⬣//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

Party B

[glassbell]

What a perfect disguise!

[ Furin's clapping politely. She found something simple and elegant! How nice. ]

It's like you're from those... Hero shows?

Re: Party B

[rebelles]

[ A frog! Oh, cute. Since he's clapping, she attempts to take a bow, tip her hat, and pose like a mysterious heroine of justice would. ]

Yes, it reminds me of the heroes who have a secret identity.

[ Straightening up, Haru takes a better look at him, smiling. ]

I like your outfit as well!

[glassbell]

Thank you! I can be Kero-men... er, Masked Ribbit Rider! Excet without a cool bike.

[ Imagine if the frog head could blush... Haha, for now he'll nod in appreciation. ]

Actually... if you're the masked hero, should I be the silly animal villain then?

[rebelles]

You don't look the part of a villain. Besides, I think I'd much rather have you as my partner.

[ Who says heroes have to work alone? ]

[glassbell]

Oh, I'd be honored to work with such a stylish hero!

[ Would it be silly to play pretend in an MMO, or is that what theyre already doing in the first place... ]

Do you need anything else for your hero ensemble?

[rebelles]

And I would be honored to have such a sweet partner.

[ Hmm, good question. Is there anything missing? She's never played pretend before, it's only because she's anonymous that she feels at ease to. ]

Should we come up with some moves?

[glassbell]

[ Yeah, it's much easier here... But coming up with names for moves? ]

Um... sure! You go first. Give me some time for some... puns.

[ Hard. ]

[rebelles]

[ Hmm...this is hard. Haru produces the nerf gun she'd picked up for a duel earlier. Tries to give it a twirl in her hands (nearly dropping it). She mimes aiming low to the ground and scattering a round of bullets. ]

I call this the Dancing Shot.

[ Because the target is forced to dance out of the way, get it? ...She laughs lightly and lowers the nerf gun, a flush on her cheeks. ]

That was silly, wasn't it?

[glassbell]

A little, but it makes sense.

[ He does a goofy dance to imagine dodging the bullets]

Heroes should be silly anyway! It's what makes them charming to remember, I think.

[ He takes a foam sword and does what can best be described as fencing pokes, followed by a slash. ]

I call it... The "Needle strike"!

[rebelles]

Good one! The enemy will be feeling needles after that.

[ Well, depending on their pain sensor settings. Either way, he's sure to leave an impression. Having someone play along with her silliness encourages Haru to venture another suggestion. ]

How about a team attack? Between your sword and my gun, no foe will be left standing.

[glassbell]

A team attack...

[ He takes a bit to imagine it... Furin's pretty encouraged by all this too. It's kind of unexpected, but... ]

That's be really cool! It's like those finishers at the end, right?

[rebelles]

Yes, like a finishing move!

[ She's unfamiliar with the term finishers despite Persona being ripe with them, but she likes the sound of it. How would they go about it though...she tilts her head and thinks. ]

How about I first draw their attention to me with gunfire...

[glassbell]

[[ ooc: just got back ftom vacation, apologies for the lateness! ]]

[ If she gets it, that's what matters. Then maybe something close can be achieved like in Persona. Like the wrestling moves! ]

...And when they're not paying attention, I'll get them!

[ He makes a broad swing of his sword. ]

Haha, this is pretty fun, isn't it?

[rebelles]

[ Exactly! Flashy finishes are important! Haru claps her hands together. ]

Hehe, it is. I wonder if it'll work as well as we think in practice. Maybe we could run a dungeon together sometime?

[glassbell]

[ He gives a thumbs up! ]

I'd love to. a dungeon probably goes way more smoothly if it's like this, right?

[ Silly and fun!

Oh, right. He puts a hand to his cheek (or rather the frog costume's cheek), like he's a bit sheepish. ]

Would you want me out of this costume? It might be distracting is all.

[rebelles]

[ Silly and fun! Why are we here if not to enjoy ourselves? ]

Not at all. It doesn't seem to hinder your movements, and I don't find it distracting, but it's up to you.

[ She'd love to run a dungeon with him costume and all, but she wants him to feel comfortable most of all. ]

[glassbell]

I'll... think about it! Thank you.

[ He sounds so grateful, that's at least easy to express despite the costume. ]

[rebelles]

[ Haru smiles back warmly. Seeing him light up makes her happy, too. ]

I'm Noir. Let's stay in touch.

[ Because she's recently learned about the function, she pulls up the menu and sends him a friend request, so they can find each other in-game.]

[glassbell]

[ Ping! The nice thing about this all being new is she gets to see him jump a little at the notification sound. ]

Furin! It's nice to meet you, Noir.

[rebelles]

[ His reaction is most relatable. She's done that, too. ]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Furin.

[ There's a bright ping as the request goes through. New friend acquired! ]

[glassbell]

[ Friendship! And a dungeon buddy. ]