⬣//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

[rosehecate]

A - Create Gear Set?

Oh, wow! Thank you so much!

[The fact that someone actually seems pleased about their baby gear for babies that looks totally boring is definitely not what a lot of people would expect. But for Anthy, the gentle reverence she takes the offered gear set with is...well, it seems genuine? If it isn't, you can't tell what the real feelings are underneath. That smile is impenetrable.

She seems to go by "wiccerosa", when you target her and check - and she takes her time examining each and every equipment piece before equipping it. How interestingly intricate this world is! How pleased as punch she seems about some crummy old robes and a pamphlet as a weapon! You might want to question that.]

B - Remember Your Food Buffs!

[All Anthy takes from the buffet is a small plate and one drink, but that plate is piled quite high with sweets. It's like sweets jenga over here, with squares of rosewater Turkish Delights on the bottom and carefully stacked layers of those Italian cookies with a dollop of jam or a candied cherry in the middle, and just like. The cutest, most pink cupcake on the very top. None of this is substantial for dining on before exploring any dungeons or enemy-infested realms, and in the real world this would all be terrible for your teeth, but here? No one can stop her. Anthy partakes of her bounty very slowly, pausing every once in a while to break off a piece of what she's eating and...moving to offer it to something on her shoulder? Before realizing that nothing's there. A soft disappointment flutters across her features before she goes back to her sweets, taking small, measured sips of strawberry lemonade.

There's a good chance half of this food is going to end up in her inventory wrapped in a napkin, but it might be nice to have some quiet party company as opposed to any loud party company?

Alternatively, you may find her checking some of the armor skins, a little confused by the idea of glamouring one's clothes, but seems to come around to the idea once settling on this outfit. The size fits her fine, but the design is much more...childish than one would expect a young teen girl would want to wear? Still, she does a pleased little spin and admires how the skirt moves.]

Interesting...!

[Someone's going to be enjoying glam, methinks.]

C - Obligatory Airhorn Sound

[Oh no. Oh no. Anthy got her hands on one of the party favors. She was very puzzled by the foam toy turning into a book, and isn't sure what the joke with this thing is. Apparently, the idea of hitting someone with a book or casting a spell from it on one of her fellow players out of the blue hasn't occurred to her. Maybe you should be a good (?) influence and tell her how it works.]

D - Wildcard

[Want to play out a different kind of prompt? Hmu!]

C

[dissimulative]

[ From how she looks confused while holding the foam toy, the character named Oriade wonders if she doesn't know what it's for. Well, it's time to spread the word. ]

Hey!

[ A greeting. Though she seems a little familiar somehow, but he's seen many people throughout his life. Or maybe he's getting something like deja vu? He doesn't know. Either way, he waves. ]

You can hit someone with that. Here, try it on me.

[ He holds his arm out. ]

[rosehecate]

[?]

Hit someone...?

[Anthy looks at the book, looks at Oriade...looks at the book again...]

Why? I thought we fought monsters in this game.

[dissimulative]

You do! But this is just a toy. Something for fun! You don't really hurt anyone with it.

[ That last statement is heavily debatable, even if the town disabled pvp-mechanics. Nondamage instances like party favors are a-okay though. ]

Hm... if you don't wanna smack it, you can tap my arm with it, I guess?

B - Remember Your Food Buffs! (Alternatively);

[ganymed]

[ Yeah, glamors are certainly interesting for sure.

Though, Ganymede is actually still kind of...absorbing everything around him with curious eyes? But he happens to spot Anthy doing a little twirl in her witch-like outfit. ]

Just a bit. Do you know if all these 'MMO games' are like this?

[ Potentially the wrong person to be asking but it isn't like Ganymede can spot a serial gamer from a mile away. ]

[rosehecate]

I don't know.

[The ignorance to the genre is admitted with a smile!]

But it's awfully generous, to give us equipment and a way to make it look different right away.

[ganymed]

I'll give them that they're welcoming on the incredible 'appearances' department.

And are nice enough in offering a generous celebration too.

[ He is not too generous about thoughts regarding the equipment even if he is a first-time gamer, but there are those two positive points for sure. ]

B

[tinged]

Missing something?

[ hani notices that she keeps trying to feed... something? a little birdy friend, perhaps? ]

[rosehecate]

...Yes.

[It makes sense he's not in the game, he didn't get a tiny VR headset, but still...]

I always share my snacks with Chuchu, but he can't play this game. He could actually try foods that wouldn't be safe in real life if he was here...

[She's not so foolish as to feed an actual tiny monkey some human sweets.]

[tinged]

Chuchu... Why, that's an adorable name. What if you put your VR headset on this Chuchu?

[ surely, a good idea. that's how it works right ]

A

[threatmewted]

Seriously? Somebody's easily impressed.

[Hello, there is an edgy looking Flick Reaper here.]

[rosehecate]

Am I?

[Thankfully for someone like her, she's figured out equipping equipment with relative ease.]

I've never played any games like this before, so I didn't know what to expect.

[threatmewted]

Yeah, um, you didn't really have to tell me that. It's pre-tty obvious just looking at you.

So what, they just randomly invited you in?

A

[rebelles]

[ Surprisingly enough, Anthy is not alone in her reaction. Haru is another odd one who doesn't seem to mind the shoddy equipment. In these worn boots, she feels like a real adventurer and not a sheltered girl with her life charted for her. She takes her time equipping herself, reading the description of each item. Her display name reads Noir, a steam gunner brandishing... a water gun. If there's a piece of equipment she does feel disappointed with, it would have to be her weapon. ]

It's exciting, isn't it? I feel ready for an adventure.

[rosehecate]

[Anthy looks up and nods. This is some real legit adventuring stuff! For real adventurers!]

I think...we can find different pieces of equipment while we adventure, yes? I wonder what those will be like, and where you find them. But it was awfully kind to give us things to start with.

[We could've been sent out in nothing but our starting gear, after all!]

[rebelles]

Oh, yes. I didn't realize armor was important to our safety.

[ If it weren't for being provided with starter equipment, Haru would probably have learned the hard way! ]

We should probably keep an eye out, then. There could be treasures, and perhaps even people in need of rescue!

[ That's how these games work, right? She's not that familiar with the fantasy genre, but she recalls the shows she's watched in her youth. ]

B

[insinning]

[Sinclair is holding what looks raw chicken head, looking very perturbed by it. At least other people seem to have had better luck but]

...do you think all of our skins will look like this?

[rosehecate]

[...Oh goodness what in the world is that thing]

I...don't actually know. This is my first...Em-Em-Oh?

[Oh honey.]

[insinning]

[Pffffft but the girl seems young so it seems mean to correct her. He'll let it go]

Oh, really? Most of them aren't this realistic. Even if the skins are a bit...[Holding up the raw chicken head in meaning. :T] They usually try to make it look flashier, so you want to give them more money.

A

[userunfriendly]

[ Michel's never felt the least bit guilty for his own obtuse games. So why does a kid looking so intensely earnest about this terrible equipment make him feel vaguely like he needs to apologize for someone else's game?

At least she seems able to equip it. ]

Were you expecting an elaborate questline just to obtain our starting gear?

[rosehecate]

Hm?

[Gives this person a confused sort of smile.]

Oh, I didn't know what to expect. So this is a pleasant surprise!

[Go in with no expectations, your standards get so low that any positive outcome is incredible!]

[userunfriendly]

[ Complete novice vibes... yep. The smile gets a slightly confused blink in return. ]

...Which part is pleasant?

c

[tot]

[ there are a certain number of people who aren't familiar with these things, huh? i guess this is fine and everything. compared to having no idea how to do something and being far too enthusiastic about how to go about doing something are two entirely separate things.

uta will give her a little wave before gesturing to the book. ]

Having some trouble figuring who to test it on?

[rosehecate]

Um...I suppose so.

[Anthy looks between Uta and the book.]

Why would it need to be tested on someone?

[tot]

[ now isn't that the question? hmm. ]

Well, I suppose you don't have to, but it's the intent.

[ though hopefully uta can address this gracefully?? ]

Have not played a prank on anyone before?