⬣//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

[fluorite]

[ He's never tried VR, but knowing that someone who has is taken aback by all of this is a little bit comforting... and worrisome. ]

How do you feel about it?

[legendofthelion]

I dunno. [Her expression twists with uncertainty.] It's kind of cool but also... it's weird that it feels so real when I know it's not. Because as soon as I log out nothing's going to stick.

[fluorite]

Like a hyper-realistic dream... I wonder if we'll all feel incredibly disoriented the moment we log out.

[ He frowns. ]

I'm hesitant to try it.

[legendofthelion]

Well... we have to log out eventually. [She rubs the back of her neck.] But I get what you mean. I guess we won't really know until we try.

[fluorite]

[ He laughs softly. ]

I don’t want to think about it too much, and I know I will the moment I log out.

[ Like… what are the effects on his brain chemistry if he feels drunk when he logs out? Much to think about. ]

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya chuckles.] Fair enough. Guess we should just enjoy our welcome party right now. You tried any of the combat yet?

[fluorite]

I haven't! I'm excited to try it, though. I think it'll be fun feeling like I'm casting spells for real.

[ You know, as real as selecting a spell from a menu can be. ]

[legendofthelion]

Huh, I wonder if you'll have to do some kind of ritual? I think I can just swing my sword, for the most part.

[Oar... whatever.]

[fluorite]

A ritual...? That would be a lot of fun, actually. I wonder if they'll teach me chants.

[ The prospect excites him. ]

[legendofthelion]

A VR game has got to be immersive, right? Which class did you pick?

[She could target him to find out but if they're having a conversation, why not chat about it.]

[fluorite]

Shadow Warlock! I meant to select Harvest Cleric, but my finger slipped and it was too late.

[ Ah, well. So much for being a healer. ]

What about yourself?

[legendofthelion]

Oh, they won't let you delete and remake your character? [Huh, awfully strict beta...] I'm an Edge Punisher. It's a large weapon DPS class.

[fluorite]

Nope! It's a real shame.

[ But he'll adjust. It's still a spellcaster class, at least. ]

A large weapon? I bet your avatar will look really cool swinging a big sword around.

[ He wants to see it... ]

[legendofthelion]

You think so? [She rubs the back of her neck sheepishly.] My starting weapon isn't anything special, but...

[Well, she can equip the Yaoi Oar and sling it over her shoulder. Maybe just don't read it.]

[fluorite]

[ Yeah, he'll pretend that those words aren't emblazoned on the oar for the time being...

And so, he nods to himself. ]

Definitely looking cool. I'm glad I was right.

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya laughs, a touch embarrassed at the attention.] Hey now, I can't be the only one looking cool! Maybe you can try casting a spell?

[fluorite]

With my travel pamphlet?

[ He takes it out, waving it in the air a bit and making it flop in his hand. ]

I won't hold a candle to you~

[ But he'll casts one of his baby spells for her anyway. ]

[legendofthelion]

Don't say that! It's just a different kind of cool. [Muscly claymore user versus glitzy spellcaster... or shadowy one.

She gives him a supportive thumbs up as he casts the spell.] You look great!

[fluorite]

Well, if you're the one saying it... then I can believe it!

[ He grins as he puts his weapon back into his inventory. ]

Let's party up sometime so we can look cool together.

[ With that, he sends a friend request. ]

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya accepts the friend request.] Sure! I've like that.

[fluorite]

In that case, I'll leave you to the rest of the party! Expect to hear from me!

[ He gives her a friendly wink before running off to go shoot someone with a water gun. ]