⬣//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 shakes his head. Wow that list is concerning and he wonders about her access to some therapy. ]

There’s nothing wrong with you. I only like men.

[ Some things are just that simple! ]

[ntrd]

[Her voices becomes slower once again. She treats this revelation rather well.]

Oh, ok. Aoi only plays girls. She doesn't do BL. Sometimes she's into girl on girl stuff.

[It's hard to exactly gain the exact meaning from that but it's her way of backing off. She does switch to another topic though out of nowhere.]

Does Fai like tomato juice? Friends are supposed to drink tomato juice together. Aoi should find us some.

[fluorite]

[ Oh, good. He's glad that she seems to be taking it well, even though her overall demeanor still concerns him. Maybe she'll get better as she opens up. ]

I like it just fine, actually. I'd be open to sharing some.

[ntrd]

[She once again nods, turning to look at her surroundings. After scanning the area, she raises her arm, pointing in front of her.]

Found tomato juice.

[She keeps her arm extended and pointed as she walks towards her destination, not looking back. She only only lowers her arm when she grabs two cans of tomato juice, once in each of her hands.]

Aoi's favorite. Wonder what stat boosts it'll give.

[fluorite]

[ Ah, she really is quirky through and through... Fai smiles as she comes back with the tomato juice. ]

Hmmm. Maybe a happiness or friendship stat boost?

[ntrd]

[She offers one the cans to him first before she opens hers.]

Would be good. If not, that's ok. This is a nice game experience. Wish something like this would happen IRL.

[She's aware she's not the easiest to talk to, but she tries.]

How does Fai spend time with friends?

[fluorite]

[ He pops open his own can and takes a sip. Tomato juice definitely isn't his favorite, but it's not terrible either. ]

We meet up at cafes or go to bars.

[ Clubs and just bar hopping in general too, but he skips out on mentioning that. ]

Though, sometimes we go out to the movies.

[ntrd]

[Behind those large eyes, it's almost like a gears in her head are moving, trying to understand, envision, and thinking of how to implement what he's said to her.]

Will find a tavern or café for us in game. IRL Aoi has a lot of experience with cafes. Lived in a few.

[She mumbles something about movies, recalling there are actually a few she wants to see.]

Movies... that would trigger a route flag unless it's with many friends.

[She only drinks her can after she sees him drinking his.]

Tastes good. Just like the ones in Aoi's favorite vending machine.

[fluorite]

[ Wow, there's so much he could respond to here, but he decides to go with just one— ]

A movie with me wouldn't, since we've established we won't be more than friends. Ah, if only we could go to a theater in-game...

[ntrd]

[She takes the can of tomato juice in bother hands now, almost careful with it as she sips at it. ]

Aoi played a mecha MMO where there was a theater. Only showed commercials and promos but gave in-game currency after watching.

[She takes a break from talking, and this time instead of slow slips, she takes one very long sip. Somehow she doesn't make a mess and isn't out of breath.]

Finished juice. What can we do here as friends?

[fluorite]

[ He has a sip of his juice as he contemplates that. Watching commercials doesn't sound fun at all... ]

We can take a walk around and talk. I think that's what a lot of friends in these games do.

[ntrd]

[She still keeps holding her empty can as she nods.]

Ok. Aoi needs to do that anyway and it's better to do it with someone else than solo. Might get ambushed my enemies and get KO'd.

Fai can lead the way. Aoi will follow.

[fluorite]

Sure! Would you like to go to an Area or walk around the city?