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

[sanguinary]

[imagine they just never do

THIS IS SO STUPID THOUGH. Matsui just smiles... Yeah! He does like Rutile! Unfortunately!]

I think that you would get along with him well. He's sweet and energetic with a very sunny disposition, and he was quick to lend aid where he could.

[Matsui's really out here saying "I think you'd like him, he's you!"]

[hasteful]

Oh, he sounds like a great person to be around! Sure, I'll see if I can get in touch with him then, it sounds like fun.

I'm glad you were able to meet someone you could connect with so easily.

[all of this clearly said with the air of a person who recognizes no major similarities between himself and rutile]

[sanguinary]

[It's okay, he expects Buzen to be stupid in this specific way by now.]

It does feel like a rare thing... But I know that the two of you will become fast friends.

[It'd be a stretch to say that Matsui himself considers Rutile a friend just yet, but that's because his worldview is very small when it comes to bonds. Does he really need anyone in any significant way beyond the Gous??]

[hasteful]

Haha, well... I like getting to know people.

[honestly, sincerely. swinging their hands a little more as they continue on their cursed little walk not caring if they're lost,]

It's nice being more honest with them, since there's so many non-humans around. Feels better to not have to hide or lie as much.

I'm happier still if you're adjusting well too, Matsu.

[sanguinary]

[They would die so fast in a Grimm fairytale.]

I agree... It's much nicer being able to speak openly, and not remember which story you have told to which person.

[Lying doesn't come easily to him in most of the ways that count for missions, he hates it here. The last little remark draws a brief smile from him, even so... He just loves Buzen too much. HELP HIM.]

You don't need to worry about me. I believe that I'm adjusting well enough. [It's literally because Buzen is here and that's it.] It hasn't been a difficult transition for you, either, has it?

[hasteful]

Haha... I think it's a good trait to be honest, Matsu.

[so he hopes that he doesn't feel too bad about it... at least on missions, teams are balanced so other people who pick up lying can handle it. in the end, he thinks matsui is still best as he is.

maybe just a little happier.]

I'm okay.... It hasn't been long enough for me to miss the others - it's barely even time for us to complete one of our usual missions. Even still... I'm just glad you're here.

[because at least he has one person that he loves more than anything around]

[sanguinary]

[He doesn't feel too bad about it, at least... Not having the ability to stick with a fabricated facade and really sell it isn't the thing he envies about humans, after all.

But - hm. He'll miss the others more with time, he's sure of it. But he's equally sure that Buzen will feel the sting of their absence first, even if it might be a while. Even if Matsui is here.

He gives Buzen's hand another light squeeze.]

I will always be by your side, any time you need me. [Said with such confidence, like he doesn't know he's in a jamjar full of weird future events!] So please turn to me any time you'd like.

[Especially as things get harder, and as more time goes on.]

[hasteful]

... I will.

[as much as he can.

which, sometimes, might not feel like enough. he imagines ame was probably disappointed when buzen asked to take the hard things on alone. but he doesn't intentionally make himself hard to look after. he just only needs simple things to recharge, like a hand in his or a smile.]

I need you just as much as you need me, Matsu. Promise.

[who would he be, if he didn't love his gous this much?]

[sanguinary]

[There's a very light huff of a laugh, something barely stilted in it. It's because he's biased - because he thinks that without Buzen, he really wouldn't make it very long, but that without Matsui, Buzen would be able to keep going and going. After all, the sun doesn't just go out.

Naturally, he doesn't say that. He knows, generally, what things upset Buzen. And while he'd just talked about wanting to see him bothered, he's not as keen on being the instigator. Not in this way.]

Who's to say? We might be mere steps away from being found as we speak, so maybe we won't get the chance to miss the others too greatly.

[Even a few years is a blink for a sword...]

[hasteful]

[ . . . the slightly stilted nature to his laugh manages to draw buzen's attention, but he won't say anything about it. instead he'll just let himself walk half a step closer to matsui. stop that. whatever you're thinking, stop that.

it's funny - how buzen stops himself from asking what he wants, but he also can't mask his concern perfectly. he'll still let them move on.]

... mm. Though if that's the case, we should at least wrap up this mini mission...

[their flowers]

It'd help us get - uh, stuff in this world, right? I don't remember what kind of stuff...

[sanguinary]

[Buzen doesn't ask but he can still SENSE THE UNSAID QUESTION...

At least he will, in fact, stop thinking whatever he was thinking. Buzen is close enough that he can lean to the side, resting his head gently against the side of Buzen's. He really could always stand to be closer.]

Oh... I can't remember what it was, either. [He paid 2% attention to whatever the hell the questboard said and the rest of his attention was for Buzen.]

—We passed by that tree earlier, didn't we?

[hasteful]

Ah.

[hm. they did. buzen pauses then and he'll once again let his hand slip out of matsui's just so that it can rest around his shoulders instead, encouraging that little lean... if matsui is tired, then he can always rest again buzen?

boyfriend behavior continues - but also will let him prompt them to pause so they can look at their surroundings another time]

Hmm... It's hard when it seems like the trees themselves are moving. I wonder if we can tell with something like - like animals that know their way around...

[sanguinary]

[BOYFRIEND BEHAVIOR CONTINUES. Matsui isn't even tired beyond the existential sense in which he's always tired, but he'll also never say no to being able to lean on Buzen.]

Perhaps, if the trees are sentient enough to move in such a way... we could ask them? They might be willing or able to help guide us back to the proper way out. [His expression flattens a little.] Why isn't Kuwana here for this.

[SOMEHOW HE FINDS A REASON TO BE SNAPPISH ABOUT KUWANA EVEN WHEN KUWANA'S GONE but really.]

[hasteful]

[buzen's expression brightens!]

Kuwa would be really great for this, you're right! He could ask the earth and then the earth would lead us out! Hahah.

[he's so fond while matsui is snappish, i'm losing my mind. he's barely even noticing the sass.]

Ah well, let's try to channel his spirit. Excuse me, Tree-san! We got a little turned around, do you think you could direct us back to town?

[they got so spoiled by communicating with Dodo]

[sanguinary]

[BUZEN REALLY JUST HAS VISORS ON THAT KEEP HIM FROM SEEING THAT MATSUI IS ACTUALLY AN ASSHOLE.

Anyway, naturally the trees do not reply, and whoever else is in the area probably stops what they're doing to listen to two bozos try to literally commune with nature. Matsui just SIGHS like he's put-upon, because talking to sweet little charming, glowing flowers is one thing, but talking to a wholeass tree is some Kuwana nonsense.]

If you would be so kind as to move back into the places you were at before, we would both appreciate it...

[As he's speaking, some trees overhead begin to knit their branches together to block out the sunlight. NOT WHAT HE WAS AIMING FOR but Matsui won't complain...]

[hasteful]

Whoa! It's dark!

[you don't say! but buzen will look up, craning his head like it'll help him see anything at all. it doesn't! instead he just hums thoughtfully.]

I guess they're trying to help in their own way but I don't know if we can speak to them that easily, huh... Maybe something got lost in communication.

[buzen will just then drop to one knee, letting his hand touch the soil]

Do you have something to say to us, earth? Kuwa's better at this but I'll try to listen, too...

[absolute fucking moron]

[sanguinary]

[IT'S DARK says Buzen with his one single braincell that's rattling around in his head, help.

Matsui will just watch Buzen try to channel Kuwana, not bothering to join him in his ventures. Instead, he just surveys the area, seeming to consider something.]

The air here is nice, and hardly any sunlight is getting through... It smells like a rain might be on the way, too. Perhaps this would be a good place to return to the earth...

[HIS FOREVER NAP.]

[hasteful]

Hmmm! Yeah! I won't let you.

[sanguinary]

[He just hums... But he will at least stop saying distressing things aloud, instead moving his attention to Buzen and away from the darkened forest so he can reach out to just gently stroke the top of his head as if in apology. SOMETIMES YOU JUST WANT TO BE DIRT.]

Has the earth said anything yet?

[hasteful]

[he'll tilt his head so that it's easier for him to follow matsui's touch, apparently accepting the easy apology.]

No... But it never responds to me like it responds to Kuwa. I'll keep trying until I learn, though...

[learn to speak with dirt....

though buzen will move to stand after that, immediately letting his arms loop around matsui to pull him into a hug. he's just barely careful to angle himself so that the embrace doesn't crush the flowers where they're peaking out from his chest pocket, but the movement is definitely rooted in stubbornness and affection both]

I'm not letting the forest keep you.

[sanguinary]

I don't think that's a skill any of us will be able to learn, Buzen.

[But he finds it charming that Buzen is so doggedly trying, so of course he'd never tell him to stop...

But oh, huggy. HE'S SO SPOILED. HE'S REALLY SO SPOILED. How is he supposed to go back to sharing Buzen with so many others when he gets all of this all to himself now!! He's a little surprised at first, if only because the full-on hug is more of a rarity than the half-hug and certainly rarer than the hand-hold, but he easily sinks into it all the same. Terrible.]

Hm... If you don't want it to do that, then I have no choice but to stay with you.

[Oh no... He is so put-upon... Woe upon himself.........]

Shall we keep moving, then? If we keep going forward, the canopy will thin eventually, I'm sure.

[hasteful]

[he just mumbles softly 'i'm gonna try' because of course he is? talking to the earth is what kuwana likes, but what buzen likes is supporting the people he loves... so he wants to be included too!

matsui choosing him over the forest is reassuring enough then, and prompts buzen to sigh as he keeps matsui in his arms for a moment. it's a gesture born out of affection, absolutely, but also is a little bit like trying to capture a trick of the light. like he just doesn't want matsui to think for too long about leaving, because maybe one of these days he'll think on it for just a moment too long and then buzen won't be able to grab him.

he can hold him now, though, and maybe that'll make a difference. he hopes so.]

I'll get competitive if it means keeping you at my side, you know?

[and he'll use every dirty trick (read: heartfelt and tender action) to do it!!]

But alright, let's try again. Maybe we can find some hints of where town is...

[that said he'll

also wait for when matsui is ready to pull away from the hug buzen started,]

[sanguinary]

[the way i was like "i have too many buzen hugging icons" and now im like "i could have never had too many i hate it here"

Matsui is perfectly content to just stay here though, despite being the one to suggest that they keep going. LISTEN... The forest can wait?? Getting home with these flowers can wait!! Theoretically Buzen could also wait because it's not like either of them are going to just up and vanish (haha), but Matsui will always prioritize Buzen first. Ergo: he really does just cling for a little longer, briefly tucking his face into Buzen's shoulder and letting his arms wind around his back in kind, just so he can feel the solid shape of him.

It's kind of funny that he's the flight risk when Buzen is the one with such a thin tether to their shared reality.]

You don't have to compete. That is where I want to be.

[Of all the places he could be while alive, anyway.

BUT EVENTUALLY he GUESSES they should get going, so he'll reluctantly step away, save for a hand-holdy, so he can start off forward.]

I think that I can see a little more light over there, that way.

[hasteful]

[mood i have so many icons of buzen being affectionate with gous and i use literally all of them constantly

but he doesn't really mind when matsui gets comfy for a second - when he tucks his face into buzen's shoulder then buzen moves in kind, nestling his face against the side of matsui's hair, doting and affectionate. the gous move in response to each other and if matsui seeks comfort, then buzen always so readily gives]

I'm holding you to that.

[ - that matsui will want to stay with him. he wants to believe it'll be strong enough to win against the whispers of darkness and trauma that linger.

but he'll just as easily let matsui pull away and hold his hand instead, walking along with him. buzen nods at the indication of the light - and hums thoughtfully when he feels a whisper of wind begin to move through the forest]

Ah... breeze feels good.

[he does like the wind...]

[sanguinary]

[THE CONSTANT SLOWLY MOVING WEIRD NEBULA OF THE GOUS...

He's walking a little closer to Buzen than usual partially because it's the safest way to proceed in the darkness and partially because he's still in a clingy mood (when is he not) a clingier mood than usual. The breeze makes his nose wrinkle a little, but he's come to accept the wind begrudgingly as something that reminds him of Buzen. Except winter wind, that can fuck right off.]

It really does smell like rain, though... But I don't recall seeing any clouds?

[And PEER AS HE MIGHT, he sure can't see anything at all through the canopy right now. At least there are no more errant enormous roots directly in their path so there's no more stupid tripping shenanigans afoot.]