INTRO EVENT: Dawn Of A New Age

[tamerunion]

The story which has begun to revolve at full speed
Dyes the earth red
The globe is an empty paradise
Let's save it with our hands...

A new day dawns in the Digital World. Technically, it's been a scant few since Tamers first appeared in the Digital World, but today... today is especially momentous. The reason for that is that today is the day that Tamer Union's mission fully begins in earnest. However, the path ahead will not be easy, and will be fraught with danger for human and Digimon alike.

But maybe, just maybe, these disparate people can work together to save their worlds.

Mission Start
The message is sent through on Tamers' digivices early in the morning. It comes from the leaders of Tamer Union, Sunflowmon and Nanomon, who give the directions to gather in the main assembly area of the HQ. When Tamers arrive, they'll find a group of allied Digimon there; essentially, TU's support staff, as well as Panjyamon, Mummymon, and Bitmon. The reason they give... is that it's time for Tamer Union's mission to begin in earnest.

Once everyone is assembled, it's Sunflowmon who speaks first. "Thank you for gathering here today, everyone," she said. "I apologize for the fact that it's taken this long to bring you all together, but we're ready to discuss Tamer Union's mission. Nanomon?"

Nanomon nods, and walks out in front of her. "Hello," he began. "You are all here because you chose to answer our call. All of your worlds are being plagued by some sort of phenomena, and we know that something in this world is the cause of it. We'd like to talk to you about what where we'd like to start focusing our attention."

He took a deep breath, and began explaining the matter of the strange phenomenon known as "Alias". A horrifying, frightful condition that drives Digimon to savagery, where they loose all sense of themselves and become ravenous monsters. He explains that the phenomenon first appeared on the mainland, and that Sunflowmon's master, Rosemon, sent her to restore Tamer Union in an attempt to solve what was truly behind Alias's sudden appearance.

Once Nanomon was finished, Sunflowmon stepped forward, and began to speak solemnly.

"Unfortunately, by the time we managed to bring you all here, Access Island lost contact with the mainland," she explained. "So our ability to pursue this mission is at present quite limited. What we can do right now is do our best to try and make sure that Alias doesn't spread and take over this island... which is why we need you Tamers to be vigilant and patrol the areas of the island that are open to us to determine if Alias has reached Access Island yet or not."

She frowned, and continued. "Furthermore... Tamers are not yet allowed into all areas of the island. The Digimon of each region aren't all sure they can trust you yet. For that reason, you may only be able to use the Trailmon to visit Panorama Plains, Material Jungle, and Pixel Coast.

"I'm sorry. I know after all this, you must all want to get down to business as quickly as we can. But right now, informing you and asking you to stay vigilant is all we can do. I would advise you all to also try and see what you can do to be helpful in the city... and if you want to try building a life here, you'll have our full support."

There looked to be so much more Sunflowmon wished to say. Unfortunately, she had run out of words, so she simply concluded with: "That's all we have for you. If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them."

With that, the meeting was over. That left Tamers with a couple options: one, to approach Sunflowmon, or discuss the matter among themselves.

A Wonderful Day In Our Neighborhood
The inaugural meeting may have been somber, but the Tamers would find Access City bustling and ready to welcome them when they ventured out into the city proper. It turned out that there was something of an event going on, which seemed to be perfect for those still trying to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings: A massive sale in the business district.

All the shops were coordinating with one another. Stores had their wares at reduced prices, which would be a good way for one to spend the stipend they received from Tamer Union. Everything from food to furniture to entertainment was available, and best of all affordable. Others had free samples ready to give out, which were thankfully more palatable than the food served by Ebidramon at the welcome party.

That wasn't all. For those not concerned with buying up anything, there were shows being put on out in the streets by street performers: "human" pyramids, musicians, magicians, jugglers, just about anything you could imagine. And the Digimon putting it on? They would be quick to drag any observers into their performances, whether they technically agreed to it or not.

Even if the rest of the island wasn't ready to trust offworlders yet, it seemed Access City was more than willing to.

Rail Riders
Some time after the big meeting, Tamers would get yet another message on their Digivices, this time from Panjyamon:

Have you all taken a ride on the Trailmon yet? It's an ice way to get around!
Puns aside, he was right. The Trailmon of Console Station were more than willing to carry passengers to any of the available locations. Perhaps you want to get started on patrolling the island for signs of ALIAS. Or maybe you want to get the lay of the land. Or maybe you just want to go to the beach. In any case, your tickets are free, and the Digivice's version of the Handbook has more than enough information for you to read up on the areas before you go.

That being said, there's some goings on that might catch one's eye. A bunch of shifty looking Digimon are riding the Trailmon more than usual. Not only do they make a ruckus on the train, they're going in and out of cargo cars both prior to and upon exiting the train. Do they have permission to do that? And why are they off in such a hurry, and in such large groups?

In any case, this looks like an ample time to find out.

This prompt can be used one of two ways: players visiting the various areas to search for signs of Alias or just because they fancy doing so, or to pursue the Goblimon mystery. If you'd like to pursue the former, you can either NPC them yourself (the Goblimon would turn out to just be everyday troublemakers), or you can request an NPC below and possibly get involved with larger matters!

Comments

[aetherweaver]

"As much as I'd hate to encounter it firsthand, I fear we're going to have to at some point." There's always tragedy - but it falls to those who can to pick up and move on, lighting the lamps for those who come after and carrying the flame of hope. "But I know that we can make it through this, as long as we band together."

Still, they're all very disparate right now - and he holds no illusions about them all forming a bond quickly. But they still must, if only to prevent this from spreading further. "That's a good idea. I should probably do that..."

He perks up at the sight of a new Digimon, smiling a little bit wider. "Oh, hello. No, you're not at home. I'm Nara'a, and this is Botamon." The little Digimon on his shoulder bounces and grins at the other pair. "Hello!"

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Themis! You should have woke me up!"

Elecmon slides completely out of the cowl/blanket/nest and perches on the Amaurotine's shoulder while chastising him. The Tamer seems to be a little amused but also nods.

"I will in the future then. Please forgive me, you seemed to be enjoying your nap." When it's time to rest it's time to rest and to Themis it didn't seem so urgent to interrupt that. He can tell her the details of the meeting later.

"Okay, so I was but still, please do!" It's a little embarrassing to sleep through important meetings! Elecmon turns her attention to the others, looking down from her perch. "Oh hello, Botamon! And you're Botamon's Tamer? It's good to meet you both!"

There'll be a polite little wait while small talk is had. Though Themis will address Nara'a after a moment's time to turn back to their conversation.

"I agree it'll be a good to work together, since our goal is the same. There's also the matter of areas we can't travel to yet." Ones that run the risk of being a glaring hole in their ability to assess whether Alias has reached the island. For a minute, Themis furrows his brow and looks a bit troubled while he ponders it.

"If it's impossible for now, we'll need to work on what we can. What do you make out of this situation?"

[aetherweaver]

"Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you." Botamon chirps a little bit in excitement, bouncing slightly as Nara'a focuses his attention back on the Ancient.

"What I make of it... well, I feel like there's some danger in the areas we're not allowed to go to that they're not yet telling us about. If it was just that they couldn't trust us, we could set up meetings and work out some kind of conditions for us to be allowed into the regions. Unless they're working on that behind the scenes..."

Something to ask about later.

"Either way, it feels like there are things that they're not telling us." His ears flick back in annoyance. "Which is a little frustrating... if there's something they want to say but aren't saying, then they should just say it."

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Nice to meet you too, Nara'a. I'm Elecmon and this is Themis!" She seems proud of this introduction though she can't possibly know whether they've introduced themselves yet to each other since she was... well, sleeping.

But still it gets proper introductions out of the way and Themis, who was faintly smiling, seems to grow a little surprised over Nara'a's answer.

"I suppose these are also possibilities," he answers slowly. It's not dismissive; it seems more like he's dwelling on the matter and comparing it to what he knows so far. "But like all else it feels too early to call it more than that."

That is to say, one of many possible outcomes of all the behaviors since the Tamers' arrival to this Digital World.

"I don't doubt there's much we haven't been told. But in the circumstances, they could be trying not to overwhelm us with all we must learn. It doesn't change the fact that even if we were asked to come by one party, we are yet outsiders to many more."

Themis then nods on a matter the miqo'te touches on.

"It's also possible there are Digimon working on reaching out to the communities. Those communities may send representatives to observe us. We can show with our actions what our intentions might be for now. It's not our place to force unwanted aid. We can ask questions of those who brought us here, so they know we're ready for more information or don't comprehend something that's common sense to them. There are already many places we can go now to learn the state of the island. We can also ask for more details about the places we can't go. The answers may come more swiftly than expected."

Themis offers a faint smile.

"There is still a lot to learn. I can understand the frustration." A little at least; if there weren't frustrated or rash Amaurotines, then people like Themis wouldn't be needed or so recognized. "We've all been pulled unexpectedly into a new world and culture under crisis regardless of what we were doing before. I would recommend holding your judgement until finding out more."

Elecmon seems patient with Themis's answer, having learn it's just a thing he does or likes to do. She doesn't appear bored or lost either. But she does have a more simplistic approach in her support of whatever Themis was saying, nodding vigorously and calling down to Nara'a.

"Yes, don't forget to ask us anything too! If you're not used to something I'm sure me or Botamon will help the best we can! I bet Sunflowmon or the others in Access City would be happy to help too!" Well. There's probably some troublemakers but she probably meant a less generalistic 'others in the city'.

[aetherweaver]

Maybe he's been too suspicious. He's not quite in the mood to trust formal institutions after what he's seen recently, but this isn't the Forum. There's no reason for him to be looking for shadows to jump at. not right now.

Gods, he wishes Alphinaud were here. He'd be able to put those feelings into words that other people would listen to. Nara'a just normally nods along.

"I do need to talk to them, ask about some other things... but you're right. We do need to take things slowly." He smiles a bit. "I'm an adventurer by nature - always jumping at opportunities. Even if it's not always the wisest, I must admit."

He's gained enough self-awareness to know that, at least. Botamon pipes up, wobbling a little.

"It's okay Nara'a. But we're here to help - all the tamers and the mons in the Union! We're going to... to figure this out together!" He nuzzles into Nara'a's neck, the miqo'te's smile growing a bit wider.

"You're right, of course. I've just been a little hasty... I'm glad that I have people around who can help." He's used to a few people yanking his collar and telling him to cut it out when need be.

[fallenstarmagnet]

For what it's worth, Themis does seem to be listening. Of course he has no knowledge of what Nara'a has been going through in recent days; so he can only respond to what he's being told and seeing before him. The important bit is, he intends the response he made to be reassuring advice.

Whatever the reality that's before them, it's probably better to not act rashly.

Themis smiles at the two.

"You have been pulled into a situation few people would expect and a world that might be unlike your own. Your reaction is understandable." With a glance toward those still mingling in the meeting hall, the Amaurotine adds, "I think there are some here who've experienced a visit to a Digital World before. Not this one, but... If you're interested in talking to someone sharing the same plight as us, perhaps you can seek one of them out as well."

"Oh! Are you talking about that Ken-chan and Wormmon pair? They were nice!" Elecmon chimes in helpfully and Themis nods in confirmation.

[aetherweaver]

"Oh!" Well that's helpful. There's a lot of things here he doesn't understand, and having a guide might be helpful. "Ken and WOrmmon?"

He looks over at Botamon, who bounces. "I know what a Wormmon looks like! I can probably find them." Nara'a turns back to Themis and nods.

"Thank you. That's very helpful to know. I'll seek them out." Botamon bounces again. He can be a good guide! No problem here! And it's good to know that they're nice. "And what are you going to do after you speak to Sunflowmon? Are you planning an adventure of your own?"

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Ken?" Themis looks thoughtful before remarking. "Oh yes, Ken Ichijouji was how the Tamer introduced himself. Ken-chan was probably a nickname an endearment after all." Well he's not one to judge and doesn't seem displeased at all by the revelation. It's all interesting.

"Yup, those are the two! I think Ken was smaller than you. Maybe younger? And he didn't have your ears or tail. Which are cool by the way! Anyway, if you see a Wormmon calling his partner 'Ken-chan' a lot you got the right one!"

This helpful addition of a description is probably somewhat lacking. But perspective viewing can be rough. And Themis won't be much help on this one, knowing nothing about the meaning behind size and diversity among so many different species.

Themis answers the question with a small grin on his face, though his words are even. He knows there's work to be done and intends to keep it serious but some of his excitement still tends to show. A little.

"The situation is serious and there's much work to do. Though I admit to looking at all of this as a type of adventure. If you're asking about my plans after talking to Sunflowmon, I plan to do some shopping in Access City. Then we will likely go to the regions we're permitted to visit and investigate while looking for signs of Alias." There is a pause before he adds. "And maybe we'll take on one of the tasks of material collecting that lines up with the visits."

Yes he does, in fact, seem to see shopping and fetch quests as part of this adventure. At least if the faint grin not faltering for a second while he speaks is any indication.

[aetherweaver]

"Ah... it just reminded me of a place I'd been... it's how they addressed young people in that area of the world." He'd been excused by being obviously Eorzean, but that doesn't mean he hadn't been paying attention.

Hearing his ears and tail called 'cool' has him flicking them, and he blushes slightly. "Ah... thank you. I guess you haven't seen miqo'te before... I'm really more of a common sight where I'm from..." If anything he'd expect a viera to be called 'cool', not a miqo'te... but with people from different worlds - or different times - it's not surprising.

"I'm planning on heading out to the jungle... there's that temple that they mentioned, and I'm always curious about artifacts and history. It's important to know your history after all - it can give you clues to the future." ... And he just said that to an Ancient. Eheh. Well, it's not like Themis knows about any of his antics.

[fallenstarmagnet]

"Is it? How interesting. I wonder if it has the same meaning for Ken." That will depend on whether 'Ken' and Nara'a are from the same world, or if there's just a coincidental overlap. It's probably not very important overall though and Themis sets the matter aside fairly quickly.

"I haven't seen a miqo'te before. Have you Themis?" At this, the Amaurotine shakes his head. "I don't think I have. Though if such a being exists as a concept, I simply may not have heard of it." The giant looks down to Nara'a and smiles.

"Though it seems people come here from many different stars. So it's as likely a miqo'te is a person beyond the creations of my people."

Themis seems amenable about accepting all these small folk as 'people' from another star. Who's he to judge whether someone elsewhere had 'created' them after all! It's apparently still a novel concept though if one were to judge his manner and speech that way. Ancient or not, he seems to have no trouble agreeing pleasantly about Nara'a's insight.

"Yes. And hopefully it can shed light on our current circumstances. I wouldn't be surprised if there's still more to be found here in Access City for that matter. The Digimon who reactivated the Tamer Union facilities have only done so recently after all."

[aetherweaver]

"It's possible." In essence, considering the Sundering, they are from different worlds, at least conceptually.

"There probably is, but I get a little antsy if I stay in cities too long. I'm an adventurer by trade, after all. - And 'adventurer' is a common profession where I'm from, encompassing everything from hired mercenaries to people who delve into forgotten places. I wonder if there's a lot of people here who'd fall into that classification..."

Hm. Maybe a Free Company of sorts, here? ... A thought for later, probably. There's not enough people here, anyway. "I'll be easy to reach at least with these -" Not tomestones, what are they again? "Digivices. If you find anything out, I'm sure you'll let the rest of us know, right?"

[fallenstarmagnet]

Still the line of conversation and inquiry does give Themis a reason to look a little deeper. Or at least appear as if he's studying Nara'a. And to be honest it might be a familiar type of studying; when an Amaurotine or Ascian had sought to regard the aetherical rather than the physical realm.

But Themis smiles and seems ready to keep his counsel, even if he's a little surprised. Though not about the wanderlust bit. That seems fitting with what he just saw.

"The idea of living to seek adventure is quite exciting, even if it isn't my calling. I consider myself lucky to have the experience, despite the seriousness of the circumstances. If reaches beyond the city call you, who am I to ask you to stay?"

Elecmon's been listening, ears swiveling a bit with each exchange. "I think you'll find a lot of people and digimon eager to explore. This island is as new to some of us as it is to you guys."

And Themis seems inclined to agree, offering a nod after the digimon's words. "I would like to hear about your findings as well. I plan to record what my investigations uncover." This may take some time in certain respects. Themis wouldn't post something that's still more conjecture than fact.

[aetherweaver]

He notes the look, but doesn't say anything. He has little to hide, other than his shenanigans in the past. "Of course. I'll be glad to tell you what I find." He's going to have fun diving into places where no man or mon has gone before - or at least, no one he knows. "I'll end up coming back eventually, though. This place is a base of sorts, and it's important to have somewhere to call home."

Even if it doesn't feel like home yet, he's going to do his best to try to make it feel like it's his home. He'd made new homes before, both in his world and the First. He's not adverse to a little hard work to get it done. Botamon wobbles a little and gets a pat, steadying him.

"Yeah, we don't know much about this place either... we just know that you're our tamers!" ... Huh. Mysteries upon mysteries. "Well, that's good. At least there's others who have the same desire. It's safer to go in groups, after all - even if I can take care of myself for the most part."

[fallenstarmagnet]

It's remarkable, really. This fellow does have a very familiar aether though the physical appearance is so different. And tiny. Might it perhaps be a familiar made to scale for this realm? Ah, but this doesn't have much to do with the conversation right now, so Themis leaves the matter aside. It wouldn't do to impede whatever mission his friend might have sent this one on; he can satisfy curiosity later.

"Ah, thank you. And I agree, establishing ourselves in this place would be good. From what I understand about their society, they've been very generous about granting us housing for our stay." Look at the Amaurotine, learning the difference between his utopia and the Digital World.

Botamon certainly gets an amiable look from the giant. Elecmon is nodding in agreement. "Oh hey, Themis! I think I see Sunflowmon's free if you wanted to catch her."

Look it's great to have this high vantage. Perfect for seeing over the crowd. Themis turns his head to look and nods. "Oh yes." A glance down to Nara'a again. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to see if I can have a word with her now. I wish you luck on your adventure and I hope we get to speak again."

[aetherweaver]

"They have been. It's really nice of them to do that." They didn't have to, but they did. It just makes him all the more determined to help figure out what's happened here. He intends to work for his place here, not just take advantage of their kindness.

He smiles at Elecmon as the other Digimon speaks. "You go on ahead. We'll catch up later. I'll be around once I get my fill of adventure for the next few days." At least it's not as immediate and high stress as he's been used to. "Enjoy!"

Botamon bounces as a way of waving to them, for lack of hands. "Have a good time!"

[fallenstarmagnet]

There's a smile and a nod from Themis, enthusiastic waving from Elecmon before the giant turns and heads in Sunflowmon's direction.

A good time might not be in the future for that conversation. But the future for Themis is certainly full of that promise.