Pokemon: World at War
The Plot:In many ways, you could call the world of Pokemon a utopia: a world undivided by war, a world that enshrines and encourages friendly competition, a world of harmony. Every world has its dark side, of course; petty criminals and megalomaniacs are in no short supply. Yet as a whole, this world favors peace, defeating villains whenever they arise.
Now imagine if this world weren’t so peaceful. Imagine a world, divided by war and petty nationalism. There are no regions, cooperating and coexisting for the sake of a sport. This is a world of empires. Every empire is out for itself and its people, and sometimes not even that: no empire is ever universally accepted, and rebellion and resistance abounds. This is your world. Now what are you going to do about it?
Now imagine if this world weren’t so peaceful. Imagine a world, divided by war and petty nationalism. There are no regions, cooperating and coexisting for the sake of a sport. This is a world of empires. Every empire is out for itself and its people, and sometimes not even that: no empire is ever universally accepted, and rebellion and resistance abounds. This is your world. Now what are you going to do about it?
The World:
This RP is set in the world of Pokemon, covering all five regions: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. Pokemon do exist; however, the sport of Pokemon battling never gained popularity. Instead, they were seen, not as partners, but as weapons. In such a world, violence and warfare became depressingly common. Over time, being the Champion, the best of the best, meant not that you were the Champion of a League, but the most powerful warrior in an entire region: an unrivaled conqueror. In such a world, a world war is inevitable.
The People:
The Regions:
The Technology:
The Resistance:
The People:
The competitive nature of the people of this world remains, now channeled into war instead of sport. The greatest warriors are the Champions, emperors of their region. They are in turn protected by a loyal group, the Elite Four, their closest advisors and generals. In this world, Gym Leaders do not exist; instead, they are War Leaders, the greatest fighters of their home city, who thus assume the mantle of leadership. War Leaders also serve the Champion, in various degrees of loyalty depending on the region. Of course, not everyone is satisfied by this system, leading to the rise of the rebels.
The Regions:
Over time, a Champion rose in every region, and so declared himself the supreme ruler of that region. When the regions first came in contact, each Champion sought to conquer and expand his dominance, beginning the endless cycle of war between the regions. In such a violent world, culture and civilization never expanded much; each regions is thus a coalition of city-states and surrounding lands, all submitting to the regional Champion. Of course, each region has been shaped differently, with different ideals. Geographically, they remain the same as in the games, but the purposes of locations may differ:
The Kanjoh Empire: The early Champions of Kanto never saw a reason to limit their empire at the borders of Kanto; thus Johto was subsumed and assimilated into the united Kanjoh Empire. Kanjoh is the largest of the empires; in order to maintain his authority, the reigning Champion, Lance, has shaped Kanjoh into an autocracy. He is the sole authority: all the cities of Kanjoh must obey him, or face the wrath of his deadly Dragon Pokemon.
The Sevii Islands: A long chain of islands south of Kanjoh, and north of Hoenn. The Sevii Islands are the most critical front in the war between the Kanjoh Empire and the Hoenn Empire; the archipelago demands an amphibious assault, forcing both sides to devote incredible amounts of troops and materiel to hold their territories their. Long and constant warfare has devastated the island, leaving most of them barren.
The Hoenn Empire: While Kanjoh is a mighty land empire, Hoenn is the greatest maritime power in the world. Its Champion, Wallace, maintains an ironfisted rule over the dozens of islands surrounding the mainland with his fearsome Water Pokemon. However, his power is limited on land. In order to maintain his rule, many of the great cities of Hoenn were razed early in his reign; the mainland is generally empty, and so is the hotbed of rebellion.
The Sinnoh Confederacy: Although the first Champions of Sinnoh sought to establish an extensive land empire, much like the Champions of Kanto, they faced a daunting natural barrier: the Coronet Mountain Range, which completely splits the region in half. Many Champions would conquer their home-half, before crossing the mountains to extend their dominion over all of Sinnoh; when they crossed the mountains again, they would find their rule had collapsed. Thus, Sinnoh was organized into two states, West and East, with the Champion maintaining an uneasy balance and rule over both. The reigning Champion, Cynthia, recognizes this need for peace. Under her reign, Sinnoh has flourished as a bastion of relative peace; of course, her ambitions towards the rest of the world are much greater, and Sinnoh has become the most aggressive of all the empires.
Battle Island: To the northeast of Sinnoh lies the Battle Island. Long ago, after the first union of East and West Sinnoh, the reigning Champion began his conquest by invading the nearby island. The invasion went badly; every single one of his armies was slaughtered by the native inhabitants. A race of fierce and proud warriors, they put up an incredible fight--all without the aid of Pokemon. After nearly a century, the Sinnoh forces finally exterminated the last of the natives. However, the reputation the island had acquired over the decades of battle turned away many potential settlers; instead, the dregs of society moved in. Although the Battle Island nominally falls under Sinnoh's control, it has become a wretched and lawless hive; here, the only goal is survival and power over others.
Unova: Far isolated from Kanjoh, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, Unova has rarely seen the mass warfare between regions. Recently discovered, it is nearly completely uninhabited; wilderness covers nearly the whole region. Untouched by war, it has become an ideal sanctuary for refugees and those tired of the endless war.
The Kanjoh Empire: The early Champions of Kanto never saw a reason to limit their empire at the borders of Kanto; thus Johto was subsumed and assimilated into the united Kanjoh Empire. Kanjoh is the largest of the empires; in order to maintain his authority, the reigning Champion, Lance, has shaped Kanjoh into an autocracy. He is the sole authority: all the cities of Kanjoh must obey him, or face the wrath of his deadly Dragon Pokemon.
Capital: The Indigo Plateau, an imposing fortress that rises above the immediate area
Other locations:
Other locations:
- Saffron City: the population center of Kanto, it is a metropolis that consists of the original Saffron, Celadon, Cerulean, and Vermillion. It is thus a major manufacturing center and the Kanjoh Empire’s most important port.
- Cinnabar Island: The Kanjoh Empire’s military base; its harsh and rocky landscape, dominated by an active volcano, make it an ideal place for training new recruits
- Goldenrod City: the central communications center of Kanjoh, although smaller than Saffron City,; both cities are connected by a high speed train
- Blackthorn City: the central home of the Kanjoh Resistance; high in the mountains of eastern Johto and nigh inaccessible, it is nearly impossible for Lance to conquer
The Sevii Islands: A long chain of islands south of Kanjoh, and north of Hoenn. The Sevii Islands are the most critical front in the war between the Kanjoh Empire and the Hoenn Empire; the archipelago demands an amphibious assault, forcing both sides to devote incredible amounts of troops and materiel to hold their territories their. Long and constant warfare has devastated the island, leaving most of them barren.
The Hoenn Empire: While Kanjoh is a mighty land empire, Hoenn is the greatest maritime power in the world. Its Champion, Wallace, maintains an ironfisted rule over the dozens of islands surrounding the mainland with his fearsome Water Pokemon. However, his power is limited on land. In order to maintain his rule, many of the great cities of Hoenn were razed early in his reign; the mainland is generally empty, and so is the hotbed of rebellion.
Capital: Ever Grande Island, a island dominated by waterfalls and rivers, creating natural protections for Wallace’s fortress
Other locations:
Other locations:
- Mossdeep City: Hoenn’s primary naval base and military center; it is also a key research facility
- Slateport City: Hoenn’s primary manufacturing and economic center; it is one of two key ports in the region
- Lilycove City: Hoenn’s population center; it is the second key port in the region. Its size makes it the only coastal city accessible to the Rebellion, and a critical battleground between Wallace and the Rebels
- Lavaridge Town: the central base of the Hoenn Rebellion; landlocked and nestled deep within the mainland, Wallace’s forces are unable to reach it, making it a safe haven for the Rebellion
The Sinnoh Confederacy: Although the first Champions of Sinnoh sought to establish an extensive land empire, much like the Champions of Kanto, they faced a daunting natural barrier: the Coronet Mountain Range, which completely splits the region in half. Many Champions would conquer their home-half, before crossing the mountains to extend their dominion over all of Sinnoh; when they crossed the mountains again, they would find their rule had collapsed. Thus, Sinnoh was organized into two states, West and East, with the Champion maintaining an uneasy balance and rule over both. The reigning Champion, Cynthia, recognizes this need for peace. Under her reign, Sinnoh has flourished as a bastion of relative peace; of course, her ambitions towards the rest of the world are much greater, and Sinnoh has become the most aggressive of all the empires.
Capital: Celestic Fortress, located at the base of Mt. Coronet; its location grants Cynthia’s forces quick access to both halves of Sinnoh
Other locations:
Other locations:
- Jubilife City: Sinnoh’s largest city and technological center, it is the heart of West Sinnoh
- Canalave City: the port city of West Sinnoh, it is also a key center of learning and research, complementing Jubilife City
- Hearthome City: the second largest city in Sinnoh, it is the heart of East Sinnoh
- Sunyshore City: the port city of East Sinnoh, it also serves as the naval and military base of the entire region
- Snowpoint City: the northernmost and most isolated city of Sinnoh, it belongs to neither East nor West; its isolation makes it an ideal home for the Unionists
Battle Island: To the northeast of Sinnoh lies the Battle Island. Long ago, after the first union of East and West Sinnoh, the reigning Champion began his conquest by invading the nearby island. The invasion went badly; every single one of his armies was slaughtered by the native inhabitants. A race of fierce and proud warriors, they put up an incredible fight--all without the aid of Pokemon. After nearly a century, the Sinnoh forces finally exterminated the last of the natives. However, the reputation the island had acquired over the decades of battle turned away many potential settlers; instead, the dregs of society moved in. Although the Battle Island nominally falls under Sinnoh's control, it has become a wretched and lawless hive; here, the only goal is survival and power over others.
Unova: Far isolated from Kanjoh, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, Unova has rarely seen the mass warfare between regions. Recently discovered, it is nearly completely uninhabited; wilderness covers nearly the whole region. Untouched by war, it has become an ideal sanctuary for refugees and those tired of the endless war.
The Technology:
Technology is mostly the same as in the games, with the basics of Poke Balls mastered and developed from Apricorns long ago. However, the infrastructure that the sport of Pokemon battling depends on, the routes and Pokemon Centers, do not exist: everything is devoted to war, not recreation. Fortunately, advanced weapons technology has never been developed; instead, war is driven through better and more efficient utilization of Pokemon. War machines are essentially mobile platforms for Pokemon to stand on. Every nation also hunts for the Legendary Pokemon; their raw power alone can be enough to turn the tide of a battle. Though always brutal, war remains simple, limited to a few options on land and sea:
No empire has yet developed an adequate air force beyond sending out Flying Pokemon. Beyond these basic armies of Armored Pokemon and fleets of Warships, more powerful weapons are rumored to exist, yet none have ever been deployed in battle, making their existence doubtful.
- Armored Pokemon: The bulk of all the regions’ land forces. Pokemon and their Trainers are simply outfitted in armor, and sent charging into battle. Trainers fight side-by-side with smaller Pokemon, using simple weapons like swords or spears, or ride atop larger Pokemon.
- Warships: Sea battles are more advanced affairs; armored ships fight either at long range, using volleys of Pokemon attacks, or at close range, trying to board the other vessel
No empire has yet developed an adequate air force beyond sending out Flying Pokemon. Beyond these basic armies of Armored Pokemon and fleets of Warships, more powerful weapons are rumored to exist, yet none have ever been deployed in battle, making their existence doubtful.
The Resistance:
No empire is without its dissidents; every region faces some sort of opposition to the current system of violence and war. Over centuries of conflict, every rebellion has failed, quashed by the Champions. Yet every generation, a new rebellion rises, ready to fight back. Time will tell if this generation of rebels will succeed where past generations have failed.
Unova’s wilderness makes it home to all sorts of people and ideals; thus, it is in a state of general anarchy, with no organized government like the Champions, nor an organized system of rebellion.
- The Kanjoh Resistance: the current Resistance in the Kanjoh Empire. Headquartered in Blackthorn City, it is backed by the Dragon Clan and led openly by Clair, War Leader of the City. The entire city rose up in rebellion after Lance ascended to the rank of Champion; for centuries, the Dragon Clan had advocated peace. Lance’s defiance of his clan’s tradition finally forced them to action, and Blackthorn began rallying rebels across Kanjoh.
- The Hoenn Rebellion: the current opposition in Hoenn. The Champions of Hoenn have always been more powerful at sea, among the many islands surrounding the mainland, the traditional home of Rebellion. At the beginning of his reign, Wallace obliterated the cities on the mainland with an unknown method, leaving only the coastal cities, which he could easily control with his Water Pokemon. Outraged by this unwarranted destruction, the survivors rallied in the ruins of Lavaridge Town, led by former Champion Steven, who was appalled by the blatant waste of life. They began to rebuild the ruins on the mainland, as well as stirring up rebellion in the remaining coastal cities.
- The Sinnoh Unionists: the only force of opposition in Sinnoh. Sinnoh has traditionally been far more peaceful domestically, compared to the other regions, because its Champion cannot afford to fight a civil war across the Coronet Mountains as well as the world war. Thus, the Champions of Sinnoh keep the region divided between East and West, where strife can be limited to one side of the region, instead of a unified rebellion. The Unionists wish to overturn this long division, and unite all of Sinnoh into one region again. They are headquartered in Snowpoint City, the only city in the north, and so neither East nor West. Protected by ice and blizzards, the Champions have never been able to fully quash dissent from Snowpoint, making it an ideal location. The Unionists are led by a businessman named Cyrus, who wishes to reshape the region and its place in the world.
Unova’s wilderness makes it home to all sorts of people and ideals; thus, it is in a state of general anarchy, with no organized government like the Champions, nor an organized system of rebellion.
Players:
Kanjoh:
Hoenn:
Sinnoh:
Unova:
- Flynn Miles
Alignment: Kanjoh Empire, Challenger
Rank: Commander (Land)
Pokemon: Salamence, Infernape, Blastoise, Scyther, Flygon
RPer: pimpinwhiteninja - Ricky Fowler
Alignment: Kanjoh Resistance, Anarchist
Rank: Civilian
Pokemon: Arcanine, Charizard, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Alakazam, Pikachu
RPer: Hidden in Plain Sight - Duke
Alignment: Kanjoh Resistance, Neutral
Rank: Civilian
Pokemon: Ninetails, Seadra, Persian
RPer: Lt.
Hoenn:
- Bailey Fernandez
Alignment: Hoenn Empire, Enforcer
Rank: Captain (Sea)
Pokemon: Swampert, Crawdaunt, Feraligatr
RPer: EpicScizor - Ervin Smith
Alignment: Hoenn Empire, Enforcer
Rank: Captain (Sea)
Pokemon: Banette, Grumpig
RPer: Thriller - Katherin Ferguson
Alignment: Hoenn Rebellion, Peacekeeper
Rank: Civilian
Pokemon: Gardevoir, Ninetales (Shiny), Chatot, Espeon, Altaria, Dragonair
RPer: Willow's Tara
Sinnoh:
Unova:
- Lucien Vairmourne
Alignment: Unova Dove, Anarchist
Rank: Lieutenant (Land)
Pokemon: Kirikizan, Roobushin, Shubarugo, Burungel, Shandera, Jalorda
RPer: Sovereign - Cole Jacobson
Alignment: Unova Hawk, Challenger
Rank: Commander (Land)
Pokemon: Wargle, Weavile, Lucario, Blaziken, Arcanine, and Kirikizan.
RPer: Gray
The world of Pokemon... A world at war. A world always divided, torn apart by endless strife. This battle has raged for centuries, a story of countless lives born, lived, and lost for the sake of battle. But the story continues. This is your story. Shape the world, and shape the future!
Any questions, just PM Renewal!
