⬣//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

[trollophoroi]

i. it's dangerous to go alone take him~

[ As the partying begins to wind down and gear sets are settled into their gear slots, groups begin trying their hand at the Areas beyond the Chaos Gate. It's inevitable. The grind to level and get even better gear is such a huge part of an MMO and with everyone still sussing out who's worthwhile or not, it makes it a golden opportunity...

For trouble, that is.

And the Shadow Warlock with the username "Fandaniel" is all about trouble.

So, looking lost? A little too tipsy from the partying? Not sure what you should do next? Fandaniel — decked out in a very prim and proper butler skin for his armor from the festivities — approaches with a friendly demeanor and a wave. ]

Hello there! I have been looking for another player to try out the Areas with. I was wondering... [ And he smiles, affecting what could pass as genuine. ] Would you be interested in giving one a go?

[ ooc warning: this is the "he takes you on an adventure and tries to PK you" option; if you want a non-PK Area run, just tell me in the subject line! ]

ii. b̵̩̉ṵ̷̑g̷̤̔ ̵̪̂r̸͖͌e̶̜̾p̷͉̍ȯ̶̻r̵͓̅ṯ̶̆

My, my, I wonder what's happening with them.

[ After he's had his fun (or lack thereof) with the Areas, Fandaniel has moved on to other endeavors. See, the Area trips had inevitably revealed a fun little bug. So fun, that Fandaniel could not help but bring it back with him, and now he sits up on an awning overlooking the still active areas in Mac Anu set up for the kick-off of the beta, not too high up to be unseen and unhead, just overhead, really, chin propped against a fist as he watched the NPCs meant to be handing out items doing something bizarre.

They fidget and twitch as if taking damage and, in fact, they are! Only it regenerates quickly enough, as this is a Root Town. They aren't meant to take damage here at all! The problem? Any player who stands near them will find themselves afflicted with the same debuff as the NPCs. The other problem? Players don't regenerate as the NPCs do.

Tick, tick, tick, that health is going down at a steady pace without healing, and soon anyone who's been afflicted may find themselves dead and respawning! People are beginning to take note, trying to flee elsewhere, only to find the NPCs all over Mac Anu are equally affected!

Looks like someone put in the legwork (and inevitable deaths) to make sure of that and, well, it may very well be the same player perched up just out of range of the debuff but certainly close enough for an excellent view of the unfolding chaos. Why, he'll even smile and tilt his head, looking down at whoever he just addressed and caution in an obnoxious little sing-song fashion, ]

I wouldn't get too close if I were you.

iii. wildcard the fancy dan

[ i'll be tagging around for actual party event stuff but if you have something in mind and 100% want a fandaniel, hit me with your best shot aw yeah ]

ii. b̵̩̉ṵ̷̑g̷̤̔ ̵̪̂r̸͖͌e̶̜̾p̷͉̍ȯ̶̻r̵͓̅ṯ̶̆;

[ganymed]

[ Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

It's hard not to notice, with the strange reactions of the NPCs and people caught up in the nonsense. Ganymede hasn't even done much engaging with NPCs himself or others, keeping distance...

For now.

This seems to have worked out in his favor. But how fortunate will he be? Time will tell, especially since he hears the warning. That kind of attitude reminds him of someone unpleasant. Yet...where exactly is Fandaniel perched? On a building? Or atop some boxes? ]

You seem unconcerned.

When did this start happening?

[trollophoroi]

[ Not quite on boxes or a building, but a colorful awning stretched out of the front of a shop's storefront, comfortable as can be on the taut cloth modeled to be there. ]

I rather think I'm a fair distance away from getting infected. Again, anyway. They seem to be, hm, contagious? [ He sounds like he's asking that as a question, as though not already certain of this fact. He looks down, offering Ganymede a smile. ] I daresay it began about an hour ago.

[ganymed]

[ Comfortable to having a front row seat to this wonderful little technical horrorshow, huh? Or is it just happenstance?

Ganymede isn't going to be kind enough to assume well of people, either way. There's some information regardless. An hour of this nonsense. ]

Did you let anyone else know about this when it began?

[ Another inquiry. He feels it pertinent to ask, considering the situation, even if it is unlikely people don't know of it by now. ]

[trollophoroi]

[ Extremely comfortable and seemingly enjoying the show indeed. ]

Let anyone else know? [ He affects a shocked expression and raises his hands, palms out, fingers spread; a surprised gesture to go with clearly faked surprise. ] Oh, no, I hadn't even considered doing that!

[ More like he didn't want to just yet. ]

What if this is all a part of the opening events?

[ganymed]

[ ...Ganymede stares at the expression of clearly falsified surprise with little to no amusement. ]

Sure you haven't.

[ Tossing that biting sarcastic number out there in response, he crosses his arms, still looking up at the other man. ]

What? Do you think I was born yesterday? Or maybe you fashion yourself to be that kind of gullible?

[ He is far too cynical to even consider the idea that something like this can be part of an innocuous 'event', especially with the kind of misfortune this seems to be causing. ]

ii; after everyone on the timeline

[selfconcept]

[ After this and some time before fandaniel tries logging out, there's a guy with a long black cloak and a hood that's currently not on his head.

And he's in midair, directly above fandaniel.

A portal opens up underneath fandaniel's feet and the character smacks him into it with a staff. If that won't work, he'll just tackle fandaniel into it and disappear together. If you could catch a glimpse of the character info, here it is.

It's jail time. ]

i/semi-wildcard

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya's also around to party up. The welcome is fine and all but she wants to play the game and get a handle on the combat. She's flipping through targeting different players, checking their class--when she stops on Fandaniel and does a double take. She thinks that can't be right at first... but it is. Him.

She marches forward with a stern expression, jabbing a finger in the air.] You. They let you in the beta?!

[trollophoroi]

[ Here comes someone marching his way without even him approaching. Interesting. ]

Hmm? Do we know one another?

[ As if he couldn't get any more obnoxious, there we have it. He does seem not to immediately recall her but a quick check of the name once he has her targeted has him raising his eyebrows. ]

That's right! FlameMane! [ His affable smile takes on a somewhat more wicked slant to it and he reaches up to poke the tip of that accusing finger she has leveled at him with his own finger and pushes it to the side. ] Why, yes, they did let me in! Quite the wonder, too, as I don't recall having signed up to begin with.

[legendofthelion]

[She grits her teeth as he doesn't even seem to recognize her at first, only stymied once it clicks. That's right, he'd better know FlameMane. He can't fool her.]

Tch! [She drops her hand when he starts pushing it by the finger, balling it into a fist.] You couldn't be here if you didn't sign up. They wouldn't just send someone like you an invitation, since the only thing you're known for is causing trouble.

[trollophoroi]

[ Some ways of making people angry are quite simple and acting as though he cannot quite recall who someone is or what he'd done to them, well, that happens to be one of them. The gritting of her teeth and huffing and puffing about his existence here only earns further smirking from the dreadful little man. ]

Ah, but there you would be wrong! [ He takes a hop back from her and brings his finger back in, holding it up before him as if to ask her to 'wait a moment'. ] As you and I both know, one would presume no one would ever approve my entry to such a sign-up, and thus did I not waste my time!

[ He rolls his hand over from the previous gesture to one where his open palm faces upward and he sweeps it out slowly to his side. See? He is here, though, regardless of their shared assumption! ]

And yet, I am here. I was certainly surprised to be invited to the beta so randomly but wasn't going to waste such an opportunity. Very strange, though, is it not?

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya's eyes rapidly follow his theatrics. She crosses her arms with a huff, incredulous.] Even if that were true, you're right that picking you at random is too strange. I find it kinda hard to believe, to be honest.

[He's not famous or popular. She's expect it to go to some big name streamer or something.] Either way, don't think you can start causing trouble here just because you got in!

bugge

[sicklysweet]

[He's here because of the bug, of course - word travels quickly, and with NPCs acting strange and players falling from a debuff... He's instantly intrigued, and he's not much concerned about what happens if he gets the debuff himself. Death in a game is temporary, isn't it? So who cares. Maybe it would be an interesting thing to experience - another one of those things you can't experience in real life but you could in a game.

It is funny that there's such a devastating bug at launch, though. It's not going to look good for CC Corp at all, for all they've done to promote this beta test.]

Are you sure you have no idea?

[Considering the suspicious perching and all.]

It seems an awfully convenient place to start people watching.

[trollophoroi]

[ His perching is perfectly unsuspicious! Anyone would sit on a shopfront awning like this when confronted with a catastrophe, anyone at all. It is clearly the sensible place to be perched. ]

Little old me? Oh, I haven't the faintest. All I did was return from poking around an area and, why, everyone began catching some bizarre debuff. [ And he tilts his head to the side a tiny bit as he watches Owen now instead of what's unfolding around them. ] Is it convenient? I'll have you know it took quite a bit of jumping to scale up to here.

[sicklysweet]

A debuff you don’t know the origin of, surely.

[Fandaniel is certainly just an innocent bystander, just like Owen.

He looks at the awning, judging how much of a pain it would be to jump onto it, and hums.]

It leaves you conveniently out of the way of this bug, certainly. Though it would be unfortunate if someone got infected with the debuff and tried to join you on your perch…

[He’s considering it. Shame pvp is disabled in the Root Towns so he can’t slow Fandaniel and keep him from running.]

[trollophoroi]

Oh, very unfortunate indeed!

[ As the trip up to the awning isn't particularly difficult but does require a few well-aimed hops up some awkwardly placed boxes to a fencepost. And yet Fandaniel makes no effort to move from his spot up there, instead choosing to smile down at Owen and watch him with great mischief sparkling in those dark eyes of his. If that's a threat... ]

And then we would have to sit here and die alongside one another. What a way to go.

[sicklysweet]

[Wow... That sounds so romantic...]

There's worse ways to die - alone and afraid, for one. Dying with company might actually be rather pleasant.

[He'll do it. He'll run to those NPCs right now and just come right back.]

partying with trustworthy fandaniel

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun is in this event skin (mask up on his head, like a fascinator, and not covering his face). He looks, largely, like he's loitering and observing the festivities now that he's finished tasting the food - no particular clarity as to what he wants to do next.

So when this stranger approaches him with the suggestion of Area Exploration, he considers it. )

All right. ( A beat. ) I'm an Edge Punisher, if that matters. Do you think we'll need more players?

[trollophoroi]

Ohh, an Edge Punisher! [ Fandnaiel brings his hands together in a clap as if that's exciting somehow. Who knows. Maybe he thinks it's a good class to have along or something. ] That should work out just fine. I'm a Shadow Warlock myself.

[ So melee and spell damage. That's sensible, right? ]

Hm, though no. I imagine we'd be fine with just us two. They can't possibly throw anything too dangerous at us when we're only level one, yes?

[tablescraps]

( Shadow Warlock... He seems to consider this for a moment, recalling the basic class description. Hm. Mithrun determines a class that inflicts debuffs and a class that does a lot of damage is probably a good combination. )

I wouldn't know. This is my first time playing a computer game.

( Never so much as touched a Gameboy Color... )

Are you familiar with these kinds of games?

[trollophoroi]

[ His first time...

Oh, Fandaniel nearly feels that pang of regret for what he's planning to do now. Nearly, but only nearly. It would inevitably become a good lesson for the poor little newbie, to find actual friends to run with, not mysterious strangers. ]

You're in luck! I've been playing these sorts of games for a while now. I'll be more than happy to show you around.

i. 🧛‍♂️🏴‍☠️

[tylorific]

[ Tylorific here already is smiling even before the friendly wave. It's a gesture he returns as if they are both already friends. ]

Oh, hello! And sure I would.

[ Alcohol tugs at his cadence, only making him sound more genuine. What an easy target, comically dressed as a drunken pirate. He gives the other player's skin a once over, smile just as friendly. ]

How could anyone turn down such a cool vampire?

[trollophoroi]

[ It's time for Fandaniel to make the biggest mistake of all time and that mistake is named Tylorific. If only he knew. ]

A vampire?

[ That gives him pause but, after looking down at his armor's skin, ah. Yes, he could see how that could be one way to look at the butler outfit. There's a faint huff of laughter from Fandaniel when he looks back up. ]

Why, I suppose I am that. Ah, but that makes you a pirate. I take it you won't try to rob me of my booty if we go looking for loot?

[tylorific]

[ Tylor's smile breaks into a grin at even that faint laugh. At the mention of a pirate he blinks and then remembers to flip the eyepatch back down playfully. Meet your cheery doom, vampire. ]

I won't! But only if you promise not to try drinking my blood.

[ look, a friend request. ]

[trollophoroi]

[ Friend request received and accepted. It's followed by a party invite, too. ]

I believe I can fight the temptation to suck on your neck for the time being. [ Phrasing. ] Let's head over to the Chaos Gate. I have just the right words for the Area we'll want in mind.