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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!"
no subject
I'm... fine.
( He says, limp over Hector's shoulder. It's unclear if this is just game physics or not, but Mithrun weighs almost nothing. )
My... "Health Points" bar is still full.
( QED, )
no subject
Hector sighs. ]
It might not stay full if you fall off something or end up drowning in the river.
[ He knows PVP is off here, but who knows if everything else is harmless? He's not using this guy as a test subject.
They soon reach a bench safely away from the festivities, nestled by a row of unremarkable buildings. Hector kneels and gently sets Mithrun into the seat, making sure he stays upright. ]
All right. [ He slowly lets go, sitting back on his heels at Mithrun's feet. His eyes stay fixed on his face to study him. ] Look at me.
no subject
There is an attempt on part of his one good eye to look at Hector, but he's kind of squinting, and it's kind of an effort. His gaze isn't super focused. )
... I wonder how it feels to die. Do you think it'll be an accurate recreation, of actual death?
no subject
Hector visibly falters when he's given this question. Hello? Hello??? ]
I--
[ This is not a question he has ever asked himself. ]
I think it'd be pretty hard to accurately recreate the sensation of death. A dead person probably didn't make this game. --C'mon, focus on me.
[ He points at his own eyes, trying to keep Mithrun on topic. ]
What's your name?
no subject
( He's not quite mumbling, but he is kind of drifting a little through a stream of consciousness with the excess alcohol in his system. Hector keeping him upright seems effective, and he's leaning about all his weight against his hands. )
... I'm Morgan.
( A pause. )
My avatar is Mithrun-one.
( Doesn't really know which one he's supposed to say, so Hector gets both. )
... And yours?
no subject
Mithrun. [ He says, giving him his choice: his in-game name. ] You can call me Hector.
[ Good. At least he can respond to questions. In between all the mumbling about death. ]
Do you know what game you're playing right now?
no subject
... Fragment?
( But he almost feels it should be called The World... Must be the alcohol talking.
Very slowly he puts a palm to his forehead, as if to mentally steady himself. )
... I didn't think the simulation would be this extensive. Though... I don't know if this is realistic, either. I've never drank this much before.
no subject
His hand is still on Mithrun as he studies his body language, waiting for the moment he deems okay to let go. It's probably not going to be for a while yet, but-- ]
Don't. [ Do as Hector says, not as he does. ] You're acting realistic, at least. I'll tell you, it's not a pleasant experience.
[ Either as the drunk or the caretaker. ]
no subject
( He lapses into a quiet as he pulls his words together. A little like a limp ragdoll, he lets his head, at least, fall to the side, cheek against his shoulder. He closes his eyes. )
... You can leave me here if you want to go. I won't hold it against you.
( He was, after all, the one who underestimated the consequence - despite realism being Fragment's primary tagline. This situation is his own fault. )
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
His good eye opens very slightly, blearily, after a moment. )
... All right. ( A beat. ) Do I have to remain sitting...?
no subject
[ He'd normally say walk, but he literally just watched Mithrun almost plank fall, so he's lowering his standards. ]
First, concentrate on sitting up on your own.
[ He'll slowly remove the hand he had settled on Mithrun...? ]
no subject
jk, he slumps back by default like a puppet with its strings cut, but he catches himself before anything unfortunate happens. He can manage that much right now, at least.
Slowly... he seems to manage a proper sit...? He still looks like he'd rather be horizontal, but he's maintaining this.
He seems to wait for Hector's approval, looking at him. )
no subject
When Mithrun looks to him for approval, Hector raises a brow. ]
Well?
no subject
( He's gauging himself based on Hector's perception, not his own. )
I think I'm fine now.
( Debatable, but. )
no subject
Hector gets up and takes several steps back away from the bench, then beckons Mithrun to him. ]
Walk to me, then.