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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
[They've got a future dungeon run on the books now, but ah... If he may make an observation?]
You're a pretty lonely guy, huh? If you need a friend that badly, just say so.
[He's not saying he'll be that friend, but the truth will set Michel free... or something.]
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And then? Do we pour out our stories of tragic struggle and swear friendship in the drunken aftermath? Your face doesn't look it, but you're quite the romantic.
[ In the "idealist" sense. He wiggles the empty glass he's holding idly in Yael's direction. Can he just dump this in someone else's inventory? ]
You seem to be misunderstanding something. Now are you going to wield that or open it?
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[There isn't a romantic bone in Yael's body, he'd insist, but he doesn't care enough to rebuke Michel. A romantic......... He can't help but snort a laugh.]
Keep the fanfiction to yourself, alright? I don't want to hear it.
[But he'll finally, finally open up that bottle of alcohol and fill Michel's glass. What a nice guy he is. Truly a pure, loving idealist at heart.]
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[ Yael only has himself to blame. That snort makes Michel narrow his eyes a tiny bit in amusement as well when he offers the filled glass back. ]
Now, I recall someone volunteering to test, before they became distracted.
[ Or Yael could just drink it right from the bottle like a total American. Winter couldn't stop him. ]
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Tastes just like the real thing. I wonder if I'll have a hangover in the morning if I drink enough of it?
[He passes the cup back to Michel. Your turn, binch.]
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[ Michel's not trying his questionable luck until Hani's dungeon antics drive him to make use of the whiskey. But he'll take the cup to raise it in a lightly ironic toast before he takes a sip. ]
À ta santé.
[ Cheers, binch. Autotranslate can do what it wants with that, but Michel profoundly hopes the "tu" is preserved in some way.
Also I, personally, don't know any French so this is my first and last revenge for Lobelia. ]
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[Autotranslate left it be and Yael doesn't need to know the details. A toast is a toast, right? Lobelia would be proud!]
Well? Not too bad, right?
[Fake alcohol that tastes like real alcohol... Yael might just stash a bottle or twelve for later.]
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...It's fine. I wonder how much time they spent on this.
[ Imagining the expense reports, his brows crimp in momentary amusement before he hands the glass back. ]
Well, it's a party now after all.
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[Said offhandedly, Yael clearly isn't bothered enough by this fact to do anything about it. Like, y'know, quit playing the game. Yael takes the glass back, polishing it off in one clean pull. Mm, it burns...]
It's not a party until we're drunk off our asses, but I take it you're not the type of guy to let himself be that honest, are you?
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[ Depending on who they're selling to, hah. Michel quirks an eyebrow in amusement and reaches to pick up the bottle. He's good on drinking, but he'll refill for Yael. ]
I wouldn't call myself dishonest. But that isn't my idea of entertainment, no. Although I might consider it for the novelty. It's been years since I've been kicked out of a party.
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You've been kicked out of parties? You're not talking about parties in an MMO, I'm guessing. You hardly seem rowdy enough for that.
[Spill the
alcoholtea, Michel.]no subject
[ The face of a man absolutely skilled at making jokes! Trust him. ]
You, on the other hand, look like you might have started a few brawls of your own.
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[Yael shrugs his shoulders.]
I just like working out. No particular reason. Can you really see someone bulking up just to punch douchebags in the face?
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...Yes. [ And after a moment's further deliberation: ] Easily.
[ Wait, did this guy just admit to modeling his avatar after himself? Two possibilities occur. Either he's lying to look cool online. Or... ]
So you're a musclehead in the real world as well.
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Video games aren't my first choice of hobby. Unfortunately, I've got nothing better to do right now than waste time on this weird game.
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Michel, youngest brother to one full-time jock, gives a small tilt of his head as he translates that explanation in the most obvious way. ]
Injury?
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With a thin sigh, Yael nods.]
Torn ACL. I can't do much until I've recovered from surgery.
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A few months, then. More reason to enjoy the drinks here.
[ No painkiller interactions, and all that. In light of that, it wouldn't kill Michel to give an amateur a carry through a few dungeons. ]
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[Said with a sigh, but Yael is far from self-pitying. "It is what it is," so says the tone of Yael's voice, and he's quick to wave off the conversation entirely when he hears what sounds to him like pity in Michel's voice.]
You're nicer than you look. Imagine that. Should I keep that little tidbit to myself?
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I assure you, I am not. But who you want to disappoint is none of my concern.
[ Once he gets this wine, he's fleeing. ]
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If you say so.
[He sees Michel angling to flee. Yael will let him, but he better not be surprised when Yael comes back around to tease him again later.]
Go on, big bad wolf. Enjoy the party.
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Mm. [ That means, "you too." ] ...If you manage to overcome the interface, I'll join you on a dungeon. I don't expect you'll learn how to target player characters for some time.
[ And he'll vanish with his wine if he can, thanks! ]