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!"

rebelles: (pic#16623517)

[personal profile] rebelles 2023-07-31 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
Um, I have a fiancé. So...

[ She doesn't know why she blurted that out, sharing something so personal when she came here to forget about it. The words come to her before she can figure out how else to politely turn him down though. He's dashing, a talker, the type that she's not used to dealing with. ]
tinged: (023)

[personal profile] tinged 2023-07-31 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
It’s alright. It’s more important to love Mokona right now.

[ the world won’t change for anyone, even if he does love it. see, hani has never stopped loving it. ]
curvaceous: (kara23)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-07-31 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
...

[ WOW. SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE BULLYING YOU, SIR, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. ]

Ha-ha! Very funny! Can't blame you if it'll be the last thing you remember about me before I sock you with it!
curvaceous: (kara23)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-07-31 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! Actually, they're the same as yours!

[ Plain and simple! ]

I entered the raffle for a change of pace, and got super lucky!
ophidie: (⛎ 4)

nice portal reference nerd

[personal profile] ophidie 2023-07-31 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
Probably as much as the world environment. I'd bet it's attuned to everyone's individual sense of taste. That'd make it part of the sensors.

[For Miharu, there's nothing particularly remarkable about the food being served here. But that, in turn, is what's actually remarkable about it. She's certain that other people don't share her tastes. The world would certainly be a lot less obsessed with food otherwise. But this all has a familiar taste]

It does really taste like it's something I bought or cooked myself. [For free! Who knows if they'll start charging for it when the game is live.]
horologia: (↺ the road i traced is repainted)

[personal profile] horologia 2023-07-31 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ she's going to finish toggling her equipment— goodbye leather cap, hello fancy veil and ribbon— before just. pausing. ]

... I don't know what I expected, really.

[ they sure are cat ears. listen, they gave them a beastpeople option. she likes cats.

so it goes. ]
curvaceous: (kara14)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-07-31 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
Hani!

[ She is so embarrassed, mostly because Hani is just being so genuinely nice, but -- ]

Yeah, yeah, okay. You're right! I am pretty cute, aren't I!
horologia: (↺ gently now come close)

[personal profile] horologia 2023-07-31 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
Mm. It's an interesting thing to put so much detail into, in a game like this.

[ how's the textures on this puff pastry— oh wow. ]

... It's even flaky like it's supposed to be, not just the flavor.
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 013)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-31 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
Sure, you tried one of these yet? This is gonna be my first time.

[But she tested her skills and keybinds, of course.]
legendofthelion: (☀︎ 021)

[personal profile] legendofthelion 2023-07-31 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
[They look soft. She does, in fact, have a great urge to touch them. She holds her hands out for permission.] Can I?
rebelles: (Default)

[personal profile] rebelles 2023-07-31 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
Then I'd have to leave the gamemakers critical feedback.

[ Considering the MMO is in its user testing phase. She's mostly joking though, chuckling. ]

Your name's... [ click click ] Swallow?
rebelles: (Default)

[personal profile] rebelles 2023-07-31 06:00 am (UTC)(link)
Adventurers must protect the peace.

[ Noir intones seriously, because it sounds like something the masked hero persona she's taken on would say. ]

Shall we be off on our way?
veardant: (104)

[personal profile] veardant 2023-07-31 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ don't worry, he did not poison the digital cupcake.. ]

Angel it is, then, if that's what you like. Taste good?
aphonik: (pic#15864871)

[personal profile] aphonik 2023-07-31 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
I.

[ In comparison to the pokey, nosey murmur of excitement that seems to grasp most of the fellow beta players, taking in their new surroundings as they are, one person is tucked away by himself absentmindedly fiddling with...something?

Whilst people look around, his face is glued to a screen, fingers tapping away at something as he silently stares. Should you happen to get too close accidentally, or even ( god forbid ) approach on your own, a bright blue gaze will snap up and narrow.

However, what you end up hearing is... definitely not a normal people voice. How is he doing that. ]


The fuck are you looking at.

II.

[ Right, so. This shit is ugly. Even with his face covered somewhat, the disgust on his face is palpable. At least the sickle doesn't look half as cringey as the bright pink magical girl stick or questionable oars, but it's still not...cool.

Well. Whatever. After finding and equipping the least offensive costume he could find, he's found himself by the tables. And the booze. The booze he currently has in his hand, squinting at it curiously before he takes a tentative sip.

...And probably makes a disgusted, raspy gagging noise as he slams it back down on the table. Nasty. ]


III.

[ Somebody has discovered the airhorn weapons. And the paintball guns. Neither of which are good things to put in the hands of an agent of chaos, but alas, this game cares not for whom the bell tolls.

Thus you have an absolute bastard, doing his best to sneak up on anybody unfortunate enough to be standing around with their back turned and smack them for the full-force shock effect of having an airhorn blare in their ears. At least he's having fun. ]


IV.

wildcard! surprise me, or come hit me up at [plurk.com profile] lupical. gremlins at the discount price
tablescraps: (pic#16602986)

[personal profile] tablescraps 2023-07-31 06:32 am (UTC)(link)
( Ah, the sword nearly fwips down because he doesn't expect the sudden lack of opposition, but he manages to catch and right it before it falls.

A beat, and he finally sheathes the weapon. Maybe out of a sense of respect... who knows. )


Can you teach me?

( Extremely ambiguous as to whether he means how to improve his reflexes, combat capabilities, or... what. )
horologia: (↺ we will continue on somewhere)

[personal profile] horologia 2023-07-31 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ she

looks down at the slice of tiramisu she's taken a forkful out of, then back up at Arturia. ]


It tastes exactly as if I had bought it from a cafe or bakery in the city...?

[ is that good? but also: ]

That's a lot of effort to go to, don't you think? I don't believe I saw mention of a crafting system, but even then, the selection is hardly small.
threatmewted: ([Smug] That things were A-OK)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
Good job! You know how to find basic game functions.
threatmewted: ([Smug] when things get going)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
What are you, some kind of workaholic?
threatmewted: ([Smug] That things were A-OK)

[personal profile] threatmewted 2023-07-31 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, I don't have a horse in this race. I'm just here to have fun. Do whateeeever you want.
insinning: (upset; hmmm)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-31 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
[askdjfh. He really doesn't know how to handle these comments. Is it teasing? Mockery? Help.]

I've been told I have a terrible poker face. And never to go into anything like law because of it.

[The fact that it shows even in an MMO is uh. Probably not good?]
insinning: (concern; this isn't good)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-31 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
But at least you can see that as a weapon. Mine is as if I'm some sort of traffic warden.

[Is he meant to just stand there and hold out STOP?]
insinning: (neutral; a mild surprise)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-31 08:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Kind of flashbacking to the time he got bullied into a cooking competition, made fun of by all the people in his team to the point of giving up. He wont mention that]

It's more like, I think they want me to do some digging for them. It's only for a few days though, then they expect me to go back to work as usual.

[Tech companies and their rivalries, honestly. And when Oria(de) puts it like that--]

I guess it does sound pretty cool. But only if we're fighting a zombie hoard.
insinning: (squishy; squeeze that wolf)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-31 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Rustling through the terrible equipment and slapping it on]

I think I just have it all now.

[squeak squeak. Yeah, these boots are a pain]
insinning: (neutral; hm?)

//The adventure begins

[personal profile] insinning 2023-07-31 08:49 am (UTC)(link)
[He hadn't been expected to be addressed and it's a little hard to see through his helmet. He hastily adjusts it to lift up the visor]

You mean me?

[He's still trying to figure out how his stop sign can be any sort of weapon]