⬣//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

[secondthoughts]

> EQUIPMENT.

[ This man is, if anything, very comfortable in his own skin, so his avatar, named "Hector," pretty much just looks like himself. He doesn't seem to particularly care what he wears--anything is fun, so long as it's different from his normal work uniform--so he puts on his plain robes and tacky hat without blinking an eye.

But there's also something inherently funny about the way this older man picks up his magical girl stick, pink sparkles and ribbons and all, and gives it serious consideration. He hums, tugging at the ribbons, making sure they're even.

Suddenly he whirls to face his neighbor, pointing his stick at you. ]

How do I look?

> MINGLING.

[ Hector has found himself an outfit. Despite the...slinkiness of it all, he doesn't seem particularly bothered by what he wears, and he goes about looking at the food and drink like he's at any old buffet.

He picks up a piece of baklava and eyes it curiously. ] Looks like the real thing. [ Bites into it-- ] Tastes like it, too.

[ He brings the glass of wine in his other hand to his lips, sips, thinks for a moment. ]

They probably could've picked a nicer wine to simulate, though.

> LOITERING.

[ If, at any point, you end up wandering a little too close to the chaos gate during the festivities, or if you end up staring at it for a little too long, you might find yourself catching a man's attention. His outfit barely covers anything, and his little pink scepter is doing a lot to try the steal the show from his...pecs. If you unfortunately make eye contact, he'll speak immediately. ]

Hey.

[ Hector lifts a hand to wave, lazy smile on his face. ]

Need a healer?

> WILDCARD.

(( Come plot with me or surprise me! I'm not your boss. ))

loitering is illegal u know

[weaseled]

[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.

breaks the law

[secondthoughts]

[ Hey, it's this guy again! ]

You sure?

[ Hector shifts, putting his hands on his hips, the inner hems of his vest opening slightly in the movement. Look at his tits. ]

You're not gonna get better equipment moping around in town.

[weaseled]

[He's looking and he really wishes he didn't have to. Put those things away, you filthy loiterer.]

Who's moping? I don't even know why they want me to play this game. I'm not a gamer. I'm not half as excited to be here as everyone else is.

equipment

[dissimulative]

[ The first thing Oriade thinks when he sees this man and hears him ask the question is, "wow this guy is rocking it" but also-- ]

That's not fair, why does it look so blinged out?!

[ But wait. Real evaluation. ]

But like, I can't tell what theme you're going for. Cowboy? Magical girl?

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector laughs. Why is it so blinged out? He looks at the pink, sparkly stick for a moment and shrugs. If it's meant to embarrass him, it isn't working. ]

Look, I just put on what they gave me. [ He puts the scepter away at his hip and gives a little shrug. ] Maybe they're going for magical cowboy.

[dissimulative]

A magical cowboy...

[ He ponders on it for a moment before looking down, and then up at Hector. ]

A magical cowboy that heals people??

mingling;

[ganymed]

[ That...sure is an outfit.

Ganymede blinks once, twice, thrice. You know what, it's fine.

Although he isn't wearing his exact canon outfit, his is all white, robe-like, and with some golden jewelry sprinkled here or there, so it isn't like he can judge... ]

Are you some kind of wine connoisseur?

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector's eyeing the way the water reflects off the surface of the wine (very realistic, 10/10 graphics) when Ganymede approaches. He quirks a brow, casts him a sidelong glance, then turns to look at him. ]

Nah. I just grew up on wine that cost more than seven dollars.

[ What a sentence. ]

Have you tried it yet?

[ganymed]

[ A slow brow raise. So in essence this man at least knows his good wine from the average sort. Or just have mildly expensive tastes. ]

With your sterling, raving review of our current pickings, why would I?

loitering

[tinged]

[ were they supposed to take off their veggie costumes because hani sure didn't. the avocado identity in them is still going strong. ]

Sure, why not? Oh - I like your scepter.

[secondthoughts]

Thanks.

[ Hector grins, flicks back the hem of his vest to give Hani a better look at his stick. ]

Nice avocado look.

[ He's still in his slutty ??? outfit himself. Maybe he'll change out of it at some point, but. ]

[tinged]

Thank you! I'm waiting for my sugar apple debut. [ ☆☆☆ ] I've already put in the request, so perhaps soon...

loitering;

[sicklysweet]

[That scepter is certainly... an eyeful.]

Already looking to party up?

[How forward. Still, there is a problem - well. Two problems, one being Owen's general disregard for cooperation, but mostly:]

Afraid I don't have much use for one, though. Role's all filled.

[secondthoughts]

[ Look at it more.

Huh. The voice sounds vaguely familiar, but Hector can't place it right away. He shifts his weight, head tilting as he does. ]

So you do. [ He gives a little laugh. ] Well, if your healer needs a day off, maybe you'll consider me as a substitute.

[sicklysweet]

[He will not be tricked into staring at Hector's titties!!]

I'll keep it in mind. I'm sure you'd be a pleasant replacement for me, at any rate.

[Owen is the "rescue the dps into a pit" kind of healer, after all.]

mingling-oh my god

[bleatingedge]

[Like Hector, Leo is comfortable of his body, despite how not impressive it is. He's opting to have his avatar wear nothing but a loincloth out of comfort.]

I don't think it's that bad, I mean- [He finally looks up from his food and drink to see one of the fittest men he's ever seen in his life wearing... THAT. He coughs, sputtering a bit.] -I've had my fair share of shitty wine that's basically vinegar. [The finishing of his sentence is quick and strained, but once he gets the embarrassment out of his system, he's back to being pretty laid back and chill.] This is like, a fine vintage in comparison.

[secondthoughts]

[ We respect the loincloth.

Hector listens to Leo as he talks at first, eyes fixed on the red liquid, and only looks over when he starts sputtering. You okay, buddy? He reaches for a napkin (are they just there for flavor, or do they actually work in this environment??) and hands it over to him as he talks. ]

To be fair, you're not wrong. [ He cracks a grin. ] It's not bad. I'm just picky.

[bleatingedge]

Fair enough... [Leo takes the napkin and halfheartedly dabs his mouth.] Are you just picky about wine, or do your specific tastes cover more than that? [Wow. He really just said that. Day one and the shame is already gone. Good job.]

mingling

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun is in this event skin (mask up on his head, like a fascinator, and not covering his face). They can be risqué together.

He has some alcohol in one hand and a plate of party snackies in the other, but he appears to be drinking the alcohol like water. )

Doesn't all alcohol taste the same?

[secondthoughts]

[ Mithrun's voice draws Hector's attention to the side, and he just--watches him?? Knock the glass of wine back like THAT??

HELLO???? ]

When you drink it like that? Yeah, probably. [ ?????? ] You'll taste the difference better if you take smaller sips.

Loitering

[legendofthelion]

Maybe. [She gives him a once over, though nothing about his appearance phases her. She knows how MMOs go.] You offering?

[secondthoughts]

I am.

[ All business. He likes that. His lazy little smile disappears. ]

You interested?

equipment

[veardant]

[ tighnari, too, looks just like himself!

.. with, uh, a tail and really big fox ears. don't worry about it. anyway, when he's addressed, tighnari lifts a hand thoughtfully to his chin, tilting his head, brow furrowed. ]

Hmm. Try a dynamic pose.

[secondthoughts]

[ People are in all sorts of getups! It's just a game, Hector doesn't mind.

The request catches him off guard, though, and for a second he raises a brow. He flexes his wrist, the one holding the scepter, for a second as he thinks. Dynamic pose? Hmm.

After a second, he points the scepter up to the sky and brings up his other hand to his head in a salute. He widens his stance, giving himself some kind of Eiffel Tower-esque pose. He looks to Tighnari, curious. ]

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