duolingos | beta testing 0.1: tutorial & dungeon

beta testing 0.1: tutorial & dungeon

beta testing 0.1

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!

"On" Tutorial

It’s pitch black. Is the darkness an old friend or a source of anxiety for you? Who’s to say what you were doing before, but right now there’s only one thing before your eyes: an ominous word over a slowly generating bar.

LOADING...
All at once - you’re plunged into color.

> A1. TUTORIAL START

If you’re lucky, the first sights that greet you are lush greenery, dancing street performers, and a grand statue of an elephant with assorted birds nesting nearby. Welcome to Avisle’s Town Square.

After a quick once-over, you’ll find that everything that you had on you before arriving is accounted for–so if you were barefoot and in your pajamas, you might not have much–with one notable addition: a glowing crystal in your pocket. The roughly cut gem fits in your palm and is already fastened on a chain for you. Convenient!

Soon after finding it, the crystal will begin to project information in front of you that is remarkably legible, even if you’ve never seen these particular runes before. It reads: New Worldwalker’s Checklist. Below, a series of tick boxes await you. You may need to start asking around or exploring. Seems like you’ve got things to do!

If you’re less fortunate, it seems you’ve landed just a bit outside the maintained grounds of the city itself. Somehow you’ve spawned in the middle of a pack of wolves. Huh! Well. You can see the city not too far from here, so maybe if you’re quick… Time to learn on your feet!

Whenever you do get to safety and complete the same inventory of your person, the crystal will respond to you just the same. Apparently you just decided to play on Hard Mode.

> A2. THE BUSTLING GUILD TOWN

☑️ Join a Guild

Avis Isle is a deeply uncharted place, welcoming explorers and curious adventurers. The Guilds do their best to provide structure for the city proper and for those getting a grasp of their magic; the Interguild Alliance (IGA) oversees the Guild Hub where quests are posted and dungeon crawls are organized. While there are all sorts of Guilds around, there are five main wings for each of the Grand 5.

Why not get to know them better? NPCs will call you over and try to encourage you to join them, some with challenging jeers and others with sincere, kind invitations–don’t you know that the very first guild that you join is free? Choose wisely! The guild’s mascot animal, some type of Avian, sits upon a very nice and color-coded throne in their respective wing awaiting your choice. Once you’ve made your selection, it will croon (or honk) at you, and your membership is complete. While you can’t actually hear the words, you have a feeling you’ve been told something like, “Now get to work, fresh meat!”

—Though if you're dallying, guilds aren't without mischief. A stray bird (though never The Throned Mascot Bird) may suddenly run by, webbed feet slapping on tile, and steal one of your items before ducking into the respective wing of their guild. The same goes for those that try to leave without joining a guild. Theft is a great marketing strategy, right?

> A3. BEGINNER’S QUEST: DUNGEON CRAWL

For all new worldwalkers, there is one quest that you must complete upon joining the server. Some call it fun-datory, some call it hazing. Don’t worry about it! Your crystal will blink at you before providing the details of the quest:

☑️ Dungeon Mission:
Retrieve the Hiccuping Hifloon

Though should there come a moment that you find yourself low on energy, whether it be from simple exhaustion or magic use, your communication crystal will flash. A new understanding will come to you: it is possible to transfer mana to one another via gestures of affection, borrowing from your traveling partner’s own energy. Why don’t you go and try it now? Holding a hand might just make you feel better, and not just emotionally!

> A4. TUTORIAL END

And with that, you’ve wrapped up the Duocaeli tutorial! Congratulations!! That said, while it's understandable to get off-track—if you outright ignore the prompts from your to-do list, you’ll find yourself respawning in front of the goal you need to accomplish! Come on, work with us a little here. Or don’t? You can be trapped in a loop if you really want.

Now you’re free to explore the rest of town. While there are some land masses in the distance, out past the wolves, it seems they're not quite open to you at the moment. Attempts to wander closer will lead to you getting turned right back around, and some glitchy text coming from your Communication Crystal that reads SERVER TRAFFIC.

If you poke around the options on your Communication Crystal, or just spend long enough logged on confused, you will eventually find it prompting you through the steps of Logging Out. Seems like there’s more still that awaits you.

"OFF" Tutorial

> B1. HOME SWEET HOME

When you awaken in the OFF world, the pressure on the front of your face is a little more apparent. Taking off the digital visor is easy—and it can turn compact right in your hand! Getting it to snap back into your cell phone just right might be a pain, thank goodness it’s durable—oh right, did we mention you have a cell phone? Whether you’re familiar with the device or not, it’s right there in your palm, the same color as your Duocaeli crystal. A closer examination of your clothes will also reveal that while your threads are familiar, they’re not exactly what you had in Duocaeli. Ever heard of a department store? They’re a little more like what you’d find there! Finally, your phone will suddenly beep and provide you with a new checklist, starting with:

☑️ Locate Domus Hosus Room

Seems like the first one is to find your room… But as you take a closer look around you, you might finally notice it—the way that the tiles on the floor seem to be shuddering in excitement at your awakening, the opening and closing of windows and cabinets to get your attention and say hi. Not only is the house alive, it seems to be happy to see you! Make your request—maybe a passing soul tells you that the house likes to be called Dodo, rather than the formal Domus Hosus—and see if it can be answered! Dodo so wants you to be comfortable here.

…and perhaps be a little mischievous? As you try to find your room, designated by your name on a plaque, you might be in for a surprise. Maybe the stairs suddenly turn into a slide, prompting you to tumble into another person. Perhaps the doors flicker and switch at the last second, prompting you to find an unfamiliar neighbor instead of your own lodgings. Is this what they call… a meet cute?

> B2. SURVIVE THE INTERNET

☑️ Post on DUONET

You have some questions, right? Don’t worry, whether for the inquisitive mind or the petty complaint, there’s always the internet! Through your cell phone, you’ll be prompted and guided through the steps of posting on DUONET, which is available to your fellow Worldwalkers. Don’t forget there’s also an Anonymous function, though it’s not without its own hiccups!

> B3. HELLO, MY NAME IS

At some point in your exploration, you’ll be interrupted by a neat little beep beep! On the screen of your phone:

☑️ Go to Dodo's Welcome Mingle
Or It'll Be Sad It Worked Really Hard On It :(

O-Oh. No reason not to drop in for a little while at least, right? Heading down to the Lobby of the Dodo House will reveal that it's been spruced up for all the new arrivals—sweet little string lights and dinky party streamers probably look a little silly against the grand art nouveau architecture, but don't you see how the lights surge happily at your arrival? It's the thought that counts!

All arrivals to the party will also find themselves with a name tag that lists one fact about them, regardless of whether it's a closely guarded secret or an actual fun fact! Those are impossible to think of when you're put on the spot—isn't it nice to have one thought of for you?

> B4. THE GOOD FORTUNE CITY

Once you're done partying, you and your newfound friends are free to hit the town. There are an unusual amount of signs that read CLOSED FOR PRIDE PARADE PREP, but you'll at least find that the local convenience stores and basic modern amenities are open.

Perhaps you should focus on the way other people here treat you so familiarly, as though you’ve been here all your life. Maybe some of it is jogging your memory, maybe not. Regardless, it seems that, for now, you’re here to stay. The question is how, or whether, you’ll make the best of it.

OOC Notes

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!

duocaeli

duologs

duolingos FAQ & Game Info / Calendar / Locations / Mechanics
Taken / Applications / Hiatus & Drops

FULL NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[RIKU YOUR SASUKE ITABAG]

Really? Aw... Is there anyone you want to share one with now?

It'd be nice if the legend was real. I'd want to share one with people, too.

[split one fruit like. seven ways. help.]

[do you think julia would block me if i just showed up with that in a thread with her (no) i just impose our own inside jokes on other people unwillingly]

Now? [PEOPLE, BUZEN?! HE JUST SHARES ONE WITH EVERY GOU.] I...

[Briefly, he looks conflicted. The sentiment at least gets him to focus a bit instead of spiral. He glances down at his own name tag.]

I don't know. I don't think... I have to actually. The person I'd share one with... I'm pretty sure our destinies are already connected. Because we're friends.

[that would be so fucking funny i think they should both go to hot topic together regardless

also yea, Buzen would want to eat this fruit with every Gou!! Riku's answer makes him smile though. it's a soft one.]

... well, that's true. Fruit or no fruit, there's some people that it feels like you're just meant to be beside, right?

No matter how far apart you are, or how long you have to wait.

[No, don't smile!! DON'T SMILE.

He glances back up because he's surprised to hear someone who not only understands, but who knows how to say it in Their Disney Language too.]

...Yeah. It's exactly like that. [Does this make them friends now somehow? Well:] I'm Riku.

[Wait--]

Oh. Uh. The... [He points stupidly at the name tag.] Duh.

[it's the overt sincerity and embarrassing tendencies.

but Buzen just laughs and points at his own:] Buzen. [there, now they matched] Good to meet you, Riku-san.

Can I ask if there's still anyone you're looking to meet? I can try to keep an eye out for them for you.

Just Riku is fine. [RIKU-SAN...... He's a baby.] Nice to meet you, Buzen.

[This is character development.]

I'm not sure if they... Well, it's a little complicated. But... Kairi. She's a friend. And...

[A hesitant pause. Then he points at the name on his name tag. Uh. The one below his own, of course.]

If I'm lucky... Sora. We were looking for him.

Ohh, we're good friends already! Alright, I like your speed!

[NO HONORIFIC RIKU? WOW!!! THEY'RE SO CLOSE!!!!!]

But ah, I've got it - I think? What do they look like? What are they like? Did Sora-san run into some trouble or something?

[the way buzen is just making an assumption based on where he last heard Inaba was.... their problem friends....]

[Wh--? WAIT. HOLD A SECOND HERE. THEY JUST USE THEIR NAMES IN HIS CANON, NOOOOOOO. He made them speed the friendship?!]

I...

[NEVERMIND. IT'S FINE. Whatever. It's not like he can be rude and say they aren't.]

Uh. They're both around my age. [He does not give an age. Teenager.] Kairi has red hair and a pink dress. She's sweet, but she'll tease you if you let her. Sora has brown, spiky hair. Don't worry, if you run into Sora, you'll know who he is immediately. He'll tell you his name, ask you a bunch of questions, and consider you friends.

[Like you, Riku? ALSO DON'T JUST SEND INABA TO THE AFTERLIFE.]

It's a long story. Sora is always in trouble, but this time... it's a little more serious.

[he can be rude. more people should be rude to Buzen. it'd be funny.

but this is so funny.... Buzen just laughs at that, nodding along.]

I think Sora and I would get along - but I'll keep an eye out for them both. I haven't met anyone who matches those descriptions just yet though.

[his expression turns a little sympathetic - ] If it's serious, you must be worried though. How are you holding up?

[NO. Laurent would be rude to Buzen, but I refuse. They’re friends now, I guess.]

I think you would, too.

[Dealing with Sora and Buzen together… Damn, he’s just Matsui now.]

…?

[IMAGINE SOMEONE BOTHERING TO ASK A “CHILD SOLDIER” HOW THEY’RE HOLDING UP.

He looks a bit stunned at the question. Imagine talking about feelings of loss. Couldn’t be him or Kairi, they’re missing the Feelings Talker between them. THEY ARE JUST SASUKE AND TAKA.]

I’m… [He doesn’t want to say alright.] I went ahead to look for him. [Coping by working…] Kairi will join when she gets stronger.

[c

can someone please ask kids how they're doing more often.

Buzen's expression softens a little bit at that - because it's not unfamiliar? Matsui doesn't always have the words for what he's feeling too, and Buzen isn't the type to make people process them on the spot. or... sometimes ever.

but he does reach out to clap a hand onto Riku's shoulder, giving it a little squeeze]

I know this is a new place, with a lot of strangers and uncertainty -

But you're not alone, alright? Maybe we can still look for him here. I'll help however I can, until you can be reunited with who you want to see.

[The hand doesn't bother him, though he does look softly embarrassed about it. He idly rubs the curve of the back of his neck.]

Mm. [Isn't this stuff he's supposed to be saying? Honestly. Buzen is Mickey Mouse...] There are a lot of us here. So... as long as we work together, we can find the answers.

[Will he LIKE the answers? Maybe not. But he's used to swallowing bitter pills.]

I don't know where Sora is exactly, but if he's here, I'll find him. And... maybe it's better if Kairi is still at home.

[BUZEN IS MICKEY MOUSE?

but Buzen is just tilting his head curiously at that, mostly at the last bit - ]

You think so? About Kairi-san, I mean - don't you miss her?

[Yeah, he's doling out philosophy like Mickey. The King..........]

Yeah, I do. But she stayed behind to train, so I think she'll be safer there. And even if something happens, she'll have our friends to help her. If I don't run into Sora and can't find a way back... then she'll come looking for me.

She has before.

[the idea of buzen being able to manage any kind of philosophy is so funny. please help.]

Ah... It's not that I don't get it or anything...

[because Buzen has also sacrificed his own well-being for the sake of making sure his other Gous get to enjoy their peace? but he's also chased after people to make sure that they're not alone when things get hard.

so it's the intersection of those two things that make him say - ]

But even really strong people shouldn't go running off on their own. I know you went ahead, but remember to take a breather now and then. I bet she wants to catch up to you, too.

She does.

[They have

left Kairi behind SO MANY TIMES. WHY WOULD CANON DO THIS? Why does KH hate girls? Anyhow. Yeah. They've left her behind, and she's stubborn now.]

Don't worry. I spent a long time doing that, but now I know better. [Usually.] I won't leave her behind.

If she shows up, then... she's ready.

[NOT THEIR KAIRI!!!! but buzen just laughs at that, easily pleased.]

You're a good kid, Riku. Must've been quite the journey, huh?

[for him to be forced through character development....]

But I hope I'll get to meet her, then!

[Nooo... called a good kid when he spent so long being naughty. He rubs the back of his neck again, like he's shy!]

It was, but it was worth it.

[Grew up from Seasons Riku.]

I think she'd like you. You... remind me a lot of Sora. He'd like you, too.

Being compared to your important people? That's a compliment if I've ever heard one. Thanks - I definitely want to look out for them both and meet them soon. I think it'd be a lot of fun!

We could throw a big festival, or some kind of reunion party!

[swords love to party....]

[DON'T SAY IT LIKE THAT?! It really makes him embarrassed even though he agrees he has important people, and he'd tell anyone they were important. HELP HIM.]

Is that what you do for friends you see again?

[Throw a big party?]

I would if I could, yeah! Though sometimes them being summoned is already the big party.

[tsurumaru kuninaga is out there....]

[T

them being SUMMONED???? He thinks about the link summons.... Is it like that? When they summon their friends?]

Being summoned...?

Oh.... yeah!

[PLEASE EXPLAIN MORE]

My comrades got a party like that.... I'd be kind of jealous if I didn't think they definitely deserved it, you know?

[PLEASE EXPLAIN MORE.]

I... see. [BUZEN'S NO PARTY SHED LIFE, HELP ME.] So... like a welcome home party?

[no

because Riku actually has more or less hit the name on the head - ]

Yeah! A Welcome to the Citadel party! Where all your comrades gather, and you eat good food, and sing a lot of songs and stuff....

At least, that's what I've heard.

beta testing 0.1: tutorial & dungeon

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)