⬣//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

[aphonik]

[ Thank you kind stranger, who he is definitely ripping that cup from and downing in one go. Grape is definitely not Dosei's favorite flavor, but anything is better than what he was just sipping on.

It takes a few moments before there's an actual response, mouth not moving despite the crackle of a faintly distorted voice. ]

You telling me people willingly drink that shit?

[dissimulative]

[ The synthesized voice catches him off-guard, but it passes like a fleeting interest. He laughs a little--not at Dosei, but... ]

Yup. I don't think people drink it for the taste though. They just wanna get drunk, even if it burns their throats. I think I see some people in the crowd getting drunk off the alcohol already.

[aphonik]

[ There's a dubious squint at the laugh, as if he's suspecting it is directed at him, but he focuses on getting another cup of juicey juice. He can still taste the faint burn of rum in his throat, and it's not very pleasant. ]

If they drink it for the taste, they're fucking nuts. [ There's a grumble amidst the distortion. ] Or alcoholics. Getting a buzz isn't worth downing that garbage.

[ Not to mention, why can't they do this when they actually have stuff worth robbing. They're all poor rn. ]

[dissimulative]

[ Looks like he will never have to worry about Dosei being an alcoholic! ]

They have wine connoisseurs so they drink this kind of stuff for a living and judge the quality of the visuals and taste. You need licenses and stuff to do it too. So fancy for something so simple.

[aphonik]

[ At least not until he discovers the sangria. ]

Pretty sure I know somebody like that. [ Rich circles means you meet weird people. He likes none of them, for the record. ] Weird fucking flex but I guess if they want to get hammered for a living.

[dissimulative]

Are you the type to hope they get liver disease?

[ Even if it's a synthesized voice, he gets that sort of feeling in waves. Dosei seems pretty spiteful to him... ]

[aphonik]

Yeah.

[ Like...no hesitation. Blunt as a synthesized voice can be. ]

I wish all people who stand around drinking expensive booze like it's a full-time job or a cultured activity a merry fuck you.

[dissimulative]

[ Dosei is small but stuffed full of spite... ]

Like them over there?

[ Pointing to a bunch of seemingly adult avatars that are drinking quite a bit. ]

[aphonik]

[ It's seeping out of his pores...

He casts a vague glance, but gives a dismissive shrug. ]

Yeah. Sure. If they want to be pathetic and get fucked up on their virtual booze.

[ Almost as embarrassing as whoevers going to be cybering on here eventually- ]

[dissimulative]

[ Well then. ]

You just kinda openly hate everything, huh? It's pretty admirable, honestly.

[ Imagine being so fueled with hatred. Does he ever run out? ]

[aphonik]

[ It's the height. Small aggression is real and alive. ]

Mostly.

[ Is this depressing? Maybe. Does he care? No.

Not out loud, anyway. ]

I like cats. I also like siccing my cats on people.

[dissimulative]

You trained your cats to do that?

[ Wow. Consider him impressed. ]

Multiple cats... do they scratch on demand? Or jump people they don't like?

[ This guy's got a real life definition of a pokemon team right there. ]

[aphonik]

[ As you should!! He seems a little smug about this. ]

Just one.

[ That he trained, he means. ]

The other just hates people except me.

[dissimulative]

Oh, that must be your favorite.

[ His main cat. Main posse. This guy really leading a cat gang there and the imagery amuses Oriade so much that he can't help but to smile. ]

Were they strays?

[aphonik]

His name is Bastard.

[ Amazing...a topic that doesn't actually have him tossing out every insult under the sun. One of his few likes in life. ]

Mine was. The other one was some expensive breeder's cat. Don't really care, since she's my brother's and he's never around much anyway.

[dissimulative]

[ An expensive breeder's cat that hates people so much... He's actually in awe. ]

So she's pretty much yours.

[ Then he wonders... ]

Can I see how Bastard looks like?

[ Who wouldn't want to see a cat named Bastard though. Oria is expecting it to be some rough and tough cat. ]

I think you can send me files.

[aphonik]

Yeah, I guess.

[ He's not used to people showing this much interest in him (or his cats), so he's a little weirded out...fortunately, not weirded out enough to fuck off. Yet.

The request has him pausing for a few moments, before he finally gives a dismissive shrug. ]

Sure.

[ He pulls up the window, yoinking the picture files he had posted earlier, and sends them without much of a fuss.

Oria will receive an image file seconds later, of the famous Bastard himself. ]

Happy now?

[dissimulative]

[ Oria is patient and seems to be comfortable with the intermittent silences in between. When he receives them, he's a little surprised, because that's not how he expected Bastard to look like. Pretty eyes too. What a pretty cat... but it also looks like it's Wary of everyone and everything... though that can probably be contributed to most stray cats anyway. ]

His paws are such a nice charm point. I bet his prey would appreciate them when they're so close up to their faces.

[aphonik]

[ A docile Dosei...what a feat. He sits and stares, perhaps too harshly, as he waits for the other to receive the Prize....and when he does, he seems a bit satisfied. ]

They're soft. [ His...beans... ] But he normally bites them first, so I doubt they notice.

[ He knows from personal experience. ]

[dissimulative]

A biter first and foremost, huh?

[ Shame that the prey has nothing to their name as they die. ]

Does he mind having them touched by you? I heard a lot of cats don't like that sort of thing.

[aphonik]

Sometimes. He bites me, too.

[ Usually when he's hungry. ]

Don't care, though. I'm bigger than him and he can quit bitching.

[ He would throw down with anyone...this includes his own cat. ]

[dissimulative]

[ Dosei's like the leader of the pack. Even though they're just talking about cats, it fills Oria with wonder and some respect for Dosei. Animal taming can be rough. ]

What a cool attitude to have...

[ He genuinely means it too. ]