20 years ago, human beings developed computer intelligence networks powered by quantum bits. Many believed these inventions would make the world smaller.
Instead, something miraculous happened: through these unlikely machines, human beings stumbled into a new parallel world far larger than they ever imagined.
The arc of humankind has since forever changed. Through a combination of 8bit technology, hand-made tools, and a little bit of spirit, human beings now have the ability to journey into a world as boundless 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. There they explore lands unknown and uncover mysteries shared between both of our worlds, and buried deeper than either thought possible.
A few with immense resources and numbers have assembled corporations that chart swathes of the wide new world for development. A select group in their number, members of an ancient cult, believe in a great secret, buried far within the frontier, whose revelation is the birthright of humankind, and their sacred mission alone to deliver.
There are those who believe the discovery of Locals and this new frontier is a destiny promised to them, and them alone.
Others believe different. They believe such a destiny is not one to control, but to explore. Share. Experience. That 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. 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. A sect of individuals allegedly buried within UMI Corp, and in select 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. 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 ya, 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!