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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[prozaic]

That is an idea.

[shalem brightens considerably, and he holds his arms out as if inviting his companion to hold onto him.]

I'll try to come up with a tune on the spot, and we'll both give it a whirl-- dancing is no fun without a partner.

[duskspear]

[He blinks at the proffered arms—but after the initial beat of surprise reaches out to grasp them, nodding.]

What manner of dance will you be performing?

[prozaic]

Something lively, like the swing, would be the best way to convey joy, would it not?

[oh, but first... shalem nods to himself, and gingerly squeezes his companion's arms as if to reassure him.]

Do you know the dance?

[duskspear]

[Shalem is mindful. Roland glances down at their arms before raising his head. They're about the same height, which should make this more manageable.]

I'm afraid I don't. Would you be able to show me the steps?

[prozaic]

The rhythm relies on your footwork and the sway of your hips.

[shalem releases the hold his right hand has, and adjusts his grip so his left hand is holding onto his partner's right, his own palm facing up-- signifying that he's the one leading in this dance, and not following. as he does so, his tail unravels from his leg, leaving him free to move as he wants.

he lifts his weight off of his ankles and onto the balls of his feet, and shows the movements, two little steps to his left then a normal one with his left foot, then the opposite with his right. then shalem moves his left foot back, rocks his weight onto it, and taps his right foot once noiselessly. and then the serpent does it again, counting the moves to the beat.]

One-and-two, three-and-four, five-and-six. That's the beat we can follow in our movements, and you can mirror what I do.

That is to say... if I use my left leg, you shall use your right.

[duskspear]

[Guided by Shalem, Roland shuffles along while his eyes flit down and up throughout the demonstration, watching every step and shift in weight. He takes care not to be distracted by the tail. The principles of dancing aren't alien to him, so it's simple enough to grasp the rhythm; rather, the pattern of movement and keeping up with his partner are bigger concerns.

Ultimately, he think this should be doable. Lifting his head, he nods once.]

I believe I understand. Shall we begin, then?

[prozaic]

I'll count for you, all right? We don't need to go so quickly, even if the dance is performed that way.

Feel free to put your other hand on my shoulder, or... [shalem offers his other hand, palm up like the other one.]

[duskspear]

[His gaze darts from Shalem's shoulders to the proffered hand. It would be discourteous to refuse, so he settles for laying his callused hand over the upturned palm before meeting Shalem's eyes.

There. He's ready—as much as he can be.]

[prozaic]

All right. [glad that his instruction was clear enough, shalem is considerably brighter than before. he's quite pleased about this little achievement. he gives the hands in his own an encouraging squeeze, though perhaps that could have been more effective if he was bare-handed rather than wearing leather gloves.]

Then one-and-two... [with his steps and count comes a little lilt to his voice, as if he's figuring out a tune that sounds good with the count.] Step-and-step.

[then the serpent gets confident with rhythm. not so quick, but certainly not as slow as a waltz. happy and conducive to a fun little sway between partners.]

La-la-la...

[his singing voice doesn't sound half bad.]

[duskspear]

[Far better than anything Roland can do, no doubt.

And, as long as Shalem is pleased, so is he. He makes a sorry partner with his ragged appearance and inexperience, but he focuses on the gentle tune and steps until his own grow bolder as his confidence builds. Despite his lack of expression from concentrated effort on the task at hand, he loses himself in the satisfying repetition while, nearby, the flowers that perked up at the reassuring squeeze of hands incline their buds toward the duo.]

[prozaic]

[shalem spies the way their little audience is growing, and smiles, his tail unraveling from his leg to give a happy flick. it's raised itself above the ground now, to keep out of their feet, and moves to the beat like a particularly springy metronome. the attention makes him more confident in his singing, voice growing louder and clearer, until it's coming from his chest rather than his throat. more like the voice of someone who has had formal training.

he continues to lead, but he is a serpent with mercy and courtesy and does not pick up the pace, endeavouring to keep to the beat they started with. even if he would like a spin or two at this point.

the most he does to indulge in that desire is lead them into making a little circle.]

[duskspear]

[When was the last time he witnessed such joy? The tail dances a dance of its own to the clear tune. Mesmerized by what he can make out of the appendage, Roland almost misses a step when he's led back to attention by Shalem's hands and song.

He snaps back into proper place, then blinks at the circle they draw with their meandering movements. It's different, but not unwelcome. He follows diligently, studying the pattern of their steps before lifting his head to face his partner as is appropriate. That's the thing about following as opposed to leading, he thinks: he can react and appreciate everything that comes after.]

[prozaic]

[shalem doesn't even notice his tail, when he's paying attention to the beat and to the flora they're meant to be entertaining. when he sees that they're bobbing themselves to the timing of his impromptu song, shalem is pleased.

he feels accomplished with himself in a way that he hasn't felt in so long.

he starts winding down the song, slowing movement, until he's stopped singing and leans over to peck a quick kiss onto the back of his dance partner's hand.]

[duskspear]

[Out of the corner of his eyes, he spies the petals that gleam in delight. Those same eyes blink at the unexpected touch of lips on his hand, and for a moment Roland forgets about the chamomiles entirely, surprised as he is by the courtesy for someone like himself.

But it won't do to gape like a guppy. His parted lips press together, and he smiles appreciatively.]

You sing beautifully. The flowers must have enjoyed your song as well.

[prozaic]

Ah... you give me too much credit.

[he's coming down from his dancing, singing high. his cheeks are flushed, his eyes are bright, and he looks happy. feels happy. shalem wants to go again, but has to control himself.]

If you weren't with me, I would be have been dancing alone, and that's not a interesting sight.

[duskspear]

[Seeing Shalem this happy lifts Roland's mood. The outcome would have been the same, he thinks, even if he hadn't stood in as a partner.]

You've a certain grace about you. Though the flowers seem to prefer a party, your performance surely would have attracted an audience anywhere else.

[prozaic]

No... [shalem shakes his head, before crouching down to begin harvesting the blue chamomile.] No, I doubt it.

The dance was always meant to have two people, partners, to perform it. Dancing on my own would have just felt quite...

Sad.

[duskspear]

[There's something about that gloomy certainty. He kneels down to caress one of the blue chamomiles before reaching for its stem.]

Then it's fortunate they were of the same mind.

[It's just a shame that Shalem had to have a mediocre partner. The flower in Roland's grip gives with a faint snap.]

Thank you for teaching me.

[prozaic]

You don't need to thank me, I'm always happy to indulge in the arts with someone. [shalem pulls the chamomile from the roots, rather than just cut the stems. he's not quite sure which parts of the plant will be used, so he'd rather err on the side of caution and take everything.

well, not all of the plants, that would not be sustainable. just a few, and make sure to keep them as whole ass possible.]

And... I'm always happy to dance more as well.

[duskspear]

[The flowers thank Shalem for his discretion.

Between the two of them, their meager harvests add up to something more measurable. Roland tucks his share away for safekeeping before facing Shalem.]

Are you an entertainer?

[prozaic]

An enthusiast, but not an entertainer, no. [what a lie-- but shalem hopes his lie is effective, as casual as he delivers that line.

without a basket, shalem simply removes his jacket to wrap it around the chamomile. he may look smaller without its volume, artfully draped around his shoulders to make it look lazy and casually fashionable, but his muscle definition can be better observed under his shirt.]

I've been fortunate enough to learn under experts, but I'm nothing like them.

[duskspear]

[Roland has no reason to believe that Shalem is lying, and so he accepts the answer at face value. There are many exceptional enthusiasts out there, anyhow. He thinks Shalem would be a worthwhile act on the stage with a proper partner and band behind him, but he's already said as much—and those exact words would perhaps be out of bounds.

Instead, he nods.]

Of course. After all, you are you.

[prozaic]

[that statement is so simple and yet... so profound at the same time. shalem is shalem-- of course he is. and yet to hear someone acknowledge it, without saying more, feels quite significant to the serpent that he forgets to be horrified at the knowledge of being known.

then he smiles brightly.]

Yes.

[he hugs the jacket to his chest.]

After this, if you want to meet again, you know where to find me. [dodo house, of course.]

[duskspear]

[His smile broadens a touch at Shalem's expression. At the end of the day, nobody desires to be an imitation. For some, that individuality means something special.]

Dodo will be sure to lead the way.

[He motions in the direction they arrived.]

Shall we head back?