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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Comments

han sooyoung | omniscient reader's viewpoint

[pyojeol]

A. aria's grove

What's it called again? A gemini?

[a gemwalker.... Sooyoung frowns as she peers out from behind a tree trunk, gaze focused on the crystalline golem lumbering down the path ahead of them.]

Let's follow it to its lair first, so we can grab the stuff.

[(padme voice) and return it right?]

B. icebreaker... 2?

[Sooyoung points to the TV screen where the 'Let's Dance' screen is flashing,]

Unless you got a better idea?

[she will also spar but like this seems more fun?]

C. duonet

un: godwriter666

take this quiz and share ur result
need it for my internship
thx

un: harukaze

[janescayre]

What the hell is this

[pyojeol]

did u already take it

[SHE FORGOT THAT THERE'S A SEX QUESTION IN THERE... actually, it's probably fine?]

[janescayre]

NO

[yes]

WHY ARE YOU ASKING PEOPLE WHAT THEY DO DURING SEX?

AND WHY ARE YOU ASSIGNING PEOPLE AS VERMIN? WHO WANTS TO BE A BAT ANYWAY?

don't make me pick a username i'm begging you

[sociably]

[ immediately sends her result because she is a good (read: stupid) child ]

did i pass??

i would never force u to do such a thing val

[pyojeol]

[no she is a good child]

yeah i guess
would you say that this is accurate

[sociably]

[ looks at her result again ]

i guess so?
i always thought rats were supposed to be sneaky and creepy though

c. sorry

[hexensabbat]

I started it but I'm a little confused on some of the questions.

Like this one:

"Would you crack a joke while going down on your partner?"

smashcut to me realizing i didn't go far enough in this quiz

[pyojeol]

[oh right that question]





how old r u

b

[floralistic]

[gasp]

Oh, seems fun! I bet that'd be a good workout—let's do it.

[pyojeol]

[dimitri......?

jk, Sooyoung goes ahead and loads up the game. this is the perfect time to tell you that ive never played just dance in my life, but ive heard that it's hilarious. when the game asks for difficulty level -- ]

What do you think, extreme crazy maniac sound good to you?

a!

[sanguinary]

[THEY CAN JUST CONTINUE GETTING ROPED INTO ABSOLUTELY STUPID QUESTS TOGETHER...

That said, yeah, Matsui's giving her a bit of a Look™. It's a Look™ that says "we cheated our way out of stupidity once, but we probably shouldn't cheat our way out of this one".]

What is our plan if it shows aggression?

[pyojeol]

[PERFECT]

Then we'll kill it. Two against one, shouldn't be hard.

[they fought a giant chicken together (supposedly), she feels like their odds are good?]

ᴜɴ: ᴛᴏʏᴍᴀᴋᴇʀ.

[lackluster]

what kind of internship is this for?

[pyojeol]

[oh hey she recognizes this username,]

a life insurance agency

[this explains nothing]

is this childe

A

[duskspear]

It appears to be a gemwalker.

[Roland peers out from behind the trunk of a tree just adjacent to Sooyoung's. At a glance the idea to tail the golem isn't a bad one, so he nods along. They'll find the lost items—and return them, right?]

[pyojeol]

[of course they will :)]

Oh, right. [yeah.... she knew that!!!! anyway she'll start carefully following behind, keeping her voice low. The path gets smaller and more twisty, covered in loose stones and fallen branches as the crystalline golem shuffles along ahead.]

If you see anything else creeping on us, then take care of it.

[JUST TAKE CARE OF IT, DON"T EVEN WARN HER I GUESS]

a.

[galesofreverie]

[the only reason Wanderer is here for this quest is because he is part of the Wanderer's guild. . . and he probably got bullied into it by another pigeon. fucking pigeons]

It looks weak. It shouldn't be difficult to take down.

[and I guess b/c it had the promise of a fight, and he could use a good fight to release some pent-up gremlin rage]

[pyojeol]

[not these two gremlins with their gremlin rage, though Sooyoung's shelved hers in favor of Greed,]

The take down isn't the point -- [it is the point] it's the loot we're after. [is it]

We can destroy it as soon as we get confirmation.

pretend this happens in the first beta test

[midway]

[ Just follows up from this log here.

Maybe Claude was being arrogant with his proposed reparations, he's not particularly skilled or experienced in the area of righting his wrongs. At least, not outside of the political arena, where he has the time, albeit often brief, to pour over maps, scout reports and strategies. But there's no such luxury here: he had to think fast and act quickly before the crack he'd made spread further and the pieces of this relationship slipped entirely through his fingers.

Ultimately, he wasn't interested in justice. He just didn't want Sooyoung to think of him as a bad person.

But if he weren't actually that, he might've actually done as she'd said and asked what she wanted. Spent more time on the hurt he'd caused and heard first hand how to right it.

If there was a righting it. ]

Wh— [ There's only a split second as the dagger falls that he realizes what she's doing. A split second where her hand touches the tether before the blade hits her hand, and before he had a chance to think—let alone act—the sensation hits him in the chest: despair, guilt, fury. It inspires both a well of fear and hope; his own indignation alongside relief and joy, both things that he's horrified to feel and, hilariously, embarrassed that Sooyoung might pick up on. ]

What are you—

[ But before he can reach her (he thinks that he makes it maybe two or three steps forward), the world shifts into a sudden pitch black, that brief connection gone before he could even understand it, and replaced with the words LOADING.. coming into view before his eyes.

And then, bright sunlight and lush, green grass hits his eyes, bright enough that he has to lift his hand over his face, missing the fact that there are wolves prowling nearby. ]

... Sooyoung...?

[ Did he just die for a second time? ]

hehehehhe

[pyojeol]

[she feels all of it -- every emotion. there's just so much of it, there's no chance of her mistaking it as her own or even her shadow's. definitely not her shadow's, the voice just cut out as soon as she slammed her hand on the book.

Claude's tether.

Shit, she grabbed Claude's tether. Maybe the guilt is some of hers then, the fury, and maybe even the relief too -- that the hollow place in her that formed when her own tether vanished no longer feels that broken --

and then she doesn't feel anything. just the wind in her hair and the sunlight in her eyes and Claude's voice, calling her name.]

What -- [whatever curse she thinks of saying vanishes from her lips.

she feels strange. she feels. . . .normal?

like herself.

and yet. stupidly,]

What happened to your room?

a

[magesque]

Geminis are notoriously difficult.

[yeah okay, very funny miss rin. but she's back to being overconfident as hell, not too worried about their opponent...

though she can't help but wonder - ]

You're not worried about giving it home field advantage?

[in its lair...]

[pyojeol]

[zoomers.... (rin's not a zoomer) hilarious...

but she considers the question,]

Keeping it in mind, but no, not that worried. [they're both overconfident but like they (mumbles) fought in that dungeon together and came out without dying, rin may be a teen but she's an experienced fighter, and also there are teens out there who could kill so many adults...]

We'll handle it if it gets to be a problem.

un: fraldarius

[boarwitness]

These questions are terrible. None of the answers apply to me.

[pyojeol]

[felix stop using your real name on the internet]







cat