For all history, humankind has believed in mysterious characters and the distant lands they call home...
One day, we found some of them.
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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