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CyberConnect Corporation ([personal profile] cccorp) wrote in [community profile] altimit2023-08-24 02:17 pm
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⬣//A SINGLE CRACK LETS THE LIGHT IN.

//BRAVELY SAILING INTO THE UNKNOWN

As they say, fortune favors the brave. Five lucky players took part in a Limited Quest: The Mysterious Sky Islands, in which they discovered a brand new Root Town. While the team was largely successful in their efforts to make the mysterious floating town in the sky habitable, not everyone embraced the spirit of teamwork on this journey.

When you gate in to this shiny new Root Town, you'll notice something curious: it has no name. Its name simply displays as "???" in every context menu and there is no signage around the Root Town itself that points to its true name— rather, the name it had before they came along.

Whispers on the wind tell of an evil wizard in flowing white robes who ruthlessly boiled the village elder alive. With him died all of this mysterious Root Town's lore and history, and in its place are tales of the monster who robbed this land of its identity. The elemental sprites that populate this village refuse to speak their name, simply wishing you "good luck, have fun!" as you turn to leave.

While on your journey to check out the island, you'll notice how unstable the bridges are. Unstable might be putting it lightly, because for some unlucky souls, crossing the wrong bridge means plummeting to your death. It seems that whoever was put in charge of constructing these bridges didn't give a damn about structural integrity.

The local sprites are pleading with adventurers to assist them in building better, more stable bridges, but bridging the gap between one island and the next is not a job for a single person. If you have enough of a heart to heed the pleas of the sprites, you'll want to work with your fellow players to get the job done. All the wood, nails, and rope you need to construct better bridges has been helpfully supplied to you by the sprites. You could always sabotage the project too, of course, but what kind of person would you be if you did that?

//BUILDING THE FUTURE

The professions system has been added to fragment. Rejoice, busybodies, for there is much furniture to be built and dubious potions brewed.

In celebration of the new crafting & gathering system, a crafts festival is being held in the Unnamed Root Town. Take care not to plummet to your death while traversing those rickety bridges.

Players are encouraged to set up a booth of their own and trade their unique handcrafted items with their fellow adventurers. In addition to being supplied with enough level 1 and level 2 crafting materials to give the crafting system a spin, the local NPCs are running a contest encouraging people to come up with their own for a chance to have their creations canonized as real crafting recipes.

To submit your own recipe ideas, you need only fill out this handy form:

Recipe name:

Recipe category: Alchemist, Carpenter, Chef, or Jeweler?

Which two items does your recipe call for? Choose two items to combine. Only gatherable items (refer to the professions page) can be used.

Effect: What does this item do, if anything?

Description: A brief description of your lovely new product.


Submit your recipe contest submissions here.

//ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

Fragment's beta test has seen its fair share of unusual bugs and unintended features, and with the latest update bringing many new changes, it's inevitable that some things have broken behind the scenes.

If two players happen to log in at the same time, they might find their avatars swapped with one another's. Thankfully, this issue doesn't lead to the unpleasant exchange of deep-seated memories or anything of the sort, but getting used to a body that isn't yours takes time. Thankfully, this particular bug resolves itself when both players log out.

The windy town of Unnamed Root Town is generally quite scenic and pleasant, but there's just one issue. It's far, far windier than it should be. If the rickety bridges don't kill you, the gusts that intermittently blow across the sky islands might knock you off your feet if you don't watch your footing carefully. Thankfully, the crafts festival on the southernmost end of the island hasn't been impacted by the severe winds. Among them is one voice that you don't recognize: a voice that promises a death, gruesome and bloody, in the days to come.

To everyone's relief, the carnival and its notorious hall of mirrors has packed up and left Lumina Cloth, but your past hasn't finished haunting you. The foul winds carry whispers of the past along with them, uttering words and phrases uncomfortably familiar to you. They're the voices of your past, the voices of people you've known, loved, and lost. Covering your ears won't keep the voices out of your ears. Nothing will.

Finally, on the more mundane some of things, professions have a few kinks of their own that need to be worked out. Occasionally, a crafted item won't come out quite right, instead resulting in one of the following "items":

Alchemist: Truth Serum. Become unable to lie for 24 hours.

Blacksmith: Whatever you're enhancing transforms into a denim disaster. Introducing your new "body" armor, "leg" armor, "head" armor, and "arm" armor.

Carpenter: Mirror Mirror. Reflects the person you're most afraid of becoming.

Chef: Durian Delight. A succulent durian pudding that reeks so strongly that its stench can be smelled all across the Root Town or Area you're occupying.

Jeweler: Crystal Ball. Breaks after one use but allows you to read another player's thoughts for five minutes.

//WHAT ARE YOU, AN IDIOT SANDWICH?

With crafting in full swing, a certain admin has been lured out of his hidey hole by the smell of delicious chef-prepared meals. Hien is hungry, and you will feed him.

Chefs are not limited by the recipes they know like some professions are, so players are encouraged to think outside of the box and combine unique ingredients to cook up something truly special.

Taste, however, isn't the only important part of a perfect meal. Chefs looking to impress the big man himself are expected to present their culinary delights to him with pomp and finesse. You need to impress Hien if you want to gain more from this venture than the participation prize of a chef skin.

Those who successfully woo Hien with their delectable dishes will be given an additional prize: a little black pomchi pet to accompany their avatar around Root Towns and Special Areas. Hien will be giving these out at his discretion, so you better suck up to the dogboss in charge if you want a pomchi of your very own. If you catch Hien in a good mood, he may even agree to give you a different breed of dog if you ask nicely.

Feed the local Hien here.


//ZELKOVA’S CORNER

Hello, everyone! Can you believe it's been an entire month since our beta test began? Even though we've already been through a lot together, we've still got three months left! I'm rooting for you all!

As of today, the level cap has increased from 25 to 50. That means new armor and weapons will be available to you! Get out there to different Areas and start leveling up! But don't forget to stop every once in a while and enjoy your surroundings, too. Which reminds me—don't forget to check out the new Recreational Areas! We have a beach and hotsprings for you to enjoy now. I hope everyone continues to have fun exploring!

We've also opened up the GP shop, where you can create your own special armor set for a certain price, along with a few other things. Please check it out!

Oh, and don't forget to use these three new greeting cards I've made! Here they are! Make sure you use them so you can connect with your fellow players! We're all friends here, after all.

userunfriendly: (59)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-09-08 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's a nice day when Michel can be appreciated just for not ogling a man. He snorts quietly, innocently taking Yael's comment for a joke. ]

The struggle of being so popular.

[ Yeah, Michel wouldn't envy that in the least. Go with god, Yael. But he's quiet for a little longer while he decides if he actually wants to say anything. But if he doesn't, he would be the one backing down... ]

Fine. Then I would have said... cool, rather than cute. You look like you wanted to play a rogue. For someone who pretends to be so laid back, you don't hesitate to— [ make it clear that you've seen right through someone, ] —say things just to provoke others. I don't know whether you're hoping for a fight, or whether you just want everyone to know that you don't care what they think. But... you might be "nicer than you look."

[ No, he hasn't been waiting weeks to throw Yael's words back at him. Who would do that. ]
insinning: (surprise; what)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-09-08 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Shrieks!! as he nearly jumps right out of his skin. ]

Mister Yael?!?

[ THEN. who do the green army shorts he's holding belong to??]
dissimulative: (pic#15294087)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-09-08 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Honestly, that's fair. Oria wouldn't want to either.

Also, watching Ganymede do his thing looks amazing. He usually doesn't get to see the process, so seeing it up close like this is nice for once.
]

You must be some kind of pro.
bleatingedge: ehehe... (embarrassed)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-09-08 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[A flush races across Leo's face. Was it the heat of the hot spring finally rushing to his head, or did he find that complement incredibly fucking cute? Hard to tell!]

Agreed. It's sorta why I made my guild in the first place too. It's a judgement-free zone where people can experiment with anything that could possibly bring them pleasure.
insinning: (smile; a sheepish little thing)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-09-08 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ehehe ]

No problem.
trollophoroi: credit: <user name=apocalypsios> (018;)

[personal profile] trollophoroi 2023-09-08 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fandaniel takes it as a joke, to be entirely honest. If Hien were some multi-millionaire, he wouldn't be here, doing this, dealing with these people, and so he just gives a snort. ]

Your money or your organs?

[ But he's about as serious as he suspects Hien is. ]

Mm, passion and suffering both, is that it? I must say, English is a terrible language for that alone.
insinning: (thinking; hmmm idk)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-09-08 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I've never made one before either.

[ So both sides of the flower crown can suck]

Beatrice used to make them out of the flower patch though. I think it's just tying the stems together.
dissimulative: (pic#16653651)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-09-08 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
The stems? But they're so delicate and it's hard to keep them tied because some stems are thick.

[ Hm. ]

Well, whatever. Let's give it a try anyway.

[ He is determined, even if their flower crown will suck. Let's roll.

Oria sits up and gathers some flowers.
]

Though I have to admit... I never though I'd be picking flowers in a game that aren't crafting materials.
ganymed: (I'm turning over a new leaf now)

[personal profile] ganymed 2023-09-08 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I've learned to cook rather well due to living on my own.

[ ... ]

You know how it is, independence gives you the opportunity to hone skills needed for survival, or to make it easier. Plus, I've been able to make things for the occasional guest. If you ever want any tips, I'd be happy to provide.

[ He starts to grab a plate for the other, but waits a little longer for the cook to finish up. ]
weaseled: (pic#16655111)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[...Well. Not to say Yael is the self-conscious type, but Michel's honest answer does give him pause. He's only pretending to be laid back, is he? And here Yael thought he was laid back, but that goes to show how little he knows about himself.

People like Michel have this uncanny knack for seeing right through him. He really should stop hanging around these types.]


Is that so? [A bark of laughter, an amused huff.] Wow.

[He might've asked Michel to describe him, but in the process, Yael feels he's learned something about Michel too.]

You're petty, aren't you? I can see you being the type to hold a grudge. Honestly, that's pretty cute too.
dissimulative: (pic#15294087)

[personal profile] dissimulative 2023-09-08 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wow... Ganymede is a fully functional adult! Sugoi na.

But there's a bit of a wry smile on Oria's smile.
]

I know where my strengths lie, and it's definitely not cooking. But I appreciate it anyway! In fact, every time I eat something really good and don't know what it is, I try to take notes on it and look it up when I get home. That way, I can ask someone to cook it and I can eat it again!
Edited 2023-09-08 21:05 (UTC)
weaseled: (pic#16655112)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 09:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Don't turn around.

[He expected his armor to put itself back on when he logged back in. It, uh, has not.]

Man, you really do scare easy. I almost feel sorry.

[Almost.]
insinning: (smile; a happier look)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-09-08 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thinking . come on high school engineering classes, help him out here]

Maybe we can use the thick ones as the base?

[ Sitting up and helping to gather more flowers too]

Mm. We're learning something new.
weaseled: (pic#16655104)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh no, Leo. Way too cute. Yael grins, both amused by the honesty written all over those red cheeks and flattered that his compliment was taken so well.]

Anything that could bring them pleasure, huh? So you're running a cybering guild?

[His tone is jovial, nudging Leo's side with an elbow. He gets the sense Leo needs earnest encouragement, and while Yael is more of the sardonic half-compliments type, he tries to split the difference for Leo's sake.]
bleatingedge: ehehe... (embarrassed)

[personal profile] bleatingedge 2023-09-08 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Leo can't help but snort from the combination of Yael's words and his playful elbow.]

I mean, that's part of it. Pleasure comes in many forms after all, and I'm here to facilitate an environment that allows exploration of it in any form.

As an easy example, I derive a lot of pleasure from food and drink, if that wasn't obvious already. So the guild home has a table in the lobby piled high with pretty much everything I find in the game related to that.
userunfriendly: (52)

[personal profile] userunfriendly 2023-09-08 09:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He watches Ganymede's expression, the momentary tension in him as though he's going to say something further. Small wonder he'd never questioned the outburst of Michel's that he'd seen in that memory — although that feels like a different person, a lifetime ago. ]

You think you might have stabbed him.

[ Michel completes the unfinished sentence gently, no judgment in his tone this time. If he really did have the power to curse anyone... someone like the man who killed Ganymede's brother and kidnapped him would have been a worthy target. He pulls Ganymede a tiny bit closer, half a hug instead of a dance. ]

No one told you what happened once you woke up?

[ Or they didn't know, or all of that was conducted while Ganymede was still unconscious. ]
weaseled: (pic#16655108)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Man oh man. Yael can't even imagine enjoying life as much as Leo seems to. He may be tipping his hat a little too much here with the honesty, but—]

Must be nice finding that much to enjoy in food and drink. I understand the sex part, but that's one of the few things in life that never gets old.
ganymed: (Όνειρό Μου)

[personal profile] ganymed 2023-09-08 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What is there to question? Michel flipping out about what he saw in a memory that should be private? Ganymede thinks that's reasonable.

As for asking him about it? This is a way of getting some details slowly but surely. Ganymede knows himself; he isn't exactly the most calmest of individuals anymore. And Michel, he's...if he can know more without dragging out all the hurt all at once, he'd like that to be the case. ]


I think so.

[ He has no remorse for doing that and he hopes it means he killed the man, but he withholds making a statement like that, even though Michel holds him close. He doesn't care if it makes the dance stop because he'll reach out to return the embrace, wanting one himself. ]

"The organization responsible for this has been taken care of," Is basically what the response consisted of. Among...unimportant facts. Though, I'm not sure if they really were that successful.

Groups like these have such a long reach. But, maybe it's just because I know it's better to be cynical than optimistic.
worldbent: (pic#16486940)

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-09-08 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
I really don't know what you're going on about now, old man............ Are you senile? Gibbering on because the steam is getting to your head?

[Matoba's brow knits in mock-concern. Look, he might not be lusting, but it's a little too late for Yael to shake a brat who's having fun now.]

And after I even complimented you..........
insinning: (surprise; a tiny bit disturbed)

[personal profile] insinning 2023-09-08 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
U-ugh...

[Sinclair is an obedient boy. He'll stay put]

I thought you drowned or something...
fluorite: dnt (18)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-09-08 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Nope, you yelped. That's not ready by anyone's definition.

[ He grins, going back in to pinch at Ganymede again. ]
fluorite: dnt (31)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-09-08 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He is a stray cat. ]

No? I thought it was!

[ No, he didn't. But he'll pretend like it was for as long as it bothers Winter. ]
weaseled: (pic#16655110)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[He might not be able to shake this brat now, but maybe he can kick him in the teeth? It's worth a shot, but not during bath time. Yael refuses to let this uppity twink ruin one of life's few pleasures.

Another round of sake floats its way over, and picking up the pitcher, Yael upturns it onto Matoba's head.]


Did you expect me to be grateful? I'm rude, you know. A real asshole. If you want to teach me modesty, you've got a long way to go.
fluorite: dnt (20)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-09-08 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
No, I suppose none of us need any memories dredged up in this way.

[ And yet here they are, constantly reminded of loved ones lost and past failures. What's meant to be an escape in the form of a video game has only served to remind them of all of these painful things instead. ]

I hope you're able to lay them to rest once again, for what it's worth.

[ Despite his hope, Fai knows that it's an empty and meaningless sentiment. It won't help. ]
weaseled: (pic#16655104)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-09-08 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Good boy, Sinclair. Yael redresses his avatar piece by piece, eventually moving off to the side to sit cross-legged where Sinclair can see him.]

Oh? Don't tell me you were worried.

[His words are thick with sarcasm. They don't know each other all that well, so there's no reason Sinclair should spare any worry for him.]