⬣//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

drinks!!!

[secondthoughts]

[ It just so happens that Fai runs into an alcoholic.

Hector brightens at the new face, and he holds out a hand to take the drink. Hand it over!! ]

Be more than happy to.

[fluorite]

[ Oh, perfect! Fai hands it over before holding up his own. ]

Let's have a toast! To the beta test starting~

[secondthoughts]

Cheers. To the beta test!

[ Clink! Hector takes a sip--ahh, that's refreshing. Like the real thing... ]

So, did you sign up for this, or did you just find the email in your inbox one day?

[fluorite]

[ The alcohol burns, just a bit, and it's a nice familiar feeling when he's surrounded by unfamiliar pixels. ]

It was in my inbox.

[ A quick, easy answer. ]

Let me guess... you found it in your inbox too?

[secondthoughts]

[ This is Hector's second drink, and he can feel the buzz creeping up on him already. He usually needs a little more than that. Huh. ]

Bingo. [ He lifts a finger from the glass to point at Fai before taking another little sip. Guess it was obvious, huh. ] Haven't really had much time to play video games since I was in high school, but I figured, why not?

[fluorite]

[ Not since high school, huh? This guy must be old. Fai hums, taking another sip. ]

I've never been much for games. This is my first time playing one alone.

[secondthoughts]

[ He's not THAT old-- ]

You're not alone. [ He says this like it's obvious; there's a little laugh in his tone. ] You've got me, and... [ He gestures vaguely at the rest of the party. ] ...All these other people.

[fluorite]

[ That actually earns a softer, more sincere smile from him. ]

Hmm... you're right about that. I'm used to having someone by my side, but that doesn't necessarily have to be in person. Not in this game, at least.

[secondthoughts]

Exactly. See?

[ Hector opens his mouth to say something, but closes it. ]

--Actually, hold on. This is probably a good time to test this.

[ He looks around for a second before ultimately deciding to put his drink at his feet. When he stands again, he reaches out to grasp Fai's arms. And when the sensation of solid person hits his hands, his eyes dart up to Fai, and he grins. ]

We may as well be in person anyway.

[fluorite]

[ Just... give him a second to register that it genuinely feels like someone is touching him. ]

Ah... this is strange. It really does feel like this is in person.

[ And in turn he'll reach down (short king!) and pinch Hector's cheeks. ]

[secondthoughts]

Hey!

[ Hector isn't expecting that, and he flinches. But the way he laughs shows he's definitely taking it well. Are they flirting? They are now.

He swats Fai's hands away to reach up (??) and pat his cheeks. ]

You may as well not be alone in your room at all. [ Grin! ] You can call me Hector.

[fluorite]

[ Oh, how quickly the turntables... Fai just grins when his cheeks are pat, and he tilts his head. ]

Call me Fai. [ He pauses. ] If they hadn't come to install everything for us, I'd say instead that I was in the middle of a crowded cafe. Ah well...

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector tilts his head (??) in return and takes a step back, giving Fai his personal space back. ]

You're the kind to hang out in cafes, huh?

[ Interestiiing. ]

To be honest, I was afraid my internet wasn't going to hold up out here in the middle of nowhere, but it's been smooth so far.

[ Maybe that's why he was chosen for this test... Hmm... ]

[fluorite]

[ Hmmm!! ]

I hang out in them from time to time studying, especially when I have a deadline coming up.

[ He also worked at one, but that feels like too much personal information right off the bat, as real as this game feels. ]

You're in the middle of nowhere? [ Fai whistles low. ] I'm surprised they went out there.

[secondthoughts]

[ Oh. Is he too young to be flirted with? Hector quirks a brow, quickly gives Fai a look up and down. ]

You're a student?

[ ...ANYWAY. ]

But yeah. Work keeps me pretty secluded. I was surprised, too.

[fluorite]

Doctoral student.

[ This is a very important distinction here. ]

What do you do for a living? I told you what I do.

[ He gets paid in pennies for being a doctoral student, but it's something. ]

[secondthoughts]

[ VERY important distinction. Thank god. Hector smiles again. ]

I'm a park ranger. [ Comes pretty easy--there are lots of parks. They're all big. Hard to dox him. ] Hence the secluded living.

[fluorite]

[ Oh! His eyebrows raise at that. What a neat job. Consider him impressed. ]

Do you enjoy it?

[secondthoughts]

I do.

[ The answer comes quickly and readily, and there's a genuine light in Hector's eyes. He fucking loves his job. ]

I'm from the city, but if you ask me? Nothing beats the sound of nature.

[ tree hugger central... ]

What is it you study, then?

[fluorite]

[ Oh, cute... someone who likes his job. It's really nice to see passion like that. ]

Physical chemistry. Currently, I'm working on studying air pollutants.

[secondthoughts]

Air pollutants? [ Hector's brows raise, and he gives a little nod of approval. ] Interesting.

[ He lets that sit for a second-- ]

Sounds like our fields have a common interest. [ The environment! ...unless Fai is looking to make MORE air pollutants...ANYWAY--

A tease crosses his expression and he pokes Fai in the arm. ]

Should you even be playing this game, anyway? Shouldn't you be studying?

[fluorite]

[ WHAT IF HE WAS? But no, he'd never do that.

He grins, eyeing Hector suspiciously. ]

Trying to get me out of your sight, are you?

[secondthoughts]

[ Hector grins in return. He stops poking Fai in the arm, but he's still leaning in, studying him. ]

No. Just making sure you're doing your homework before you log on for the day.

[ He knows researchers probably don't have strict homework, but he's going to pull rank AND age and tease. ]

[fluorite]

[ If Hector is going to lean in, then so is Fai. After all, he has to match the energy he's given. ]

Well, you don't have to worry about that. I'm very diligent.

[secondthoughts]

Good. I like that.

[ There's a pause, not too long, but still substantial, where Hector stares hard up at Fai. There's a particular look in his eye, but it's hard to read.

But the moment's quickly shattered when he reaches up to pat Fai's cheek again, more sportsmanlike, more masculine-like, as a friend request pops up for him. ]

Because I'm gonna need your full attention when we go dungeoning together.