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beta testing 0.2: quest update
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!
> 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.
REWARD: Free food, daiya, and a good time!
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.
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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duocaeli duologs duolingosTaken / Applications / Hiatus & Drops
FULL NAVIGATION
murr hart | mahoutsukai no yakusoku
[ competitions in the training hall? things that look like games?? waiting for someone to challenge him probably doesn't take long; he'll lock eyes with the first person that happens to do the same to him (a la pokémon) and immediately walks over to them with the most "innocent" smile on his face. ]
Nuh uh! You're not allowed to refuse! You gotta play this game with me.
[ what game is it? maybe it's twister, where murr has the mat laid out and the board next to it ready for a spin. or perhaps it's cornhole--- six bean bags on each of the two raised and angled boards! even better, maybe a duel? two water pistols placed on a table with marks on the ground indicating where they'd have to stand before taking ten paces...
he might not play fair, by the way. ]
ii.) get a job
[ imagine having a job, but then again--- it doesn't feel like he has a choice in the matter. the insistent ringing isn't particularly fun to listen to, so why not just follow what it wants to shut it up?
it leads murr to a café, where he's immediately handed an apron and visor to wear. cats are embroidered in both pieces of the piecemeal uniform. as soon as they're on? the cats in the café immediately approach, wrapping themselves around murr's ankles and scenting his clothes with every little nuzzle that he feels against his shins.
so maybe he's getting a little too lost in the sauce (of affection) and doesn't notice someone approach. ]
Oh! Hey, you want a cat?
[ no, this is not a pet store... this is a café... he's bad at this ]
ii
Eh? Ah, to keep or....
[to hold..... she wouldn't mind holding a cat.... though she's also not bold enough to just scoop one up in her arms, and is a little too wound up for them to naturally approach her. hrmph....]
no subject
[ exclaiming in a way that has a npc immediately come over to the two of them and whisper something in murr's ear that has him tilt his head and look... confused. unhappy. displeased. a flurry of emotions. ]
Um... no, not to keep. To borrow? [ even murr is questioning it. ] But there are so many! What's wrong with givin' one or two away?
[ again, more stern whispering before the friendly senior employee walks away after giving murr a pat on the shoulder. ]
Alrighty. Soooooo, you can pick! There's this orange one right here that seems kinda nice? Or maybe this really fluffy one...
[ he even picks each one up to hold in front of her. be amazed... they're so calm despite being lifted by a stranger. or is murr just a kindred spirit, it is a mystery ]
i
Sure. What do I get when I win?
[just this baldfaced confidence,]
no subject
[ what would a nice girl like sooyoung want? maybe a stuffed toy? flowers? jewelry? a knife? murr isn't a mind reader, his own is practically an empty space twinkling with stars (or cosmic dust).
but what he'd want to win would probably suffice too. ]
... how 'bout these!
[ in his outstretched hands, he unfurls his fingers to reveal from out of nowhere... gems. big, small, all colors and shapes and reasonable sizes. they probably look valuable and they're totally real
and not fake or illusions stop judging]i!
But it's a challenge that he's at least mildly intrigued in! He's never seen a twister before in his life, and he's giving it and Murr a confused sort of look.]
--I will take part if that's what you wish, but what is the "game", exactly?
no subject
What, it doesn't make sense to you? [ as if murr knows and then he just sort of slyly points at the spinny card thing and nods. ] You spin that thing and then whatever color it lands on, you...
[ you... ]
... touch it.
[ it's not technically wrong ]
no subject
I see... [DOES HE.] Is it a competition to see who can touch the color the fastest, then? Why are there so many dots...?
[Just fully taking this fool at his word since he's clearly a twister expert here.]
no subject
I guess! It's gonna be a little unfair if one of us has to spin it while the other waits if that's the case, buuuuuut you look really quick!
[ which means he's volunteering matsui to do it first. ]
Wanna try?~
no subject
I am not as fast as Buzen. [He's actually pretty slow by comparison BUT THAT'S FINE... He glances between the spinner and the mat before nodding.]
Alright. I'll begin, then.
[Giving the lil spinner a flick! It spins and spins, and eventually slows until it lands on yellow...
Matsui moves to touch a red circle.]
no subject
or... there are a lot of possibilities so the most likely answer is the correct one, so: ]
Okay, my turn!
[ he doesn't have to touch it to make the spinner move. murr simply gestures. magic! it naturally lands on a red one. because, you know. why not.
so murr also naturally places his hand on top of matsui's.
they can share :) ]
no subject
He just looks at their handsies, but doesn't seem discomforted by the sudden contact.]
Hm. Is this how the game is played? [IT ISN'T.] I see. [YOU DON'T.] The goal is to end up on the same circle as many times as possible.
[Well.
...Well. It's A Conclusion to draw, sure.]
no subject
which makes the whole point of making matsui spin it first a little stupid pointless but that's okay. you get what you pay for and technically no one paid for anything.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY murr is understanding why this game exists. ]
You think? So we're supposed to end up all over each other...
[ a beat, then: ]
Hey, did you know the color yellow ain't the color red?
[ did you know??? color facts ]
no subject
It sounds like a very good game for honing reflexes and body coordination... Perhaps it could be used in combat training?
[So close and yet so far.
Also thanks for the color facts MURR!! Matsui just blinks, looking down at the red and then nodding.]
Oh. Yes. Red is the better color, though.
[He really just learned the fake rules of this game and then discarded them.]
no subject
So... are you tellin' me you're only going to touch the red ones?
[ murr blinks a few times, staring down at the row of other colored spots. ]
'cause if that's the case, you might win faster.
[ how to win........ ]
no subject
Not that Matsui is doing much better, but at least his havoc-causing isn't intentional.]
Oh... Would I? [HM. Well, he doesn't want to make things unfair.] I could also touch the blue ones, then. Perhaps even the green.
[Red is his favorite, but blue is a close second! And of course there's green for Gou... Yellow is truly the odd man out.]
i
Are you challenging me? [He likes the attitude, though he does look at the guns and, hm, they're quite small from what he's used to, aren't they?] What are the rules here, then?
no subject
Of course I am! Who else would I be challenging? [ looks around... who else but zag, tbh, no one looks as cool/intimidating/interesting. pick one. ]
Anyway~ whoever gets hit first after takin' ten steps loses! It's really fair!
[ it's very fair. murr's not thinking about taking or making an advantage... nope... ]
no subject
Just. on occasion. Yeah.
He picks on one of the guns and gives it an experimental squirt to the side. What an interesting (and fun) contraption.] Would this reach us after ten steps? Alright, I'll give it a try.
no subject
anyway, WILL it reach... great question, one that hasn't been answered by any scholars (living or otherwise) in any books (fictional or otherwise). murr has no idea. think he'd actually go the distance and test whether there's enough waterpower in any of these dollar store toys? ]
Great! Okay, stand here with me. We'll start here and we'll count to ten together. I'll go on your mark to make it fair~
no subject
no subject
though what the other probably doesn't expect is... another one. dual wielding! more waterpower! less accuracy??? ]