cccorp: (Default)
CyberConnect Corporation ([personal profile] cccorp) wrote in [community profile] altimit2023-07-27 08:51 am
Entry tags:

⬣//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!"

weaseled: (35)

NEWB ALERT XDDDDDDD

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
No, they aren't.

[Just stating facts!!]

But yours looks better than mine, I guess.

[Listlessly gestures at his rusting railroad spikes...]
Edited 2023-07-29 16:57 (UTC)
fluorite: dnt (100)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-29 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He could run, or... he could stay right where he is instead. With a light laugh, Fai shoots him a grin. ]

I know your type. You won't chase after me.
tinged: (016)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-29 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, it's not like we can catch digital viruses in our real bodies.

[ lol right ]
regressive: (088)

[personal profile] regressive 2023-07-29 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is the World of Assholes now!! ]

You think?

[ He is petty enough to slap the spikes off Yael's hands in an attempt to unequip them. Not sure if that's gonna work, but it's worth trying. ]
weaseled: (8)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[Enter: the man in the tomato costume. Look, lady, it's not what you think!]

...Look. I didn't choose this costume.

[It chose him. In other words, he equipped it on accident and doesn't know how to get it off.]
fluorite: dnt (82)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-29 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It takes a couple of moments for Fai to notice someone else doing the same thing, and he immediately wonders if he's being copied.

Honestly, it's pretty funny, so he can't even be upset. ]


It's fun, isn't it?
696_9: Transformed, unsure. ([e] poor life choices perhaps)

[personal profile] 696_9 2023-07-29 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, talk about bad luck. Why'd they even give these out for the party? You'd think they'd stick to, like, normal dress clothes or something.
weaseled: (5a)

loitering is illegal u know

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[That outfit is.................. a lot, but he's seen worse? He's seen worse. Yael makes a token effort to avoid Hector's gaze but manages to catch it anyway, a sigh whistling out beneath his breath.]

Not really. I'm not planning on running any dungeons.
regressive: (076)

nerf gun

[personal profile] regressive 2023-07-29 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's played many MMOs in the past, but he hasn't been hit by a nerf gun in any of them. The World is his first. ]

I thought PVP isn't allowed.

[ Joonghyuk turns around and rubs the back of his head. Wielding his Yaoi Oar majestically (?) he gives Kara a Look. ]

Come at me.

[ Is he planning to deflect the nerf gun bullets with the power of yaoi? Yes. ]
weaseled: (pic#16581036)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:02 pm (UTC)(link)
You'd think so, but maybe embarrassing us is the point.

[...]

You look pretty silly yourself, you know.
trashtier: (pic#16617082)

[personal profile] trashtier 2023-07-29 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
1 - grand entrance

[After spending a billion years in the character creator, Levi excitedly enters the game! ...and proceeds to rush around the root town in his newb attire to take in as many sights and sounds as he possibly can, occasionally stopping to swish his long serpent tail back and forth and grin over how real it feels.]

I'm calling it now, [he announces aloud for any passerby to hear] this is the best. MMO. Ever.

[He's also one of the first in line for gear once Zelkova calls everyone over, and he seems to clearly know what he's doing as he starts picking things out. He's also grabbing more than one set of gear, which for those who haven't done a lot of research on the game, might look a little strange. How come Levi gets two sets of gear?]

2 - party time!

[Joke glams aren't really Levi's thing, so he goes straight for something cool and fitting for his avatar's vibes. The result is this number. And...yes, there's even a hole for his tail in the back.

He lets out a little cackle like some kind of RPG midboss.]


Now I can take on dungeons! I can't wait!

[...except he's going to be waiting a while, much to his dismay, because he promptly gets stuck at the banquet for hours. He can be found sitting beside a certain redheaded fly demon with a plate long-empty, anxious and bored out of his skull as he waits for his brother to finish eating so they can go already.

He wants to pass the time by chatting with others, but...the thought of doing so makes him more nervous than he's ever felt while playing an MMO. The problem with things feeling so lifelike is that even conversations feel like talking to people IRL.

It's...daunting.]


3 - wildcard

[Feel free to hit me up with something custom here or plan something out with me here!]
weaseled: (13)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[...That comment gives him pause. Strikes a chord, somehow.]

So you're used to annoying guys like me? You should've learned you lesson by now.
secondthoughts: (☀ これは何度目の夜だろうな)

drinks!!!

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-29 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It just so happens that Fai runs into an alcoholic.

Hector brightens at the new face, and he holds out a hand to take the drink. Hand it over!! ]


Be more than happy to.
weaseled: (25)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Hope not. This game's pretty realistic.

[He's not the type to theory craft, but there has to be some catch with a game this realistic.]

But it's not that far-fetched. If you can get drunk and feel full from drinking and eating the food here, couldn't you get sick too?
regressive: (085)

drinks

[personal profile] regressive 2023-07-29 05:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What do you mean by he's done being a nuisance? Talking to Joonghyuk and offering him a drink is the exact definition of being a nuisance in his book. He gives Fai a look from head to toe. ]

I always wanted to drink pixels.

[ Feel free to take that as a yes. ]
weaseled: (39)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[World of Tanks Assholes, what a wonderful game. 10/10 on the app store.]

Yeah. I do.

[IT CERTAINLY DOES WORK. THANKS, ASSHOLE. But now that Yael knows how to equip his weapons, he can simply pick them up, reequip them, and strike this bastard... for a single point of damage. Don't fuck with him!!]
fluorite: dnt (37)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-29 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't my staying put an example of having learned my lesson?

[ Just saying! Giving Yael a light shrug, Fai continues to smile. ]

You won't chase me, but I doubt you'll punch me either... at least not here.

[ With that, he sends a friend request and then a party invite. It's useless here, but hey, why the hell not? ]
dapples: (✿ 093)

[personal profile] dapples 2023-07-29 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess our tastes are different, then!

[ He laughs. But also ... yikes! Those are some rusty lads. ]

Aww ... don't worry. I'm sure you'll get something a lot nicer really soon!
secondthoughts: formerly the 69 icon in my mind (☀ 受ける青年期)

n00b alert lmao

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-29 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hector's been...watching. As he picks out his own equipment with little protest, he keeps a sideways eye on this guy.

He only speaks up after Yael does. ]


I don't think we have much of a choice at this point. We've all gotta start somewhere.

[ Which is the nicer way of putting it.

Or maybe he's just having trouble picking up his things in the game. ]


You, uh, need help?
diq: ( ɴᴜɢɴᴀᴄɪᴏᴜs ) (✦ sᴜʀᴇ.)

[personal profile] diq 2023-07-29 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
INTRO.

Level 100, huh? Must be nice.

[ that's a lot of effort to go thru as sylvain tallies the last time he'd had to invest several hours to get to level 100 in an MMO. that's a lot of vacation days anyone would be reluctant to give him at work.

sylvain tests a wooden lance and shrugs. ]


Better than nothing.


PARTY.

A. DUNGEON CRAWLING.

[ you get hit by a nerf gun. ]

Are you done playing wallflower yet? Wanna take this relationship to the next level? [ wink. ] Wanna try our luck in a dungeon - alright, I'll stop, but I'm serious! I'm up for a challenge.


B. BANQUET HALL.

This is actually spicy, I'm impressed.

[ sylvain's eating some spicy grilled fish balls in a skewer. if he sees you, he'll give a little wave. ]

Hey. Name's Sylvain. [ a slight pause as he smiles. ] You having fun?


ooc. planning post here!
Edited 2023-07-29 17:12 (UTC)
weaseled: (33)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh. Is that another lesson you learned? That you prefer getting decked in private?

[His flat monotone cracks with a bit of amusement.......... but the smile's wiped off his lips when that friend request and party invite come through. ??? ??????? He stares at Fai.]

What's this about?
tinged: (009)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-29 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh - then do you think we'll be the first to?
secondthoughts: (i'm 5'9 :))

nerf gun fun

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-29 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hector's attention snaps up at Kara's warning, but he barely has any time to react to the attack. He brings up his arm to his face, and the dart bounces off it. That was close.

He gives a good-natured laugh. ]


Hey, I'm unarmed! That's not fair!

[ He grabs the nearest thing from the table--a water gun--and points it back at her. ]

Don't think you're getting away with that!

[ squirt squirt ]
weaseled: (10)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-29 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
You think so? Hah.

[That would require, like, running dungeons n shit. This guy seems neither rude nor overly friendly unlike the other people here, so he'll make a quiet admittance and hope his read of the guy was correct.]

I barely managed to get my weapon and armor equipped. I don't know how I'd manage a dungeon. You've gotta run those to get better stuff, right?
worldbent: (When I say that we will never return)

Display name: "0koto" | Matoba Seiji | Natsume Yuujinchou

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-07-29 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
1. "And we will (not) wear silly hats"

[Starter equipment- well, what can be done about that? Matoba's eye drifts over the assortment of worn-out, chewed-up, and truly gag gift level equipment that's been laid out for them, and after a moment to resign himself to it, gathers up one of the old robes to swing over his shoulders.]

[As opposed to just picking the text with the highest numbers in a PC game, in VR, the reality of it really sinks in. This is junk.]


I'm not wearing that hat. [0koto may have a reputation as a min-maxer, but in this one case, he'll take taste over numbers.]


2. I'll be at the buffet

[None of the food is real, but that's not going to stop 0koto for making a beeline for the dessert trays. Even if it's not doing anything to feed him, whatever magic the devs worked to get them to taste so good should be a product in itself. Get on it, CC Corp.]

[Ah, but is that the last slice of a tray of cake or pie you're eying? It's a shame that 0koto's hand darts out just at the last moment to snatch it out from under you, immediately taking a huge bite.]


Too slow.


3. Rumor Mill

[No game community is fun without some rumors and wild speculation to get it going, right? So why not just fling some bullshit around right off the bat?]

[Perhaps you are minding your own business when 0koto spots you to sidle up beside, speaking just out of reach of your ear. Oh, he doesn't intend to startle anyone, surely....]


Have you heard? [He tilts his head towards you, his one good eye pinning on yours.] Apparently the beta keys for this test were given out by a specific metric. Can you guess what that was?


wildcard!

[Hit me up at my plotting post if you have an idea to hash out!]
Edited 2023-07-29 17:14 (UTC)