Warp Band

The Warp Band is a device developed in Union primarily meant to facilitate communication between human and Pokémon. In modern times, the idea of a capture device like a Poké Ball is considered extremely taboo within the city. Instead, trainers and Enlightened use Warp Bands to link their minds to Pokémon so they can communicate on an emotional level and attempt to convince the Pokémon to become their ally. This process is known as Bonding.

When Bonding, the Warp Band is activated and the prongs stand on end like a five-pointed star. The trainer can fire a pulse of light when the Band is active - if it strikes the target Pokémon their minds will link, and the trainer can communicate with the Pokémon, typically on an empathic level as most Pokémon are not sapient. This bond only lasts a few moments.

In addition to its uses for bonding, the Warp Band can also be used to transfer items or Pokémon nigh-instantaneously over long distances. The city of Union has a single Transmitter Tower that delivers a signal across a defined area. So long as a trainer remains within the signal range, they can summon any of the Pokémon they have attuned to their Warp Band to their side or return them with equal ease. When not summoned, Pokémon generally are housed in the Habitat Tower. When outside the signal area, no Pokémon can be summoned or returned.

Finally, the Warp Band also functions as a communication device. When within the signal range, characters can communicate via voice and text to anyone else who possesses a Warp Band on a public or private channel. As of February 2014, a video component has also been engineered. Warp Bands themselves receive power from the network. If a trainer leaves the transmission area, they are not able to fully access the network, but they may still activate distress beacons and attempt to send text messages. The range is about 5 to 10 miles outside of the signal and the auxiliary power on the Warp Band lasts for about 72 hours.