![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
⬣//A SINGLE CRACK LETS THE LIGHT IN.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
But when his head whips around, his expressions teeters precariously between irritated and distressed. Dosei's not paying much attention to the compliments themselves, moreso the other's presence in general, and when he slowly reaches to take his stuff, it's moreso yanking them out of the older man's hand. ]
Was that you.
[ The synthesizer warbles a bit. He can't exactly yell with it, after all. Part of him thinks it wasn't; this guy sounds younger. Doesn't know anything. But people ( like him ) can change their voices, so- ]
Because if it was, that shit isn't fucking funny.
[ Maybe he's just...hearing shit. He doesn't do that often, but who knows. This place is whack. ]
no subject
[ Tylor goes on, only blinking at the grab of items before he smiles anyway, unfazed. ]
Are you going to try again?
no subject
...Yeah, whatever.
[ He looks back at his empty hands...and grimaces before picking up another polished piece of black wood and a chunk of silver. Right. This is easier than thinking about whatever that was. ]
All the shit in this game is gaudy. I just want something that doesn't look ugly.
[ His delicate goth sensibilities...if there was black gems or metal, life would be easier. ]
no subject
Oh, I see. Well, I agree. Some of the stuff around here is pre-tty ugly, bu-- [ But then something else tries to make a break for it on the wind.
He jumps for it, laughing a little before putting it back where it came from. And then he sits there, like some anti littering guardian. But his dopey gaze becomes fixed on the work in Ramiel's hands. ]
You sure have good taste. What are you trying to make?
no subject
...Hm. He doesn't like that train of thought, actually. A quick shake of the head.
He looks back up at the laugh to see the guy jumping for some of his wayward supplies, squinting suspiciously as he opts to take a seat and make himself comfortable. It's clear he's not sure whether he likes that or not, but he blissfully keeps his digital mouth shut. For now. ]
Earrings.
[ Dosei has a ring already, and his ears feel weird without the usual chunks of metal shoved in them. Crafting menu up, he takes to shaping the black wood into the vague shape of a small cross. ]
Feels weird not having them. Making them like my real ones.
no subject
Well, I bet they look great on you. I really hope it works this time.
[ After a beat, with nothing but innocent curiosity-- ] Oh. So are you Christian?
no subject
He takes the compliment with nothing more than a shrug- he doesn't really believe it when other people talk, but as long as he's not talking mad shit, whatever.
The question, though...that earns a snort. ]
Hell no. [ Absentmindedly crafting the metal hook. ] I just like how it looks. I'd sooner burst into flame than set foot in a church.
no subject
I see! But aren't churches pretty cool looking too? Or do you just like the cross?
no subject
The look he gets is faintly incredulous as the crafting bar inches closer to completion. ]
Alright to look at, I guess. But I'd never step foot in one.
[ He reaches over and picks up a tiny ruby, hunching over and fixing in the center of the black wood as his voice volume flickers lower. ]
I'd like it better if the steel was black.
no subject
But it sure is weird that they don't have black steel-- [ Suddenly, the skin he'd been wearing is replaced by his special set-- inky black armor with glowing, star like pins of light.
Tylor beams at him. ] so maybe they'll have black steel for you someday too!
no subject
[ Again!
Dosei's gaze immediately drops once the other's outfit changes, squinting in disbelief at the gleaming black. Huh. That looks...alright, actually. Not that he's jealous, twinge of a frown tugging at his lips as he subtly flashes a glance down to his own- dark in color, patched with different types of fabrics and zippers here and there. Even if it looks better than his, and is probably better than his-
Alright, enough of that. These thoughts are starting to piss him off. ]
Maybe when the level cap goes up, whenever the hell that is. Not holding my breath, though.
[ Almost done... ]
no subject
Besides, you should worship whoever you want. Wear whatever you want, too.
[ Tylor means it, as if he didn't even hear the stupid comment. And with a resolute nod, the return of a big smile-- ]
But I think you look super cool right now too. It really works for you.
[ A blink, he looks down at the craft. For luck, he crosses both of his fingers. ]
It's so pretty...
no subject
[ He's rich. He's seen people. Another shrug. ]
I would even if you didn't tell me to.
[ His fingers pause as the meters hits 99%, nearly fucking it up again, but he manages to catch himself last minute. Compliments. Those make him feel weird. At least he doesn't get overly hostile like he did with that annoying weirdo on day one.
Almost...almost...
After the tense(?) moment of anticipation(?), there's a cheerful ding, and the finished thing falls in his lap- polished and gleaming. Success.
He picks it up, ruby gleaming from the center of the blackened wood, and moves to hook the earring in his ear without much more hesitation. Finally, one step closer to being a completed goth. ]
no subject
But wow, you're stylish and independent too. I really admire that.
[ Tylor leans in slightly, fingers still crossed. He holds his breath until the cheery ding sound, the exhale a relief.
And once it's in his ear? Tylor claps a couple times. ]
It looks so good! Are you going to make more?
no subject
Not independent enough.
[ It's something of an afterthought, and there's a moment after he says it where he kind of regrets it? But he decides, well, might as well move on.
The claps earn a rather dry look, but he's already picking up some more steel to examine it. ]
...I have like 7 piercings. If they're going to give me enough to make whatever I want, then I'll just make whatever. Cheaper than buying it.
no subject
But once again, he is unbothered by the look he gets. His own brand of independence, distinct from his new friend's. Ramiel might as well have been as cheery as Tylor for the smile that sticks around for him.
Also here, does he want some rubies. ]
Really? That's so cool. You're like a work of art! Say, do you look like your avatar?
no subject
In a sense, this is. Alright. The guy isn't necessarily bothering him, at least not in an irritatingly perceived smug way. He just seems like a space case, which isn't the worst in his eyes.
Whether or not that will continue is another thing entirely, but for now he just gives a grunt of acceptance as he takes the rubies to start fixing them into the metal for a set of studs. Although, his gaze squints when it slides back to Tylor, lips pursing tight. ]
I just like them. And it's to piss somebody off. Not much else.
[ And as for the last part- ]
Why do you wanna know that, weirdo. Got catfished too much?
no subject
But he responds anyway, half falling forward and sounding like he means it-- ]
I think liking something is a good enough reason for anyone. If it makes you even a little happier, then why not?
[ A blink. He has to remember what that means. ]
Ohhh, no. I just wondered if someone could really look as cool as you in real life.
Well, besides only on the weekends.
[ That last part was a little under his breath, but the next bit is said with a casual shrug. Another smile. ]
But you don't have to tell me, I don't mind.
no subject
That makes him quiet, not bothering to comment, but man, this guy sure is an optimist. Life doesn't usually work like that for most people. ]
You're really fucking weird.
[ It's got a lot less bite to it than usual, though, and he doesn't add a glare onto it.
A finger comes up and absentmindedly tugs at the blue curls on his head. ]
...It's close enough, I guess.
no subject
But you know, you're not the first person to tell me that. [ Said like he's not sure why, gaze and words drifting to the sky. He doesn't seem bothered by in the least when his smile returns to divebomb Ramiel. Too happily, he adds-- ] The fucking part is new though.
[ But the curse word has no kick to it, so it may as well be a blessing with the way Tylor says it.
He goes on, as casual as if he is complimenting the weather-- ]
Then how handsome! [ He barely takes a breath-- ] Oh! But I bet your avatar will only look cooler and cooler every day with all this hard work, right?
Say, would you like the rest of the supplies they gave me for this jewelry stuff? I'd rather it go to use than sit in my inventory getting all lonely.
no subject
It's fortunate the craft dings with a cheerful little tune once again, because if he had still been crafting, Dosei would have likely fucked it up with the bewildered choke at the term handsome. Bruh. ]
Alright, knock it off. You're laying it on way too thick, motherfucker.
[ Is he uncomfortable? He doesn't know. Probably. It's been going on so long it sounds fake now, and he shores his shoulders up a little out of reflex. He admittedly didn't mind the company, but there's an anxious prickling at the back of his head, like it's just this guy trying to poke at him for fun and nothing more and he's only now realizing that.
He grimaces, not looking back, as he fiddles with the finished earring in his hands. ]
...If they're free. I guess. Better than finding them myself.
no subject
[ He blinks but agrees easily without any resistance. But he does add a little quieter, innocently-- ] I was only being honest though.
But is calling you cool still okay?
[ Genuine curiosity, eyes big as he leans over to hand off his unwanted jewelry supplies. ]
no subject
...Yeah, whatever. Sure.
[ HE'LL TAKE IT...suspiciously.
Still, Dosei'll take those supplies, shoving them in his inventory where they won't blow away in the wind...for now. Now he can focus on putting his new earring in, right above the first one. Halfway to proper goth status... ]
no subject
[ He beams at the response, eyes following the earring as it's put in his ear. ]
Looks great. [ A blink, like he genuinely forgot something. ] I mean, cool.
[ A pause, where his gaze is catching on all the designs on his outfit but he might as well be idly watching the sky for the look on his face. ]
What other kinds of games do you like?
no subject
Dosei's just. Not going to bother commenting this time, just letting out an exasperated noise. Absentmindedly picking through the materials, he picks up the blackened wood again, turning it over with a frown.
The question catches him a bit off-guard, but it's a topic he doesn't particularly mind, at least.
There's a beat as he thinks about it. ]
...Survival horror. [ A tilt of the head. ] Some RPGs, I guess.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)