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âŦŖ//A WHOLE NEW YOU.
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 â a must to play such an advanced game â 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.
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.
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.
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 BootsTwin Blade:
Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsWavemaster:
Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesMacabre Dancer:
Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesEdge Punisher:
Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsFlick Reaper:
Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsHarvest Cleric:
Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesLord Partizan:
Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsShadow Warlock:
Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesSteam Gunner:
Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsTribal Grappler:
Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsIt'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.
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."
âŦŖ 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?"
âŦŖ 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!"
âŦŖ 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!"
âŦŖ 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!"
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And so are the dodging skills...kind of! They're not real bullets, thankfully, so there isn't much harm done to him besides a little tap on the shoulder when the second one hits him.
He laughs, whipping his little water gun around to aim for her shoulder again. ]
You're pretty good yourself!
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[ She's not as skilled in the art of dodging as Hector is, so he'll have no problems with landing a shot on her shoulder despite her best efforts. ]
You think so? I don't know, I'm starting to feel pretty outmatched!
[ But! She won't go down without a fight! That's why she'll try to fire as many darts as she can in this last ditch attempt at fighting for her (nerf gun) life. ]
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Hector just smiles back at her. After dodging a few, shooting her back as he feels his own gun deplete, he does eventually stand. Some of those nerf darts hit him square on the chest, but he doesn't flinch. By count, Kara probably won. ]
Here. Stay like that.
[ He gestures with his hands to tell Kara to freeze in place. He'll drop his own gun as he makes his way over and starts nudging her posture to fix it. ]
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[ Her form is certainly atrocious; it's clear she's never held a weapon before. Still, she's surprised as Hector adjusts her shoulders, her stance â ]
Oh.
[ He's correcting her, is he? Well, this may be pretty helpful down the line. She won't object. ]
...Wow. I feel so...official?
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Just keep your upper balance low and you'll never miss. [ There's a hint of a joke in his voice. Obviously aim is more important, BUT--
He jogs back to his spot. ]
Hit me.
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[ She stays still, exactly how she is, and she fires a pelt at him. Assuming it hits, her eyes will widen â ]
Oh. That...felt pretty different. You're an expert at this stuff?
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[ Hector shrugs and readies his water gun again-- Oh, crap, he needs water. ]
Ready to beat me, then?
[ Unfortunately, he glides right over explaining himself. Kara's gonna have to settle with "used to be an expert" for now. ]
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[ She won't pry. Maybe one day she'll hear more, but for now? Pew pew time.
Before he even goes to get water, though, Kara instinctively shoots a dart. She's still standing completely still, in that same pose. It looks kind of awkward, but she's trying to get this down, okay. ]
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That one hits him--he totally lets her hit him--and with a little laugh he jogs away towards the drinks table and...
She's not moving?
He whirls around and whips his arms to the side in a little taunt. ]
You're not gonna chase me?
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[ She starts moving, but does her best to maintain her form. It's hard, but she ends up holding up her nerf gun again and somewhat sloppily aims for him again.
An attempt is being made. It's earnest. But she's gonna need a lot of work... ]
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Good. Good! You're doing good. Keep it up.
[ He leans for the water pitcher, grasps its handle. ]
I know you can run like that, though. Give it a try. ...Once I refill my gun.
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[ She completely misses him requesting a refill, so she immediately starts running up to him and aims another dart at his arm. Oops.
At least she's multitasking, though! ]
How was that?
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He bursts out in laughter. Once his gun is full of water, he hefts it in his hand and turns to Kara, big proud smile on his face. ]
I'm impressed. See? You're better already.
[ He holds his gun up, much in the same way she is. ]
But don't think you're getting away with that!
[ squirt squirt ]
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[ She's actually quite proud of herself for that! She's grinning from ear to ear, though it falters a little when he aims back at her. She lets out a loud laugh before she gets back to shooting darts at him.
She'll keep it up until she's out of ammo, but she does a decent job at maintaining proper form throughout.
After she's out of darts, she looks to Hector for approval. Tell her how she did so well!!! ]
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He meets her look with a grin, and as he discards his water gun he gives her a thumbs up. ]
You're a quick learner, Kara. That was fun. [ He takes a step to her and ruffles her hair. ] Good job.
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...She looks taken aback, stunned, like she hasn't experienced something so genuinely sweet in a while. When Hector pulls his hand back, she clears her throat and tries to will away her shock and embarrassment.
She wills a proud smirk onto her face one more, and she puts her hands on her hips. ]
Hah, glad to hear it. I'm a fast learner, you know. Thanks for showing me the ropes.
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Not a problem. See? If you get handed a gun in this game, at least you'll know how to shoot it. [ He laughs, because that won't happen... Right?
Anyway, have a friend request! ]
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Oh, hey!
[ She accepts instantly. ]
Look at that! My first friend request! Thanks a ton -- we should party up sometime!
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[ He grins. ]
Speaking of parties, I've still got some more of this one to explore. You should, too.
[ He gestures to the food, the drink, the foam weapons— ]
But it was great meeting you, Kara.
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[ She gives him a little wave before she turns the other way. ]
See you around, Hector.