⬣//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

[worldbent]

Heh? You're pretty boring, aren't you.

[His eye relaxes back to half-lidded, a grin blossoming. It'd behoove CC Corp to recruit a bunch of narcs for the beta, he supposes, just like it behooves them to invite players like him that will happily break the thing apart and give them a chance to test its limits.]

[It's a necessary ecosystem. Probably. Unlike what this guy thinks.]

Do you really think they'd spend as much money as they have to invite a certain list of players to a beta and then ban them outright for something as minor as an exploit?

[notfunny]

[ he scoffs. imagine being called boring when you're clearly the most skilled gamer in... well... around here? maybe?? he doesn't know who matoba is but all he's doing is reminding him of some of the more unsavory types that used to compete in the same circuit as him. ]

It's not like they lose the money if they have to come back and take their stuff. Hell, I'm sure there's something in the agreements that has some kind of clause regarding responsibilities and liabilities.

[ and he would know. the ToS isn't just for show! ]

You're basically acting as a representative for the company, you know.

[worldbent]

[That's right Cyno, show him your street cred. Then again, Matoba probably barely pays attention to pro-gamers in the genres he actually plays, let alone cards...]

[One thing is true, though. There's scammers and cheats in every hobby.]

No? What about transportation, dev time recoding everything for a new player, cancelling the internet and paying for new installation? [He lists cheerfully,] Oh, you're probably right that the TOS sets forth that they have the right. I just think it's not worth it for them.

Especially when they wouldn't find half the bugs without us...adventurous sorts.

[His eye turns a little sharp again. It's a weird switch, between the fake smile and ...this.] I don't think they want me representing them, but you're free to ask them.

[notfunny]

[ that's a good point. it's one he's considered. ]

Then maybe you should be even more worried. Perhaps they'd find a way to quiet you after the beta test.

[ cyno doesn't seem happy with that particular point, though. people that participate in bad or unjust things should be punished. if they don't meet their punishment, then that in itself is also cheating.

...

that would suck. ]

Add me.

[worldbent]

I can guarantee you [His voice goes silky smooth, almost quiet,] they won't.

[If anything, they should be worried about him.]

[...Haha, unless she offered to partner up with them. Wouldn't that be fun? Two birds with one stone.]

[Matoba's suddenly cold demeanor vanishes again as he's pulled back out of his thoughts by Cyno's sudden request. He blinks, and then amusement blossoms in his smile.]

Why? Going to babysit me?

[notfunny]

[ ugh. this ominous feeling... he knows part of it is like, his imagination working a little overtime. who is this guy? ]

No. Not babysit.

[ he doesn't have time to watch and/or stalk him wherever he might go. ]

We cooperate. If you're as good as you think you are, then you'd want someone equally skilled.

[worldbent]

[Who is he? Just 0koto :)]

Oh? Is that so? [Matoba turns away, as if to wander off.] Well then, I don't see why I'd be accepting your request, then........

.....Seeing as how you haven't shown me any signs of competency.

[He glances over shoulder.] Now if you want to prove your worth, that's another thing.

[notfunny]

Psh.

[ he's the one being called incompetent? matoba hasn't done anything else worth remembering, outside of saying he'd exploit the game if it was obvious AND for cyno to keep quiet about them???

the audacity. the nerve. ]

Not going to need to do that. You'll hear from me again anyway.

[ hmph. he'll remember this. ]

[worldbent]

Well, that's even more exciting, now isn't it?

[Matoba beams back- now that Cyno is frowning, he seems to have decided he's gotten what he wants.]

[The scythe wasn't useful, but he did manage to get something out of this. He'll be interested to see where this takes the Reaper, next time they meet.]

We'll see if we're evenly matched, next time we meet.

[notfunny]

Yeah. We'll see about that.

[ even if they are, cyno is confident that he'll have the upper hand anyway. why? because playing by the rules also offers a level of protection... people who would agree with his justifications.

with that, he turns and heads off to like. think about this. and stuff. ]