⬣//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

[dissimulative]

[ You know what Oria is going to do? He hops and latches himself onto Sinclair's cheek. Have a 4cm frog on your cheek, Sinclair. ]

[insinning]

[GAH. THIS IS...slimy? Grimy? What does a desert rain frog feel like.]

Oria? Wait, what are you doing?

[Reaching up, trying to figure out how to pull Oria off without hurting his tiny frog form. He already popped once, no need to pop again]

1/2

[dissimulative]

What does it look like I'm doing, ribbit.

[ But he is pried off and rests in Sinclair's hands. ]

[dissimulative]

[ Then Oria's curse expires and suddenly turns normal sized... in Sinclair's hands. Yeah. That's a thing now. Will Sinclair hold him up or drop him? ]

[insinning]

[wait, were you trying Thought bubble pops at the same time as Oria returns to his normal size. It adds a nice puff of smoke to Oria's return to normal]

--!

[Technically, Lord Partizan should have enough strength to hold Oria up. But surprises are a lot and Sinclair yelps, trying to steady him as they both go tumbling over in the gondola, Sinclair falling heavily on his back. Is the sudden disturbance enough to send them into the river, or]

[dissimulative]

[ Sure is! Oria was about to comment on the thought bubble but then they fall into the river... he manages to keep himself afloat though, since it doesn't seem too difficult to do. ]

Oi, Vogel?? You okay?

[insinning]

[ glug glug glug

Sinclair pops up a few seconds later, somehow managing to stay afloat despite his armor. Spitting up river water]

I'm fine.

[doggy paddle? Doggy paddle. ]

Are you okay?

[dissimulative]

Yeah. C'mon. Let's get you out.

[ He lightly pushes Sinclair to the edge so that he can climb up. Oria will do that himself shortly once Sinclair is up there. ]

[insinning]

[ They're probably lucky that realistic physics did not apply to armor weight or Sinclair would have sunk like a stone and not been able to get up. Water, death zones for all paladin types, probably.

Sinclair climbs out first, making a face out how heavy everything feels on him before he leans over to give Oria a hand too, even as he's half blinded by his bangs]

Maybe this hair wasn't a good idea on this avatar.

[ Who knew long hair could be such a pain.]

[dissimulative]

[ Oria takes Sinclair's hand and gets out of the river, brushing his own soaked hair back. Good thing wet things don't apply to his glasses. Though he laughs a little when he sees Sinclair. ]

Here.

[ He reaches over to push the bangs back. ]

They'll probably turn back to normal once we stop being soaked. Maybe in a minute?

[ Games, man. Convenient. ]

[insinning]

...thanks.

[Just a tiny bit embarrassed. Maybe he can train himself up to be immune to Oria's teasing. press x to doubt At least he has clear vision again.

Just taking a seat by the river edge then, holding his arms out as if he can see the water evaporate in an instance]

Mm. My armor doesn't feel any heavier at least.

[dissimulative]

Good. You're speed isn't that good as it is. Water would be a hell of a debuff on you.

[ Oria stretches his arms out in front of him while sitting next to Sinclair. ]

So glad I'm not a frog anymore. No more ribbits, no more limited perspective...

[insinning]

Mm. Remind me not to use the keywords you did.

[ He does not want to be stepped on]

[dissimulative]

Definitely nothing with "frog lake" in it!

[ and we can wrap up here and i can mosey over to your tl... ]

[insinning]

Got it.

[ wrapped up!!]