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!"

worldbent: (pic#16252311)

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-07-30 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
I'm glad you at least get something out of this, even if it isn't your dick wet.

[Sweetest smile!]

If they have the software to maintain it this time. Last time, all it did was lag runs with international teams. Sorry your infrastructure over there is so behind, but we never have any problems in the Japan-only servers.

Ah, which reminds me. You guys probably won't get any promotional codes from the launch marketing collaborations either, too bad. If you pay me, though, maybe I can get you some codes.
dissimulative: (pic#15281035)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-07-30 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
No?

[ He looks at the plate of wings in his hands, looking st it from various angles as if that will help with anything. ]

I don't think so. Not a fan of spicy stuff? If you're not sure, feed me one. I'll tell you.
dapples: (✿ 125)

[personal profile] dapples 2023-07-30 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ he knows he'd be unafraid of giving any creep sass... BUT! ]

Of course I'm worried! The internet can be a really weird place! I once got an email from a woman in a very small pair of shorts asking me if I was a "DILF"! I had to google "DILF"! And I was very shocked at what the results told me!
synodical: (a036)

[personal profile] synodical 2023-07-30 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
Not really...

[They're weak and they will fully admit to this!!

Feeding Oria sounds super embarrassing, but they'd rather him suffer if they're spicy still sounds more embarrassing, so they just stiffly hold the wing forward, up this his face.]
fluorite: dnt (86)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-30 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow, holding nothing back is he? It takes Fai a moment before he finally answers: ]

I do. I think we get along well, overall.
dapples: (✿ 040)

[personal profile] dapples 2023-07-30 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
Oh...!

[ He glances. ]

Would we ... get in trouble if we shoot them?
dissimulative: (pic#15273326)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-07-30 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
That's great! I get along with my sisters too, even if it doesn't look like that sometimes.

[ As he would know. ]

But what's with that pause, huh? Got into a fight?
worldbent: (pic#15845038)

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-07-30 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
I had the same thought...

[Like the guy earlier who said he just found a random email in his inbox one day. Sure is a trusting bunch...] It made sense to me when I received one, since I've been playing their games for a while [Don't ask about his CCC account suspension history] but you'd think beta testing would be for people who know what to look for.

Oh, well. All the easier to get to the top.

[Oriade, you're reading the room correctly. At least you get points for seeming experienced, though, so you're only a little bit of a chump.]
dapples: (✿ 025)

[personal profile] dapples 2023-07-30 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
Aww, thank you! I should probably think about making use of my degree, but I'm having too much fun running the book shop.

What about you? Are you in school?
veardant: (190)

[personal profile] veardant 2023-07-30 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh my god

tighnari snorts out loud. ]


Well, are you? I don't think you're quite old enough to qualify.
notfunny: <user name=prepull> (oNsneTJ)

[personal profile] notfunny 2023-07-30 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
You've guac to be kidding me.

[ a shake of his head and cyno gestures towards the rest of the outfits. ]

I know this is supposed to be a party and all, but imagine dressing up like one of the foods.
synodical: (a036)

[personal profile] synodical 2023-07-30 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
beginning adventure!
[Vieno isn't super bothered by the starting equipment - of course it's all going to be junky garbage, because they're all just level one. Better equipment will come later. It does feel a bit silly to just have a robe and a sparkly scepter, but they'll make do. They're more interested in the environment then the equipment, anyways, and the novelty of being able to look up at the Clock Tower and being able to read the time.

Technology sure is amazing, huh?

They're content to look over every inch of the Root Town that they can, not particularly concerned about the festivities just yet. They're honestly a bit of a wallflower, so the celebratory air is more of a bother then a draw.]


i will probably just keep using glam
[Fashion is unescapable, even in an MMO. Fashion is also something they don't have much interest in - or experience with. They're probably just going to wear their clothes from high school for the foreseeable future, because clothes are clothes... But the skins are interesting? There's certainly a variety.

They rotate through a lot of the options available, not sticking on any particular one for any significant length of time. The fruits and veggies are kind of funny, the risqué ones make them feel way too exposed and they try all of one on before immediately toggling it off so they're back in their default robe, face bright red. They're not strong enough for sexy glams. They're a coward - and, besides, it's not like people actually want to see all of that, probably.

Still, even discounting those...]


How are you supposed to choose just one? Which one do you think is best? It's just for aesthetics, I know, but...

[The choice paralysis was bad enough when it was just character creation, and they mostly just look like themself!]

airhorns......
[Slinking around the corners of the party and paying more attention to the landscape then the other people means Vieno is blissfully unaware of the party favors - that is, of course, until they get bonked by someone they haven't noticed, and the sudden loud noise gets them to startle and jump.]

Fucking hell-

[AAAAAAAA]

wildcard;
[i have no idea what i'm doing but my arms are open!!]
insinning: (neutral; wait what)

Victims are always the most innocent

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-30 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
...it should be fine. I think

[ He'd welcome any help but considering what had gone down...he might be a little wary]
weaseled: (pic#16581033)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
[That outfit... Those assets......... Well! This girl would be his type if she weren't certifiably insane at a glance. Speaking in third person? Red flag. Drinking tomato juice out of a can? Even redder flag.]

I'm good, thanks.

[Seriously, why are the hot girls always insane??]

If you drop dead after drinking that, report back. I'd be curious to hear what the afterlife is like.
weaseled: (35)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
[He never wants to gaze into this dude's void pockets, thank you very much. From what Yael already knows, he'd regret looking too closely.]

Mm, that sounds like effort. Why don't you bring me some instead? Do the hard work so I don't have to.

[Cheeky, cheeky.]
weaseled: (5)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah... He'll never understand bubbly types, but he'll never dislike them either. As the stranger whose name he didn't even get wanders off, Yael lifts a hand, turns on his heel and wanders off. Time to get blasted in the face more.]
weaseled: (39)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Guess that's a good point. They probably want to make this game as beginner-friendly as possible, but if you ask me, they've already failed on that front.

[points at all the people squirting each other in the face with water guns and the dude who fucking UNLEASHED A PLAGUE ON THE ROOT TOWN,]
weaseled: (13)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Do you know that for sure? If you can feel satiated after eating fake food, who's to say it can't make you sick?
weaseled: (38)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
See, that's the issue.

[Yael attempts to pick up the bottle himself and fails. Multiple times over. Some people just aren't good at video games.

Thankfully, this "kind" stranger manages to do what Yael can't. Once he's holding it out to him, Yael struggles some more trying to take it from him.]


...Tsk. These controls aren't beginner-friendly at all.
weaseled: (13)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
This game is pretty true to life. If you eat like a starving animal here, it's fair to assume the same holds true in reality.

[Fair point, right?]
weaseled: (pic#16581036)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Another male dancer?

[Man. Yael sounds ever so slightly disappointed, but only ever so slightly.]

Well, not like it matters. I'm still trying to get my bearings, but I'm not much of a gamer. I'd rather be out doing something productive than sitting around on a computer.
weaseled: (5a)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
They never mentioned it being necessary to eat fake food in their little beta test.

[STOP STARING AT HIS TITS]

I think I'll leave breaking the game to people like you. You seem like the type to push until something gives.
weaseled: (8)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
[A cocktail... Well, he's not strictly opposed. Yael tips his head to one side, staring at it.]

I'm picky about my cocktails. Did you mix that yourself?
weaseled: (4)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Your job? Heh. I suppose it is.

[Fuckin' nerd. Still, Yael has always had a soft spot for people who take the silliest things very seriously.]

Well, whatever. I don't mind going with you if you don't mind carrying me. [...] Don't take that literally.
weaseled: (33)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-30 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Depends on what type of whiskey you're comparing it to. It's a toasty, almost caramelly flavor. It's best on the rocks. Why don't you try it some time?