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

Taiki Unryu & Gazimon || Final Fantasy XIV || OTA

[lightingway]

▶ DESPERATE TIMES
It's not Ascians this time

---

At the very least, Gazimon understood how to work the tombstone… how, exactly, escaped Taiki, but then others had seemed to know it was a ‘Digivice’, instinctively, and once its functions were explained, Taiki had… struggled, with some of the more advanced options, but had managed at least to connect to the ‘network’. Which was like a Linkshell, only… more. Would wonders never cease. Some time after the gathering in which Sunflowmon had shared with the others the things he’d already asked about, he’d decided it was time to try some recruiting.

Hello, friends.
My name is Taiki Unryu. I may have already spoken with a few of you, but I would, ultimately, like to get to know as many of you as I can. I am an adventurer by trade, to put it lightly, which means that I have learned a few different combative arts.
In the wake of recent events, I am reaching out to you all because, while I have nothing but praise for my partner, and I’m sure many of you could say the same, there’s no reason we should operate alone. I’m looking for those among you who have seen combat before- ideally those of you who may have experienced this sort of threat before, though I recognize that is a very small pool indeed.
We are only loosely associated at present, and I feel a more close-knit group with a reasonable understanding of each others’ strengths and weaknesses may prove to our benefit.

As to the nature of this ‘ALIAS’, I would also appreciate sharing information if any of you have encountered something similar.

▶ WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU FORGOT THE WINE
What even is a 'meat apple'???

---

At the very least, the sheer breadth of items available was impressive. Even the markets of Kugane paled in comparison in terms of variety- and certainly there were a number of items here that Taiki’d never seen before in his life.

”I still don’t get why you’re going to all this trouble. I mean, flour? Yeast? Why not just buy a friggin’ loaf of bread? Plus all the fabric…” Gazimon grumbled, but at the very least he was helping to push the cart. That had been a blessing, it turned out, because the housing they’d been given, generous as it was, was not terribly spacious or well-stocked. That, and it was some distance to the markets, and there was so much that Taiki wanted to try.

“Ah, yes, I could just purchase a loaf of bread, but why would I when for just a bit more I could have the supplies to make several dozen? It’s really very easy, I’ll have to show you some time. As to the fabric, well- I’m not certain if you’ve noticed, but I’ve only got three changes of clothes with me, and one of them’s a suit of armor. Hardly suitable for going about in the street- and I’d much rather wear something that fits me properly than whatever happens to be on the rack…” He considered that, for a moment. “I wouldn’t mind making something for you, too, Gazimon, if you’d like.”

The little digimon did a double-take. “What? Why?!”

Taiki smiled. “I’m not saying you should, or have to! Only that the option is there, if you’d like it. Clothing is but one means of self-expression- but if you’d prefer, I don’t mind sticking to a more familiar topic. Food, for instance!” He beamed, reaching into a display for what looked like… ham? “I can’t say I eat pork all that often, but if it’s so inexpensive here, I don’t see why we can’t have a little extra…”

”Pork? What’s a pork?”

There was a pause. “It’s- this is ham, isn’t it? No, I see it now, the shape’s all wrong… what animal does this come from?”

Gazimon stared up at his tamer with an expression of supreme concern. ”You alright there, bunnyboy? You’re actin’ like you’ve never seen a meat apple before. Granted, these ones’re pre-peeled…”

“I’m sorry- a what?!”

Then are you saying it's Allagans?

[fallenstarmagnet]

[ A response! It comes from someone named Themis who seems to have figured out the network enough for this.]

Greetings,

I'm not unfamiliar with combat and would be willing to help groups. I would like to ask though. Are you only searching for people who have seen combat before? I think those unfamiliar with combat could benefit from escorts and there are many roles one can fill in an investigation. That aside, the Digimon themselves can combat in their stead and it would be good to learn more about their skills and how to work in a team with them as well.

Of course, I'm not saying we should simply strike out the moment a group is gathered. But even you prefer your group to be used to combat, the ones who aren't could benefit from learning examples from your experience before setting out on their own. What are your thoughts on this idea?

let's be real it's always the fuckin allagans

[lightingway]

You may be a touch ahead of me! My greatest concern was not fighting prowess in and of itself, but more the ability to remain calm in a life-or-death situation. What I'm looking for would be more akin to a... 'front line', I suppose, though the terminology of war is ill-fitted to the purpose.

In my home, I was part of an organization called the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Our purpose was something similar, to be a bulwark between such existential threats and those who were less prepared for them. My friends have not followed me to this place, but I would still gladly volunteer myself to stand at the fore, so that others aren't forced to.

I am, of course, not opposed to teaching others.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Forgive me if I was unclear, though I think we meant the same thing. I'm hoping, since it seems all of us brought here will be required to learn how to keep calm in a life-or-death situation, as you put it, to make sure everyone will be prepared before they truly face something they aren't prepared to handle.

Your organization is the Scions of the Seventh Dawn you say? What an interesting name. Can you tell me more of your work? What you would consider existential threats where you come from?

[lightingway]

The world of my home has, historically, been ravaged by apocalyptic events every few hundred years or so, the most recent was less than a decade ago, and with the world still recovering, the group was formed as an effort to forestall any further calamities. I suppose the name is a sort of poetic mission statement, a declaration that the last Calamity, the seventh, would be the last.

I'm glad to say we've since officially disbanded, since the root cause of the calamities has been addressed- but this does not undo the damage caused by the people who brought them about.

There's likely some sort of dark comedy in the notion that within weeks of my thinking the world was, finally, properly saved, that I would find yet another apocalypse threatening Etheirys again- and to hear tell, many other worlds besides!

[fallenstarmagnet]

[ Of course there are several key words there that make Themis stand up and take note. Metaphorically speaking and maybe even physically, wherever he is. Is he going to convey that in his response? Certainly not right away. ]

I'm sorry for your losses. Yet happy for your gains. Your organization was well-named for its stated purpose. Though this recent apocalypse refers to our current situation I take it? And the forces which caused your calamities of old, would it be possible they have a hand in this?

[lightingway]

I doubt very much that could be the case. This world is unconnected to my home, as far as I can tell, and with the leaders of the organization responsible slain and their few remaining comrades scattered...

It's possible that I could be dealing with a rogue faction, theoretically. There was one such individual who wanted to abandon all pretense and simply raze all creation to ashes and be done with it, but in all my travels I have never heard tell of 'Digimon' or this 'Digital World'. No, I think it would be safe to say that this is a new threat.

Would that my friends were here. I feel I'd have an easier time keeping myself anchored.

[fallenstarmagnet]

I see how you've come to these conclusions. And given how many places people seem to be drawn from, the possibility seems very low, even if it were this rogue faction.


[ He'll definitely keep in in mind, if not for a cause then for other reasons. He turns to Taiki's mention of being stranded, in a way. ]

I understand your plight. Being cut off from your friends and trusted allies is a daunting experience. I admit I was fortunate to arrive here with a companion who's proven themselves an capable and able ally. Perhaps even a new friend, if they're willing to consider it.

I also think the digimon who've become partners to us are going to prove themselves up for the task. For the rest, it may help to look at this in part as a new adventure. It's certainly a world I've never experienced before. What of yourself? Does this remind you of anything where you're from?

[lightingway]

Alias certainly seems familiar, but I've already asked, and the effects of it don't seem to match with the phenomenon I'm familiar with.

On happier notes, who is your friend? I've been speaking with many of those who came here, it's possible we've crossed paths already.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Yes, familiarity doesn't mean the same. I suppose it's something to keep note of.

[But probably not high on the list of reasonable suspects at this time, certainly.]

Ah, I doubt you'd have missed him visually at least. He wears black robes with gold chains around his waist. You may have seen him with his cowl up and wearing a white mask though, depending on when you saw him. He goes by Erichthonios. Given our height among the other Tamers who answered the call though, I suppose he might have been mistaken for a Digimon.

[lightingway]

Taiki swore under his breath. And he'd just spilled all of that- would he have to keep up the charade here, too? Only he'd already spoiled it.

Gazimon looked at him with a raised eyebrow, and he shook his head. What in the seven hells could he say now? Who was Themis?! He hadn't the faintest idea who that name could belong to-

Erichthonios? Truly? It's good to know that the pair of you are friends, that simplifies things a bit. It's a relief to have encountered another from the same star.

Kami preserve him- he needed Thancred for this sort of thing- he always knew, at least, how to remember to keep his damned mouth shut. Nothing for it.

Mayhap we ought to meet sometime!

[fallenstarmagnet]

Perhaps like Ericthonios, just one of many Amaurotines never encountered, Sundered like the rest. Who can say? Also, what an interesting way to phrase it. 'Another from the same star'. Does Taiki mean meeting Erichthonios and then Themis... or that both were from Taiki's star?

The Amaurotine does know that 'star' isn't a common term used by other tamers to refer to their worlds and realms. But it doesn't prove anything either.

Then you've met him. And it would be nice to meet. Though would you explain what you meant by it simplifying things?

[lightingway]

Well, we're all from approximately the same place, yes? There's some amount of comfort, in the familiar. Even if we may not have ever met, we were, at least, born under the same sky. In such widely varied company as this, that's practically comrades, comparatively speaking.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Oh do you mean we three? Yourself, Erichthonios and I? Hmm. I think he mentioned you in passing.

[ Well Taiki did mention a difference between other Tamers and the three in question. ]

It seems we'll have much to talk about when we meet.

[lightingway]

I look forward to it!

He did not. Why did people continually ask him to lie when it was practically common knowledge at this point that the Warrior of Light was absolute rubbish at subterfuge?? He could scarcely keep his face straight in a game of Triple Triad, let alone around two people who would very definitely have something to say about his past...