⬣//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

ii - tags you everywhere because i can

[veardant]

[ it takes tighnari a moment to spot cyno in the crowd, but only a moment - after all, he doesn't look too different. except for.. a few little telltale things that tighnari absolutely notices.

he approaches with a smile, in a mood high enough that even cyno's terrible joke can't ruin his grin. ]

Hey.

[ it might not be real and in person, but it feels like it, and seeing cyno's face again.. it's nice. it's really, really nice. arching a brow, tighnari glances downward, then back up again. ]

Did you give yourself a six-pack?

[notfunny]

[ wow, he's still smiling despite his joke? must be a real good day for the both of them... and it is. not to forget how awesome the food and drink are (to the point where even cyno is a little weirded out by it) or anything, but getting to see tighnari? in the virtual flesh?? with the ears and the tail??? but his face and everything about him... ]

Huh?

[ oh. he looks down. oh! right. ]

Not... not on purpose...

[ cyno places his hands on his abdomen, color flaring up in his cheeks. ]

... I swear, I didn't do it on purpose...

[veardant]

Sure. You didn't touch that muscle slider even once, did you?

[ he Does Not believe you. but that's fine. tighnari forgave him his terrible joke, he'll forgive him his digital six-pack, also. besides, it looks nice, and making him blush is adorable.

tighnari's teasing expression soon softens, though, and he steps in to pull cyno into a hug. it's been years since last they physically saw one another, and while this isn't real life, it feels enough like it to satisfy tighnari. ]

It's good to see you, Cyno.

[notfunny]

Maybe I accidentally touched a few things here and there.

[ accidentally is, of course, subtly emphasized. at least he kept himself roughly the same height? realism is for squares. they should be encouraged to make themselves the best they could possibly be?

...

the hug silences his inner thoughts. he instinctively squeezes his arms around tighnari. this isn't real but it's the closest they've been in a long time. calls and chats are fine and dandy but actual touch is its own advantages. ]

I can't believe this is happening. What were the odds that we'd both be here?

[veardant]

[ roughly the same height.. tighnari's p r e t t y sure that cyno was slightly shorter than him the last time they met, but he'll let it slide. he's already poked fun at cyno's abs enough.

anyway, it's a nice hug, and when tighnari pulls back again he's smiling, his cheeks dusted pink. it's incredible, really, how real it feels.. and he's both glad and grateful that cyno suggested they make the attempt to play this game together. despite the distance between them, cyno is his best friend, and seeing him like this is refreshing. ]

We got lucky, I suppose, to both be chosen.

[notfunny]

[ stop! let him enjoy his minor aesthetic choices!!! even if he's a little shorter and doesn't have particularly defined anythings, he's happy right now? really happy?? his emotional immersion??? ]

Very.

[ he has no words, only feelings. it's almost too real. too good to be true.

which is why... his next exhale is a little shaky. ]

You look really good. Like. You know.

[veardant]

[ IT'S FINE THAT'S WHY HE ISN'T COMMENTING FURTHER, if this makes cyno happy, it makes tighnari happy. but he couldn't not point out the six-pack, okay.

nevertheless, tighnari feels his face warm a little at that, and his gaze drops briefly, before he smiles. ]

Thanks. You too.

[ they video chat all the time, but it's impossible to explain how different this feels, how lifelike it is. they haven't really seen one another in the physical world since tighnari's accident with the lightning.. ]

The ears aren't too much?

[notfunny]

[ before he got all the fancy equipment, a webcam and hoping the internet stayed stable and lag-free was all he had. now? his heart is doing flips. spins. fluttering and dropping all at once. ]

No, not at all.

[ his fingers move before he realizes it, reaching up to touch the base. ]

Uh. They really feel real.

[ how does that translate to offline sensations??? he doesn't know. he won't know. he opted out of the furry life this time around. ]

[veardant]

[ oh, he's touching the ears - tighnari allows it only because he's cyno. ]

Yeah, they.. do.

[ he can feel it, too, the way cyno's fingertips brush over warm fur; his ear gives a little twitch and flick, his tail swaying contentedly behind him. ]

That's pretty nice, actually. How in the world have they done this..

[notfunny]

[ the ears... he loves them... ]

I don't know. It's not like they could ask anyone how it'd feel.

[ and it's tempting to see how that tail is, but like. not here? not in public?? it's not like tighnari is some cat looking for some affection!!!

also the fact that he's thinking about it... ]

Any reason why? Just curious. It really suits you.

[veardant]

Why the ears and tail, you mean?

[ tighnari looked thoughtful, tapping his knuckles against his chin. ]

I'm not sure.. I thought the change would be nice, I suppose.

[ and he'd always liked animals. there was no plant-man beast race, so.. ]

[notfunny]

[ he'd be cute no matter what. animal, plant... human especially... but he knows that. probably. ]

It's a good change.

[ he finally lets his hand drop lower, though he keeps it anchored to tighnari's side for a little longer. ]

Kinda jealous. I should've given myself some ears too.

[veardant]

I'm surprised you didn't.

[ cyno does tend to opt for that furry life most of the time, after all, with all of his jackal paraphernalia. tighnari also sure does notice that lingering hand, and allows it. he likes it. it feels nice. ]

No jackal options?

[notfunny]

Honestly, I sort of rushed through the character creation. Just wanted to get into the game as quickly as I could.

[ his cheeks continue to burn as he looks at tighnari. man. man!!! ]

Glad I did so I could catch you before it got too late, huh.

[veardant]

[ stop blushing, cyno, it's making him blush, too!! these two idiots are so gross.. ]

Mm. I do have to be up for work in the morning, so you're right, I can't stay too late, but I've got a little time. Want to check out the food?

[ he's keen to see how realistic it all really is. ]

[notfunny]

[ imagine being gross. together. in a new game where there aren't a lot of people around to watch them. imagine!!! ]

Y-yeah! Of course!

[ if he had ears like tighnari's, they'd be flopping wildly or completely stiff. ]

What were you thinking? I mean, there's pretty much everything and then some...

[ his eagerness almost has him tripping over his own feet as he moves over to the table. ]

[veardant]

[ cyno's acting a little weird, but tighnari is also acting a little weird, it's fine. they're used to just talking over the internet or on the phone, but seeing each other like this.. it makes tighnari's stomach clench pleasantly. what he wouldn't give to have cyno live nearer - ]

I wonder if they have -

[ mushrooms! right there, a big pile of roasted baby bella mushrooms. tighnari leans over them and inhales the scent. mmmm. he'll just snag a plate and pile them onto it. ]

[notfunny]

[ if only he knew how weird he was being, maybe he'd... do absolutely nothing different because this is just how he is. ]

Oh. [ he blinks. ] I didn't notice them before. [ cyno reaches to grab a plate, puts a mushroom on it, but then immediately eats it. ]

... you probably make better ones than these.

[ just saying. ]

[veardant]

[ cyno did you just plate one single mushroom ]

Maybe. We'll see.

[ he pops in a mouthful, chewing thoughtfully, before he sighs, humming appreciatively. ]

Well, no, they're not the best I've had, but they're still delicious. Mushrooms are mushrooms.

[notfunny]

[ yes he just plated a single mushroom. watch as he does it again. ]

I'm still curious how they programmed this all in. I can't imagine it would've been easy to do it...

[ also they probably ate a lot just to figure out the tastes. ]

... I wonder if you can get stuffed, like. Really stuffed.

[veardant]

[ god cyno why are you such a cryptid why does he like you ]

I mean, I don't see why you couldn't. Or it'll feel like it, at least.

[ tighnari sure does intend to find out, with the way he's chowing down on these mushrooms. ]

[notfunny]

Just don't forget to eat when you go offline.

[ he thinks about chowing down on some of the more obviously appealing foods, like the french fries and the dino nuggies... ]

Or else.

[ bats his eyelashes ]

[veardant]

[ a pause, mid-bite. ]

Are you lecturing me about self-care?

[notfunny]

How the turns have tabled, huh?

[ he takes this moment to lift a 'shroom off tighnari's plate and chews. hehe. ]

[veardant]

[ shroom thief?? cyno is lucky that tighnari doesn't bite his fingers right off for this transgression ]

I will not neglect my health over this, thank you.