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!"

curvaceous: (kara20)

party time!

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-07-30 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ You know, seeing someone so tipsy is making her want to drink, too. Kara watches Brambles for a moment before she reaches over and grabs a drink of her own. ]

Britney Spears?

[ Looks like she's grabbed some tequila... She'll go ahead and take a shot before she puts her empty shot glass back onto the tabletop. ]

Alright, what's your favorite song of hers?
synodical: (a022)

[personal profile] synodical 2023-07-30 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[For now... They have a point.]

That's true, but it's still unclear how long until I get my next one...

[They'll be getting it pretty immediately, but right now they don't know about the maid dress dungeon drop.]

The avocado suits you.
rebelles: (pic#16623167)

[personal profile] rebelles 2023-07-30 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, it was mostly adults discussing their work. I never felt relaxed. This is much more exciting.

[ Just look at all the fruit people! The silly glams. Of course, she's aware the MMO is still someone's financial venture into a groundbreaking digital space, but hopefully as it grows it won't lose its charm. ]

The tea tastes just as if it were real. Have you tried it?
secondthoughts: (✸ 流れる車窓はもう見飽きた)

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Bye!!!! Keep walking that way!!! Hector's gonna keep staring!!! ]
secondthoughts: formerly the 69 icon in my mind (☀ 受ける青年期)

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Used to be, at least.

[ Hector shrugs and readies his water gun again-- Oh, crap, he needs water. ]

Ready to beat me, then?

[ Unfortunately, he glides right over explaining himself. Kara's gonna have to settle with "used to be an expert" for now. ]
secondthoughts: (i'm 5'9 :))

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
I do.

[ The answer comes quickly and readily, and there's a genuine light in Hector's eyes. He fucking loves his job. ]

I'm from the city, but if you ask me? Nothing beats the sound of nature.

[ tree hugger central... ]

What is it you study, then?
userunfriendly: (29)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-30 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Honestly the vibes are immaculate. If Michel tried that with this hair, he'd injure someone. ]

So, it's a game exploit.
userunfriendly: (49)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-30 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Framing yourself as a martyr may have been more successful before the sneak attack.

[ Just saying!! If this man expects mercy because he's offering himself up as a target, he's sorely mistaken. The next water shot is right to his chest. Take that, hard-to-miss target. ]
userunfriendly: (43)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-30 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Guess.

[ Hint: there is a wrong answer. Michel swipes a glass from the table and holds that out too. Helping! ]

If this banter is to disguise the fact that you can't figure out how to use the bottle now that you're holding it, it's doing a very poor job.
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 012)

Loitering

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-30 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe. [She gives him a once over, though nothing about his appearance phases her. She knows how MMOs go.] You offering?
fluorite: dnt (75)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-30 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well it's concerning, for one. But Fai won't say that. Instead, he just shrugs and smiles. ]

I don't know. I couldn't say.
fluorite: dnt (43)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-30 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wow, who's the coward now? ]

Casting spells...? You can't do that in real life.
tinged: (023)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-30 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ they seem... pleased? ]

I'm glad you do, then. Emotions are beautiful things.
secondthoughts: (☀ これは何度目の夜だろうな)

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Poor thing... Hector knows that feeling. Maybe if he were younger, he would've picked a more offensive class, but he fully leans into the support role now. And he wouldn't have it any other way. ]

It's a deal. I bet we'd make a great team. [ Hector extends his hand to shake on it!

And when he does, a little friend request will pop up for Brambles. From Hector, of course. ]
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 007)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-30 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[He holds his gun up and that just means she aims below it, if he's not shooting back.] That won't make me go easy on you!
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 012)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-30 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Relax, I wasn't going to. [But she smirks with some amusement.] You need any help?
secondthoughts: (☀ あれは産声か)

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh.

[ He thought it was some kind of ~super secret~ thing but it's just sex. Okay.

His flat expression turns into one of amusement. ]


That's it? Why be so coy about it?
fluorite: dnt (94)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-30 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, cute... someone who likes his job. It's really nice to see passion like that. ]

Physical chemistry. Currently, I'm working on studying air pollutants.
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 059)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-30 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dehya's eyes rapidly follow his theatrics. She crosses her arms with a huff, incredulous.] Even if that were true, you're right that picking you at random is too strange. I find it kinda hard to believe, to be honest.

[He's not famous or popular. She's expect it to go to some big name streamer or something.] Either way, don't think you can start causing trouble here just because you got in!
dissimulative: (pic#15273313)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-07-30 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Well?

[ He seems to be very expectant. ]

Go on.
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 048)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-30 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I've tried some VR, but never anything like this. [She gestures with her glass.] Being able to actually taste and feel everything... it's almost too lifelike.

[A little disconcerting, but also fascinating.]
insinning: (blush;  a little embarrassed)

Re: newbie.....

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-30 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ow ow ow.

Don't mind Sinclair idling for a moment, as he fixes his pain receptors. There. He picks himself up, freed from the burial]


I don't think I can die in this area.

[Just be horribly embarrassed. Oh. Right. Manners, like his parents taught him]

...thanks. For helping.

[And not pointing and laughing oooph]
userunfriendly: (13)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-30 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ How long can it become in a 24 hour span? Tune in next time... ]

It wouldn't. It answers the question in its entirety.

[ Is it strange? Hm. The company might have sent invitations to people who seemed like they would be prominent enough to serve as advertising, or to evaluate on users with no game experience. It isn't implausible. ]

...Not particularly. Unusual, for a beta. So you picked your class based on aesthetics.

[ Says a man in a vampire outfit visibly not in a position to throw stones. ]
secondthoughts: (☀ 声をあげ泣いた)

[personal profile] secondthoughts 2023-07-30 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Air pollutants? [ Hector's brows raise, and he gives a little nod of approval. ] Interesting.

[ He lets that sit for a second-- ]

Sounds like our fields have a common interest. [ The environment! ...unless Fai is looking to make MORE air pollutants...ANYWAY--

A tease crosses his expression and he pokes Fai in the arm. ]


Should you even be playing this game, anyway? Shouldn't you be studying?
fluorite: dnt (72)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-30 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fai doesn't seem too bothered by that missed opportunity, mostly because this is more fun. ]

Well, you hit your target. Good job.