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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!"

userunfriendly: (51)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-31 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ Trust is dead. He'll just... make like he was pushing some of his hair back from his face. A perfectly natural gesture. ]

The content in a beta isn't going to be hard enough to need coordination. [ ... ] ...I'm going to get a drink.

[ A convoluted invitation acceptance? ]
fluorite: dnt (43)

NEVER TOO LATE eats your tag

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ He doesn't seem all that bothered by the rejection—more for him, after all—as he looks back at the table. ]

I'm sure they have coffee. Do you like it sweetened?
tinged: (008)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-31 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
Call me "Hani," Makoto-kun.

[ or tabibito, his choice. ]

Naturally, I can offer you the traditional things. [ the typical things: money, standing, etc - useful, but toeing the line of uninteresting and uninspired. ] Within this game, however... well, I suppose we'll see. For now, I can offer you conversations and small parts of me.

[ which is a weird, but offered sincerely. ]
worldbent: (pic#15912340)

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-07-31 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
That's right. [Matoba could make a point, if he had a blade to pull out and test on himself- but he doesn't. What he gets for picking magic.] ...And we won't die from it, either. Our bodies are still wherever we are, in reality.

But how about our minds? Will those who have weak mental constitution be able to separate the reality from the fantasy, especially the longer we spend in here?

...Just think of whoever was testing this in alpha, huh? [He cracks a grin.] Hope their salaries were decent.
fluorite: dnt (52)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow, this guy is pretty amenable, huh? Fai likes for things to look cute, so he'd never accept an ugly weapon unless he could put a nice skin over it. ]

What's wrong with the oar?
weaseled: (6)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-31 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
Why would I yell at you? Weirdo...

[Seriously, he can't even stay mad at this guy. Yael exhales a whistling sigh, letting it go with a shrug of his shoulders.]

I might never log in again after this. I don't owe this company my time, but if you're going to insist on pestering me, then fine. I'll run one dungeon with you.

[And only one. Famous last words.]
fluorite: dnt (23)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ He pulls a cocktail out of his inventory and hands it over. ]

Are you sure? I'm new to this kind of game, so even the easy content is something I would need coordination to survive.
tablescraps: (pic#16603006)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-07-31 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
( !!!... An unexpected turn of events... Mithrun most certainly resists by trying to pull his weapon in opposition of Yael's grip, like a dog refusing to give up its toy. )

If we were only supposed to use these on monsters, they would have said as much.

( Checkmate, )
threatmewted: ([Um] Spinning round and round)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Looking over and...]

Ew. What is he doing here?
fluorite: dnt (21)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
That's the spirit!

[ He smacks Yael on the shoulder. ]

I'm glad you're at least giving things a try before you log out for good.

[ Even though Fai really doesn't believe he will. ]
tablescraps: (pic#16603005)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-07-31 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
( A pause as he navigates the UI, unequips the foam weapon, reequips the Yaoi Paddle.

He holds it out to better display it and all its glory to Fai. )


Do you think this is a keyword we could use in Area Exploration?
userunfriendly: (74)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-31 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, look at him go! Michel watches that with an expression gone perfectly flat again.

Did he remember to turn off those pain sensors? He'll check later. ]


So you can kill me there? [ There's a considering pause, but: ] Very well. Perhaps we can find monsters lower than level 1 for you.
weaseled: (pic#16581034)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-31 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Heh. Good answer, Mithrun. Yael finds some amusement in his reaction, and so he pulls back on his weapon with equal force, refusing to let it go. Yael's always been fond of dogs.]

Who says you can't? Take it into a dungeon and find out. Oh, and before you ask, I'm not interested in going with you.
threatmewted: ([Smug] Go on)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
Are you normally this existential about video games, or did you just eat some really bad virtual food?
fluorite: dnt (41)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Fai hovers his mouse over the weapon to display its details. ]

It's worth a try, isn't it? Put "yaoi" into the keyword engine and see what you get.

[ Imagine... a field of yaoi. ]
tinged: (007)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-31 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
So with your research, you want to... save us, Fai?

[ they both smile so, but hani has noticed their smiles are vastly different. ]

Do you love this world?
weaseled: (13)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-07-31 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Another sigh... Yael stares Fai dead in the eye.]

Are you always this fake?

[No offence intended, of course. He's just curious!]
tablescraps: (pic#16602955)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-07-31 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
Probably not high enough.

( He shrugs. )

I used to do research, though in a different field. There's a board of ethics in some countries, but regulations are implemented retroactively. There often has to be a case that crosses a line first before a rule is made.

( So, maybe they'll get to be why another line in the "Don't Do That" directive is added, one day, in select countries. Interesting. )

Do you think you're of strong mental constitution, personally?
threatmewted: ([Smug] you crazy)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
You're already asking them to throw a party for everyone. Why not?
tablescraps: (pic#16602955)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-07-31 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
( :thinking: )

I don't see why not. Do you want to come with me?
fluorite: dnt (23)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Saving" is a little bit much, but I'd like to do what I can.

[ As for whether or not he loves this world... he'll allow himself just one piece of honesty— ]

I'd like to love it.
userunfriendly: (69)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-07-31 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh. He really came prepared for that one, huh? There's a beat of hesitation, but Winter reaches over to take it. ]

It could be worse. You have the inventory figured out.
fluorite: dnt (24)

1/2

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ 🧍‍♂️ ]
threatmewted: ([Ugh] yet again)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
Bringing schoolwork into video games? Ew.
fluorite: dnt (23)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-07-31 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ It takes Fai a moment or two to recover, but when he does, he just laughs and shakes his head. ]

Should I have said I really don't think you'll actually log out for good?