20 years ago, teams of scientists all over the world built computer intelligence networks powered by quantum technology. Most of them thought these inventions would make their world smaller.
Instead, something else happened: human beings accidentally discovered a parallel world far larger than they ever imagined.
The story of humankind has never been the same. With 8bit arcade technology, hand-made tools, and a whole lotta spirit, people everywhere now have the ability to journey into a world as big as the imagination, inhabited by characters, Locals, who are just as curious about us as we are about them.
Many have learned to live and work alongside these Locals, and together, they build our world up for the better. Others seek adventure in the hidden frontier, the endless wilderness the Locals call home. It's there where they explore lands unknown and uncover mysteries shared between both of our worlds, and buried deeper than any thought possible.
The explorers aren't the only ones interested in the frontier. Corporations of vast numbers and resources have descended across the land, charting huge swathes of the wide new world for development. Armies of young men and women sign up to seek excitement and make their fortunes. Some walk away rich. Some don't walk away at all.
A few, at the highest levels of these companies, are members of an ancient cult. This cult believes the frontier conceals a great secret, entombed far within the strangest and farthest depths. They are convinced it is their mission, and theirs alone, to uncover this secret and deliver it to humankind. No matter what or who it takes.
There are many who believe the discovery of Locals and this new frontier is something to control. Sell. Lock in a vault and keep for them, and only them.
Other people believe different. They believe this new world is not one to control, but to explore. Share. Experience. They have found, no matter where you go, one truth emerges, everywhere:
It’s a big, big world wherever you turn—so why be a tourist, when you can be a local?
Small characters found in the seen and the unseen parts of our world, and theirs. They act as quiet residents, aides, guides, assistants, guardian spirits, and more for their given home.
Locals can most often found in small businesses, natural environments, the quieter parts of cities and towns, and all across the hidden frontier. After they were discovered, it became common for people to find their own Local, and partner with them.
Intrepid do-it-yourself explorers who partner with one, or more, Locals to explore the vast reaches of the hidden frontier and our own world (though they’d tell you that the two are one and the same).
They may belong to a Local Club, or venture independently. From artists to scientists, cooks to construction workers, Localists come in all shapes, sizes, and specialties. One thing unites them: the study and exploration of mysteries unknown!
Hyper-intelligent computer systems that are based on old generative model formats and powered by quantum-bit technology.
They act as companions, databases, and even friends—some even serve a special function as part of a gateway into the hidden frontier. There’s an on-going debate whether or not some of these computer intelligences are themselves Locals, or possibly their own unique form of life. The computers don’t seem to mind. They just enjoy their work.
A sprawling and far-reaching mega-corporation who has laid claim to huge stretches of the frontier.
Once a simple Missouri seed supply stand, they have matured over 170 years into a powerhouse of omni-industry. From bio-tech to children’s animated television, they have a lion’s share in every market.
Steered by an ancient super-computer and shepherded by a board of trusted elders, their endless supply of up-and-coming business boys and business girls march across lands new and old, in suits and ties, skirts and pantsuits, securing the corporation’s ever-growing share in the future with type-A optimism each passing day.
A rumor, closer to a conspiracy theory than a legend.
Supposedly, the Threshold Church is a cult of individuals nested within UMI Corp (allgedly), and in hidden areas across the world. They believe the hidden frontier is a promised land with a supreme secret at its farthest, strangest reaches. In their belief, it is their sacred duty—and their sacred duty alone—to uncover this secret for all humankind, forever changing the nature of life in the process.
If you believe the stories, some say even a few of the top officials at UMI Corp aren’t just members, but leaders, in the Church. This is, of course, all just Internet speculation. Digital ghost stories.
No story is complete without you, or the countless individuals—seen and unseen—just like ya.
Your sense of adventure, creativity, logic, ambition, kindness, resourcefulness, humility, honor, and fun will lead you to places you’ve never been before. Whatever your given talent or skill is, that is your compass and your shield in this world, and all the others. Cultivate them with care, use them with wisdom, and collect memories, explore new places, uncover great mysteries—we all know you’re capable of that, and so much more.
In fact, and no pressure, but we have to say: we expect big things from you. Just remember: take care, stay curious, and have fun. Good luck! Now, get out there!
A research paper on the potential nature of computer intelligence and theorizing the possibility of the Internet as a new habitat for life.
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