⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.

[cccorp]

>>Premise // >>Introduction // >>Party // >>Zelkova Corner

⬣//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!"

>>Navigation

Comments

[ntrd]

[She blinks slowly once as she process those words. She doesn't look confused, that blank expression glazed look in her eyes returning.]

Is something wrong with Aoi's avatar? Boobs too big? Ass too small? Too tall? Too short Too fat? Too skinny? Ugly? Can recreate it or edit it if possible.

[fatalitea]

Oh, that is good to know!

[She switches to the traditional outfit for a moment with a flourish.]

So if I wear this one, I'll be able to match with a few other players... oh, but... then again, maybe I should go with the other one since it's a little more unique and doesn't make it just seem like I'm copying others... hrm...

[Back to swapping to the swimsuit version... and then back to the traditional... and then back again.

Seems that she still has some indecision despite the other's helpful advice.]

It's surprisngly hard to choose... do you suppose I could convince Zelkova-san to let me keep both of these?

[rebelles]

No, I haven't. I've just been sampling the buffet.

[ And no nerf guns allowed on Okumura property, the sad, stuffy place. ]

[fatalitea]

[That earns a slight giggle upon seeing the other's costume, as well as another pose she takes as she swaps between costume choices again.]

Something like that! I think it can sometimes help make a game more fun, when you can add your own flourish and aesthetics to your avatar and movements!

[ntrd]

[His words aren't wrong, but she does pick up on the fact he never answered her question.]

You didn't answer the question.

[Maybe she's not as spacey as she appears or it's selectively spacey if that even exists.]

Aoi doesn't mind being used. Won't be alone and she'll have a purpose. Not so bad. Could be better.

[secondthoughts]

[ So he'll stare at his tits instead, got it-- ]

You have my word. [ There's a weird seriousness to Hector's demeanor when he says this. He sticks out his hand to shake on it. ] I know when it's time to get down to business.

[glassbell]

[ He actually panics for a moment, thinking he hurt Fai. He couldn't tell! ]

Was that too much revenge?

[ Now he's wide open, approaching him. ]

[secondthoughts]

[ What the hell... There's something weirdly warming and touching about that, and it warms his dead little insides. Hector's expression falters for a second, but ultimately, he grins. ]

That's a relief. Here, [ He gestures vaguely at Oriade. ] I'll be your cool uncle if you need one.

[rebelles]

You can probably tell I'm not very good at this. I didn't have much opportunity to play games.

[secondthoughts]

[ Sparkly treasures, super important.

Ganymede has a point--that's a part of the teamwork. ]

I'm a Harvest Cleric--that means I heal.

[ And pretty useless without a team. ]

What about you?

I.

[rebelles]

[ Haru's petite and so is her avatar, no tweaks made, so if the scythe looks big on Cyno it's certainly sizeable on her. She takes what is barely a swing, a stumbling step forward that ends up with the scythe tip stuck in the ground. ]

Oh my, I hope I didn't break anything.

[tot]

[ uta's chuckles at kara's excitement. she has had her own fair share of interactions with her fans but never like this—and to interact with them like this is really nice. ]

If you ask me, not being too nosy and reading into people's lives when they aren't willing to share it is a good thing.

But it's my pleasure to meet you, too, KaraBear. [ she's using avatar names because it's easiest that way and she also doesn't want to force kara to introduce herself. ] And thank you for loving my voice. I hope you've been having fun so far.

[tot]

Is the fleshy part that's concerning to you?

[ which is honestly fair?? but at the same time, this seems like a very specific scenario that's being played out. ...or not played out as it stands. ]

But me too. I imagine that even if we feel like we're full here, it possibly can't replace what our bodies actually need. A dry mouth is an obvious enough sign.

[tablescraps]

It's not an irrational perspective.

Following that train of thought, it may be possible that individuals feel their fantasy world has become too mundane, at which point they construct another livable fantasy within this one.

( Inception... which hasn't been invented yet. )

[tablescraps]

I suppose that would be likely.

( :thinking: )

If you don't normally play games, why did you accept the invitation for this beta?

( Pot, kettle. Still, it's non-judgmental, though not especially curious, either. It's a question weirdly absence of affect. )

[tablescraps]

This is the beginner gear. Yours is likely similar. You weren't paying attention?

[secondthoughts]

Hani. Nice to meet you.

[ He picks the name easier for him to remember. And there's a friend request! Easy.

At mention of his scepter, he pats it on his hip. ] The longer I keep it on me, the more I like it. [ Ironically...for now. ]

But no. I actually haven't played any games in a long time. [ He thinks... Sixteen years, at least? Phew, life's been busy. ] But I thought it might be more fun to support instead of trying to steal the show. [ He waves his hand dismissively. ] I'll always have people to play with, at least.

[secondthoughts]

[ To be fair, that was a long time ago, in a tumultuous period of his life. After spending years among the trees, it'd be impressive if Hector managed to dredge up that memory.

So he takes Owen's word for it. ]

You may be right. [ The vibes are hard to change, though... Whatever! He'll tuck that away for later. ]

You've figured out my name already. [ Easy to just see people's profiles, right? ] How should I call you?

[secondthoughts]

[ Good question, actually. Hector thinks for a moment, genuinely considering that. Is he picky with things like food? Other drinks?

...Considering the stuff he'd readily put in his mouth, probably not. ]

Nah. [ He waves his hand, giving his answer. ] Just wine. If I want a cheap drink, I'll get beer. If I have wine? It better be good.

[secondthoughts]

No. I'm staying here until you sober up.

[ Like...he could leave. Mithrun, realistically, isn't in any danger of choking on his own vomit, but dammit if his instincts wont let him leave.

And as if emphasizing his point, he shifts a bit on his knees to get more comfortable. ]

That's a better idea--even if this is a game, drink only when you're around other people. Okay?

[secondthoughts]

Not yet. It'll be my first, too--haven't left town yet.

[ Hard to see how a heal really works when everyone's at full HP, but he's cast his one spell already. ]

You can call me Hector. What class are you?

[insinning]

Just something about it...

[Bleugh! Well, unbeknownst to both of them, he'll have a horrifying glitch with a skin he never wanted but that's at an unknown point for later]

Ah. That's true. I feel like I might forget if I play long enough though...it just feels so real.

[victorypose]

Kinda, yeah.

[Truthfully he didn't have much of a planned theme, but it adds up, doesn't it?]

Since I'm into astronomy, if I ever need to name something, I tend to go with the stars. Pleiades is a pretty special one for me, so it's a no-brainer. Add in the seven sisters and go for a triple lucky number...there you go!

[Did she ask for an explanation of his username? No. Is she getting one? Yes.]

And you're cuteangel77, huh...how much of an angel are you?

[victorypose]

[The question throws Subaru for a loop, and he doesn't have an immediate response to it.]

Uh...pretty unbalanced, if it's just the two of us. Since we're the same class and all.

[Maybe they're looking for something deeper. Subaru doesn't have that kind of answer on hand.]

What does it look like to you?

[aphonik]

Duh.

[ His grimace twists further. As usual, he's stubborn as a rock. They may see it as not being in space, but his bubble is very large. Incredibly, even. People could stay 50 feet away and he'd be content with that. ]

Never said I was the problem. Thought that would be pretty obvious.