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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.

selfconcept: (pic#16675974)

FEED THE LOCAL HIEN

[personal profile] selfconcept 2023-08-25 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hien sits on a picnic table in Twilight Shoreline (Δ Haggard Traveler’s Reprieve) with a swimsuit of his own. He's not wearing all black for once! He's even wearing sunglasses.

But what might catch your eye is the little black pomchi that's currently nestled in his messy hair, yapping once at anyone who comes close with a tail wag. Isn't it cute?

But you're not here to ogle the puppy. You're here to feed Hien. He's spinning a fork in between his fingers with great dexterity, so casually, and looking extremely bored. Maybe you can change that look on his face with your food.

Remember to heed the warnings. He's very serious about this.

People are free to submit multiple dishes if they can handle "Hien's Wrath" multiple times until he accepts your dish! You have until Patch 4.0.
]
Edited 2023-08-28 01:33 (UTC)
selfconcept: (pic#16675973)

NPC - HEAD ADMIN

[personal profile] selfconcept 2023-08-25 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is a catch-all for Hien if your character wishes to run into him in any way. He'll be wearing his default outfit: a long black cloak, black shirt, black pants--when in Root Towns and Sieden Hotsprings. It looks like he's patrolling or maybe he's just bored.

In the Sieden Hotsprings, he'll be inside the inn, eating some hot springs food. He would like to eat his food in peace with his little pomchi.

Sometimes he can be found in Twilight Shoreline, looking out into the ocean in his swimsuit.
]
Edited 2023-08-26 16:28 (UTC)
worldbent: (pic#15880670)

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-08-26 04:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Can the cursed glitch winds whispering our characters' darkest secrets be heard by others? :')

EDIT: and also!!! if our characters swap bodies, can characters hear the secrets belonging to the body's owner?
Edited 2023-08-26 17:05 (UTC)
curvaceous: (kara40)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-26 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Violent Winds
[ Kara is in the midst of exploring the new area that she had a hand in creating. While her task was simply to set up the gate to get here, she's made notice of unstable bridges, the weird rumor about a white wizard. Goodness, y'all...

In the midst of all of that, as well as Kara trying to keep herself from blowing away, there's something in the wind that speaks to her.

My dear...you simply do not understand it.

Her eyes go wide. She freezes in place.

You have yet to understand what love really is.
]

Shut up! [ She seems to swat the air in front of her, but nothing's there. Her teeth are gritted. She seems to be in some sort of state, alright. ] Ugh...!


No Metal Kara-lchemist
[ Professions are out, and Kara immediately selects the alchemist class. One might have assumed she'd go for jewelry, but for some reason, she's opted against it for the time being. She seems on-edge at her booth, though, frowning and tapping her fingers on her table nervously when no one's looking.

However, when someone approaches her booth, she'll try to regain some of her composure and greet them with a slightly crooked grin.
]

Hello, welcome! The potions I've made will pretty much buff you in area explorations. Isn't that nice? Oh, and if you're a Glamour member, I'll throw in an extra one for free!

[ There seems to be a pair of potions off to the side. If one is curious about those, they're free to inquire, but they aren't one of the featured ones at her booth.

(ooc: These potions are truth serums! She currently only has two of them. )
]


Wildcard
[ Plotting post is here! ]
weaseled: (pic#16625800)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
ɢᴇᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴍʏ sᴡᴀᴍᴘ
[Fragment's perpetual bullshit and rampant glitches have taken their toll on these old bones. Yael has spent more and more time in the MMO trenches since the beta begun and has now relented to enjoying its amenities.

In this case, he's soaking listlessly in the hot springs like a lazy capybara. A mixed bath is a new concept to him, but he isn't questioning it much, choosing instead to lounge about in the water like he owns the place. If you happen to pass by him, one of two things will happen. The gracious Yael will only splash you with an armful of spa water as you pass by. The less gracious Yael will take a whole ass spa egg (peeled) and toss it at your face. Catch!]


Whose bright idea was a mixed bath anyway? Oh well. You should try it instead of loitering around.
ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ
[Can you believe Yael doesn't want to build this damn bridge? What gave it away, exactly? Maybe the part where his hammer strikes the nail approximately once per minute, his dull gaze cast off into the middle distance. Such effort, much work, and while the others are surely eager to help the sprites out and make some progress on building stable bridges, Yael doesn't seem nearly as community-minded.

Chide him if you wish, but his reasoning is clear enough once the wind blows with particular vehemence, threatening to knock over anyone who isn't already on the ground or holding onto something for support. Yael, hunched on the ground, is in the optimal position to reach over and snatch by the arm the unlucky soul who was nearly flung into the abyss by that violent burst of wind.]


Watch it!

[Yael isn't the type to raise his voice, much less shout. For a man who claims to give so few damns about anything that happens to this game and the people playing it, he's surprisingly vehement about dropping everything he's holding to grip their arm in both hands, attempting to pull them back onto solid ground. His eyes are wide, his jaw clenched tight— worried.]

...You moron. If I hadn't grabbed you, you'd be a stain on the ground somewhere. Can you pull yourself the rest of the way up?
ᴇᴍʙᴏᴅʏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇᴇғ
[When you next log in, you're in for a surprise: you're a big, hulking sourpuss of a man. You won't have long to wander around and live the Yael experience before he hunts you down in your body, making the ugliest face your avatar is capable of making.]

Very funny. Change me back.

[???]
ᴡɪʟᴅᴄᴀʀᴅ
( give me something else! my plotting post is here if you want to plot a thing. )
Edited 2023-08-26 17:02 (UTC)
fluorite: dnt (37)

violent winds

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She absolutely seems to be in some sort of state, and Fai knows exactly why. He's heard those whispers on the wind, of voices he's logged into the game to forget about, but yet he can't escape them.

It's why he gives her a bit of space, a bit of time. He doesn't wait forever, though, before eventually laying a hand on her shoulder. ]


Would you like to check out the crafts festival together?

[ He'll ask her about what she heard, but getting away from this exact spot is his priority for now. ]
fluorite: dnt (20)

building the future

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fai has been lounging around while he watches Yael do a terrible job at building a bridge when he's suddenly nearly flung over the top of the rocky spire they're on by a violent wind.

Maybe he shouldn't laugh when he very nearly fell into the unknown, but he is anyway. At least he's trying to pull himself up. ]


Ahaha. I think so...
curvaceous: (kara51)

building the future

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-26 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The community project isn't something Kara's keen on taking on either, but given that she was one of the five who helped build this place, she feels like she owes it to...the island? The team? Someone, anyway, to fix this shitty bridge.

She's near Yael, also kind of gazing into the distance...until one of those voices in the wind howls near her ear again.

But... What did I do wrong? Please, Kara-! Tell me!

Her eyes go wide, and she almost drops the hammer in her hand. That split second of negligence, however, is what nearly pushes her off of the bridge. Thankfully, Yael's reflexes are quick, and she feels him tugging her back onto the ground.

When she's grounded again, she closes her eyes and furrows her brow. Then, she slowly rises to her feet and tries to tether herself to the bridge again.
]

...Thanks. Sorry. I'm fine.
curvaceous: (kara50)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-26 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She's scrubbing at her face when his hand lands on her shoulder. It startles her – how long has Fai been there? – but she looks at him in a daze.

Then, she closes her eyes, straightens herself out, and nods. Get it together, Kara.
]

Sure. You know your way there?
fluorite: dnt (23)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's been there long enough, at the very least! But she doesn't need to know that right this moment. ]

Well... not really. [ He laughs. ] It's easier to find things when you've got two people on the lookout, though, isn't it?
weaseled: (pic#16581035)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fai of all people should know better. The look of concern on Yael's face quickly sours (read: him pouting), holding fast to Fai's arm but allowing him a chance to pull himself the rest of the way back onto the island.]

You sure about that? You're flimsier than a wet Q-tip.
fluorite: dnt (63)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not that weak.

[ It's a little hard to do, but he manages to get a bit of footing on the stone, using that to help him up.

A much weaker gust of wind comes along, however, and his expression quickly darkens.

Wordlessly, Fai pulls himself up the rest of the way. ]
curvaceous: (kara53)

[personal profile] curvaceous 2023-08-26 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess so.

[ Suddenly, Kara lifts her arm and links it around Fai's, without warning. Her gaze is set straight ahead, at the path in front of them. ]

I'm just making sure neither of us fly away. ... Let's go.
weaseled: (13)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[I'm fine, Kara says in a voice that doesn't convince Yael that she really is. How could she be fine? She nearly plummeted to her death just now, but that isn't all, is it? No, call it a hunch, but he suspects there's something on her mind.]

You know you aren't.

[The sharp look in his eyes is an answer of its own: Don't lie. I know you better than that.]
weaseled: (pic#16581036)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[...Fai has been cagey lately. He's withdrawn from him in small but substantial ways, disinclined to admit to what's bothering him. Normally, those are things Yael would leave well enough alone, but even after Fai has dragged himself up onto solid ground, Yael keeps a loose grip on his arm. Tightens his fingers just enough to remind him that he's here, seeking out Fai's gaze even if he isn't eager to return it.]

I never said you were weak.
worldbent: (Can't feel anything)

swamp

[personal profile] worldbent 2023-08-26 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Something wet and squishy hits Matoba's bare back, and he turns around with a perplexed expression to see two things: a slightly-squished hotspring egg, and Yael's nasty ass grin.]

[Matoba will remember this.]


Oya, oya! If it isn't the old man, [Matoba smiles brightly despite the disrespect, stooping over to pick up the still somewhat intact egg, bits of yolk crumbling out. He wanders over to the edge of the hotspring and with little hesitation, splashes himself right in. He hopes most of the water gets right up Yael's nose.]
fluorite: dnt (26)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I can't guarantee I can hold the both of us down, but I'll try.

[ They're both pretty light, after all. But he's more than happy to loop arms with her anyway. ]

Are you enjoying this new town?

[ Fai is absolutely sure she isn't. ]
fluorite: dnt (23)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He isn't, not at first, but he does eventually look back up at Yael. Though this time, he's smiling. ]

Well, you did use different words.

[ It's hard to tell if he's joking or if he's prodding and poking in an attempt to get a reaction from Yael. He knows Yael doesn't think he's weak, he sure of it, but with everything on his mind and those voices on the wind? He's not in the best mood. ]
weaseled: (pic#16581034)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 06:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Good shot! There are still bits of spa-boiled egg yolk stuck to Matoba's back. He damn well better remember who egged his bitch ass. To Matoba's credit, dunking himself in the water has the intended effect of getting water in Yael's open mouth, but he doesn't hesitate to turn towards Matoba and spit it at him.]

You're as energetic as ever.

[Energetic. Is that the right word for Matoba?? Surely not.]

Thanks for joining me. I was starting to get lonely in here.

[/s /s /s /s]
weaseled: (pic#16655106)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
There you go putting words in my mouth. Well, suit yourself.

[If Fai has something important to say, he better man up and use his big boy words. For the time being, a question.]

Why are you here?

[His question is vague. Intentionally so.]
Edited 2023-08-26 18:06 (UTC)
fluorite: dnt (25)

[personal profile] fluorite 2023-08-26 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He can tell it's intentionally vague, which immediately raises his hackles. ]

What do you mean?
weaseled: (pic#16592436)

[personal profile] weaseled 2023-08-26 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fair enough. As a consequence, Yael is much more blunt.]

Here when you're in such a piss poor mood. Here when the damn wind's whispering shit you don't want to hear into your ears. Here when you're pissed off at me and too chickenshit to tell me why.
Edited 2023-08-26 18:15 (UTC)