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

felix | fe:3h (nightfell crau)

[boarwitness]

A. NA NA WHY DON'T YOU GET A JOB

[welcome to cat cafe st*rbucks, where you can come for a quick latte, or stay and enjoy the company of the celebrity cats in a special side room! it's the perfect daily fix, complete with cute accessories for the staff!

so why isn't the guy manning the register smiling? on the contrary, decked out in black cat ears and a paw-print apron with the shop logo, he looks downright murderous. if you stare for too long, he hisses through gritted teeth:]

Order, or get out of the way.

[there's no line behind you.]

B. PUNCH ME (I MUST BE DREAMING)

[you are minding your own business. you are here in dodo house, doing your own thing. innocent. blameless.

so why is this guy approaching you swiftly, fist drawn back, determination in his eyes? hello?? are you going to just let yourself get punched by this maniac??? better act fast.]

X. WILDCARD

[isekai felix into an awkward situation so he has to hold your hand... he's light element and affected by the touchy disease so i'm down to combine any number of prompts!! DOOO IT]

b

[floralistic]

[UHHHHH HE'S BACKING UP WHAT'S GOING ON HE DIDN'T EVEN DO ANYTHING PROBABLY]

[boarwitness]

[STILL APPROACHING, FROWNING AT HIS ESCAPÉ]

Stay still.

[floralistic]

[he is not staying still]

Uh... why?

[boarwitness]

[he is on a fast track to be backed into a wall]

Just do it. I'm not going to hurt you.

[this even seemingly with evidence to the contrary???]

b

[prozaic]

[shalem is NOT the dodging sort, even if he has the speed and agility for it. no, instead, he takes the hit with his body, adjusting his stance so felix's fist makes contact with an upper arm rather than his face or neck. he doesn't even flinch, such is his intense defense-oriented training.]

... Good morning? [his brow furrows as he tries to think about what he did to anger this man this time.]

Are you in need of another spar?

[boarwitness]

No. Just stay still.

[he's just punching shalem repeatedly on the arm? no explanation.]

[prozaic]

Ah... perhaps you're peeved in some manner... [please stop abusing his arm.

shalem turns and raises a hand so felix can use it instead. he's more comfortable letting his hands get beaten up rather than his arm-- it's just like holding onto a punching mitt.

just without the punching mitt.]

Have I been neglecting you?

[boarwitness]

I don't even want to imagine what you could possibly mean by that.

[he does swap to shalem's hand instead, though.]

b

[galesofreverie]

[what if]

[Wanderer tries to punch him first]

[they're in the Dodo House, which means he has a bit of his Vision's power coursing through him! so that punch is amplified by a gust of wind surrounding his fist. sorry, Felix]

[boarwitness]

[ok well

in retrospect he should have expected this guy to retaliate

he's knocked back to the hallway wall, but this doesn't seem to impede his attempt? in fact, he pushes off the wall, using the momentum to lay a punch on wanderer's upper arm.]

Don't fight back!

[hello???]

[galesofreverie]

[OF ALL THE PEOPLE, FELIX!!]

[Wanderer has his fist pulled back, preparing for another hit, but Felix's words at least get him to pause]

What do you even expect me to d--

[and then he is punched on the upper arm, and he just looks?? confused?? like of ALL THE PLACES TO PUNCH SOMEONE!! THAT'S THE MOST USELESS]

[boarwitness]

I'm not trying to hurt you, idiot!

[if only there was a way to make that more obvious 🤔🤔🤔

he gets another punch in on his arm. sure enough, it doesn't really hurt?]

Stay still!

a

[chokuto]

[Guess who apparently has been cursed with the same internship at the same cat cafe — Felix's internet mortal enemy. Not that Sasuke will recognize him, especially suffering the similar fate of being adorned with black cat ears and an apron. There's also a streaky black mark on his cheek, as if someone tried to draw whiskers before being smacked away.]

You look ridiculous. [Says the guy in the same outfit. Look, the words are flowing with that elemental effect.] And you're chasing people off. If we're supposed to work here, do it properly.

[why is he taking this so seriously]

[boarwitness]

[they've been mostly working in silence until now, but the unbidden insults and critique spurs felix on immediately. luckily, there's no immediate customers, just a poppy tune playing over the cafe speakers.]

That's rich, coming from someone with smudged whiskers. [how did felix avoid this fate? he is simply better. ignore the fact he has a cat tail tied around his waist.]

If you want to take orders so badly, switch with me. I'm doing my job—unlike you. I haven't seen anyone enjoy their drink.

[chokuto]

[They are suffering together in this special hell.]

Do you think you can prepare drinks better? [The doubt is on his face.] Whatever dissatisfaction you're imagining has nothing to do with my skill.

[Sasuke waves an impatient hand, so they can swap places.]

Go ahead. The next order is a triple espresso latte. Make sure you sculpt the foam at the top into the shape of a cat.

wildcard.

[lackluster]

[ This feels a lot like deja vu. Or rather, it would be similar enough if they were on a boat, but they're far away from such a thing. Right now, they're sitting on opposite sides of a table at some random cafe until Tartaglia decides he's had enough.

He gets up from his seat and proceeds to settle right next to Felix. With a serious look on his face. ]

Don't run away this time.

[ He's going to hold this man's hand!!!! ]

[boarwitness]

[felix was probably just minding his own business when childe rocked up and sat across from him. he's been staring pointedly at his sandwich this whole time, paying no mind to the intruder, and looking at his phone.

but when childe makes the move to cozy up next to him, he can no longer pretend like this isn't happening. leaning away, he grits his teeth, and hisses out:]

Don't touch me.

[except that

his hands, flat on the table now, are twitching towards him?]

[lackluster]

[ Seeing those hands move towards him is exactly what gives him more courage. He reaches out to grab Felix's hand, and the relief is immediate. ]

Too late.

[ If Felix forget, he has a pretty strong grip. Even more so when he's being stubborn. ]

also b

[magesque]

[the way rin's fight or fight mode was activated. she was probably reading in the library and the second she notices the first, she lifts her own hand. one pointer finger outstretched to him, a concentrated amount of magical energy at the top, glowing black and red.]

Try me.

[rin calm the fuck down

Dodo's shelves start shaking! no fighting! in the library!]

[boarwitness]

[there's a long pause as felix stops looming out from between the shelves with his fist still up, watching rin's finger, ignoring the shaking bookcases.

just as he looks like he's going to move again--

--a book flies off the shelf, bonking him squarely on the crown of his head.]

...Fine!

[clicking his tongue, his fist changes to an extended point of his own—albeit free of magic.]

Just put your hand out!

[magesque]

[she doesn't fucking want to!

the magic dissipates after his fist unclenches, and she'll just let her own fingers unfurl silently.

she can absolutely still fire magic like this.

he doesn't need to know that.

she raises one brow challengingly. your move, felix.]

B

[dodgeouttahell]

We've got to stop meeting like this.

[The quip comes with a laugh as Zagreus dodges. He notices that the punch isn't powerful, though? He tries to give Felix a punch of his own on the shoulder, just a nudge with his knuckles.] What is this?

[boarwitness]

Ugh. [it's all the explanation he gets, expression tight and harried. zag lands his own punch easily, and felix takes the opportunity to swing again.]

Don't dodge.

[this is very soft somehow?]

[dodgeouttahell]

Well, alright, then. [Zag chuckles, his hands coming up in a mock guard and dodging only to let himself be hit anyway, and then doing little jabs and hooks that land softly on Felix's form. Are they practicing bad sparring?] Would you care to explain what's going on?