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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
alhaitham | genshin impact
[ one thing is certain: if this guy wasn't inexplicably compelled to find your character for this quest (to the flowers or to aria's grove!), he probably wouldn't be here. whatever the divination tower prophesied is worthy of investigation, sure, but if another body needs to be involved, alhaitham would obviously prefer one that's quiet, succinct, and cooperative. maybe your character does too, because alhaitham is all of those things with a dash of brutal, unpleasant candor and condescension. if he doesn't already know your character, whatever brief introductions they exchanged with him were short and to the point.
it'll be a little surprise when he suddenly stops walking, crosses his arms, and touches a curled finger to his mouth. his eyes are narrowed and fixed on a tangle of tree roots blocking off a path on the right. ]
I see. We have already passed by this area once before.
[ he knows that much. he comes from a place rife with forests and jungles, so he can figure out out that much. his eyes scan to the left. ]
These woods are shifting. It would be wise to leave a trail behind us from this point on.
1B. HELP HIM FAIL SO I CAN PUT FLOWERS ON HIM (OR NOT)
[ contrary to popular belief, alhaitham does spare compliments where they're due, and he can actually smile. the issue is that they're not easy to earn, his compliments are too factual to be really enjoyed, and usually his smiles are some level of shit-eating. naturally, he doesn't see any problems with any of this.
if you want to be pda with him... it's not impossible! good luck.
once they arrive near a large patch of flowers, he turns towards your character and crosses his arms (again). ]
Looks like we made it to our destination. I may have arrived here faster on my own regardless, but you have some level of navigational prowess yourself. Congratulations.
[ a... compliment? maybe?? ]
2/3. DO THEY EVEN HAVE INTERNS AT THE LIBRARY
[ they do now! they have one, specifically, and he seems to be the only staff member present in the area.
he also uses earth elemental magic. and wherever your character is, they've just dropped something, or sneezed, or talked a little (or a lot) too loudly.
unless your character's instincts and spacial awareness survive the nerf, alhaitham is suddenly behind or within arm's length of your character. hi. ]
Since you are unable to keep from disrupting other visitors, I will be escorting you out. Please leave any items from the library on the table nearby.
[ he doesn't look friendly. this isn't a request. ]
☆ WILDCARD
[ please help 🤠 ]
1b
[ ... it doesn't sound like a compliment at all. then again, nothing ever sounds like a compliment when it comes to alhaitham, lumine sighing under her breath and doing her best to keep a cheery disposition as she wanders through the clearing, basket in hand. the quicker they finish this, the quicker she can take a breather and get her reward.
she still remembers what the researchers said about the chamomiles feeding off positive energy and that the tea it makes will allow her a good night's rest. right. ]
You should've navigated us through the woods, then.
[ an offhanded question as she crouches on the ground, waiting for it to glow. positive energy, lumine, positive energy. ]
... Mm, should I start singing, I wonder.
no subject
alhaitham walks into the clearing after her and stops at her side, studying the field. ]
They did say that the flowers react well to music. [ his eyes flicker back to her. ] It may be worth a try.
[ go ahead! ]
no subject
a full minute later, she looks up at alhaitham. ]
... What if it turns into a whopperflower?
[ LOOK, THIS IS A VALID QUESTION because it has happened before and she doesn't want to risk it happening right now to her stress relief tea. ]
no subject
Is that a typical reaction that occurs when you sing to a bed of flowers?
[ he understands picking a sweetflower and being jumpscared by one, but singing....... ]
no subject
her lips press into a grim line as she turns back to the flowers, watching the petals seemingly turn away. ]
It's happened once or twice now.
[ they do say that once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence ... ]
... How about you sing to them, instead?
no subject
lumine may be looking at the flowers, but alhaitham is staring flatly at the back of her head. he opens his arm and lets his hand hang in the air beside him. ]
I'm going to take that as a joke. [ nazeeh tarsha has a beautiful voice and i would die if he sang but alhaitham would never. ] I'm more concerned with how your singing voice can apparently summon monsters. Have you looked into that?
no subject
also, brb ignoring his stare that's burning through her head. ]
I didn't think Bimarstan would have any diagnosis for such symptoms, so I didn't try to ask.
[ is that sarcasm? probably, with a mix of exhaustion and exasperation. if only she's allowed to strangle flowers, but as it stands, they need to be plucked while they're glowing from positive energy. and strangling doesn't exactly scream positivity. ]
Should we risk it? [ of their stress relief blossoms turning into whopperflowers ... ] Or do you have a better idea?
no subject
As I said, you are welcome to try. The university members made it clear that the flowers react well to music, so I don't see the harm in it.
[ he reaches for the communication crystal and brings up the holographic menu in the air in front of him. he taps and shifts the shapes in the air with practiced ease until he gets to the bestiary, which he flips through as he speaks. ]
From my perusal, Whopperflowers were not listed in the bestiary from the guild hub. That may not guarantee that other creatures won't appear in their place.
no subject
You're very supportive, aren't you?
[ archons, if some other creature appears from the soil, she is giving up this quest and alhaitham can finish it by himself.
tbf, this would be easier if they'd just hold hands or whatever else the researchers were saying earlier about positive energy, but singing is less intrusive and more acceptable in terms of the personal bubbles she and the ex-scribe like to maintain. so singing it is! ]
Just get ready in case some wind whale pops out from this field.
[ she takes a deep breath and starts singing a few notes of the aranara's song, all the while staring at the flowers and waiting. ]
no subject
as she sings, areas of the flowers lightly pulse with light, their stamens raising towards lumine—or maybe the two of them, given that alhaitham offers her song his full attention. he hasn't turned his earpieces on, even though he very well could. that's positive, isn't it?
but by the end of her song, however, the flower's glow fades entirely, the field rippling back to its natural, muted blue. whatever positivity came from this apparently wasn't enough.
alhaitham is just standing there, one arm crossed as he holds his chin. ]
We will have to try something else then. The good news is that your singing didn't seem to summon a Whopperflower.
no subject
she's pretty sure (of course, she could've misheard it, but she knows she's not entirely mistaken based on the explanation of the researchers) that the best time to pluck the flowers is when they're finally glowing. which they did. glow, that is, while she was singing. except he simply stood there, watching the spectacle.
disappointment and dismay flash across her face as she watches the flowers return to its normal color, a sigh leaving her lips.
dryly, standing to her full height: ] What a relief.
[ but since he mentioned it (and it came directly from him!! that they should try something else!!): ] How about you sing to it now?
no subject
that's what he tells himself, anyway. soon he's watching their flowers again, then watching lumine as she sings. when it ends and she stands up, he stays where he is. ]
No, thank you. I'll do us both a favor and leave the operatics to you.
[ he's not gonna sing.... no way. he pointedly glances again at the company surrounding them. ]
From what I could tell, we still have a ways to go before these flowers can be picked. I heard some others tell compliments to one another and it exhibited some results. We should try the same experiment.
no subject
honestly though, lumine wishes they were given more information on what to look out for other than "glowing". because it's clear that this isn't enough for a sign for alhaitham to start picking the flowers and ending the quest right there and then, prolonging their agony even further. but sure, you know what, he's the akademiya scholar here (even if he's part of haravatat); maybe he knows what he's talking about.
or maybe not, her gaze shifting towards the other people in the clearing, her expression twisting into dismay when she sees some of them hugging. yeah, that's not going to happen here at all. ]
Fine, uhm ... [ since he keeps saying no to singing. she wracks her brain for a compliment to offer, giving him a once-over. ] You're very ... tall?
[ does that count? ]
2/3 wildcard idk listen it's fine
Anyway. Are you enjoying your time at the library, Alhaitham? Having fun bullying people into silence and performing vanishing acts from your desk? WELL. Buckle up, because your day's about to get a hell of a lot louder, since your favorite person in the whole wide world has, as usual, somehow managed to track you down.
That is, at some point in the day, the doors will burst open, and a very familiar figure will appear. He points directly at Alhaitham, as if he somehow managed to laser-vision through the building to Know exactly where Alhaitham would be standing (or, more likely, sitting).]
YOU!
[hi.]
no subject
and i mean, it's also worth it for this. alhaitham may not have expected kaveh to arrive here, but his needlessly dramatic entrance only earns him a sidelong glare.
don't get him wrong. on the inside, his irritation is skittering over his nerves, boiling to a rage. his fingertips curl against the cover of his book. he's supposed to be doing a job or whatever, and once kaveh inevitably approaches him, he'll be dealt with properly and thrown out by the collar.
he just. taps on his earpiece. and keeps reading, like an asshole. even if it makes kaveh's temper even worse, he deserves it anyway. ]
no subject
How long have you been here?! Why didn't--put that down, you jerk--Why didn't you tell me?! [At least he's lowered his voice, though it's a far cry from the quiet that's typically expected of a library. Does Kaveh have any proof this is the "real" Alhaitham, and not the one from Crane City... no... but apparently that's a risk he's willing to take at the moment.]
1a!
But the veneer of vague normalcy is about to come crashing down because his FIRST RESPONSE TO THAT IS--]
Ah. I see. I can take care of that quite easily, by drawing enough of my blood to leave a highly visible trail.
[Girl.]
no subject
alhaitham just. swivels his head to this person. and looks at them like they're a freak. ]
Your blood. [ just in case matsui didn't know what just came out of his mouth. ]
no subject
Yes. [Just in case Alhaitham needed that clarified. He even nods for further emphasis!] Unlike breadcrumbs, it won't be consumed by the creatures of this forest. Nor will it vanish without a trace as many other liquids might. The scent is very distinct as well, so we'll be able to find it even in low visibility.
[OR HE WILL, ANYWAY... HIS BLOODHOUND NOSE.]
1a
roxana is quiet enough in her own way, and if alhaitahm is condescending enough, she is more than willing to let him get a little lost. she isn't someone who has keen navigational skills as much as she is a cheating cheater who cheats. even if she can't let loose her kaleidoscopes of butterflies, the few she can is enough to tell her where she has to go.
not that she'll tell alhaitham that or show him her butterflies. ]
Is that so? I'm afraid I don't have anything quite like the storybooks, but if you have a blade on you, I don't mind offering up my cloak.
no subject
he's one to talk, though. his outfit is 100% ridiculous. ]
No need.
[ although he does open his hand at his side as he speaks. his sword flashes into his grip, but he doesn't turn to her. he walks to one side of their trail, towards one of the trees. ]
We should only need to mark our trail on the trees or vines ahead. You can keep your cloak.
no subject
her expression doesn't betray anything as he summons his sword. it's very video game of him and fits with the setting enough. she'll figure out if that's innate of him from his own world or part of this world soon enough. ]
Very well. As long as you make a unique enough mark to stand out from the rest.
2/3
Right after she reflexively tries to zap him with a fireball for startling the bajeezus out of her. It's fine. It was tiny. It didn't actually hit him. ]
H-hey! Get away from me! I'm not doing anything!
[ She says, right after having tried to set his eyebrows on fire and while there's still a charred piece of paper gently smoking in front of her. ]