" currently visible. So absorbed that the dizzy hits him, and he sways - heel digging into the ground, but he doesn't pull back from the edge, still studying the scenery. Oria's got him (probably). )

[dissimulative]

[ The dice gods are looking favorably, because Oria is able to keep his hold on Mithrun. It doesn't take too much effort, but he's making sure that Mithrun doesn't lean too forward. ]

Tell me when to pull you up.

[weaseled]

It's great that you're aware, but are you going to try?

[Knowing and trying are two very different things. Yael has no right to harp on Sinclair, but he can't seem to help himself from favoring the underdog and keeping his watchful eye on them. Just once, he'd like to see someone like Sinclair punch his worst enemy square in the face and savor the taste of a hard-fought victory.]

[notfunny]

You'll never catch me online that early. Or late. [ he rubs his cheek. ] Uh... you know what I mean.

[ though even now, he's feeling a little tired. it's late. he should think about sleep. ]

[insinning]

[Sinclair is quiet for a moment as he considers that]

...I think when it matters, I can.

[ What bends is not always weak. Sometimes it's easier to go along with the flow and save your energy when you really need it.

also maybe that advice is in consideration two weeks into the future when Sinclair throws a stop sign into fandaniels face but not everything can be predicted yknow??]

[tablescraps]

( i lost some of my rolls from when i was going to reply earlier but i noted down which hit and not and so...

The claymore just completed in its arc, by all laws of gravity he can't get it up fast enough to use it as a shield again - the first and third shots hit, the second a tie (3 & 3) - it grazes him, but it grazes him deep. Oria may as well consider it a victory, though, because he only had one eye to begin with, and now his face is a whole bloody mess - who's to say he can even see proper right now? His bloodied face probably looks like a bit of a horror show - especially when, as the smoke clears, it's apparent he caught that second bullet with his teeth. Parried, but not without damage.

It feels a little familiar, getting shot in the head like this. )

... How familiar.

( Getting shot in the head like this. He says this as his blade comes up and he spits the bullet out, bringing it down to swipe at Oria with a Calamity (18), though the close range means it's hard for the sharp pointy bits to miss Oria even with apparent lack of clear vision, it does also mean that angling it to also knock the weapon out of Oria's hands is awkward (6). )

[trollophoroi]

[ Rotten. The dungeon itself is rotted to the core and Fandaniel has to wonder if this is some variety of flesh dungeon that they've all encountered before in the beta. Only it's... wrong, somehow managing to be even more visceral and disgusting than before.

This does not stop him, however. He's intent on continuing and he won't let the rattle do more than give him a moment of pause. ]

I'm beginning to wonder if turning off senses for this one may be a wise choice.

[ He does grumble that aloud, though, pulling a sleeve of his robe over his hand and covering his nose and mouth with it. Ugh. ]

[victorypose]

[The caress causes Subaru to freeze up - was this really happening? Did he want it to happen? He had been saying about how he wanted a kiss, and Oriade wasn't an unattractive avatar by any means...but is this really how we wanted his first kiss to go down?

When he misses the kiss and goes for the thumb, there's a flush of relief, though he remains stunned for a moment.

Then, he bellows.]

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?

[veardant]

[ and tighnari's sharp eyes pick up on that immediately. they've spent so many video calls together late into one of their nights, they've become well acquainted with one another's sleepy voices. tighnari chuckles. ]

Get some rest, Cyno.