TDM #1 - "Welcome to the Digital World"

[tamerunion]

I'll become a happy butterfly, and ride on the glittering wind
I'll come to see you soon
It's best to forget the unnecessary things
There's no more time to be fooling around...

[ Prompt #1 ]
[ "Welcome Tamers" ]

So, you've answered "yes" to the question asking you if you want to save the world. You've gone through the Digital Gate. You've been greeted by Sunflowmon and Nanomon, and told about Tamer Union and the fact that you're to be partnered to a Digimon. What's next?

As it turns out? Ain't no party like a Digimon party because a Digimon party don't stop, and this Digimon party is the biggest and brightest that's been seen in Access City in quite some time! Finally, the Tamer Union is reborn! All these new Tamers and their brand new Digimon are gathered together here in the hopes of bringing peace to the Digital World once more. And what better way to welcome them with a party?

The streets are lined with streamers and festive blinking bits of circuit boards. Multicolored transistors glow softly, lighting the way for revelers who might not yet have a sense of the layout of the town. But hey, if one wishes to step off the beaten path to explore a little more, they're not going to stop you. They all lead to an open area in Access Park, where the main thrust of the party can be found. There’s music being played all night, which might either be new to you, or might be familiar; Tamer Union’s database has samples from across the multiverse, it turns out!

That’s not all, because all of of Access City is now open to new arrivals, from Omekamon’s Arcade to Club Zeal. What’s that? Oh yes, every single establishment in the city will be open all night. It’s a citywide party, after all. Don’t have any BITS? Every single shop is willing to waive their fees… within reason, that is. No one’s going to let you empty out an entire place of business after all.

It’s not all fun and games, though. This is your chance for you and your Digimon partner to meet and get to know one another. Maybe they zero in on you during the party. Maybe the two of you have already found one another. Either way, a night like this may set a precedent for how the two of you you will get on for the future.

[ Prompt #2 ]
[ "Refreshing Refreshments?" ]

No party would be complete without food and drink, and this one's no exception. Access City has gone all out and brought in the widely renowned digital chef, Ebidramon, the proprietor of Ebidramon's Eatery, a restaurant that can be found deep within nearby Bitrot Swamp. Digimon come from far and wide to sample Ebidramon's cuisine, but today, the cuisine has been brought to you!

Ebidramon's palate is said to have ascended beyond human comprehension, and so some of the available foods might not be to everyone's tastes. There's sausage and jellybean pizza and banana and anchovy sliders. There are potato chips and a mysterious "Digital Dip," which the more adventurous among the new arrivals may be able to discover is a delectable blending of marshmallow fluff and caviar. Cookies of all kinds are available as well, ranging from benign chocolate chip to chocolate sandwich cookies with a variety of fun fillings like espresso and buffalo wing. There are asparagus-clam smoothies and a wide selection of the finest sodas and fruit juices available from all across the island. What’s more, some of the strange fruits from Material Jungle have been brought in—the kinds that might leave you turning purple, coughing up polka dots, or making you really energetic all of a sudden.

There's something for everyone, and you can eat as much as you want! This stuff isn't going to keep as leftovers.

[ Prompt #3 ]
[ "They're Throwing What?!" ]

It's the next day. The party has come and gone, and all that's left of it is stuff to be cleaned up. But hey, that's a job for civil servants right? Though they won't say no to anyone offering to help out.

But before any of that can happen, an incident occurs. Coming up from the city's sewers are the likes of Numemon and Geremon. What are those who usually dwell among the muck and the grime coming out of their hole for? Well, they know there was a party last night, and they're angry over not being invited.

(The whole city was invited. The Numemon and Geremon were simply told not to come if they were going to be a nuisance, and they took that to mean not to come at all.)

Putting aside the inequities of Access City vis a vis the filth dwellers, the Numemon and Geremon are intent on trashing Access Park where the party was held and vandalizing as many places of business as they can. Whether that be by throwing their pink "sludge" everywhere, or by trashing the party equipment and furniture, they're intent on raising a lot of really, really dirty hell.

Those caught up in the chaos must either dodge the so-called "goo" they're flinging or work to stop them. Thankfully, Numemon and Geremon aren't too difficult to deal with, despite their being Adult Levels. Tamer Union didn't intend this to be the first challenge Tamers faced in coming to the Digital World, but it seems fate itself had other ideas.

Mod Notes - Please refer to the Game Info/FAQ for details on how various things in this game work. If something is not covered there, we have the What Are Digimon? page, the Glossary of Terms, the in-progress locations post, and profiles for Digimon up to the Child-Level. If something isn't covered there and you have further questions, or questions about the TDM itself, there will be a space to ask the mods themselves. Also, watch for posts where you can directly interact with some of Tamer Union's key NPCs!

Comments

[chainsthatbind]

"I'm not 'prone to mischief', I'm just making the world a better place!" Surely that's all! And Erichthonios is extremely dubious about that goal too, it sounded precisely as suspicious as the rest of it.

He crosses his arms over his chest as PicoDevimon climbs back out of his sleeve and works on reclaiming his lost perch. "I haven't. Plenty of these digimon folk, and a remarkable number of other species that look a bit familiar but are rather small. The longer we are here the more certain I am that the cry for aid did not in fact come from Abyssos at all. Although this level of creation magics upon the corridors is technically possible, it seems unusually excessive and I've seen none of the interred creations I would expect."

One hand untucks to make a small, indefinite gesture. "This 'digital world' is also not part of Pandaemonium, as it is a closed system and this seems not to be." His tone turns a little bleak. "I pray my fellows will not pay unduly for our haste in answering the call without more thorough investigation, it may take a little time before your allies realize you've gone missing and step in to see to Pandaemonium themselves."

[fallenstarmagnet]

Elecmon looks dubious too, inasmuch as that can be read from a beast-like face. Though the digimon settles back to sit on Themis's shoulder, it'll keep a suspicious eye on the PicoDevimon since their partner or his friend doesn't understand the full risk.

"I'm inclined to agree," the white-robed Amaurotine answers, bringing a hand up near his chin while in thought. "While one might claim these miniature beings unusual, it's hardly the type you'd expect to see interred in any part of Pandaemonium. And if you're certain this is no part of it, then I'm inclined to agree we've been pulled to another place. Yet I sense no means to return."

It is a predicament and a serious one. Themis is not so flippant an individual to completely brush away the obvious problems or exchange one 'adventure' for another. "The possibility this is a trap has also diminished, though we still don't know the mind of our enemy." Therefore a trap to distract their goal by offering a world saving scenario could be on the table. "As much as I would like, we can't rely on my friend's familiar happening to return for a timely status report."

They could in a sense. Timely story things and all. But that's neither here nor there and not exactly reliable. Elecmon seems to have mixed feelings about this calm assessment. Concern over whatever dangers these two are talking about and the thought they might suddenly leave so soon after meeting. With Themis so deep in thought, it turns to Erichthonios for an answer.

"You thought your friends were in danger here so you came, but now it turns out they're not? What are you going to do?"

After a bit, Themis seems to snap out of his thoughtful trace as if having come to a decision.

"As concerning as it is, I don't yet see a way to change our circumstances. Nor would I wish to abandon a call for help if it turns out this isn't a trap by our current adversary."

[chainsthatbind]

Most of that is glossed right over. Not all of it, just most.

"Your friend, it doesn't happen to be Azem, does it?" Guess what name never in specific came up before? But it has the tone of not-really-a-question. Themis has friends in the Convocation, that really did make sense given his power, and the things he did, and who he reported to.

But better to be reporting to Azem than say, Pashtarot. The Traveler was a bit more compassionate. "If so.. there might be some measure of consolation we can draw, as Azem has another familiar here, a ... black and brown rabbit, about this tall."

Mid-thigh or so; much smaller than the last one, which was person sized! "He doesn't have the look of a fighter as much as the one we've been dealing with, so likely his task is something other than combat, but our situation is likely at least being monitored." Though the viera DID claim fighting skills.. maybe they just weren't on the same level as the previous familiar? "With luck, all the rumors about your friend are true, and I can trust there will be as much compassion for the creations of Pandaemonium as the absent warders; I can only assume we being released to tend to this means that is being handled in person.."

It's a lot of extrapolation but it does make a measure of sense to his ears.

[fallenstarmagnet]

Cowl and mask aside, Themis does appear to take more focused interest when Erichthonios brings up Azem. Call it surprise. Though he doesn't ask how the warden knows, for it's being conveniently explained moments later.

"Yes." Well it's hardly worth keeping discreet and there's probably no reason to at this point. Setting aside Themis's connection to the Convocation, Azem was well known as... approachable. It's likely no surprise the Traveler has many he would call and would call him friend.

"So one of his other familiars is here? I can't say I recognize its description." The white-robed Amaurotine seems to relax a little. "But it does offer some assurance. Even if this rabbit was drawn here rather than sent, my friend is likely to notice a familiar is missing sooner than later."

It is something to keep in mind. One way or another their disappearance may be noticed sooner than latter. Themis doesn't have the same amount of faith in the assumption that they've been released to handle matters here. But for the moment it seems unwise to bring this up. Not without more information.

"My friend has quite the foresight. As for the rumors, if nothing more there are few I would be more relieved to know our current circumstances." There's a note of admiration for his friend, one that is sincere.

"If there's no message through his familiar, then it seems best to continue as we are for the time being," Themis offers after a moment's reflection. "Though I'd like you to introduce us if you spy him again."

"That means you're staying?" Elecmon seems relieved even as they interject into the conversation between the two Ancients.

"I shall," Themis assures. "Lest my duties draw me elsewhere I can see to helping those who need it in this digital world."

[chainsthatbind]

It's primarily deduction, and not very good deduction at that. Another familiar wandering about, far too astute for most of them, that had a bearing not unlike the one that had been helping them in Pandaemonium ... it wouldn't be hard to think they had the same master.

The wrong conclusion, even if it results in roughly the same thing.

"I will, if we're all set to the same task it's likely we'll come across each other again. Though there had been no messages to relay, he called himself 'Taiki' and had a digimon companion that ... also looked a bit like a rabbit." Actually it rather defied description.

PicoDevimon however knows EXACTLY who they're talking about. "Gazimon. I'd normally say keep away from 'em but this one's probably alright. If you're all here to help, you'd hardly get partnered with someone who won't be able to, right?"

Chances are astronomically high that Erichthonios had been told Gazimon's name before. Maybe it just didn't stick. "And if it's so that the disruptions here are the cause of the disruptions in Pandaemonium, then they must be seen to regardless." They can't really go anywhere anyway..

[fallenstarmagnet]

With all the Digimon names containing 'mon', it really appears some creator had a naming scheme in mind. Themis has yet to hear one which doesn't.

"I'll be sure to remember the description. Taiki and Gazimon." Little does the man realize Erichthonios's description of Gazimon as a rabbit is very loosely interpreted. Well, a familiar of Azem's would be recognizable enough if Themis cares to look. While one might not see the smile, he probably is when the cowl turns to look at PicoDevimon.

"And since you partnered with Erichthonios, does that include you, little one?" Conquest dreams aside, it doesn't appear the digimon is completely bad.

"You're right. It would behoove us to ascertain the impact of this world's connection to our star. Whether it's Pandaemonium alone or reaches further."

"If that's settled, then I'd like to point out there's plenty of food going around and a lot of people already eating it. I notice that doesn't include us." This is obviously a hint from Elecmon who has in the wake of the conversation getting serious about things they're not sure about, been looking around and also getting hungry.

There is a sense of light amusement in Themis's tone. "Maybe we should. When was it you last ate, Erichthonios?" Or took a rest. They might not need as much nourishment as their creations, but the thought of it and a moment's respite might still be welcome.

Thankfully, with the range of sizes these digimon come in, there's suitable portions for even their kind.

[chainsthatbind]

There were others who'd asked if they'd met before, possibly also stray familiars, but Erichthonios had yet to get an idea of who made them; if it turned out important he'd figure it out sooner or later.

"What?" PicoDevimon pauses, reviewing the past few moments, then waves a wing. "Of course I can. If I want to. I live here, ya know. I'm not really keen on seeing it go poof!"

Imminently practical, that. Erichthonios doesn't disagree with it.. or comment on it at all, but he crosses his arms over his chest. If he's going to try to save this place, and PicoDevimon was his assigned teammate, then PicoDevimon absolutely was going to help out. It's just a matter of figuring out what he's capable of!

"I had a nice breakfast before everything started going awry in Asphodelos." It's been a while but that wasn't much of a hindrance for their kind. "But if these two have different requirements, there's no reason to make them wait on our account." Or at least, on his account. Maybe Themis is interested in a meal too! "...Though, as much as I'm reluctant to say so, we may wish to change our attire to something more appropriate to this location." Nobody else is dressed even REMOTELY like they are. "It is rather defeating the purpose of unity as we are now."

[fallenstarmagnet]

Themis offers PicoDevimon a nod and answers with a pleased tone.

"Wanting to work to save your world is an admirable attitude to have. Wherever our ambitions for it lie in the aftermath, there's naught to be had if the world comes to an end. I hope you will agree to support Erichthonios in the coming days. You and Elecmon know this world better than either of us and your expertise on the matter welcome."

There'll be nothing left to conquer if it all goes pear-shaped.

Elecmon grins at PicoDevimon from his shoulder perch. Er, that's probably a grin. It looks a bit alarming on those features.

"Yeah let's put aside all that talk about running the world for later. First we gotta save it!"

But on to food. "I've had a meal not too long ago myself. Though I'm interested in at least tasting some of the fare this world has to offer. There was an intriguing dessert I glimpsed on the table. Or was it a meal? Some sort of bird meat in a red sauce between two biscuits. I wonder what it would taste like."

It's nothing short of a bad idea Themis. Chocolate chip cookies and buffalo wings should never be married together. But he hadn't gotten close enough to get a whiff of the spices in the sauce so maybe he can be forgiven for thinking it's just sweet and savory. Whether Erichthonios's suggestion will save him from a future attempt or it's too late for the white-robed Ancient remains unclear. But he looks up with surprise at first.

Then it's followed by thought and a look around. It was probably a given, since danger could have awaited beyond the portal, that the two had entered as they were in Pandaemonium. Out in the city and a reasonable expectation of safety had brought them to draw up cowl and mask. This was their way.

But it is clear that this isn't the way of Access City.

"Hm, you might be correct. At the very least not knowing where this threat may come from it may be safer to leave our cowls down. As to our masks," another long moment of reflection is given over the decision. "I don't believe there would be any risk of being confused for one another and I've yet to see any of ours here. So whatever we personally feel comfortable with would be my advice."

Robes are not mentioned as of yet. Perhaps it cuts against the grain a little too much or there's simply not enough reason to feel their clothing should be treated any differently than the wide variety on display.

"But I believe you're right that we might be more approachable to these digimon and their partners without our usual anonymity."

[chainsthatbind]

"There's only one way to find out." Honestly Erichthonios is as likely to stumble into disaster as Themis is when it comes to food, only the digimon can warn them of the risks. And they ... might like that sort of thing. "We're stuck in a waiting cycle until more information is to be had regardless, and we might as well take advantage." For multiple reasons! Seeing what this world produces AND seeing if more can be found out about their fellow 'tamers'. There was much to learn.

And Erichthonios still, and may for a long while yet, thinks on time scales longer than immediate moment-to-moment. A habit, with eternity stretching before him. There's always time outside of dire emergencies..

"Make sure you give it a sniff first. Some of that stuff's meant for digimon of all kinds of types. If it's meant for someone who can breathe fire, a plant might not be able to handle it, y'know?" PicoDevimon's advice isn't really ... applicable by way of 'type' but the meaning's clear enough. It won't help either of them.

A mental note is made anyway. "I'd feel more comfortable if we weren't the only two here." The only two of their kind, specifically, there's plenty of other species around, but who knows what they were capable of? "...Though, is it me." His voice drops a little; some things are not meant to be overheard. "Or does it seem like aside from the digimon themselves, everyone here is very small?"

[fallenstarmagnet]

Aside from what could directly poison them or the nutritional requirements of specific digimon types, it will be interesting to have new experiences; good or bad. A certain gleam in Elecmon's eyes does suggest there's going to be judicious information about the food held back. They've already gotten a once-over of the spread.

Themis nods to PicoDevimon, "If either of you recognize the food we choose, let us know if something about it strikes you as fit for a certain digimon's consumption. But other than that, I think it would be exciting to try some new things. And we wouldn't want to be impolite to the hosts of this party."

Even if it's light bites and beverages the two giants stick to, it may be more reassuring than if they didn't eat at all.

Elecmon grins. It's probably not entirely reassuring though the promise is sincere enough. "I promise I won't let anything Ebidramon cooked up kill my partner and his friend! Not that you should worry. They say he's a chef without compare in Access City."

Or so Elecmon has heard. Among other very interesting snippets of opinion about the digimon chef's gourmet tastes.

Themis nods his gratitude. Though Erichthonios is soon to bring his attention around to a more private chat. One that won't- probably- carry beyond the four. "Hm, I understand there are many certainties in the unknown. And it would be a comfort to have more of our people around." And having a basic idea of what they would be capable of compared to all these strange species.

There is some amusement in the words which then follow. "True that it's surprising to see many who are so small. I can only attribute it to the wonders which might exist in the celestial realm beyond our star. My earlier wanderings showed signs there are many in this world who may match our height or even exceed it."

Then there is... a troubled note. "I don't yet think there is reason to assume those smaller are any less proficient. But I've noticed many who seem to be mere children. Perhaps a failing because those who used the system to bring us here didn't account for whom would answer yes to the question. There could also be some variable that isn't yet revealed to us." Themis muses and after a minute continues, "Even if the call we answered was not sent by our people, we can still aid those that might need it." He certainly wouldn't want children to die because they didn't know what it might mean to save a world. Then too there's the power of the digimon themselves which may act as a balance.

This having been said, Themis reaches up. Care is taken not to dislodge Elecmon as the white robed figure lowers his cowl and removes his mask, letting the latter hang around his neck. Familiar luminescent blue eyes and silver-white hair are revealed. "Answers we won't find from lingering in place, I imagine."

Yes, he is smiling and he does appear to be ready to find out more about this digital world and its inhabitants, both new and old.

"When you're ready, Erichthonios."

This small speech and moment is only slightly tilted when Elecmon speaks up.

"Say, I heard right that you are planning to leave the hood down?"

"Yes, it seems that way."

"Great!" Moments later the digimon is burrowing into the large- to them- new den of possibility that is Themis's hood. Occasionally bumping and shuffling under the cloth can be seen as Elecmon explores their new territory. The Amaurotine might let out a sigh but the way he holds himself still means he has some patience for their digimon's antics.