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⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.
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.
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.
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.
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 BootsTwin Blade:
Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsWavemaster:
Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesMacabre Dancer:
Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesEdge Punisher:
Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsFlick Reaper:
Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsHarvest Cleric:
Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesLord Partizan:
Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsShadow Warlock:
Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesSteam Gunner:
Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsTribal Grappler:
Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsIt'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.
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, 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!"
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With that class?
[ Is this sigh eloquent enough? No? He'll let the silence speak for itself for a second longer. ]
Find us more support.
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Ganymede begins to puff up, despite his smaller size. ]
What's wrong with my class, hm?
[ Does Michel think he is a weakling, huh? He can absolutely fuck someone up with these paper fans don't try him!! ]
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[ There's a long pause like that's all he's going to say, but...
A flicker of something that's definitely not warm enough to be sympathy crosses his expression for a second. ]
...Support classes are difficult at lower levels and require more precision. With lightweight armor and a small hitpoint pool, you'll be torn in half until you have better equipment to mitigate. My class is also lower defense. It means we have to kill all the enemies before they can land more than a few hits.
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That actually sounds reasonable. Honestly, some people in his life have just said things like that without explaining things!! He can't even be too mad. ]
...You're really more experienced and knowledgeable in this sort of thing, aren't you?
[ He really wishes he could just solo things, because that'd be way easier. But, alas. ]
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I've played a few.
[ It's said pretty flatly, without either pride or apology. The fact that he doesn't have better things to spend his time on is what it is. ]
Why would a complete novice sign up for the beta in the first place?
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A few, huh?
[ He wonders if this guy is actually one of those super gamer folk... ]
What if I told you that I didn't really sign up but was actually randomly chosen out of nowhere instead? [ He would've remembered 'signing up', after all. ] Would that change your question? Anyway, is it so strange for a novice to play?
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It wouldn't. It answers the question in its entirety.
[ Is it strange? Hm. The company might have sent invitations to people who seemed like they would be prominent enough to serve as advertising, or to evaluate on users with no game experience. It isn't implausible. ]
...Not particularly. Unusual, for a beta. So you picked your class based on aesthetics.
[ Says a man in a vampire outfit visibly not in a position to throw stones. ]
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Eithrt way, he doesn't have the face of a gullible man. But these are avatars so that isn't much to go by. Though, tone does say a lot. ]
It answers it how?
[ He asks anyway to be sure. ]
I did. What about you? Did you pick yours because it might enhance the appearance of your tall-ness?
[ ...There was a strategy in asking this question somewhere. Probably. ]
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[ Although it opens up a host of other possible questions. "Why do you think you were chosen?" "Why did you decide to play anyway?" He doesn't expect a real answer to the first, and less so to the second.
Also Ganymede is saying strange things that require a long, measuring look. He genuinely can't tell if that's supposed to be a compliment or a complaint. ]
It looked viable for solo runs, but not simple enough to be boring.
[ His mouth opens as if he almost says something more, then a flicker of annoyance crosses his expression for a second. This is... worse than a chat window showing the "typing" icon before he deletes. Damn. ]
Jealous? A little late to change your avatar now. I'm not offering piggyback rides.
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So, you like things mildly complicated, then.
[ Ganymede watches the flicker of annoyance come and go like the flickering of a candle flame that has just been lit before going out immediately after. ]
Hey! I'm not jealous. I thought I should be a little realistic. Height-wise. And how old do you think I am? I don't want your 'piggyback rides', and nobody else's for that matter!
[ He's making a face. He's not a child! He puts his hands on his hips. See? Very mature. ]
Anyway, are you really that tall or did you make your avatar that tall on purpose?
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It's like chess. It isn't satisfying to beat an opponent that isn't close to your skill.
[ Nevermind the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth that says it's maybe a little satisfying. He's not going to linger on that, either. Watching Ganymede pull those kinds of faces is a welcome distraction.
Is he always this expressive? Probably affectation, but for what? Do people often lower their guard for him when he acts cute? Not that Michel can think of any conceivable reason his height would be particularly sensitive information. Hopefully Ganymede doesn't mind the protracted silence as Michel stares and considers this. ]
I thought it would be simplest to use my own height, for the first-person view. ...Like you said. The realism is less disorienting.
[ Does that sound like him trying to make concessions to human conversation? Because it is. ]
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So, you're also a competitive guy.
[ He says. That might be good. People who are competitive and complicated like to strategize. Ergo, they make for potentially good teaming-up partners.
Yes, Ganymede is making little evaluations even like this. Not that he's thinking of anything else even in the pose he's in at the moment, until he makes the other comment fairly quickly. Though, he does note the silence, wondering if he's staring at his jewelry or something. Or dealing with loading complications. ]
...Stumbling around due to disorientation would indeed be too disgraceful. There's already so much to learn as it is.
You know, for a 'beta', everything already feels polished.
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[ Is that what he looks like? He just likes winning...
Hm. No comment on whether those are the same thing. But since Ganymede is patient enough not to comment on the loading complications (of Michel's brain), Michel relaxes a little again. ]
They probably wanted it in a fairly completed state before showing to the public like this. But I'm surprised there haven't been more problems nonetheless. [ Like, that they've seen. Cue: Fandaniel in a few hours. ] ...The realism is somewhat uncanny.
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[ Ganymede does helpfully ask, perhaps a bit bluntly.
He really is a complicated kind of guy, huh? He wonders what else is going around in that head of his. ]
...I wonder if that's the point, though.
[ To make it more realistic than uncanny, or maybe to make it realistically uncanny so that it's hard to look away. ]
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I just don't like being bored.
[ That's not quite it either. But trying to pick through his own logic in front of a stranger sounds incredibly unappealing. He studies Ganymede instead with perhaps disconcerting intentness. ]
Likely. It would be a waste of time to go through so much trouble with the equipment if they couldn't show off to this extent.
[ And then he pauses again. Listen, he knows he's letting Ganymede carry the conversation. But also: he's terrible at this. ]
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Denial isn't just a river in Egypt.
[ This place really takes all kinds, huh?
But, there are those pauses for certain. Not that he's going to mention them at all. Ganymede has his own difficulties talking with people. ]
And big companies do like to show off. [ ... ] What about you? Do you like that sort of thing?
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Is there some reason you want me to want to beat you?
[ Competitively. In games. But at the question about showing off, Michel raises an eyebrow at Ganymede's eye-catching design and then sweeps his gaze around the rest of the partygoers, indicating the distance between them. ]
Clearly, as much as you do. It's why we've chosen the room's most desirable stretch of wall.
[ Honestly, Michel headed over here in the first place because he thought Ganymede's design would draw in anyone who might otherwise be in danger of talking to him. But he misjudged the distance, and Ganymede spoke to him first, and here he is. ]
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Why do you think that I want you to beat me in anything?
[ He counters seemingly seamlessly. Ganymede witnesses the gaze that briefly falls over him, and then as it goes elsewhere. For a moment, he turns around completely, to see if he saw something else, out of curiosity, before looking back at Michel. ]
...So, the great Winter storm also has an interesting sense of humor. I think I'm fortunate that you're just not loud.
[ Ganymede wonders if it's all sarcasm, though. Dancers really do need to show off, whether in IRL, or...in games, apparently. ]
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[ Winter's tone is deadpan almost regardless of what he's saying. But the speed of the response, at least, hints that he's enjoying the back-forth a little. It's fun that Ganymede counters so quickly.
He raises an eyebrow a tiny bit at that almost-nickname. ]
Is it interesting? [ A little skeptical... unless Ganymede means him lumping the two of them together is funny. ] Or do you like to show off after all?
[ He's not making any assumptions from the dancer class, really. From his perspective, Ganymede could have picked it to satisfy no one but himself. ]
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Why do you think that?
[ The back-and-forth round continues...! Look, they're both in a game, and have nothing else to do with their (free) time.
As for the raise of the eyebrow, he notes it, but he does not comment. ]
I guess it is. First impressions aren't everything, after all. [ Not like he necessarily came here to make friends, but... ] It does help out in my case when I do. Class-wise and in other respects, so I do.
[ That said he did pick the class for his own reasons, 'aesthetics' very much a factor, yes. ]
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Are you trying to run me in circles, or is it a natural talent?
[ Honestly, he could believe either. But he'd have no defense if he were called out on the fact that he is, in fact, following along.
The answer pulls a tiny flicker of surprise from him -- indeed, first impressions aren't everything. Or perhaps the impression of a dancer with an eye-catching costume should have taken precedence. ]
Hm. Then I intend to throw you to the wolves if anyone else comes over to talk.
[ This is, imperceptibly, a joke. Followed by a slightly long pause. That kind of lead is ordinarily an invitation to ask more about someone's life... he thinks. He's a little allergic to the thought, but he can try to apply rusty and half-remembered socialization. ]
"Other respects." You mean, work?
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I was wondering when you'd notice and then decide to give in.
[ Sorry, Ganymede is not taking any prisoners in this war. Neener neener.
Well, either way, he's not wholly surprised by the reaction. ]
Not if I throw you to the wolves first. [ Get them before they get you!! Jokes aside, work is safe enough and doesn't like tell everything about a person immediately, so he nods. ] Something like that.
I spend most of my time with dance routines and the like...though, I doubt you're a swordsman in real life?
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With a macabre dancer's strength stat?
[ As the children say: "neener neener." ]
A performer. [ Or a choreographer; but it stands to reason that there's less showing off involved in that. He shakes his head briskly to the question. ] No. ...Despite appearances, I'm not a hundred years old.
[ Although really, who could be blamed for taking the vampire getup in earnest. ]
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If I use a certain 'stat increase' spell on myself I might be able to carry a frosty mountain in denial like yourself with ease.
[ Where is the logic in this argument...out the window.
But he does nod again when Michel concludes he's a performer of some sort. ]
I never said anything about you being ancient. Though, I wonder if you'd like to have been an old swordsman for real.
[ Is this Michel? Maybe Ganymede should actually bother to use the network to send something like this straight to an inbox. This is totally not troll activity because he isn't like that, it is just a supposition of reasonable personality vibes. ]
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Michel gives that threat the quiet snort it richly deserves. Try it, pint-size. He's... relatively confident that his avatar's weight would make that too much of a challenge. ]
You're going to move mountains? Right.
[ His strange nicknames seem to be increasing. Just what kind of performer is Ganymede supposed to be? He's not shy about pulling those grumpy faces or taking jabs at people. ]
No, but it's been well over a century since swords were used in combat on any meaningful scale. [ And as for Michel being a swordsman... that makes his mouth quirk very wryly, definitely the most expressive he's been so far. ] In what era? Marching off on orders from King or Church, killing whoever they decided to condemn? I don't think so. I'd be executed in short order.
[ It's absolutely Michel and Ganymede should absolutely consider inboxing him that. Possibly while standing next to him if he wants to see more exciting expressions. ]
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