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

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis isn't one to lie... right? But definitely not about something like this. He will keep his word and if something changes his thoughts on necessity, he'll bring it to Erichthonios's attention first with the reasoning and seek their opinion.

But really, what need would there ever be over letting the other young man live free of Lahabrea's shadow?

Themis is focusing on Guilmon's excited answer. After tilting his head to the side by her phrasing- living next door to the pair and often being in their company he has gotten use to her proclamations- he then appears to be holding back a chuckle when Erichthonios clarifies.

"I see. It sounds like you're looking forward to having your own set of robes. And a mask?" A scarier and eviler one. This is accepted with the spirit of indulgence, as one might give to a child.

He turns his attention up to Erichthonios. "If Elecmon returns with anything you find useful, you're welcome to it." Of course he's able to read the room here. A direct offer to help support or do it will not be given. Erichthonios should be allowed the opportunity for self-growth. Though perhaps there is a bit of sobering of Themis's amusement with the reminder of the suppression.

It's been a considerable adjustment for the young man, for other reasons.

"I've seen clothing and fabric in these shops for sale. And a variety of other items that might suit your needs. You've gotten a grasp on the currency and the customs of shopping for items with it?"

Of course there's a need for shopping! If nothing more than for situations like these.

"Or would you prefer to gather what you need from one of the places we can travel to? I was considering taking up the task of gathering ingredients later. You're welcome to accompany me if you'd like."

[chainsthatbind]

"Yes but not like yours, yours are boring and the same." Which is apparently extremely unwelcome to small crimson dinosaurs, who expect scarier and with more spikes."I can't scare anyone if it's exactly the same as yours."

He doesn't find any of it intimidating at all, be it Guilmon or anything else she's coming up with. "We'll find something sooner or later." It's neither acceptance nor refusal of potentially taking whatever Elecmon comes up with, because if she came back with a bag of rocks it wouldn't really be that useful but outright refusing is rude. "I wonder why they bother with this ..exchange of 'coin' for other items, surely there's enough hands to make anything needed freely available to all."

The problem with a utopian society: what the hell is supply and demand. "I've been given a rundown of how it works but what, precisely, prevents you or I from simply.. creating more of this currency and using it as we wish?" NOT A THING.

"Oh! If you're going traveling!" Themis is seized again, this time in razorsharp claws at about knee height via Guilmon, who tugs on his robe with all the impertinence of the young and oblivious. "We're going to be going to the Pixel Coast later on, you should come."

Wait weren't they supposed to be accompanying Themis, not extending a different invitation? "...Well if you're headed out gathering anyway, I'm hoping to get a better idea of the layout of the area and different ecosystems and resources to draw on. If we're to do a lot of fighting I'd like to be familiar with the arena."

[fallenstarmagnet]

"In our society, the community is valued over the individual person and this is how we represent it. Though I'm sure Erichthonios might have already explained this." Still Themis does look amused. One can imagine Guilmon has probably heard it before and simply was Unimpressed.

"But since it seems things are different here, there shouldn't be any reason not to add some embellishments. Hopefully you both can work together to find a design you like."

The mystery will persist for a little bit longer as to what Elecmon is bringing back from her shopping trip. Themis finds his companion has a good point and gives it due thought, going over what he's seen and observed about this unusual system of... could it be called barter in a sense? Or at least tokens that promise the exchange of goods from another shop.

"It's unusual. But I haven't seen anyone yet with creation magicks like ours. If this is an island and the mainland has been cut off, surely some items will not be easily supplied. If most of the populace can't freely create by manipulating aether... data as they call it, then this money system may make sense. After a fashion."

Clearly a little clunky. But if Person A doesn't have something in exchange for what person B has, having some form of token to take to a third party isn't completely uncalled for. Pile that onto the time it takes to craft something by hand? Still, Themis shakes his head. He may be able to reason it with much study and deliberation but he doesn't entirely understand it. Nor has he settled on whether economy via tokens bearing value is really the best way to go about doing things.

"Still, they've been doing things this way for a long time and it's interesting enough to watch and experience." It certainly doesn't impact them, barring the suppression on their power. Themis smiles at Erichthonios's question about why they can't just create more currency. "Nothing does other than our choice whether we should. I don't think there's enough reason to harm to our relations in this world by doing so. We stand to gain more by following their ways and earning trust."

Not a thing indeed. It's all about whether it would be a GOOD IDEA to.

Ah, robes! Themis looks down with a bit of surprise; proving that it was a good(?) idea to tug at the fabric to attract his attention. His features relax and he looks between digimon and warder. There won't be any mention of that strange reversal of invitation.

"I don't see our purposes at odds. I would be glad to keep you company. One of the places I need to travel to is Access Port in that area. I'm sure Elecmon wouldn't mind."

"Mind what?" And lo, there's the digimon in question, pulling up with a bag of shopping supplies balanced on her head (carefully) and holding some sort of grilled meat and vegetable on a stick in one grasp and two cartons of juice drink in another. This requires a rigid balancing act but she's somehow managed to pull it off the final distance.

[chainsthatbind]

"Yes, he tried." Which he did, though she still obviously disagreed with it."In digimon society, so many of us are hatched looking alike anyway that it's good to make yourself different! And besides, you two are pretty stand-out now the way you are, only Wizardmon and the like roam around in spooky robes all the time."

He isn't giving up the outfit of decades that easily; it might make him stand out here but it's also comforting and familiar. "Call it habit then. But we don't really expect anyone not our kind to do as we do either. So even if we were back home, it would be fine to imbellish all you want."

This at least seems to mollify Guilmon a little.

The matter of currencies draws a slow frown that doesn't quite go away. It still sounded inefficient, and not very concerned about what's best for others to him. "I'm willing to bet somewhere in this system, there's one or two digimon benefitting way more from this currency thing than the rest are." It sounded like what someone might come up with if they simply wanted advantages over everyone else!

Erichthonios and Guilmon turn in the same motion when Elecmon reappears, with a bag of ... things he can't quite discern easily. "Going on an excursion. Seeing what's out there, and who's out there."

"And taking it ov--" "Not yet."

[fallenstarmagnet]

In fact one can argue that artistic embellishment was often applied directly to many creations and familiars and those 'not of their kind'. Themis nods in support of what Erichthonios explains to Guilmon, but also offers a few words on the contrast that's in Digimon society.

"It's been interesting to observe your society. And that of the other Tamers brought here." Themis looks again at Erichthonios. "It's fascinating that combining a small nod to fitting in and being uniquely dressed compared to our fellows, we are in fact fitting into their society." Clearly he finds the simplicity of it interesting. A bit of compromise was all it took.

Of course the nature of the economy here does warrant some thought on the underbelly. While it's interesting Themis recognizes its shortcomings. "It would only have been a matter of time. The one with the ability to provide more would gain the most." And without a strong sense of valuing a community over the self, it would probably grow progressively worse.

"Not yet? I didn't think we were trying to take over anything at all. But exploring sounds fun!"

Elecmon has a bit of a conundrum. First her hands are full and she can't really shift the bag off her head. Second, there's more people than she planned and she only has enough in her hands for herself and a small 'bite' for Themis.

"I don't have much food, but we can split it between us?" Naturally she's going to sound a little disappointed being that she was looking forward to the part that was her. But fair is fair!

Her partner reaches down to retrieve the bag of shopping. Both helpful and with the intention of offering it out to the warder. Within is a number of household staples. Food mostly on a scale for Elecmon. Some things that would be useful about the household they've been assigned, including a few linens- towels and cloths and is that a curtain with a floral print? The list it was based on was probably worked out between both Themis and Elecmon and seems geared more toward the needs of the latter. Themis probably means to simply create or 'purchase' what he needs for himself as it comes up. Why worry about buying food now when he might not need it til a while later?

Anyway Erichthonios is welcome to root through and find anything he might be able to use. Shopping for these things was, in the end, more of a social experiment.

"I'm fine, Elecmon," Themis reassures. He did notice that a little extra had been gotten and probably for for himself. He doesn't say anything if it had gone over budget. "If Guilmon or Erichthonios wants some, they're welcome to it." Less to share between.

[chainsthatbind]

"On the other hand, it's gotten me asked a few times what sort of digimon I am." Which Guilmon has every time immediately set straight, but he almost couldn't blame them, having heard rumors and caught glimpses of more powerful digimon.

The crimson would-be-evil-tyrant watches the bag of items exchange hands with narrowed crimson eyes. What's in that? Quite without really thinking about it, Erichthonios takes the offered bag and all but tucks it under one arm for safekeeping. "Taking over comes later," she confides. "We have to win first."It's a slow progression of priorities, and one Erichthonios has only bothered to slightly correct to stall anything like rebellion against his directions. "But you can keep your food, I already ate and I don't think my Tamer even eats at all."

He doesn't dignify this with a protest, he certainly does eat when he feels the need to, that's just not very often! "Though if we're going to go scouting it's probably best we not take a bag of ... ah, shopping with us. And full stomachs for the hungry. I'd also like to see if we can locate a nice open area that can be used for a bit of practice, doing so in the city feels.. a little dangerous."

[fallenstarmagnet]

They both are unusually tall compared to the other Tamers and wearing similar robes. It's absolutely fair Themis and Erichthonios might be variations of some sort of evolution.

"We do get hungry and eat, but we don't need to do so as often. Though I did sample some of the food offered during this sale." Tiny, tiny bites. Themis shakes his head before focusing on his companion. "Ah, the shopping. If there's nothing you can use for Guilmon's outfit, then I'll send it back..."

There is a pause and a brief frown. Yes, he has to be more conservative with his magic. Especially if he's going to participate in practice, exploration and the like.

"Or possibly not. If a quick stop by our home wouldn't interrupt your plans to depart, then I'll drop it off and make sure there's enough food for our friends in case our journey takes longer than intended."

Elecmon is listening to the two speak, though her conversation is with Guilmon for the moment. "If you say so," she answers dubiously. The digimon doesn't appear to be convinced. But she does follow it with confident support based on her personal experience with her tamer's eating habits. "Your Tamer must eat. Mine does." This comes with Elecmon's sage nod of one convined that if two Tamers come from the same place and are roughly the same size, they clearly must have similar eating habits.

"If you're sure though... and since Themis doesn't want it, won't you at least take this juice box?" This will be offered to Guilmon. Don't worry, no pranks are attached. Either way she'll start tearing into the lunch (with an extra serving!!) and pausing only to look up at Themis speaks about going back home briefly.

"Oh, are we leaving right now?"

[chainsthatbind]

He had wondered for a while if they might have to eat more now that they were on a different world but ... not so far! It's been a few days and mostly he's been comfortably getting by with a snack or two and the occasional drink. Guilmon glances at him for confirmation, and he just shrugs a little. It's how it worked! "More for you two, hm?"

She brightens up visibly at this, then reorients on Elecmon. "I saw him eat one pear once and then nothing else." She's going to take that juice box though, in not entirely dextrous long talons. There's a long moment of fiddling with it before it's offered mutely to Erichthonios, who has FAR more nimble hands.

But on the other hand it is a very tiny juicebox in HIS grip. Gingerly he takes it and begins trying to work it open with the delicacy of a master craftsman trying to not cause a chip. "A delay won't matter much. It's not like the island's going anywhere." OR IS IT.

"We have to lock up anyway," Guilmon adds helpfully, "He never does."

By the blank look she's given this isn't actually wrong. Why would he-- "Well, leaving soon. I'd like to at any rate. Did you have something else you needed to do first, Elecmon? More snacks, or .. I don't know, a carrying basket?"

Then there's a brief sideways glance at Themis. Locks, really? He wasn't in possession of anything so dangerous it had to be kept under key!

[fallenstarmagnet]

Elecmon misses her opportunity to offer to help, but on seeing Erich willing she nods like she has a sagely epiphany. Yes, let the tamer and partner work together to open a juice box. She won't interrupt this bonding moment. Also her paws are full of meat on stick.

"Only a pear?" Elecmon thinks about this. "How do they even grow that big? Do you think they'll just sit down one day and have this mountain of food and be good for months?" It's like Themis and Erichthonios aren't there to ask directly. But this is mostly becoming the feel of the two digimon catching up while giving the two Tamers to finalize plans.

"I had to explain that to Themis too," Elecmon confides when it comes to locking up. She's trying to keep her voice low so she doesn't embarrass her Tamer to... probably nearby crowd. How well this is working depends on whether you think her voice being able to reach the two giants would count for discreet. "He said locks and wards are for containing dangerous things. You just need to put it in context for Erichthonios." She takes a wise sip of her juice box.

Oh! But Erichthonios is addressing her. She looks up, taking his question seriously. "Oh, you know snacks for the journey would be nice! And if you think I can help carry things, I could bring a basket."

Themis likewise exchanges a glance with the warder. It's both bemused and humoring. "They seem so insistent. I don't see any harm in following their suggestion. So back home to gather what Elecmon might need and 'lock up'?"

Should there be no further need to linger, the Amaurotine will be turning to do just that. Conveniently in time for Elecmon to have finished the meal and lick her paws clean.

[chainsthatbind]

"I guess they're like plants. Add sunshine and water, and pop there you go. It would explain the size, trees are pretty big too." This is entirely the wrong answer but it sounds right to Guilmon, and Erichthonios does not correct this assumption. It's certain he heard it by the twitch of lips that is stifled before it can actually become a grin, but he's careful!

"We'll have to, I guess. Other stars, other rules, right?" So be it; he turns with every intention to simply WALK back to their granted apartments. Teleportation was not a spell he had a knack for, and Guilmon's quite happy to follow along. "Mayhap sooner or later we'll have something to lock away, so getting into the habit can't be that bad." He's going to keep forgetting, homes simply didn't NEED locks. Maybe he'd re-evaluate that when and if ALIAS became a more clear and present threat and some infected 'mon needed to be contained therein.

He knows plenty about that at least. "From what I've heard, this star should have a vast array of environments, and natural life accordingly. I wonder where it all comes from without someone to put it there." Some life, yes, but countless varieties? Shouldn't that take some active effort?

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis is a little more obvious about his grin but given he tends to do so often, may it go unnoticed.

He falls into step with Erichthonios. Where there's no reason to hurry, there's none to teleport and walking lets Themis observe their surroundings. Elecmon follows with Guilmon at her side. Shoulder riding is great but today's a day to hang out with her friend. Because surely Guilmon is her friend just like Erichthonios and Themis are friends. ...And they're all friends with each other! Right? Clearly.

"At the very least it would put our small friends' minds at ease," Themis offers, apparently happy and obviously referring to the two digimon. It's clear the Amaurotine has little or nothing he'd particularly mind going 'missing' because someone took advantage, nor thinks Elecmon has anything precious... yet.

Though the manner in which this particular star grows is a worthwhile distraction from the sights of Access City. Themis's focus centers on the taller man and then grows thoughtful.

"It's not as if it's impossible for environments to grow and life to flourish in unintended ways. Such is one of the reasons we have Elpis to be sure our peoples' concepts will fit in our own star and Pandemonium to contain what can be researched for future efforts." Themis certainly feels it would be chaotic to just put everything and let it grow without tending. So his musings aloud are ones with the tone of a person trying to work through a foreign problem.

"Still, who's to say this star didn't have its own shepherds at one point. Whether they're still here and hidden from us or left a long time ago... or existed at all remains unknown." Themis brightens a bit. "Wouldn't it be interesting if this star were completely shaped without caretakers?" Think about it, Erichthonios! A way to see a world in situ and how it can develop on its own?

[chainsthatbind]

Guilmon is in fact certain that's actually how it works. Friends of friends are automatically friends! And instead of just her and Erichthonios, now there's FOUR of them! It could only get better with a few more!

"I'd be more inclined to think there are creators on some level, now or in the past. Someone has to start the process somewhere." It makes sense to him! In turn, surely something instigated their own kind into being, nothing just ... pops out of the aether one day, fully formed! Actually they do, all the time, but not on their own. "That we haven't encountered them yet simply suggests that they're rather busy, as opposed to not being about somewhere."

After all, when you run a star you might not have time for visitors.

Guilmon, noticeably, doesn't have much of an opinion on this. Does she know her own world's histories?!? By her lack of volunteering information in favor of briefly chasing after a tumbling leaf, the answer is 'probably not'.

"Besides which, most of what we see around us has clear evidence of intelligent design, not the mishaps and mishmash of accidental survival-of-the-fittest arms races." He looks around almost casually, like a tourist probably would. Plenty of interesting things to see, after all! Normally Erichthonios doesn't get to meet new forms of life that aren't actively trying to murder him, he's rather enjoying himself even if it doesn't quite look that way on the surface. "Especially this 'tamer' business. You can't really get familiars looking actively to bond with a person, without someone making the familiar that way on purpose."

This draws a pause from the red saurian. "What's a familiar?"

[fallenstarmagnet]

The conversation's nice to have while their walk is paced by the strides and interest of the digimon partners.

Erichthonios's suggestion about the presence of ones who may create and tend this world is met with a nod. It really is the more sensible observation. Is Themis a little disappointed to be reminded of that? Well, yes but only because the possibilities of this new world are so fascinating.

"If Alias is as dire as suggested, then it would be reasonable to speculate the caretakers of this star are resolving a problem connected to it. Or are otherwise able to communicate, much less intervene," he answers. Certainly with the issue somehow touching whole other worlds despite whatever distance may exist (or not?) between them leaves a great deal of room for possibilities on just how bad the situation is. Alias itself may be the smallest pebble on a mountain.

But there's still much to learn before Themis can truly think to offer something with surety.

Further thought is taken on the matter of planned design over random happenstance. Between the two of them, Erichthonios is certainly, if not a master of it, possessed with more on-hand experience in observing the results of concept design.

"You bring a fair point. And I would be hard pressed myself to argue that bonding outside of one's species with this regularity was anything other than by specific design."

The Amaurotine's gaze follows Guilmon and Elecmon's antics; the latter seems to have developed the useful ability to let a large part of what Themis talks about- particularly with Ericthonios- flow around her. Probably a very handy thing, given it means a lot terms that might offend a thinking, feeling person are not taken to heart.

Well she could also be biased to Themis's well-meaning nature. While she doesn't give chase to the leaf, the gleam in her eyes suggests she might have found some harmless mischief to subject Guilmon to later that may or may not be 'leaf on a string' shaped.

"I know that one," Elecmon interjects helpfully. "It's what they call the people from their world that aren't as tall as them."

...She's not... completely wrong.

Themis holds back a laugh (barely) and gently offers some... we'll call it elaboration.

"While it's possible some of the Tamers here are familiars created by our people, size isn't what determines whether they are one." Focusing on Guilmon, the white-robed youth continues readily. "A familiar refers to personal concepts we bring to life with with our creation magicks. Generally for a specific function or purpose to aid us with our work versus a concept designed to be released upon our star."