beta testing 0.2: quest update

[gamedevs]

beta testing 0.2

BETA NOTE: This log is being used for Duocaeli’s Tutorial & Dungeon Beta Testing. Please note that some game features are limited and will be noted in this format on pages, and an invitation is still required to play. Thank you and have fun!

Patch Update

Maybe you’ve been getting settled in for a little while now, maybe you just arrived yesterday. Hopefully you’ve been able to adjust to your surroundings, since it seems like some big changes are coming. All Dodo residents will receive a Duocaeli notification on their phones:

> 0.2 Expansion has arrived! Server capacity has increased. New locations await you, worldwalkers.
> New quests can be accepted in Windhaven Woods, Aria's Grove, Dandelion Fields!

At the exact same time, completely coincidentally, a city-wide broadcast is sent directly to characters inboxes:

> Thank you for your patience with our construction, city-goers! As our Pride Parade goes underway, we are proud to share the grand re-opening of many venues throughout the city. Love is love!

Those who wander to the Divination Tower in Domus Hosus, whether on purpose or because the stairs guide you there, will see that both of these broadcasts are proudly displayed amidst the glimmering gems. If you try to read your fate in the stars, they will delightedly provide you with a prophecy. However each prophecy comes in images, beckoning you to a new location with… a certain someone! Immediately after receiving this prophecy, you will feel naturally compelled to find that individual, stranger or friend, and affirm your fate. Maybe you'll end up going somewhere out of your depth? At least you won't be alone!

> 1. Questboard

The quest board at the guild hub has been updated with the latest patch! Excited players are gathered around to collect new bounties, which are open to all. The guild hub also provides a useful bestiary, which is readily accessible by guild members via crystals.

A. SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE
Avisle University has requested assistance in collecting Blue Chamomile from the northern part of Windhaven Woodlands for study. These flowers are known to aid sleep and have some rejuvenating properties as well, if taken as a tea. They are best harvested in pairs as they feed off positive energy—once their petals start glowing, the plant is ready to be plucked. You’ll have to make your quest partner laugh, or pay them a genuine compliment that makes them smile. You can also share your dreams for the future, or a good memory. The plants also enjoy music! Even the most tone-deaf of vocalists are appreciated by these chamomiles.

Additionally, these flowers are HUGE fans of PDA. If your characters hold hands, or hug, or k-kiss... it may seem like they are slowly turning their petals towards you...

As noted on the Locations page, it would be wise to remember that Windhaven Woodlands can be quite confusing to navigate. The trees like to stretch their roots multiple times a day, often altering paths that characters have taken. At times branches will weave themselves together so tightly, it blocks out most sunlight. It’s very possible to get lost here, but those with keen navigation skills will notice that the wind always seems to flow in the direction of Avisle at the beginning and middle of the hour, like clockwork.

REWARD: A sachet of Blue Chamomile tea, made with some of the petals you helped harvest. If you take it before you sleep, you will find yourself waking up fully refreshed the next morning whether in the ON or OFF world. You may even find yourself briefly dreaming of the good memory that your quest partner shared with you!

FAILURE: You will grow flowers on your body that cannot be removed, purely cosmetic. Lasts until you log off the server.

B. 'TIL DEATH DO US PART
Rumor has it that there's a malevolent spirit haunting Aria's Grove, one with particularly sticky fingers, that's been stealing items from sleeping travelers–as well as dreams. Those with their dreams stolen will feel an almost unshakable malaise and melancholy. The Wanderer's Guild is looking for adventurers to locate and dispel this spirit for good, as it's the only way to retrieve lost items (and dreams).

Whoever manages to navigate the woods to Aria's Grove will find not a spirit, but a small, crystalline golem made from broken shards. It speaks in a soft, tinkering voice, saying, "My love, my love." It's unable to do much damage, but it's fast and evokes a sensation of grief and despair in whoever draws close to it. Adventurers may recognize this as a gemwalker, and know that the only way to free the ghost trapped inside is to break the crystal form.

Upon doing so, they'll find a watch that was encased in the crystal, with a name etched into the back. Regardless of how much they ask around, they'll be unable to find anyone by that name.

REWARD: A special compass from the Wanderer's Guild. It can be set to always point toward a location of the owner's choosing.

C. A HARE-OWING CAT-ASTROPHE
In the Avisle town square, festivities are abound; red and gilded gold streamers stretch across the plaza, rabbits hop along, eager to be held, cats preen on unlikely perches, and the guilds have plenty of free food and drink out to be enjoyed—as well as a limited-time bounty being offered for the new year! Help out and earn yourself a reward.

• Bake goods for guests, who are notoriously harsh. Sometimes recipes here will lead you astray.
  
• Mix or taste-test some drinks... which only seem to exacerbate your elemental symptoms (see prompt 3. ELEMENTAL ECCENTRICITY below for details).
  
• Deal with jealous tiger monsters that set fire to various stands and attack festival-goers. They can be fought (NPC rabbits will help), but also seem intelligent, and can be bribed to depart with treats, brushing their (sometimes flaming hot) fur, or other offerings. These creatures don't seem to be native to Avisle; if you follow one outside of the city, they'll fly right off the edge of the island...
  
• Like above, attacking the rabbits in any way or causing problems will get you mobbed by knife-wielding bunnies with 9999HP.

REWARD: Free food, daiya, and a good time!

Though from there... it looks like there's a few additions that must be completed in the OFF world?

D. H҉A҉P҉P҉Y҉ HOPPIN’ NEW YEAR
Red envelopes need to be distributed to the students of Gruidae University in celebration of the Lunar New Year! (Our usual guy, Jimmy, is out sick…) In the spirit of the Year of the Rabbit, volunteers will be asked to wear a tasteful (or ridiculous) set of bunny ears and a soft, poofy bunny tail while on the job. Just make sure to avoid the BPL (Bunny Protection League) activists lurking among the student body, they take their duties seriously and will attempt to divest you of your bunny appendages if caught.

REWARD: A red envelope (the amount can be anywhere between $20 to 23 cents) and coupon to the newly opened bunny cafe located at the mall. You will also receive a cute bunny ear accessory in your ON World inbox.

FAILURE: A forced viewing of the documentary, Bunnies Are Human Too, while surrounded by passionate BPL members.

E: BIRD M҉E҉A҉S҉U҉R҉I҉N҉G҉ CONTEST
As an icebreaker, Dodo is hosting competitions in the Training Hall! Get to know your new housemates by having an impromptu battle. This doesn’t have to be combat-related or any sort of traditional duel: you can challenge your partner to lifting weights, a dance-off, even Twister and other board games. There will also be gaming consoles and seating in various corners—FATALITY!

REWARDS: Bragging rights! Dodo will also send a little spa set/gift package to the winner’s room, which includes bird-themed face masks. Also, the winner will be able to stay in the OFF world for up to 5 days (one time), rather than 3.

FAILURE: Public humiliation.

Conveniently, non-PC players can't seem to see these last two bounties at all. Oh well—get to questing!

> 2. Okay get a job?

Sometime while you’re minding your business, you’ll be interrupted by a neat little beep beep! On the screen of your phone:

☑️ Go to Your Internship in Crane City

Tapping the prompt will bring up the Maps app and directions to what is apparently your internship! And it looks like it’s in the same format as other checklist quests–aka, it won’t stop beeping until you complete it.

If you don’t want to go crazy from notifications, you'll simply have to go out and explore the big city. Maybe you have to go and work the concessions stand at the movie theater, which appears to be showing Shrek and Cats if you want to sneak into a showing, or you get the ever coveted position of cat cafe barista. Perhaps you’re suddenly a neurosurgeon! Wow! Don’t fuck it up, guy! While you do get compensated for your work, it seems like an amount gets automatically deducted for your Duocaeli subscription. Uhhh, is that legal? Apparently.

With Pride currently underway in Crane City, the jobs are also just a little bit more vibrant. You can help manage the parade if you want to, or have a job as a sexy, sexy flag bearer. Everything in the city glistens with festivities, whether it be raucous parties or other joyful celebrations.

> 3. ELEMENTAL ECCENTRICITY

As expected, learning new things comes with a few unexpected speed bumps. For those who attempt to practice with their new elemental magic, whether it be in the world of Duocaeli or within the confines of Dodo’s walls, they might feel a sudden surge of power course through them. Is it more refined control? Improved strength? Hm, it feels a little bit more like…

—Oh. No.

For characters aligned with Fire or Earth: Your emotions are just a little bit stronger now–but also a little bit out of your control. While everything feels inherent to you, it also feels like everything is turned up to 11. Oversensitive? How dare you! Say that to my face! …. Well, hopefully it passes quickly.

For characters aligned with Water or Light: Nothing’s amiss here–it’s just unbelievable that you are currently existing as you are, and no one is holding your hand or giving you a hug right now. Some might call it being a little bit touch starved, but physical contact should be normalized, you know? A punch can be a touch, too, if that’s more your style.

For characters aligned with Wind or Darkness: Well, thank god you’re not dealing with anything quite as bad as the others–no, you just find that your words are flowing a little bit more freely. A little more honestly, even. Hopefully you don’t have all that much to hide, but you know, some vulnerability can be good for the soul.

These effects can suddenly surge and hit you at any point during your day! They're temporary, but always sneaky :)

OOC Notes

Our Reserves open tonight at 11:55 PM EST —drop in and let us get excited for you!

Also, everything from BETA TESTING 0.1 is still available to play with. Feel free to use old prompts and dungeons! Also, during Beta Testing, we'd like to remind players that we're accepting any and all feedback that could help us improve the game before official start.

---

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buzen gou | touken ranbu

[hasteful]

[ 1A. FEBRUARY FLOWERS ]

[as far as quests go, buzen thinks that this one is easy? looking at all the flowers waiting to bloom, he smiles to himself - ] They seem easy to please! Is it bad that I think I can relate?

[whether it be laughter, affection, sincerity, or music.... the softness of it all makes his own expression turn a bit fond at nothing at all. he'll turn toward his quest partner, offering up an easy-going smile]

They're looking for some gesture of kindness, right? Would you like to have a go first, my friend? Or I can.

[ 1D. HOP TO IT ]

[i went looking so hard for this bunny buzen art that haunted me in my dreams so now i feel like if i don't do the prompt then i lost so much of my life i won't get back

anyway! buzen is handing out red envelopes, armed with a cute set of black bunny ears and a soft little tail! he looks far too comfortable with this absurd job he's been given, but what good is a sword that doesn't accomplish its missions? as he's deposits a red envelope in your hands faster than you can decline - ] Open it up! We don't accept anything besides the greatest fortune of all!

[who knows what he's going to do if you don't?

though he does look around occasionally, as though observing the premises with all the dedication of a trained soldier. you won't get him today, BPL, you won't get him today.....]

[ 2. THIS IS YOUR DOORDASH DRIVER ]

[vrrooooom, vrrrrrrrrrooooooooom. the roar of a motorcycle gets your attention first and foremost, just as it makes an abrupt stop on the closest sidewalk. maybe you've got something to tell this asshole, given the way that he was speeding down the road - that probably wasn't safe? who the hell does he think he is -

though as buzen moves to peel the helmet off his head, shaking his hair out like a golden retriever, he just beams brightly]

Hey! Were you the one who ordered six servings of rolled ice cream? I got it here as fast as I could!

[check the fucking app to see if you're delivering it to the right person, you dumb, dumb creature. he's going to fail this internship so fast. anyway maybe this order is yours, maybe it isn't, maybe you want to steal buzen to get you something else to eat - unfortunately he'd also be willing to do it for free]

[ WILDCARD. ]

[HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT - or alternatively, buzen would love the Dandelion Fields!! he'd lose hours trying to catch the seeds for fun. or he will try to drive the trolley in the Birdwalk Promenade. you can also tell me to write you a starter and i WILL.]

1a

[floralistic]

[as a flower lover who goes as far as to wear them in his hair, alfred's not one to pass up a flower-related quest that lets him see! more flowers! the company and rewards are a bonus.

so here they are, as he gives buzen an easygoing grin right back.]

Sure, I don't mind starting. [a beat] Heh... though it's suddenly harder to come up with something when you're thinking about it deliberately, instead of spontaneously. Let's see...

[also gives buzen a quick one over and i'm sorry dana i have a very important question how toned/buff is buzen]

[hasteful]

[JAN IS PLAYING A SLUT! JAN IS PLAYING A SLUT!!!!!!!!

anyway buzen isn't a bara by any means but he's definitely a hunk. does this help. like a hunk with a pencil thin waist (snaps him in half) he looks athletic? i should get anna to ghostwrite a buzen physique tag for me bc i hate doing this

anyway!

he just grins!]

Haha, I'm sure you don't have to think too hard. You could say anything and it'd be worthwhile.

[encouraging as always!]

[floralistic]

[STOP I'M NOT!!!!

anyway]

Haha, all right then. No getting offended if it's not a good one. [hmmm] You've got some nice muscles. You look like a guy who gets a lot of exercise done!

[like alfred has seen more bara muscles but that's not a fair comparison to make because he stares at a lot of muscles and that won't stop him from appreciating these from one jock to another!! IN A NON-SLUT WAY]

[hasteful]

[a muscle slut..... good for you.....]

Hah! You think? [he says this but also like a dumb jock he'll just raise his arm, rolling his sleeve up and flexing with the motion. buzen, an idiot, doesn't realize that his leg muscles are nicer with all the running he does] That's nice of you to say! I think this form does get the job done.

[no further explaining that point but he'll drop his hand back to his hip afterward, tilting his head as he also gives alfred a once over.]

Hmm.... I don't know much about flowers but - the ones you wear are nice. They suit you. You have an aura of a kind person, and the flowers match.

2.

[hexensabbat]

[omg look at that bike. Ringo blinks at him, and then immediately props her hands on her hips to peer closer.

...!!!]

Looks like you went to the wrong place.

[However.]

Where'd you get the motorcycle?

[SHE WANTS ONE.]

[hasteful]

Ah. Did I?

[hm that's not good - oh he's easily distracted though. at the mention of the motorcycle he grins and lets his elbows rest on the handle of it, leaning in]

At my uh, in...ter...slip! [he was so close] But if I'm not at the right place, I have to go find my mission destination -

[though contrary to what he says, he'll just offer the helmet out to her]

Wanna hop on?

[hexensabbat]

[So close....... Ringo immediately is taking that helmet though. Hell yeah.]

Of course I do! Here, gimme your orders, I can pop them into the GPS and help out.

[hasteful]

Yeah? Let's tag-team it then! You don't mind if we go fast, right?

[like 'speed limit is just a suggestion' fast

but it's fine he'll go ahead and carelessly hand her his phone with the aura of someone who doesn't know all his life's secrets could be on it. he has his order.... but it's across the city! what the fuck!]

1aish

[sanguinary]

[Just because it's truly hilarious that Matsui would be failing sooo hard at this quest if his partner was anyone other than Buzen, but because it is Buzen, he's just radiating the same sort of infatuated delight that he always is. They're probably also holding hands, unless dana is the one with a surprise for me this time.

That said, Matsui peers down at some of these flowers, which he's also immediately fond of because they do in fact remind him of Buzen. This is so fucking stupid. Then he turns his face toward Buzen, and with the most beatific smile in the world, says:]

Do you think they would be pleased if they were watered with blood?

[THAT'S JUST YOU.]

[hasteful]

[honestly, they're probably already holding hands. this already catches the flowers' attention, turning toward the two of them, rapt with attention... wow! buzen almost kinda wants to pet them?

but instead he just laughs a little bit at matsui's joke - not meanly, but the genuine response does prompt the flowers to glow just a little...]

Think that's your own specific request there, Matsu. We probably shouldn't get the two mixed up.

Mm... I like that about you, though! You try to share your interests with others in case it might make them happy too!

[more glowing! buzen really can try to make anything into a compliment...]

[sanguinary]

[HE REALLY CAN... One of the (unfortunately) many reasons Matsui is so very, very fond... Honestly his dumb ass is exactly like these flowers, just glowing and turning toward Buzen like he's an emptyheaded sun.]

Very few people seem to, even so... [Matsui just like damn, where's all the other blood kinksters??

MORE IMPORTANTLY:] —I think that they have taken a liking to you. [Giving Buzen's hand a little tug, he'll move to drop down next to the nearest one so he can reach out with his free hand to very gently touch its petals.]

What smart and lovely flowers. It's hard to want to stay in the earth when Buzen smiles so brightly, isn't it?

[These flowers are the best thing he's ever met in his LIFE.]

[hasteful]

[wow! matsui is so nice.

buzen drops down easily next to matsui, amused. he'll let his head rest in his hand as he admires the soft sight of a calm and pleased matsui next to these gently glowing flowers]

Ah, I don't really get what you mean... but I think they probably want to be closer to you too, Matsu.

You have a nice look on your face, like this.

[who wouldn't want to be next to him?]

1d

[nightchild]

[Itsuki takes the offered envelope, but he pauses before opening it, gaze is riveted on Buzen,]

Eh, Bu-kun? [or should he say... bunny bu....] You look good, the ears really suit you.

[a girl would also look super cute in bunny ears, but buzen does too!! no homo (there's homo)]

[hasteful]

[bu-kun, huh.... buzen just laughs and lets his hand rest on his hip as he tilts his head. the bunny ears flop in one direction with the motion]

You think? I don't know if this sort of cute style is for me...

[he's a sword? ah well,]

Well, I appreciate the compliment, Suki-kun.

[chooses violence again]

[nightchild]

[no that's too powerful, suki-kun, headtilt, and then bunny ears? uuuu...

Itsuki coughs a little, in a vain attempt to distract himself from gay. it doesn't really work, but it's fine.]

Should I have said handsome instead? [kawinks, hate it here. he looks down at the envelope and slides it open,

what's the fortune for abysmal luck because itsuki has it now.

feels kind of ominous.................. what could this Mean for him....?]

1

[prozaic]

Apparently music is a gesture of kindness... [you know what? shalem can get behind that logic, even if "kindness" isn't the word he would use. sharing music is showing passion, your love for such a thing, and bringing in someone who could possibly love it as well. but there's no music right now, he doesn't have a music player in this world, just... well, his voice.

then he shakes his head. what is he thinking? he shouldn't sing, crafters guild be damned.]

Can you sing, Buzen?

[hasteful]

Strangely enough, I can!

[he laughs at his own admission, a little amused. who would've thought that a blade could carry a tune? well...]

There's a guy in our Citadel who loves singing and dancing, and he'd always try to get us to collaborate on lessons. He even wrote a whole script for us to perform recently! So I guess since it makes him happy, I wanted to learn, too.

Should we do a duet, Shalem-san?

[prozaic]

I-- [this is not what he was leading up to?!?? buzen why...

shalem inhales sharply, before forcing himself to breathe out slowly and evenly, just to calm his nerves. buzen hit the nail on the head of shalem's desires, even if the man might not have meant to. still, with the opportunity given to him, he really wants to take it.

he's supposed to be coming out of his shell-- what sort of harm will a short song bring?]

I am... horribly out of practise. But I'm willing to try.

Shall we harmonize first?

1a

[equillibriums]

[ because of course,

regardless, buzen is definitely not alone in looking fond at nothing. rutile's already crouched down among the flowers, admiring them even before they get to their Full Power; his magic is strongest among petals and greenery like this, after all, and that's not even mentioning how tickled he is by how they bloom through all things he loves to do.

it's like they're Meant To Be.

not that rutile needs blooming flowers or quests to be absolutely disgusting. so he takes a seat in an area clear of them (he'd hate to squish them), looking up at buzen. ]

Mmm... Well, I can start off by saying that relating to pretty flowers like this isn't a bad thing. I definitely understand being happy from just the things they like, too. I think it's sweet.

[ sweet, sweet flowers. and also sweet sweet empty space beside him, that rutile is now patting for buzen to occupy.

buzen, who he hasn't realized is buzen

give him a second. he's sorry, matsui ]

... But also, I think the gestures they enjoy will come naturally if we enjoy getting to know each other! Would you like to sit here for a little bit?

[ his ass truly is so laidback ]

[hasteful]

[oh, of course!

buzen is easy-going in all things, and the most simple person to lead around. you could ask him to do anything and he'll do it readily, and it's not like sitting next to a new friend and getting to know them is like

difficult?

so off he goes! following right after rutile's steps, sitting in the space beside him and letting his legs fold comfortably as he does.]

Hah, I'm not great at staying in one place, but company definitely makes it easier.

[he glances back at the flowers, watching out for their glow, and reflects lightly - ] I figure I don't look the type, but I do like them. Flowers, I mean.

What about you? You seemed to enjoy them, too. Are you fond of gardens?

2

[hollowedground]

...I don't even know what that is. Is it even still in one piece? [ There's so many things Brakka is unsure about here, and it reflects on his face, brows furrowed. ]

[hasteful]

Should be! They packed them pretty good.

I've never had it either - but it looked sweet, so that means it's solid in my book! Hmm, but if it's not yours...

[buzen can't give this one away.... it's like a mission, and he takes those seriously even if he got lost! he probably overshot where on the street he is, but still... ice cream sounds good so - ]

Wanna get some together?

1/2

[hollowedground]

[hollowedground]

[ Once he's schooled his expression into Serious. ]

You have no idea who I am. For all you know, I could be a thief or an assassin, or worse.