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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beatrix | granblue fantasy

[sociably]

I. THE BUNNY PROMPT

[ so you're minding your own business crossing the campus square when suddenly a girl in a full-on bunny costume (what kind of bunny costume? you decide!) hops your direction, a slim red envelope held out towards you.

how did she even end up in a full suit as opposed to just ears and tail? don't ask. ]

Here! Happy New Year!

[ awww, how cute! too bad there appears to be someone following her....with a taser in their hand? hm. it's probably fine. ]

II. THE KISSY PROMPT

[ harvesting flowers sounds like a nice easy time, and beatrix has had enough comforting cups of chamomile to want to help spread that joy to other people. unfortunately she's gotten a few mixed messages along the way to the woodlands, and by the time she comes across a nice partner to help harvest flowers with, she's gazing at the blue petals with no small amount of trepidation.

why? because: ]

I think we're supposed to [ and here her voice drops until it's barely audible, a pink flush spreading over her cheeks] k-kiss.

[ they do not have to kiss. she has been lied to. but like, some of the flowers seem to be perking up at the suggestion? so was it really a lie.... ]

III. THE DANA PROMPT

[ dana i have no idea who you are tagging with so this is gonna have to be open-ended

luckily for everyone, fake dating is an all inclusive trope that's applicable to everyone! because that's what they're doing now, fake dating, beatrix furtively looking from side to side before skitterng up to [insert dana character here] and calling out in a loud, very fake voice: ]

Oh h-honey, I was just looking for you!

[ what is going on?? stay tuned for next week's episode (next val's tag) to find out! ]

IV. THE WILDCARD PROMPT

[ i'm so tired, y'all. these prompts are terrible, please feel free to come up with something else. ]

II, I'm coming here before dinner or studying just for you

[janescayre]

[Her company is absolutely reluctant. Almost hostile. It's as if all the envy in the world were distilled into a vessel of flesh, and that vessel refused to shower for a week.

Fukawa keeps a measured distance from her (much prettier and boobier) company, only sending her withering glances until she imparts that singular pearl of wisdom. The colour washes out of her face at once.]

What?!

[IT'S NOT EVEN MISTLETOE?????

She balks, mortified, taking a stunned step back.]

L-like hell we do! You keep your slimey fish-lips off me! I don't n-need you rubbing those beach balls all over me! Save it for some other desperate loser!

uwah, i feel so special ./////. but gluck kobbo!!!!!

[sociably]

[ wow, can fukawa lower her voice before someone gets their eardrums blasted out? (that someone is beatrix, who is wincing at the shriek.)

but also: slimey fish-lips? beach balls?? she gapes, unsure if she should feel insulted or complimented. the two emotions mingle briefly on her face before combining in the worst possible way to make her look constipated instead. ]

I don't have fish-lips! [ does she? oh gods, what if she does?? ] And I didn't make that up, that's what someone else said.

[ because obviously that fact absolves her of all blame. but also(x2): she points at a couple conveniently nearby, who are in fact making out. (i love being able to npc whatever i want.) ]

See? See! They're kissing! It works!!

ty i tried my besto

[janescayre]

[Her eyes nearly pop out of her skull witnessing the brazen display of these NPCs. Their passion, their technique — should she be taking notes?

Wait that's not the point.]

Th-that — that doesn't p-prove anything! They're just —

[PING! Their flower lights up. The pair part with a laugh.

"Oh Geraldina, it seems we've activated its properties after all!"

"Yes Reginald, and activated much else besides..."

"Dohoho, you saucy minx! Come! We shall gather our prize and claim our rewards!" He scoops up the flower and then her, carrying her away bridal style and giving a lascivious wink. "Both rewards!"

"Teeheehee, you fiend! You cad!"

The pair disappear into the bush.

Fukawa stares after them. She turns to Beatrix, suddenly looking ill.]

...Is that r-really what you want?

ii.

[hexensabbat]

Huh... you think so?

[Ringo did not get that impression from these flowers and this situation, but she doesn't seem too terribly bothered by the idea.]

Well, if it makes the job easier, that doesn't sound too bad.

[sociably]

[ RINGO DON'T JUST ACCEPT THIS?

or do, because that will make beatrix's life infinitely worse. she looks at the flowers. looks at ringo. looks back at the flowers.



and then snaps her head back to stare at ringo. ]

It...it doesn't?? [ hang on a sec ] You're really okay with kissing someone you just met?

[hexensabbat]

Sure... should I not be?

[She seems surprised that this is even coming up, but, well--didn't Beatrix bring it up in the first place? Why is she embarrassed now? Humans are so weird.]

It's just a kiss, right? Pressing our lips against each other's lips briefly?

iii

[hasteful]

[wow i'm so honored

i'm also officially too lazy to log out of buzen's journal so,

buzen, who doesn't know how to date anyone, is very close to saying 'sorry I don't know any Honey, I'm Buzen' when he notices the sort of nervous energy involved with this interaction?]

For... me? Uh, wow! Honey! [repeats what she said... he tilts his head like 'was that right' before continuing on] Well I'm right here!

[in a slightly softer voice,]

Ah... Is there something I'm supposed to do?

[sociably]

[ thanks i tried my best for you (<--- didn't try at all)

beatrix is at least trying her best at this whole fake dating thing, seizing her opportunity when he doesn't immediately shove her away to grab onto one arm and press herself against him. nothing screams 'couple' like pda, right?? (this is so embarrassing, she is so embarrassed, her face is a tomato right now, please help her.)

under her breath, she whispers: ]

Just keep walking with me. They were following me after I left my internship.

[ they? who is they?? a group of rabid fanboys, apparently, who are rounding the corner now. she spots them over her shoulder and immediately straightens and pitches her voice louder. ]

Oh, did you end up looking at what I asked you to look at? [ crap, what's something obviously coupley--her mind spins, goes blank, and then drags out the first option it can think of. ] The...the cake! The wedding cake!

[ i guess they're fake getting married now. ]

[hasteful]

[aw, this human needs so much help :)

buzen catches the group out of the corner of his eye and just sort of lets everything click together. well, all of this stuff is fake, right... might as well go along with it if it helps someone! he'll walk along with her, letting her hang off his arm for now....

oh! hand holding is a thing human pairs do, right? he'll go to reach for one of her hands, holding it loosely in his]

Ah! Right, the cake! It looked sweet, so it has my vote! [the way that his sweet tooth just took over here] Ah, now I just want to try a piece...

Are you hungry? Wanna go sample some cakes?

ii i can't promise smooches val but

[floralistic]

[alfred's here because flowers!! but uh. he blinks at that. he did not bother to prep for this mission so he's no more informed than she is, but.]

... You sure about that?

what about handholding...............................

[sociably]

[ i can't believe you won't give me smooches when you are apparently playing a slut?

but no, beatrix is not sure about that, thankfully for them both. ]

That's what the person who told me about the flowers said. [ she taps her chin as she tries to remember the specifics. ] Something about the flowers really loving love and affection?

[ they didn't say that. ]

holds hand out............

[floralistic]

[STOP ASSIGNING ME SLUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Oh. Well, I guess kisses could fall under that? But there's gotta be lots of ways to show love and affection, I think.

i!

[sanguinary]

[uwa val cr in two games

Anyway hope she's having a good time being a bunny, Matsui appreciates the absolute energy and vigor that people seem to be diving into this weird exercise with. He'll take the envelope! But before he can thank her properly, his lil eye spies some weirdo behind her, approaching none too slowly...]

—Would you like me to take care of that for you?

["That" presumably being... the taser person... help. JUST (BODYGUARD VOICE) WANT ME TO GET RID OF THAT GUY.]

[sociably]

[ why would you do this to yourself aki.....not my stinky gremlin cr....

though beatrix is notably more amicable and easygoing than eustace, and she smiles even wider when her little envelope is accepted. yay!! one step closer to fulfilling her quota...

she's high on the successes of her day (two! whole envelopes taken!!! you gotta celebrate the little things, okay) and doesn't fully comprehend the meaning of the weird question asked of her. ]

Take care of what?

[ she echoes him, puzzled, one hand lifting up to touch the side of her mouth. dangit, has she been walking around with leftover cream puff on her face this whole time? ]

Is there something on my face?

I

[duskspear]

Thank you, but I . . .

[ . . . am a potential volunteer, not a recipient. The rest of Roland's words are lost at the unusual sight of a stalker not far behind, armed with something equally unusual. He extends an arm to beckon Beatrix aside.]

Did you bring an escort?

hello jae....ty for letting me touch your man again

[sociably]

[ oh no....her generous gift has been (not really) rejected. she wilts a little, because obviously it must have been something wrong with her approach? maybe she wasn't enthusiastic enough? or maybe it's the suit. it's probably the suit, she definitely shouldn't have let herself be talked into it.

argh!!

her myriad worries disappear at the odd question though, beatrix blinking in confusion as she frowns at him. ]

An escort? No....there weren't enough people to pair up together, otherwise I definitely would have asked for a buddy.

[ which is obviously what he means, right? ]

ii i'm sorry val

[chokuto]

[The task of collecting flowers is an easy one, almost mindless, and Sasuke isn't paying much attention to his surroundings. Or the young girl at his side. He should have read the description of the Blue Chamomile closer — they'd told him of the rejuvenating effects when made into a tea, and he hadn't cared to ask for more information than that — because a pair of mismatched eyes slide her way reproachfully.]

Who said that? [Like the Gary Stu he is, he just assumes this girl is trying to pull one over on him because she thinks he's cute... Ugh.] I have no interest in doing something like that with you.

[The flowers wilt, petrified by the sheer negativity and depression radiating from him.]

julia....help, why is sasuke like this

[sociably]

[ wow, okay, first of all, he isn't her type?? she is so sick of tall, brooding, handsome guys by now, probably because she's been forced to work with one and they are so much more annoying in person than they are in fiction.

second of all: ]

With me?

[ her voice goes a little shrill, head rearing back in offense as she glares at him. whatever embarrassment she might have had at the thought of having to kiss a stranger sails right through the window, replaced by indignation at having been so immediately rejected. look, okay, she knows she has some issues to work on, but he could have at least given her a chance??

ugh. ]

What's wrong with me, huh? I'm the one trying to be helpful here, you're the on making the poor flowers feel terrible.

[ actually they're both distressing the flowers now, the blooms wilting even further and the blue petals turning a sickly color. ]

II.

[boarwitness]

What? No.

[frown. arms crossed.]

Why would you even think that.

[sociably]

[ don't be rude, felix. ]

That's what someone told me. [ who is 'someone'? mysteryghost.png ] I-it's not that weird! Besides, it works! I saw some other people kissing earlier and the flowers lit up immediately.

[ is she a voyeur now....hm ]

ii makes good on my threat

[tigerprints]

[ dodo had pulled renji into the divination tower like its life depended on it. while he crossed through a hall, the floorboards under his feet quickly folded into a stairway, and then the stairway shot him up the building like a fucked up escalator. if it weren't for his reflexes, he would have fallen on his face after being launched into the room.

after some understandable furiousness, renji conceded to his situation. he would have needed to scope out the tower at some point anyway, and he might as well have done it then.

eventually his exploring led him to his prophecy, whether or not he meant to find it.

and now he's here with this girl he doesn't know. and other weird couples that he definitely doesn't know. the floral smell in the air is too strong for his liking. they gave him some g*y little basket, which he's left on the grass near the flowerbeds. everyone's hugging and kissing and playing music. why god. why is he here

he's a few paces off when beatrix starts talking. he looks over his shoulder at her and furrows his brow. ]

Eh? Speak up.

[ say the k word like a real society member beatrix ]

nat.....i can't believe you've done this

[sociably]

[ wow....just because she's a career bottom.....

actually somehow it's way more embarrassing to talk about this when there's a tall buff guy nearby? what if he thinks she's saying this because she personally wants to kiss him and not because it's for the good of the flowers? that would be so wretched and embarrassing. she would rather have the ground open up a hole underneath her so she can go die.

but he's already looking at her expectantly and the ground is not opening up underneath her, which means she can only go forward from here. ugh!! she grits her teeth and curls her fingers into fists, just in case this guy tries anything funny (like laugh at her) and she has to punch him (as punishment). ]

I said [ louder this time ] I think we have to kiss.

[ why did he make her say it again? this is so embarrassing. ]

Because of the flowers! Because it'll make them happy! Not for any weird reason or anything, okay?

[ she's normal, she's so normal!! ]

i

[dodgeouttahell]

[How cute?!?!?! Excuse him while he takes the envelope and grins, a bit shocked at all of this, but pleasantly surprised nonetheless. What a nice tradition.] For me? You shouldn't have.

[And he does mean that. Why gift him something out of nowhere just because time passed? Seems silly in the grand gist of things.

Though his smile falters when he sees something in this person's hand and.

Hm.] Do you know each other, or...?

jack.....places my grimy paws all over zag

[sociably]

[ yesss, another happy customer! (this is not her job. he is not a customer.) beatrix preens a little, delighted to have made someone's day and glad that she is being taken seriously in her bunny suit rather than being laughed at.

although—some of her good cheer fades away, replaced by mild confusion as she turns around to peer at the stranger approaching. ]

I don't think so....Do you think he wants an envelope too?

[ maybe she should give him one? it would be pretty rude to refuse if he does. ]